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Objective: To study the relationship between emotional contagion, professional behavior, and moral judgment of student teachers and the mediating role of moral judgment among them. Methods: The "Emotional Contagion Questionnaire", "Pro-social Tendencies Measure for Adolescent (PTM)" and "Moral Judgment Test (MJT)" was used to survey 448 student teachers. Results: The emotional contagion and pro-social behavior of student teachers have no significant differences between gender and urban and rural areas, but significant differences in professional nature. No significant differences were observed in moral judgment between urban and rural areas and major character, but significant in gender. A significant positive correlation was detected between emotional contagion and pro-social behavior. Conclusion: Moral judgment plays a partially mediating role in the relationship between emotional contagion and pro-social behavior.

Postgraduate education in China bears the dual mission of "high-end talent supply" and "scientific and technological innovation" as delegated by the Ministry of Education of China (2017). Improve the quality of postgraduate student training and management is essential for Chinese universities to meet this requirement. This paper investigates the practical effectiveness of using a specially designed, internationally collaborative research training workshop to enhance new Chinese postgraduate students' scientific literacy and self-efficacy. The research results show that the workshop, which integrates seminar presentations and both individual and group-based student activities, is of practical significance for improving the experiences of first-year postgraduate students. The findings indicate the application of enactive mastery and vicarious learning strategies in research training workshop effectively boost students' motivation, confidence and feeling of accomplishment at their early research career, and can provide ongoing benefits to support Chinese students to further develop research skills and capabilities. The positive findings in this exploratory study can inform future research projects to examine the transferability of this research training workshop model in the broader Chinese higher education context.

In the process of hikers' choosing a destination, searching for information is one of the important elements, playing a decisive role in decision-making. Based on the Baidu Index for "hiking," this paper analyzes the spatial and temporal characteristics of and factors that influenced network attention to hiking in China from 2016 to 2021. The study found that (1) Network attention to hiking in China was generally relatively stable across the period studied, with highly uneven distribution between different months. The search volume was higher on weekends, and mobile searches increased year by year, far exceeding computer searches. (2) Different regions in China experienced different levels of network attention, with the highest levels in the east, followed by the center, and the lowest in the west. Except for East China, network attention to hiking was highly unevenly distributed within each region. (3) The COVID-19 pandemic increased the geographical concentration index and coefficient of variation but reduced the primacy index. A region's level of economic development, degree of network development, population size, and population age structure are proposed as factors that affect network attention to hiking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of digital financial inclusion on green total factor productivity of grain in China, using data from 30 provinces (excluding Tibet) from 2011 to 2020. Our findings reveal a dual role of digital finance: it significantly enhances green productivity of grain in central and eastern China but has a contrasting effect in the western regions. The research also uncovers a unique pattern where the benefits of digital finance in one area can negatively affect nearby regions. This research contributes significantly to the discourse on finance and agriculture, providing nuanced perspectives on the regional implications of digital financial inclusion for grain productivity, and thereby enriching the understanding of its role in agrarian economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft drink consumption has become a highly controversial public health issue. Given the pattern of consumption in China, sugar-sweetened beverage is the main type of soft drink consumed. Due to containing high levels of fructose, a soft drink may have a deleterious effect on handgrip strength (HGS) due to oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance. However, few studies show an association between soft drink consumption and HGS in adults. We aimed to investigate the association between soft drink consumption and longitudinal changes in HGS among a Chinese adult population. A longitudinal population-based cohort study (5-year follow-up, median: 3·66 years) was conducted in Tianjin, China. A total of 11 125 participants (56·7 % men) were enrolled. HGS was measured using a handheld digital dynamometer. Soft drink consumption (mainly sugar-containing carbonated beverages) was measured at baseline using a validated FFQ. ANCOVA was used to evaluate the association between soft drink consumption and annual change in HGS or weight-adjusted HGS. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, the least square means (95 % CI) of annual change in HGS across soft drink consumption frequencies were −0·70 (–2·49, 1·09) for rarely drinks, −0·82 (–2·62, 0·97) for < 1 cup/week and −0·86 (–2·66, 0·93) for ≥ 1 cup/week (P for trend < 0·05). Likewise, a similar association was observed between soft drink consumption and annual change in weight-adjusted HGS. The results indicate that higher soft drink consumption was associated with faster HGS decline in Chinese adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sources of the pollution in lakes might be quite complex and difficult to control. This study analyzed and evaluated the pollution control effects of a typical lake (Nansi Lake) located in northern China through judicial means. The water quality at 52 sampling sites was investigated to assess results from individual cases located in heavily polluted areas. The water quality of the entire lake and stream was further assessed using data from the National Automatic Water Quality Monitoring System. Finally, 70 kinds of pesticides from 21 sites in the lake were analyzed to assess the reduction of the agricultural diffused pollution. The results show that the water quality of the lake in 2021 has been significantly improved compared to 2020. From April 2021, China has initiated a series of procuratorial environmental public interest litigation to protect this lake, with 205 cases closed including 185 administrative cases and 20 civil cases. The results show that procuratorial environmental public interest litigation has made great contributions to solving the long-standing pollution problem in Nansi Lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xingluokeng deposit is the largest granite-related tungsten deposit within the Wuyi metallogenic belt in South China. The Xingluokeng intrusion primarily consists of porphyritic biotite granite, biotite granite, and fine-grained granite. The deposit is represented by veinlet-disseminated mineralization with K-feldspathization and biotitization, alongside quartz-vein mineralization with greisenization and sericitization. This study investigates in-situ analyses of quartz compositions from both the intrusion and hydrothermal veinlets and veins. Trace element correlations indicate that trivalent Al3+ and Fe3+ replace Si4+ within the quartz lattice, with monovalent cations (such as Li+, Na+, and K+) primarily serving as charge compensators. Low Ge/Al ratios (< 0.013) of quartz from granites suggest a magmatic origin. The low Al/Ti and Ge/Ti ratios, accompanied by high Ti contents in quartz, suggest that the porphyritic biotite granite and biotite granite are characterized by relatively low levels of differentiation and high crystallization temperatures. In contrast, the fine-grained granite exhibits a higher degree of fractionation, lower crystallization temperatures, and a closer association with tungsten mineralization. Ti contents in quartz from quartz veins indicate Qz-I formed at temperatures above 400 °C, while Qz-II to Qz-V formed at temperatures below 350 °C. Variations in different generations of quartz, as indicated by Al content and (Al + Fe)/(Li + Na + K) ratio, suggest that Qz-I precipitated from a less acidic fluid with a stable pH, whereas Qz-II to Qz-V originated from a more acidic fluid with notable pH variations. Consequently, alkaline alteration and acidic alteration supplied the essential Ca and Fe for the precipitation of scheelite and wolframite, respectively, highlighting a critical mechanism in tungsten mineralization at the Xingluokeng deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the significance and high demand for starch, this study aimed to explore unconventional starch sources by specifically focusing on the extraction and characterization of starch from finger millet (Eleusine coracana Gaertn) cultivated in Tibet, a unique high-altitude region in China. The physicochemical properties, structure, paste properties, and in vitro digestibility of the extracted finger millet starch (FMS) were analyzed, and the correlations among these properties were investigated. The results revealed that FMS particles exhibited a smooth and polygonal morphology. The amylose content of FMS was 29.17%, slightly higher than that of conventional corn starch (CS) and potato starch (PS). Moreover, FMS demonstrated lower in vitro digestibility, highlighting its potential as a functional ingredient in food formulations. In terms of paste properties, the pasting behavior of FMS was found to be intermediate between that of PS and CS. Rheological analysis further showed that FMS exhibited typical weak gel properties. