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The mediate-low maturity continental shale oil reservoir in the 7th member of the Triassic Yanchang Formation is one of the main zones for shale oil exploration and development in Ordos Basin, China, but the seismic response mechanism of the reservoir remains unclear. Therefore, developing a new method for "sweet spot" seismic prediction combined with rock physics is necessary. To determine the petrophysical characteristics of continental shale in the 7th member of the Yanchang Formation in the study area, a series of tests, such as a systematic acoustic test on shale oil samples in the target segment, X-ray diffraction analyses, analysis of thin optical sections, and scanning electron microscopy, were conducted to summarize the patterns of seismic elastic property changes. Results show that the shale oil samples of the 7th member of the Yanchang Formation are primarily composed of lithic feldspar sandstone with feldspar dissolution and intergranular pores, widespread micron pores, and throats. Such composition indicates a positive correlation between porosity and permeability. The velocities of the samples are affected by their porosity and mineral composition. Velocity increases with the increase of the calcium content and decreases with the increase of the clay content, indicating a negative correlation with the porosity and total organic carbon (TOC) content on the condition of the same rock structure (quartz skeleton or clay skeleton). The elastic properties of the rock are horizontally isotropic (T1 medium), and the velocity is vertically anisotropic. In addition, the directional arrangement of clay controls the anisotropy of rock velocity. TOC is mainly distributed in the primary intergranular pores, and it has no contribution to the anisotropy of rock velocity. The results of this paper can provide a reference for the seismic prediction of continental shale oil reservoirs in the 7th member of the Yanchang Formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What are the causes of the change in the north-south gap of industrial pollution discharge in 2008 and 2016? In order to solve this problem, this paper makes theoretical and empirical research. The results show that (1) the difference in economic growth pattern transformation is the root cause of the change in the north-south gap of industrial pollution discharge.(2) The international financial crisis is the direct cause of the change in the north-south gap of industrial pollution discharge in 2008. The international financial crisis forced the industrial transformation and upgrading of the southern region, which made the TFP of the southern region relatively improve, and then led to the relative reduction of industrial pollution discharge in the southern region. (3) The supply-side structural reform is the direct cause of the change in the north-south gap of industrial pollution discharge in 2016. However, the supply-side structural reform proposed by the central government in 2016 is essentially a further continuation of the policy of "resolving overcapacity" implemented in 2013. In fact, the north-south gap in the growth rate of industrial discharge has changed since 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging disease that is caused by a novel bunyavirus, referred to as SFTS virus. During January 2011 to December 2011 we conducted a case-control study in Henan, Hubei and Shandong Provinces of China to determine the risk factors for SFTS. Methods: Case-patients were identified in hospitals and reported to provincial Centers for Disease Control and Prevention while being notified electronically to the National Surveillance System. Controls were randomly selected from a pool of patients admitted to the same hospital ward within one week of the inclusion of the cases. They were matched by age (+/−5 years) and gender. Results: A total of 422 patients participated in the study including 134 cases and 288 matched controls. The median age of the cases was 58.8 years, ranging from 47.6 to 70.1 years; 54.5% were male. No differences in demographics were observed between cases and controls; however, farmers were frequent and more common among cases (88.8%) than controls (58.7%). In multivariate analysis, the odds for SFTS was 2.4∼4.5 fold higher with patients who reported tick bites or presence of tick in the living area. Other independent risk factors included cat or cattle ownership and reported presence of weeds and shrubs in the working environment. Conclusions: Our findings support the hypothesis that ticks are important vectors of SFTS virus. Further investigations are warranted to understand the detailed modes of transmission of SFTS virus while vector management, education on tick bites prevention and personal hygiene management should be implemented for high-risk groups in high incidence areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the effect of different sperm preparation methods and incubation times post preparation on sperm DNA fragmentation. Methods: Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed by sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) method on motile sperm prepared by gradient centrifugation or swim-up and incubated in IVF medium for up to 24 hours. Data were analyzed to discover the effect of preparation methods and incubation times on sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI). Results: There were no differences in DFI in sperm samples prepared by gradient centrifugation method or swim-up (3.87 ± 2.14 vs. 3.45 ± 1.83, p == 0.544). However, an increase was observed in DFI in samples prepared by swim-up after 6-8 hours compared with by gradient centrifugation (34° vs. 13°, p == 0.04). In the swim-up group, the DFI level at 4 hours was already significantly higher than it was initially. However, following gradient centrifugation, the DFI at 8 hours was significantly higher than the initial DFI level. Conclusion: Sperm samples prepared by gradient centrifugation may be more stable compared to samples prepared by swim-up in terms of DNA Fragmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we compared the differences of bacterial abundance and diversity between rhizosphere and surrounding bulk soils under soil salinization and petroleum contamination in the Yellow River Delta on a 110-km-distance scale. In comparison with bulk soils, rhizosphere soils were mainly characterized by lower salinity and higher water content in saline soils. For bacterial abundance, the numbers of total bacteria and hydrocarbon degraders were significantly higher in rhizosphere soils than those in bulk soils. Although there was no significant difference in total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration between the two types of soils, TPH had distinctly different effects on bacterial abundance in rhizosphere and bulk soils. TPH concentration was the major determinant of total bacterial abundance and had positive effects on abundances of hydrocarbon degraders. However, the abundances of total bacteria and hydrocarbon degraders in bulk soils were primarily determined by soil salinity and water content. Great abundance of rhizosphere bacteria suggested that plant roots