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the utilization of finger millet (Eleusine coracana Gaertn) as a novel starch source for both food and non-food industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) represents a profoundly perilous zoonotic disease. The advent of viral macrogenomics has facilitated the exploration of hitherto uncharted viral territories. In the scope of this investigation, our objective is to scrutinize disparities in the intestinal microbiotic ecosystems of canines dwelling in elevated terrains and those afflicted by Echinococcus infection, employing the tool of viral macrogenomics. Methods: In this study, we collected a comprehensive total of 1,970 fecal samples from plateau dogs infected with Echinococcus, as well as healthy control plateau dogs from the Yushu and Guoluo regions in the highland terrain of China. These samples were subjected to viral macrogenomic analysis to investigate the viral community inhabiting the canine gastrointestinal tract. Results: Our meticulous analysis led to the identification of 136 viral genomic sequences, encompassing eight distinct viral families. Conclusion: The outcomes of this study hold the potential to enhance our comprehension of the intricate interplay between hosts, parasites, and viral communities within the highland canine gut ecosystem. Through the examination of phage presence, it may aid in early detection or assessment of infection severity, providing valuable insights into Echinococcus infection and offering prospects for potential treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare providers play important roles in supporting breastfeeding. Although there has been insufficient actual breastfeeding support from healthcare providers in China, little research has been conducted to understand Chinese healthcare providers' perceived barriers to providing breastfeeding support, especially in rural China. This study aims to identify these perceived barriers to providing breastfeeding support in Northwestern rural China. Methods: This study was conducted during the period from March 2018 to December 2018. Forty-one healthcare providers were recruited through purposive sampling in two rural counties in Northwest China that are in close proximity to each other and share similar demographic features. Participants included obstetrician-gynecologists, midwives, nurses, "village doctors", and township and village maternal and child health workers. Qualitative data were collected through one-on-one in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Transcripts were thematically analyzed. Results: Analysis of interview data resulted in four themes that the participants perceived as barriers to supporting breastfeeding: (1) lack of medical resources, within which inadequate staffing, and lack of financial incentives were discussed, (2) lack of clear and specific responsibility assignment, within which no one takes the lead, and mutual buck-passing were discussed, (3) healthcare providers' lack of relevant expertise, within which lack of knowledge and skills, and low prestige of village healthcare providers were discussed, (4) difficulties in accessing mothers, within which medical equipment shortages reduce services utilization, mothers' housing situation, mothers' mobility, and cultural barriers were discussed. Conclusions: The study identified HCPs perceived barriers to providing breastfeeding support. Unique to China's Tri-Level Healthcare System, challenges like staffing and financial incentives are hard to swiftly tackle. Recommendations include mHealth enhancement and clarified responsibilities with incentives and tailored training. Further research is crucial to evaluate these strategies in rural Northwestern China and comparable underdeveloped areas nationwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nested subset pattern (nestedness) is an important part of the theoretical framework of island biogeography and community ecology. However, most previous studies often used nestedness metrics or randomization algorithms that are vulnerable to type I error. In this study, we investigated the nestedness of lizard assemblages on 37 islands in the Zhoushan Archipelago, China. We used the line-transect method to survey species occurrence, abundance, and habitat types of lizards on 37 islands during 2 breeding seasons in 2021 and 2022. We applied the nested metric WNODF and the conservative rc null model to control for type I error and quantify the significance of nestedness. Spearman rank correlations were used to evaluate the role of 4 habitat variables (island area, 2 isolation indices, and habitat diversity) and 4 ecological traits (body size, geographic range size, clutch size, and minimum area requirement) in generating nestedness. The results of WNODF analyses showed that lizard assemblages were significantly nested. The habitat-by-site matrix estimated by the program NODF was also significantly nested, supporting the habitat nestedness hypothesis. The nestedness of lizard assemblages were significantly correlated with island area, habitat diversity, clutch size, and minimum area requirement. Overall, our results suggest that selective extinction and habitat nestedness were the main drivers of lizard nestedness in our system. In contrast, the nestedness of lizard assemblages was not due to passive sampling or selective colonization. To maximize the number of species preserved, our results indicate that we should protect both large islands with diverse habitats and species with large area requirement and clutch size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although there is growing demand for hospice care in China due to its aging population and increasing cancer rates, the sector remains slow to expand. Oncology nurses are the primary providers of hospice care, but little is known about their behaviors towards hospice care and related factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study conveniently sampled 933 oncology nurses from six grade A tertiary hospitals in Hubei Province between January to March 2022. The questionnaire was composed of seven parts: general information (including sociodemographic and work-related information), hospice care behaviors, hospice care knowledge, hospice care attitudes, hospice care self-efficacy, hospice care outcome expectancy, and hospice care environment. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, multiple linear regression, random forest regression, and BP neural network model analysis. Results: A total of 852 questionnaires were valid. The mean score of hospice care behaviors was 50.47 ± 10.56, with a mean item score of 3.61 ± 0.75. The three highest scoring behaviors were "pain assessment of patients (4.21 ± 0.91)", "satisfying the physical and mental needs of dying patients (4.04 ± 0.92)", and "creating good relationships between the medical staff and family members (4.02 ± 0.87)". The two lowest-scoring behaviors were "proactively recommending medical institutions for hospice care to terminally ill patients and their families (2.55 ± 1.10)" and "proactively talking to patients and families about death-related topics for patients who are critically ill and cannot be reversed (2.87 ± 1.03)." Multiple linear regression, random forest regression, and BP neural network models all showed that the frequency of sharing hospice care experiences with colleagues, hospice care attitudes, hospice care self-efficacy, and hospice care environments were positively associated with hospice care behaviors. Conclusions: The frequency of hospice care behaviors among Chinese oncology nurses is generally at a moderate to high level. The results provide a basis for promoting hospice care behaviors among oncology nurses in order to improve the quality of life for terminally ill cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the reliability and validity of revised Parental Phubbing Scale (PPS) and measure the level of parental phubbing, 701 Chinese children aged 3–6 years and their parents were investigated. The results indicated that (1) the construct validity of the PPS was supported by the best-fit one-factor model; (2) concurrent validity was established by demonstrating that the PPS was positively related to parental smartphone addiction; (3) the PPS was positively correlated with authoritarian parenting style, established the predictive validity; (4) internal reliability was satisfactory. The results also showed that fathers' and mothers' phubbing were at the intermediate level; moreover, phubbing levels were highest among parents aged 31–40. The findings conclude that PPS can be used as a reliable and valid measure to evaluate parents' phubbing and also highlight the need for further research on mothers' and fathers' phubbing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traditional knowledge associated with medicinal food plants (MFPs) plays a vital role in fighting hidden hunger and safeguarding the health of local people. MFPs resources are abundant in the Gaoligongshan area, a biosphere reserve with the richest biocultural diversity in China. Local people of different linguistic groups also have rich traditional botanical knowledge. However, there are still few comprehensive and systematic studies on MFPs there. Methods: Ethnobotanical investigation including market survey, semi-structured interviews, free listing and key informant interviews was conducted in the Gaoligongshan area, Western Yunnan, Southwest China. A total of 13 local farmers' markets were selected and information about medicinal food plants, including food categories, medicinal and edible parts, modes of consumption, medicinal effects, and distribution were collected. The relative occurrence frequency (RFO) and cultural food significance index (CFSI) were calculated to identify the culturally significant MFPs. Results: A total of 184 species of MFPs, belonging to 83 families, were collected in the Gaoligongshan area, including vegetables (77), medicinal diets (26), fruits (25), spices (18), herbal tea (13), tea substitutes (11), substitutes for staple food (8), nuts (5), oils and fats (4), and dye material (1). The most frequently used families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Apiaceae, with 11, 10, and 9 species, respectively. The most frequently used plant parts were the stems, followed by fruits and leaves. Based on the evaluation results of the CFSI and RFO indices, 18 species of MFPs with magnificent local cultural importance have been screened out, such as Houttuynia cordata, Eryngium foetidum, Sechium edule, Centella asiatica and Pseudocydonia sinensis. Conclusion: These findings have guiding significance for conservation of traditional knowledge associated with MFPs and facilitation of scientific utilization of MFPs to meet local people's needs for a healthy life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the cause of the high content of phosphorus in the North Chaohu Lake Catchment of China, the distribution of the total phosphorus in groundwater and the dissolution of rock phosphorus near Chaohu Lake were investigated, and a few interesting findings have been revealed. Firstly, four main processes affecting the groundwater quality in North Chaohu Lake Catchment were identified with the results of factor analysis, including anthropogenic activities and the dissolution of carbonate rocks, phosphorus, and fluorine-bearing minerals. Secondly, the dissolution of rock phosphorus can be well described using the one-dimensional diffusion equation, with a semi-infinite boundary condition, and the Langmuir kinetic equation. A relatively low ambient temperature (less than 25 °C) was probably responsible for the small diffusion coefficient compared to that of the previous studies. Thirdly, the high-potential maximum dissolution of rock phosphorus (Cmax) indicated that the dissolution of rock phosphorus could pose a risk to the ambient water body, and Cmax was found to be independent of the total rock phosphorus content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of biological soil crusts (BSCs) and shrubs in temperate deserts often forms a common landscape surface feature. As climate change continues, desert shrubs experience varying rates of mortality, which can have severe negative impacts on soil structure and function. However, it remains uncertain whether moss crusts, prevalent beneath shrub canopies, can mitigate the effects of shrub mortality on soil nutrient environments. Therefore, this study focuses on the Gurbantunggut Desert, a typical temperate desert in northern China, with a primary focus on the dominant shrubs, Ephedra przewalskii, and the advanced stage of moss crust development within BSCs. We collected soil samples from bare sand and moss crusts under living shrubs and dead shrubs and analyzed them for their carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents. Additionally, we calculated soil nutrient multifunctionality, which measures a soil's ability to sustain multiple ecosystem services simultaneously, to provide a comprehensive assessment of the effects of shrub mortality on soil nutrient function. Our results indicate that shrub mortality led to reductions in soil moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, and levels of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in exposed sand compared to the sand under living shrubs. However, the presence of moss crusts significantly alleviated the adverse effects of shrub mortality on soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels. The nutrient multifunctionality index of the moss crust only decreased by 4%, while bare sand experienced a 67% reduction following shrub mortality. Standard error of the mean analysis results revealed that when shrubs and crusts coexisted, the impact of shrubs on soil nutrient multifunctionality was much stronger than that of the moss crust. Specifically, total nutrient content was the most influential factor driving changes in soil nutrient multifunctionality. In conclusion, in desert ecosystems with declining shrubs, moss crusts can mitigate the reduction in soil nutrient contents caused by shrub degradation, thereby maintaining soil stability and nutrient multifunctionality as a viable substitute. Core Ideas: Moss crusts mitigate the negative impacts of shrub mortality on the nutrient multifunctionality.Shrub dominates changes in soil nutrient multifunctionality more than mosses.Temperate desert shrub mortality events lead to significant reductions in soil nutrient multifunctionality.In shrub degraded desert ecosystems, moss crusts can replace shrubs in maintaining a stable soil environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To critically assess the effects of white noise on the pain level, weight gain and vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation) of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Design: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: Ten databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP and Wanfang Data) were systematically reviewed from inception to July 2022. Two reviewers evaluated the risk of bias separately using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria and extracted data using a predesigned information form. Results: The meta‐analysis included eight eligible RCTs. According to statistical analysis, white noise significantly affected the pain level, weight gain, heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation in preterm infants. Regardless of the outcome measurement timing, gestational age and birth weight of preterm infants, subgroup analysis demonstrated that white noise reduced the pain level, heart rate and respiratory rate and promoted weight gain in preterm infants in NICUs. Conclusion: White noise is a practical and potentially useful therapy for premature neonates in NICUs. No Patient or Public Contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impacts of a government‐led e‐commerce expansion project on household income. We find that the project has led to increases in rural household income. The positive impacts are more prominent for lower‐income rural households. The income‐increasing effects are driven by the reduction in information search costs and transportation costs. The provision of complementary interventions for e‐commerce, such as promoting the internet‐related skills of farmers and the expansion of formal financial credit support is also important for the program's success. The results provide policy implications for the design and implementation of government‐led e‐commerce policies in developing economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals across their lifespan. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes. However, current diagnostic methods are often time-consuming, and costly, making them inaccessible to many families. In the current study, we aim to test caregiver-child interaction as a potential tool for screening children with ASD in clinic. Methods: We enrolled 85 preschool children (Mean age: 4.90 ± 0.65 years, 70.6% male), including ASD children with or without developmental delay (DD), and typical development (TD) children, along with their caregivers. ASD core symptoms were evaluated by Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Calibrated Severity Scores (ADOS-CSS). Behavioral indicators were derived from video encoding of caregiver-child interaction, including social involvement of children (SIC), interaction time (IT), response of children to social cues (RSC), time for caregiver initiated social interactions (GIS) and time for children initiated social interactions (CIS)). Power spectral density (PSD) values were calculated by EEG signals simultaneously recorded. Partial Pearson correlation analysis was used in both ASD groups to investigate the correlation among behavioral indicators scores and ASD symptom severity and PSD values. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to describe the discrimination accuracy of behavioral indicators. Results: Compared to TD group, both ASD groups demonstrated significant lower scores of SIC, IT, RSC, CIS (all p values < 0.05), and significant higher time for GIS (all p values < 0.01). SIC scores negatively correlated with CARS (p = 0.006) and ADOS-CSS (p = 0.023) in the ASD with DD group. Compared to TD group, PSD values elevated in ASD groups (all p values < 0.05), and was associated with SIC (theta band: p = 0.005; alpha band: p = 0.003) but not IQ levels. SIC was effective in identifying both ASD groups (sensitivity/specificity: ASD children with DD, 76.5%/66.7%; ASD children without DD, 82.6%/82.2%). Conclusion: Our results verified the behavioral paradigm of caregiver-child interaction as an efficient tool for early ASD screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Virtual agglomeration reshapes the organizational form and drives the sustainable development of the manufacturing industry. How to measure the virtual agglomeration level of the manufacturing industry is an important and difficult problem for current research. (2) Methods: In this study, we constructed a social network for the virtual agglomeration of the manufacturing industry, with each industry representing a node in the network. We also measured the virtual agglomeration level of the overall manufacturing industry using the network edge number and network density indicators in the social network analysis method. Each sub-industry virtual agglomeration level was measured using the point centrality index. Furthermore, the virtual agglomeration characteristics of the manufacturing industry were examined through cluster analysis and core–periphery analysis. The data sources include the supply chain statistics and virtual agglomeration text data of manufacturing enterprises. The virtual agglomeration text data were obtained with the help of Python crawler technology. Two types of data were matched, and the virtual agglomeration data of 29 manufacturing industries in China from 2012 to 2022 was obtained. (3) Results: The virtual agglomeration level of the overall manufacturing industry is constantly improving, but there are large differences among different industries. Moreover, the virtual agglomeration of the manufacturing industry has the characteristics of both specialization and diversification. The virtual agglomeration social network of the manufacturing industry is experiencing an evolution process from a "core–periphery" structure to a "core–semi-periphery–periphery" structure. (4) Conclusions: This study provides a theoretical basis and practical reference for improving the virtual agglomeration level of the manufacturing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geomagnetically induced current (GIC) produced during extreme geomagnetic storms can easily lead to large‐scale blackouts in China due to the increase in the scale of its electric power grid. A power grid's resilience is its capability to resist various natural hazards, withstand primary failures, and quickly resume normal operation. To avoid power grid damages, this study developed a resilient power grid, incorporating failure, power flow calculation and recovery models under a uniform induced geoelectric field. We chose a system's performance loss as the resilience evaluation indicator, which intuitively reflected a system's loss under GIC. In addition, the recovery model was optimized using a genetic algorithm, and two resilience improvement measures were proposed. The IEEE‐RTS‐79 system, consisting of 10 generators, 24 buses and 5 transformers, was chosen as an example to verify the feasibility of this study. The results show that the genetic algorithm and optimization measures effectively enhanced the system's resilience indicator and provided a reference for preventing system damages under GIC and quick recovery after possible failures. Plain Language Summary: Extreme space weather produces large geomagnetic field disturbances; these disturbances propagate down to Earth, inducing secondary geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) in earthed electric power grids. GICs increase transformers' reactive power loss and raise their temperatures; this affects a power system's normal operation, and in extreme cases causes major blackouts. Therefore, it is vital to study power grids' resilience under GIC events. In this study, we calculated the GIC level using a uniform geoelectrical conductivity model. Based on this, we proposed a resilient power grid model consisting of the failure model, power flow calculation model and recovery model, and evaluated optimization strategies. Our results show that the proposed model can improve a power system's recovery performance after possible failure due to GICs and effectively avoid GIC‐related large‐scale blackouts. Key Points: We proposed a resilience assessment method for transmission systems under extreme space weatherWe calculated a resilience indicator and identified multiple effective methods to improve a system's resilienceWe chose the IEEE‐RTS‐79 system as an example to verify the effectiveness of a genetic algorithm and optimization measures [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the planning policy on modern energy system in China's "14th Five-Year Plan", it is proposed to accelerate the improvement of system for energy production, supply, storage and marketing, and to promote the large-scale and high-proportion development of renewable energy, so as to achieve the goal of "carbon peaking and carbon neutralization". Pumped storage is currently recognized as the most mature, reliable, clean and economical means of energy storage. However, the site selection is imminent in order to construct power stations for pumped storage. Taking Guizhou Province as an example, the current planning of site selection and the construction technology of power stations for pumped storage are seldom studied. Karst is distributed in more than 77% of Guizhou's land area, with the peak-cluster depression as the main geomorphological type. As a kind of natural negative terrain, the peak-cluster depression has hardly been excavated. But its excellent surrounding sealing, and wonderful geometric and engineering characteristics can save much investment in excavation support. Thus, the peak-cluster depression is an ideal place for building a reservoir. Taking the karst depression as a research object, this study focuses on the practical engineering problem of building a power station for pumped storage in the karst depression. The factors and their degrees affecting the suitability of reservoir construction in the depression are obviously different in different regions; therefore, some typical factors can only be selected as the evaluation indicators. These factors involve those having an important impact on the stability of the reservoir area, the leakage problem and the benefit of reservoir construction. In this study, samples of karst depressions were automatically extracted, and the attribute analysis and calculation were carried out based on DEM data and ArcGIS platform. According to the engineering practice, experts were organized to discuss and score so as to determine the influence factors of the evaluation model. Then the evaluation was conducted respectively in terms of terrain conditions, geological conditions, engineering conditions, environmental conditions, etc. The model of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and the model of partial least square path have been constructed based on the seven key influencing factors of the decision-making of reservoir construction, including slope, reservoir capacity, petrofabric type, fault, hydrogeology, vertical distance between the upper and lower reservoirs and the ratio of distance to height. Taking the red line of ecological protection and the autothermal protection area as controlling variables, 488 candidate depressions in the study area were preliminarily screened and sorted in combination with the geological conditions of the supporting site. The results show that vertical distance, storage capacity and distance-height ratio play key roles in site selection. The application of GIS map overlay technology can eliminate the infeasible sites limited by environmental factors and the candidate depressions in the eco-environmental protection area. The geological conditions of the proposed lower reservoir and water conveyance power house were considered in the selection of the optimal candidate depressions, which effectively avoided the subjectivity and limitations of decision makers. A total of 6 of the top 10 selected depressions by the two models are consistent. Their good topographic conditions, suitable geological conditions, superior engineering conditions and good consistency indicate strong applicability and high reliability of the evaluation model. The two models are mutually matched. The depression selected is basically consistent with the quantitative standard of the index system, which has been well verified in engineering practice. No.1 depression of Baishui pond is the most suitable for the construction of power station for pumped storage. The research methods and results can further promote the resource utilization of karst depressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease currently causing significant public health issues worldwide. The emerging and the expansion of Echinococcus spp. tapeworms in wildlife species and habitats are indeed underrecognized. Here, using infrared camera surveillance followed by morphological and genetic characterization, Echinococcus shiquicus (E. shiquicus), tapeworms were unexpectedly detected from Asian badgers in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau of China for the first time. In specific, an area of 3,939 km2 at an altitude of 3,691–5,339 m above sea level was monitored, from which fecal samples were collected, and fecal DNA was sequenced to solidify its match with the genome of Asian badgers before fecal egg examination. We further revealed that the isolated fecal eggs were morphologically representing E. shiquicus being oval in shape and containing a hexacanth embryo, and genetically formed a unique clade with diverse registered E. shiquicus isolates as illustrated by phylogenetic analysis. Overall, our investigation suggested Asian badger as a potential new definitive host of E. shiquicus tapeworm. More extensive surveillance for E. shiquicus tapeworm should be conducted in neglected host species and their habitats in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) in pesticides has been prohibited for decades in China. Since then, there have been urbanization and transformation of the functional areas of many sites, which were formerly involved in the HCH industry. However, it is possible that, unless properly managed, these sites may still contain HCH residues in the soil and thus pose a threat to the surrounding environment and the quality of groundwater. This study aimed to characterize soil residues in a typical site that was historically involved in HCH production in southern China, by analyzing the α-HCH, β-HCH, and γ-HCH contents of the soil. The results suggested that HCHs persist in the environment and can have long-term effects. It was found that α-HCH and β-HCH were present in many samples in concentrations that were comparable or higher than those specified by China's Class 1 screening values. The distribution of residues was significantly correlated with the historical HCH production activities in the areas. The characteristic ratios of α-HCH/γ-HCH and β-HCH/(α + γ)-HCH at different soil depths were 1.4–3.7 and 0.21–1.04, respectively, which indicated the presence of significant localized residues of HCHs. The presence of HCHs in the soil suggested a downward migration, with concentrations rapidly decreasing in the upper layer soil (0–5 m), but a gradual increase in the deeper soil (5–14 m). HCHs were detected at depths exceeding 24 m, indicating heavy penetration. The proportions of γ-HCH and β-HCH changed with increasing soil depth, which was related to their relatively volatile and stable molecular structures, respectively. The results strongly suggested that there is widespread contamination of both soil and groundwater by HCHs even after decades. The likelihood of residual HCHs in the soil should therefore be taken into full consideration during urban planning to limit risks to human and environmental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: As an increasingly important variable in the career field, career sustainability has received particular attention, yet few empirical studies have been conducted to examine its antecedents. The authors propose a moderated mediation model based on the goal-setting theory and the wise proactivity perspective for exploring when and how self-goal setting can influence career sustainability. Design/methodology/approach: The authors use a time-lagged design and collect three waves of data from 1,260 teachers in basic education schools in China. The authors test the proposed hypotheses with SPSS 26.0 and Mplus 8.3. Findings: The results show that self-goal setting positively relates to career sustainability and that career crafting plays a mediating role in this relationship. This relationship is strengthened when perceived organizational goal clarity is high. Originality/value: The authors extend the application scenarios of the goal-setting theory to the field of career research and find out that self-goal setting is also a self-initiated and wise antecedent of career sustainability. From a wise proactivity perspective, the authors examine the mediating mechanism of career crafting to make positive career outcomes. Furthermore, the authors consider the impact of perceived organizational goal clarity as a boundary condition and broaden the understanding of "when to wise proactivity" from the goal-setting theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Existing pharmacogenetic algorithms cannot fully explain warfarin dose variability in all patients. CYP2C9*13 is an important allelic variant in the Han Chinese population. However, adjustment of warfarin dosing in CYP2C9*13 variant carriers remains unclear. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to assess the effects of adjusting warfarin dosages in Han Chinese patients harbouring CYP2C9*13 variants. Methods: In total, 971 warfarin-treated Han Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation were enrolled in this study. Clinical data were collected, and CYP2C9*2, *3, *13 and VKORC1-1639 G > A variants were genotyped. We quantitatively analysed the effect of CYP2C9*13 on warfarin maintenance dose and provided multiplicative adjustments for CYP2C9*13 using validated pharmacogenetic algorithms. Results: Approximately 0.6% of the Han Chinese population carried CYP2C9*13 variant, and the genotype frequency was between those of CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3. The warfarin maintenance doses were significantly reduced in CYP2C9*13 carriers. When CYP2C9*13 variants were not considered, the pharmacogenetic algorithms overestimated warfarin maintenance doses by 1.03–1.16 mg/d on average. The actual warfarin dose in CYP2C9*13 variant carriers was approximately 40% lower than the algorithm-predicted dose. Adjusting the warfarin-dosing algorithm according to the CYP2C9*13 allele could reduce the dose prediction error. Conclusion: Our study showed that the algorithm-predicted doses should be lowered for CYP2C9*13 carriers. Inclusion of the CYP2C9*13 variant in the warfarin-dosing algorithm tends to predict the warfarin maintenance dose more accurately and improves the efficacy and safety of warfarin administration in Han Chinese patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Edible flowers (EFs) represent valuable sources of both food and medicinal resources, holding the promise to enhance human well-being. Unfortunately, their significance is often overlooked. Ethnobotanical studies on the EFs are lacking in comparison with their botanical and phytochemical research. The practice of consuming flowers as food has a rich culture and long history in China, especially among different linguistic groups in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. However, economic activities have led to a decline of this tradition. Consequently, preserving the traditional knowledge and culture tied to the EFs in Xishuangbanna becomes both essential and pressing. Methods: The field ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Xishuangbanna during five visits in April 2021 and May 2023, covering 48 villages and 19 local markets of all three county-level areas and 9 different linguistic groups. By conducting a comprehensive literature review and on-site field surveys, relevant information regarding the EFs of Xishuangbanna was systematically collected and documented. Additionally, the relative frequency of citation (RFC) values were calculated from the survey data. Results: A total of 212 taxa (including species and varieties) of EFs from 58 families and 141 genera were documented in the study area. The edible parts of flowers were classified into 13 categories including peduncle, petal, flower buds, inflorescence as a whole, and etc. They were consumed in 21 ways and as 8 types of food. The inflorescence was the most commonly consumed category, accounting for 85 species (40.1%) of the total categories. They always eat flowers as vegetables (184 species, 86.8%). The preparing form of stir-frying was the preferred food preparation method (138, 65.1%). The Xishuangbanna locals had profound knowledge of which EFs required specific processing to remove their toxicity or bitterness. The dishes can be made from either exclusively from the flowers themselves or by incorporating them alongside other plant parts like stems and leaves. Some EFs with high RFC value, such as Musa acuminata and Bauhinia variegata var. candida, showed significant cultural meanings. These edible flowers occupy specific positions in local traditional culture. Conclusion: Traditional knowledge regarding edible flowers holds substantial significance and serves as a representative element of the flower-eating culture in Xishuangbanna. Nevertheless, this knowledge and cultural practice are currently decreasing. Serving as a bridge between tradition and modernity, the flower-eating culture, which derives from local people's practical experience, shows the potential of EFs and can be applied to the conservation of biocultural diversity, healthy food systems, and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How energy businesses undergo digital transformation is a critical topic in light of China's "dual carbon" strategy. Based on institutional theory, upper‐echelon theory, and managerial‐mindset solidification, this article examines how regional environmental regulation affects the digital transformation of energy enterprises from 2016 to 2021 and the moderating role of the top management team in this transformation. The empirical findings show that regional environmental regulations significantly promote the digital transformation of energy companies; however, the average age, education level, and average tenure of the top management team can negatively influence this effect. The results of this study also lead to recommendations on how government agencies and energy enterprises should undertake digital transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to compare the differences among patients of different onset ages in various subtypes of lupus erythematosus (LE) and to draw a panorama of the clinical characteristics of patients with different onset ages. Method: Subjects were recruited from the Lupus Erythematosus Multicenter Case–control Study in Chinese populations (LEMCSC), grouped by the age of onset (childhood-onset: onset < 18 years, adult-onset: onset 18–50 years, late-onset: onset > 50 years). The data collected included demographic characteristics, LE-related systemic involvement, LE-related mucocutaneous manifestations, and laboratory results. All included patients were assigned into three groups: systemic LE (SLE) group (with systemic involvement, with or without mucocutaneous lesions), cutaneous LE (CLE) group (patients who were accompanied by any type of LE-specific cutaneous manifestations), and isolated cutaneous LE (iCLE) group (patients who were in CLE group without systemic involvements). Data were analyzed using R version 4.0.3. Results: A total of 2097 patients were involved, including 1865 with SLE and 232 with iCLE. We also identified 1648 patients with CLE among them, as there was some overlap between the SLE population and CLE population (patients with SLE and LE-specific cutaneous manifestations). Later-onset lupus patients seemed to be less female predominance (p < 0.001) and have less systemic involvement (except arthritis), lower positive rates of autoimmune antibodies, less ACLE, and more DLE. Moreover, childhood-onset SLE patients presented a higher risk of LE family history (p = 0.002, vs adult-onset SLE). In contrast to other LE-nonspecific manifestations, the self-reported photosensitivity history decreased with the age of onset in SLE patients (51.8%, 43.4%, and 39.1%, respectively) but increased in iCLE patients (42.4%, 64.9%, and 89.2%, respectively). There was also a gradual increase in self-reported photosensitivity from SLE, CLE, to iCLE in both adult-onset and late-onset lupus patients. Conclusions: A negative correlation was suggested between the age of onset and the likelihood of systemic involvement, except for arthritis. As the age of onset increases, patients have a greater propensity to exhibit DLE compared to ACLE. Moreover, the presence of rapid response photodermatitis (i.e., self-reported photosensitivity) was associated with a lower rate of systemic involvement. Trial registration: This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2100048939) on July 19, 2021, retrospectively registered. Key Points • We confirmed some phenomena that have been found in patients with SLE, such as the highest proportion of females of reproductive age, the higher risk of LE family history in childhood-onset SLE patients, and the less self-reported photosensitivity in the late-onset SLE group. We also compared the similarities and differences of these phenomena in patients with CLE or iCLE for the first time. • In patients with SLE, the proportion of females peaked in adult-onset patients, but this phenomenon disappeared in iCLE patients: the female-male ratio tends to decrease from childhood-onset iCLE, adult-onset iCLE, to late-onset iCLE. • Patients with early-onset lupus are more likely to have acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ACLE), and patients with late-onset lupus are more likely to have discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). • In contrast to other LE-nonspecific manifestations, the incidence of rapid response photodermatitis (i.e., self-reported photosensitivity) decreased with the age of onset in SLE patients but increased with the age of onset in iCLE patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vinyl acetate is a restricted substance in food products. The quantification of the organic impurities in vinyl acetate is a major problem due to its activity, instability, and volatility. In this paper, while using the mass balance method to determine the purity of vinyl acetate, an improved method was established for the determination of the content of three impurities in vinyl acetate reference material, and the GC-FID peak area normalization for vinyl acetate was calibrated. The three trace organic impurities were identified by gas chromatography tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry to be methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and vinyl propionate. The content and relative correction factors for the three organic impurities were measured. The purity of vinyl acetate determined by the mass balance method was 99.90% with an expanded uncertainty of 0.30%, and the total content of organic impurities was 0.08% with a relative correction factor of 1.23%. The vinyl acetate reference material has been approved as a national certified reference material in China as GBW (E) 062710. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the past decade, cognitive neuroscience has been calling for population diversity to address the challenge of validity and generalizability, ushering in a new era of population neuroscience. The developing Chinese Color Nest Project (devCCNP, 2013–2022), the first ten-year stage of the lifespan CCNP (2013–2032), is a two-stages project focusing on brain-mind development. The project aims to create and share a large-scale, longitudinal and multimodal dataset of typically developing children and adolescents (ages 6.0–17.9 at enrolment) in the Chinese population. The devCCNP houses not only phenotypes measured by demographic, biophysical, psychological and behavioural, cognitive, affective, and ocular-tracking assessments but also neurotypes measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain morphometry, resting-state function, naturalistic viewing function and diffusion structure. This Data Descriptor introduces the first data release of devCCNP including a total of 864 visits from 479 participants. Herein, we provided details of the experimental design, sampling strategies, and technical validation of the devCCNP resource. We demonstrate and discuss the potential of a multicohort longitudinal design to depict normative brain growth curves from the perspective of developmental population neuroscience. The devCCNP resource is shared as part of the "Chinese Data-sharing Warehouse for In-vivo Imaging Brain" in the Chinese Color Nest Project (CCNP) – Lifespan Brain-Mind Development Data Community (https://ccnp.scidb.cn) at the Science Data Bank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR‐T) cell therapy is highly effective in inducing complete remission in haematological malignancies. Severe cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is the most significant and life‐threatening adverse effect of this therapy. This multi‐centre study was conducted at six hospitals in China. The training cohort included 87 patients with multiple myeloma (MM), an external validation cohort of 59 patients with MM and another external validation cohort of 68 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) or non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The levels of 45 cytokines on days 1–2 after CAR‐T cell infusion and clinical characteristics of patients were used to develop the nomogram. A nomogram was developed, including CX3CL1, GZMB, IL4, IL6 and PDGFAA. Based on the training cohort, the nomogram had a bias‐corrected AUC of 0.876 (95% CI = 0.871–0.882) for predicting severe CRS. The AUC was stable in both external validation cohorts (MM, AUC = 0.907, 95% CI = 0.899–0.916; ALL/NHL, AUC = 0.908, 95% CI = 0.903–0.913). The calibration plots (apparent and bias‐corrected) overlapped with the ideal line in all cohorts. We developed a nomogram that can predict which patients are likely to develop severe CRS before they become critically ill, improving our understanding of CRS biology, and may guide future cytokine‐directed therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prospective cohort studies linking organ meat consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are limited, especially in Asian populations. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the association between organ meat consumption and risk of NAFLD in a general Chinese adult population. This prospective cohort study included a total of 15 568 adults who were free of liver disease, CVD and cancer at baseline. Dietary information was collected at baseline using a validated FFQ. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound after excluding other causes related to chronic liver disease. Cox proportional regression models were used to assess the association between organ meat consumption and risk of NAFLD. During a median of 4·2 years of follow-up, we identified 3604 incident NAFLD cases. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, vegetable, fruit, soft drink, seafood and red meat consumption, the multivariable hazard ratios (95 % CI) for incident NAFLD across consumption of organ meat were 1·00 (reference) for almost never, 1·04 (0·94, 1·15) for tertile 1, 1·08 (0·99, 1·19) for tertile 2 and 1·11 (1·01, 1·22) for tertile 3, respectively (P for trend < 0·05). Such association did not differ substantially in the sensitivity analysis. Our study indicates that organ meat consumption was related to a modestly higher risk of NAFLD among Chinese adults. Further investigations are needed to confirm this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pu'er Traditional Tea Agroecosystem is one of the projects included in the United Nations' Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) since 2012. Against the background of having rich biodiversity and a long history of tea culture, the ancient tea trees in Pu'er have experienced from wild–transition–cultivation for thousands of years, and the local people's knowledge about the management of ancient teagardens has not been rigorously recorded. For this reason, it is important to study and record the traditional management knowledge of Pu'er ancient teagardens and the influence on the formation of tea trees and communities. This study focuses on the traditional management knowledge of ancient teagardens in Jingmai Mountains, Pu'er, and monoculture teagardens (monoculture and intensively managed planting base for tea cultivation) were used as the control, through the community structure, composition and biodiversity of ancient teagardens to respond to the influence of traditional management, and this work with a view to providing a reference for further research on the stability and sustainable development of tea agroecosystem. Methods: From 2021 to 2022, information on traditional management of ancient teagardens was obtained through semi-structured interviews with 93 local people in the Jingmai Mountains area of Pu'er. Informed consent was obtained from each participant before conducting the interview process. The communities, tea trees and biodiversity of Jingmai Mountains ancient teagardens (JMATGs) and monoculture teagardens (MTGs) were examined through field surveys, measurements and biodiversity survey methods. The Shannon-Weiner (H), Pielou (E) and Margalef (M) indices were calculated for the biodiversity of the teagardens within the unit sample, using monoculture teagardens as a control. Results: The tea tree morphology, community structure and composition of Pu'er ancient teagardens are significantly different from those of monoculture teagardens, and the biodiversity is significantly higher than that of monoculture teagardens. The local people mainly manage the ancient tea trees mainly using several methods, including weeding (96.8%), pruning (48.4%) and pest control (33.3%). The pest control mainly relies on the removal of diseased branches. JMATGs annual gross output is approximately 6.5 times that of MTGs. The traditional management of ancient teagardens is through setting up forest isolation zones as protected areas, planting tea trees in the understory on the sunny side, keeping tea trees 1.5–7 m apart, as well as consciously protecting forest animals such as spiders, birds and bees, and reasonably rearing livestock in the teagardens. Conclusions: This study shows that local people have rich traditional knowledge and experience in the management of ancient teagardens in Pu'er, and that this traditional management knowledge has impacted the growth of ancient tea trees, enriched the structure and composition of tea plantation communities and actively protected the biodiversity within ancient teagardens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of the extended endoscopic endonasal approach (EEEA) in the resection of suprasellar invasive pituitary adenoma. Methods and Results A total of 68 patients with suprasellar invasive pituitary adenoma admitted to The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2019 to June 2022 were treated with EEEA for tumor resection, of whom 73.53% (50/68) achieved gross total resection (GTR), 17.65% (12/68) achieved subtotal resection, and 8.82% (6/68) achieved partial resection. The GTR rate of giant adenoma was 37.40% (10/27). The average follow-up was (12 ± 6) months, 75.81% (47/62) improved visual acuity, 19.35% (12/62) had no change after surgery, 4.84% (3/62) deteriorated visual acuity. The improvement rate of visual field defect was 74.14% (43/58), no change was 15.52% (9/58), and symptom aggravation was 10.34% (6/58). The symptoms of diplopia disappeared completely in the patients with oculomotor nerve palsy at the last follow - up (3 cases). Postoperative complications included cerebrospinal fluid leakage [1.47% (1/68)], central diabetes insipidus [16.18% (1/68)], intraoperative hematoma [4.41% (3/68)], delayed nasal hemorrhage [4.41% (3/68)] and intracranial infection [7.35% (5/68)], with no death. Conclusions EEEA for large or giant pituitary adenomas invading the anterior skull base, suprasellar region and the third ventricle has a high GTR rate, less trauma and fewer complications, and is worthy of clinical promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been suggested that added sugar intake is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, previous studies only focused on sugar-sweetened beverages; the evidence for associations with total added sugars and their sources is scarce. This study aimed to examine the associations of total added sugars, their physical forms (liquid v. solid) and food sources with risk of NAFLD among adults in Tianjin, China. We used data from 15 538 participants, free of NAFLD, other liver diseases, CVD, cancer or diabetes at baseline (2013–2018 years). Added sugar intake was estimated from a validated 100-item FFQ. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonography after exclusion of other causes of liver diseases. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding 95 % CI for NAFLD risk with added sugar intake. During a median follow-up of 4·2 years, 3476 incident NAFLD cases were documented. After adjusting for age, sex, BMI and its change from baseline to follow-up, lifestyle factors, personal and family medical history and overall diet quality, the multivariable HR of NAFLD risk were 1·18 (95 % CI 1·06, 1·32) for total added sugars, 1·20 (95 % CI 1·08, 1·33) for liquid added sugars and 0·96 (95 % CI 0·86, 1·07) for solid added sugars when comparing the highest quartiles of intake with the lowest quartiles of intake. In this prospective cohort of Chinese adults, higher intakes of total added sugars and liquid added sugars, but not solid added sugars, were associated with a higher risk of NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several previous studies have shown that dietary patterns are associated with the incidence of depressive symptoms. However, the results have been inconsistent. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the association between dietary patterns and the risk of depressive symptoms in two large cohort studies. Methods: The Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Systemic Inflammation and Health (TCLSIH) cohort study included a total of 7,094 participants living in Tianjin, China from 2013 to 2019, and the UK Biobank cohort study includes 96,810 participants who were recruited from 22 assessment centers across the UK taken between 2006 and 2010. All participants were free of a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and depressive symptoms at baseline. Dietary patterns at baseline were identified with factor analysis based on responses to a validated food frequency questionnaire in TCLSIH or Oxford WebQ in UK Biobank. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Chinese version of the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) in TCLSIH or hospital inpatient records in UK Biobank. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the association between dietary patterns and depressive symptoms. Results: A total of 989, and 1,303 participants developed depressive symptoms during 17,410 and 709,931 person-years of follow-up. After adjusting for several potential confounders, the multivariable HRs (95% CIs) of the depressive symptoms were 0.71 (0.57, 0.88) for traditional Chinese dietary pattern, 1.29 (1.07, 1.55) for processed animal offal included animal food dietary pattern, and 1.22 (1.02, 1.46) for sugar rich dietary pattern in TCLSIH (all Q4 vs Q1). In the UK Biobank, the HRs (95% CIs) of depressive symptoms were 1.39 (1.16, 1.68) for processed food dietary pattern (Q4 vs Q1), 0.90 (0.77, 1.00) for healthy dietary pattern (Q3 vs Q1), and 0.89 (0.75, 1.05) for meat dietary pattern (Q4 vs Q1) in the final adjusted model. Conclusion: Dietary patterns rich in processed foods were associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms, and following a traditional Chinese dietary pattern or healthy dietary pattern was associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms, whereas meat dietary pattern was not associated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy of adsorbed gas content under actual in situ reservoir conditions is crucial for the evaluation of shale gas reserves. In this study, the characteristics of methane adsorption on the Wufeng–Longmaxi shale were investigated under a wide range of pressure (0–51 MPa) and actual in situ water saturation. Methane–shale adsorption exhibits the Gibbs excess adsorption phenomenon at high pressure. The excess adsorption amount needs be corrected to absolute adsorption amount, otherwise it will be seriously underestimated. The optimal supercritical methane adsorption model was determined by the corrected Akaike's Information Criterion method. The methane adsorption amount of shale samples ranged from 1.521 to 4.079 m3/t. Adsorption capacity was dominated by the total organic carbon content as well as micropore volume and total specific surface area. Additionally, pore volume and specific surface area were contributed mainly by abundant micropores associated with organic matter. Thermodynamic parameters revealed that the adsorption of methane on shale was an exothermic process. As the temperature increased from 40 to 80 °C, the methane adsorption capacity decreased from 4.27 to 2.99 m3/t, a 30% decrease. The actual in situ water saturation correlated primarily with clay content, regardless of clay types, and increased with clay content. The formation of an adsorbed water film and the blockage of pores for gas adsorption by clusters of water molecules significantly lowered the adsorption capacity. The relative difference in the adsorption capacity increased with water saturation, with the adsorption capacity of water-bearing shales decreasing by 21–84% at a water saturation of 30–71% compared to dry shales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to investigate the mediating effect of dispositional coping on the relationship between cognitive appraisal (which includes areas of threat, challenge, harm/loss, and benign/irrelevant appraisals) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among patient–caregiver dyads undergoing hemodialysis. In total, 237 dyads of patients undergoing hemodialysis and their family caregivers were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Tianjin, China. Dyadic data were analyzed using the Actor–Partner Interdependence Mediation Model (APIMeM). The final APIMeM model examining dyadic effects of challenge appraisal and dispositional coping on PTG demonstrated an excellent model fit. The challenge appraisal of family caregivers was directly associated with the PTG of patients undergoing hemodialysis. Dispositional coping mediated the pathways between challenge appraisal and PTG for both patients undergoing hemodialysis and family caregivers. By exploring the cognitive appraisal and dispositional coping of patient–caregiver dyads undergoing hemodialysis may help both partners foster PTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoarthritis, a common degenerative osteochondral disease, has a close relationship between its mechanism of occurrence and oxidative stress. However, there are relatively few relevant studies in this field, and a more mature research system has not yet been formed. Methods: By searching the Web of Science (WOS) database, we obtained 1 412 publications in the field of osteoarthritis and oxidative stress. The search results were then analyzed bibliometrically using Citespace and VOSviewer, including a study of publication trends in the field, analysis of core authors, analysis of countries and institutions with high contributions, analysis of core journals, and to identify research trends and hot spots in the field, we performed keyword clustering. Results: We collected 1 412 publications on the field of osteoarthritis and oxidative stress from 1998–2022. By analyzing the publication trends in the field, we noted an exponential increase in the number of publications per year since 2014. We then identified the core authors in the field (Blanco, Francisco J., Loeser, Richard F., Vaamonde-garcia, et.al) as well as the countries (China, USA, Italy et.al) and institutions (Xi An Jiao Tong Univ, Wenzhou Med Univ, Zhejiang Univ et.al). The OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE and INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES contain a large number of research papers in this field, and through keyword co-occurrence analysis, we counted 3 227 keywords appearing in the field of osteoarthritis and oxidative stress. These keywords were clustered into 9 groups, representing 9 different research hotspots. Conclusions: Research in the field of osteoarthritis and oxidative stress has been developing since 1998 and is now maturing, but there is an urgent need to strengthen international academic exchanges and discuss the future focus of research development in the field of osteoarthritis and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dictyophora indusiata is one of the most famous edible mushrooms in China. D. indusiata polysaccharide (DP) has attracted increasing attention because of its multiple beneficial effects. In this study, the in vitro simulated digestion and microbial fermentation were designed to reveal the potential catabolic property of DP and its impacts on the modulation of gut microbial composition. The results showed that the reducing sugar content, total polysaccharides content, molecular weight, and rheological property of DP were not significantly altered under in vitro simulated digestive conditions. However, the molecular weight, apparent viscosity, and total polysaccharides content of indigestible DP (DPI) significantly decreased during in vitro fecal fermentation, and the reducing sugar content and the release of free monosaccharides notably increased, suggesting that DP could be degraded and used by gut microbiota. Additionally, the relative abundances of several beneficial bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Catenibacterium, Parabacteroides, and Megamonas, increased significantly, indicating that DP can regulate the composition and abundance of gut microbiota. Moreover, DP could also promote the production of SCFAs, thus changing the acid–base environment of the large intestine. The results of this study are beneficial for deeply clarifying the catabolic behavior of DP in the gastrointestinal tract, which can provide a theoretical basis for developing microbiota-directed products based on DP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aims to explore the correlation between fear of dementia and insomnia among community‐dwelling older adults and to examine the mediating roles of social isolation and resilience on this correlation. Methods: A total of 259 community‐dwelling older adults from Mianyang, China were recruited from June 2021 to August 2021 using convenience sampling. The Chinese versions of the Fear of Dementia Scale (FODS), Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS‐6), 25‐item Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC‐25) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) were used to collect specific, study‐related information from the subjects. Correlations between variables of interest were examined by Pearson analysis, and mediation analysis was conducted to explore the direct, indirect and total effects of the fear of dementia on insomnia vis‐à‐vis social isolation and resilience. Results: Results from 259 older adults indicated that fear of dementia and insomnia in older adults are positively correlated, that social isolation and resilience mediate the relationship between them, and that social isolation and resilience also had a statistically significant serial mediating effect. Conclusion: Fear of dementia is positively related to insomnia in older community‐dwelling Chinese adults, but resilience and social support may buffer the negative impact of fear of dementia and improve sleep quality. Impact: Fear of dementia is becoming more and more common in community‐dwelling older adults in China, and this emotional response to ageing and disease anxiety may be to blame for the poor sleep quality of some ageing populations. However, social support and resilience may buffer the negative impact of fear of dementia. The findings in this study indicate a need for well‐trained community nurses and other health practitioners to implement targeted strategies to reduce insomnia among older adults with fear of dementia. These strategies should strengthen resilience as well as social support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The small‐island effect (SIE), as an exception to the species–area relationship, has received much attention in true island systems. However, the prevalence and related patterns of the SIE have not been well evaluated in habitat island systems. Here, we aimed to identify the existence of SIE for habitat islands in fragmented landscapes and determine the key factors influencing species richness on small habitat islands. Location: Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. Taxon: Vascular plants. Methods: Based on 78 grassland fragments in fragmented landscapes of the agro‐pastoral ecotone of northern China, we used piecewise regression, path analysis and null models to investigate the SIE of the species–area relationship. We then used a multi‐model selection to evaluate the impacts of four influencing factors (instability, isolation, habitat heterogeneity and surrounding productivity) on species richness (including habitat specialists and generalists) on small habitat islands within the range of SIE. Results: We found an obvious threshold of 5.1 ha in the species–area relationship, below which habitat island area had no direct and indirect effects on species richness. Small habitat islands (<5.1 ha) host a lower percentage of habitat specialists and a higher percentage of generalists. On small habitat islands, species richness was positively affected by habitat heterogeneity while negatively affected by instability and isolation. Habitat heterogeneity had the strongest effect on species richness, positively affecting specialist richness while negatively affecting generalist richness. Main Conclusions: There is an SIE in fragmented landscapes of the agro‐pastoral ecotone of northern China, which should be considered in biodiversity conservation. Habitat heterogeneity had a key role in determining the pattern of species richness, especially for small islands. Habitat specialists and generalists had different SIE‐related patterns. Our study highlights the importance of considering different ecological groups of species to improve our understanding of the SIE in fragmented habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development in agricultural mechanization and information technology, orchard agricultural machinery is also constantly pursuing the goal of intelligence and efficiency. Fruit picking is the most labor-intensive part of the orchard harvesting process. In order to resolve the problems of high labor intensity, low picking efficiency, and labor shortage when harvesting dwarf high-density orchards, an automatic navigation fruit-picking platform with voice control was developed in the present study. First, the platform utilized a voice-controlled high-level extendable working platform and a fruit-box-lifting device to adapt to varying orchard planting row spacing and enable convenient fruit box loading and unloading. Second, an automatic navigation system, which employed China's Beidou navigation satellite system to acquire positional data and the Stanley algorithm for path-tracking control, was implemented. Third, the fruit-picking platform with automatic navigation system was fabricated and assembled, its outer wheel steering was measured to have a maximum angle of 30.3° and an average minimum turning radius of 4.5 m, meeting the turning radius requirements under orchard conditions. Finally, automatic navigation tests of the developed platform were performed in the orchard conditions. The results indicated that the platform could maintain a straight-line path with a maximum lateral deviation of 101.5 mm and a maximum absolute average deviation of 44.1 mm at 0.4 m/s. Under the U-shaped paths, the measured maximum lateral deviation was 148.6 mm and the maximum absolute average deviation was 57.2 mm. The navigation accuracy was sufficient to meet the requirements for the harvesting platform's routine operation in the orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) has caused great economic losses in the global pig industry. There have been published records of wild rats acting as the reservoirs of PCV2 (only PCV2a and PCV2b), but almost all of which were related to the PCV2-infected swine herds. Results: In this study, we carried out the detection, amplification, and characterization of novel PCV2 strains in wild rats that were captured far from pig farms. Nested PCR assay demonstrated that the kidney, heart, lung, liver, pancreas, and large and small intestines of rats were screened positive for PCV2. We subsequently sequenced two full genomes of PCV2 in positive sample pools, designated as js2021-Rt001 and js2021-Rt002. Genome sequence analysis indicated that they had the highest similarity to nucleotide sequences of porcine-origin PCV2 isolates in Vietnam. Phylogenetically, js2021-Rt001 and js2021-Rt002 were a part of the PCV2d genotype cluster, which is a predominant genotype circulating worldwide in recent years. The antibody recognition regions, immunodominant decoy epitope, and heparin sulfate binding motif of the two complete genome sequences coincided with those previously reported. Conclusions: Our research reported the genomic characterization of two novel PCV2 strains (js2021-Rt001 and js2021-Rt002) and provided the first supported evidence that PCV2d could naturally infect wild rats in China. However, whether the newly identified strains have potential for circulating in nature in vertical and horizontal transmission or inter-species jumping between rats and pigs needs further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that animal protein foods may increase the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We therefore examined the NAFLD risk reduction related to substituting plant protein foods for animal protein foods. Methods: The cohort in North China included 14,541 participants from the Tianjin Chronic Low‐Grade Systemic Inflammation and Health (TCLSIH) study, and the cohort in South China included 1297 participants from the Guangzhou Nutrition and Health Study (GNHS). Dietary intake was assessed using validated food frequency questionnaires. NAFLD was ascertained by abdominal ultrasound. The Cox model was used to fit the substitution analysis. Results: In the TCLSIH cohort, when replacing one type of animal protein food (eggs, processed meat, unprocessed red meat, poultry, and fish) with an equivalent serving of plant protein foods (nuts, legumes, and whole grains), the replacement of animal protein foods with whole grains showed the strongest benefit; substituting one serving per day of whole grains for an equal amount of eggs (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79, 1.00), processed meat (HR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.91), unprocessed red meat (HR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.81, 1.00), poultry (HR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.92), or fish (HR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78, 0.97) was associated with a lower risk of NAFLD. In both the TCLSIH and GNHS cohorts, replacing poultry with fish, nuts, legumes, or whole grains was associated with a lower risk of NAFLD. When different numbers of protein foods were simultaneously replaced, the risk reduction of NAFLD was stronger. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that replacing animal protein foods with plant protein foods is related to a significant reduction in NAFLD risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of invasive species on the local community (e.g., structure and stability) are highly environmentally dependent. Invasions of amphibious species usually take place in both xeric and humid environments, yet they are relatively poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the communities that were dominated by Alternanthera philoxeroides using ecological niche and interspecific association. A total of 66 species and 67 species were recorded in the xeric environment and humid environment, respectively. In both environments, species in family Gramineae, such as Echinochloa crusgalli and Cynodon dactylon, exhibited a higher level of importance values and greater ecological niche widths. The interspecific association and stability of the dominant species were weak and the dominant species were relatively independent of each other. In the xeric environment, A. philoxeroides was more compatible with E. crusgalli and C. dactylon in terms of ecological niche requirements and habitat suitability. In humid habitats, A. philoxeroides had a greater correlation with E. crusgalli, C. dactylon, and Persicaria lapathifolia, suggesting a higher possibility of concomitant occurrence. Overall, we suggested that during the revegetation after A. philoxeroides invasion, E. crusgalli and C. dactylon can be the alternative plants. Meanwhile, alternative control measures for A. philoxeroides invasion in agricultural fields should give more consideration to the use of plants with economic or ecological value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-standard farmland construction is an important initiative in China that promotes sustainable agricultural development and ensures food security through land consolidation. This study measures the growth of agricultural total factor productivity (ATFP) in China, which is used to characterize the sustainable development of agriculture. Using provincial panel data from China and a continuous difference-in-difference (DID) model, the study examines the impact of high-standard farmland construction policy on ATFP growth. Results show that ATFP in China has an increasing trend with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The average enhancement effect of high-standard farmland construction policy on ATFP is 1.0%, which remains significant after various robustness tests. The positive effect of the policy on ATFP becomes apparent in the third year of implementation and shows a gradually increasing trend. The study also finds that the impact of high-standard farmland construction on ATFP is more pronounced in the central regions of China, the main grain-producing regions, and the regions with higher ATFP. High-standard farmland construction policy enhances ATFP by promoting agricultural technology change and technical efficiency. To promote the growth of ATFP and achieve sustainable agricultural development, China should continue to promote the construction of high-standard farmland and explore suitable construction models for different regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the 5‐year incidence of primary glaucoma and its associated risk factors in rural northern China. Methods: Population‐based cohort study. A total of 5184 participants aged 30 years and older, without glaucoma at baseline, were subjected to comprehensive standardized interviews and ophthalmic and systemic examinations at baseline and after a 5‐year interval in the Handan Eye Study. Incident glaucoma was diagnosed by a consensus panel of five senior glaucoma specialists. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the baseline risk factors that could predict the incidence of glaucoma. Results: During the 5‐year follow‐up, incident primary glaucoma developed in 82 subjects (1.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2%–1.9%). The age‐ and gender‐standardized incidence of glaucoma among subjects ≥40 years old was 2.1% (0.4% annually), calculated according to the 2010 Chinese census. A higher age (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04–1.09; p < 0.001), higher intraocular pressure (IOP) (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02–1.20; p = 0.017), and vertical cup disc ratio (VCDR) ≥ 0.60 (OR, 5.30; 95% CI, 3.22–8.73; p < 0.001) were found to be associated with an increased risk of incident glaucoma. For each year, older age and each mmHg higher IOP, the risks of primary glaucoma increased by 1.2% and 2.0% per year, respectively. Conclusion: We reported the 5‐year incidence of primary glaucoma in a rural Chinese population and found that older age, higher IOP, and VCDR ≥ 0.60 at baseline could help in identifying those at highest risk of disease development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) generally arises from a background of liver cirrhosis (LC). Patients with cirrhosis and suspected HCC are recommended to undergo serum biomarker tests and imaging diagnostic evaluation. However, the performance of routine diagnostic methods in detecting early HCC remains unpromising. Methods: Here, we conducted a large-scale, multicenter study of 1675 participants including 490 healthy controls, 577 LC patients, and 608 HCC patients from nine clinical centers across nine provinces of China, profiled gene mutation signatures of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) using Circulating Single-Molecule Amplification and Resequencing Technology (cSMART) through detecting 931 mutation sites across 21 genes. Results: An integrated diagnostic model called "Combined method" was developed by combining three mutation sites and three serum biomarkers. Combined method outperformed AFP in the diagnosis of HCC, especially early HCC, with sensitivities of 81.25% for all stages and 66.67% for early HCC, respectively. Importantly, the integrated model exhibited high accuracy in differentiating AFP-negative, AFP-L3-negative, and PIVKA-II-negative HCCs from LCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]