could alleviate the stresses from soil salinization and provide more favorable microhabitats for bacterial growth. TPH had positive effects on bacterial diversity of both rhizosphere and bulk soils. Our results support the view that petroleum in the environments functions as both toxic chemicals and carbon sources to soil bacteria. Great abundance and diversity of total bacteria in plant rhizospheres would potentially improve the roles of bacteria in maintaining ecosystem functioning in the degraded ecosystems. Our results would improve our understanding of the relationships between rhizosphere effects and multiple environmental stresses that control the development of bacterial community in fragile anthropologically-affected ecosystems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Although the impact of plant invasions on benthic communities, especially burrowing crabs, has received increasing attention, the results from past studies are mixed. The exotic plant Spartina alterniflora has become the most abundant species in the salt marshes of the Yangtze River estuary since it was first found just over a decade ago, but its effects on crabs in the salt marshes is largely unknown. To examine whether the invasions of this exotic plant affected native crabs, we compared the biomass and abundance of the dominant burrowing crab Sesarma dehaani in an exotic Spartina marsh, native Phragmites australis marsh and mudflats of the Yangtze River estuary, China. To explain the differences of S. dehaani populations between different habitats, feeding preference of S. dehaani for Spartina and Phragmites was investigated. Results showed crab abundance and biomass in the Spartina marsh were significantly greater than those in the Phragmites marsh and mudflats. Soil water content and plant community characteristics in the Spartina marsh also significantly differed in the Phragmites marsh and mudflats. Moreover, the feeding preference experiment showed that crabs consumed Spartina more than twice as much as Phragmites. In summary, this study showed that Spartina provided compatible habitats for native crab S. dehaani through offering suitable food source and moderate environmental conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tidal creeks are an important structure of salt marshes in estuarine ecosystems, providing valuable ecosystem services to wildlife in the estuary. To determine the effects of environmental heterogeneities within tidal creeks on the features of crab burrows, we divided a typical creek section into four parts (i.e., microhabitats): bottom, slope, edge and flat, investigated the distribution of crab burrows and sediment properties on creek sections in the Yangtze River estuary, and compared the burrow distribution in tidal creeks with that in non-creek areas. Our results showed that from the creek bottom to flat soil water content declined (F 3,60 =93.8, p <0.001), and the variations of other sediment physical and chemical properties associated with the change of soil water content were significant among the microhabitats on the creek sections (p <0.001 for pH, conductivity, and grain size). No crab burrows were found at the creek bottom. The burrows on the slope were smaller in size (p <0.001 for burrow opening diameter) while the density was higher than that at the edge and on the flat (F 2,45 =31.2, p <0.001). Moreover, although the correlations between burrow distribution and sediment properties varied among the microhabitats on the creek sections, crabs generally selected relatively solid sediments to build their burrows. On the slope, there was a significantly negative relationship between burrow density and soil water content (r 2 =0.53, p <0.001). At the edge, the correlation between total burrow opening area and soil water content was significantly negative (r 2 =0.44, p <0.002). The density of small crab burrows (<10mm) was greater, but that of large burrows (>10mm) was lower in tidal creeks than in non-creek habitats. Therefore, sediment properties showed a gradual transition from hydrophytic to terrestrial environments on the creek section, which caused significant differences of burrow distribution among the microhabitats. The creeks of tidal salt marshes could affect ecological processes and functioning through affecting crab burrows. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract This study was designed to assess the preclinical toxicity of antipyrine combined with lidocaine hydrochloride ear drops (ALED) and support the clinical trials of ALED in clinical settings in China. All the experiments including acute toxicity in rodents, skin sensitization toxicity in guinea pigs, skin irritation toxicity in rabbits and chronic toxicity in rats were performed according to China Food and Drug Administration guidelines. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of ALED administration for mice and rats was over (400 g antipyrine plus 100 g lidocaine hydrochloride)/kg and (240 g andtipyrine plus 60 g lidocaine hydrochloride)/kg, respectively. No obvious skin sensitization toxicity and skin irritation toxicity were observed. The main changes concentrated in chronic toxicity study in rats. For the chronic toxicity, rats were administrated once a day for 28 consecutive days, and a 14-day recovery period was followed. The side effects of ALED included decreased dietary intake in male rats, increased proportion of reticulocytes, decreased or even inversed granulocyte:erythrocyte ratio, fluctuated alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and slightly increased relative weight of liver. Conclusively, blood system (especially erythrocyte system) and digestive system, including liver and gastrointestinal tract, might be the toxic targets of ALED. Highlights • The present study assessed the preclinical safety of ALED. • Blood system and digestive system might be toxic targets of ALED. • This work was designed to support the clinical trials of ALED in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A two-layer DSS for rural sustainable development (DRSD) was developed for the comprehensive planning of socioeconomic development and eco-environment protection in Yongxin County, Jiangxi Province, China. The DRSD considers multiple sectors within a general decision-support framework to generate cross-sector optimal development schemes at a county scale. It integrates a dynamic database system, large-scale linear programming for regional managers, and integer linear programming for farmers, which makes a solid step toward linking farmers'' microplanning with administrators'' macropolicies. Yongxin, an economically relatively undeveloped and geographically relatively isolated county, was chosen as the paradigm for this DRSD application; this selection provided a good opportunity to analyze the relationships between rapid economic development, ecological destruction, and environmental deterioration within the region. The results from the representative scenario, Sustainable Development, suggested that maximization of overall economic benefits for 23 towns in Yongxin over a 15-year period, from 2007 to 2022 would require relatively small increases in agricultural and horticultural areas, significant increases in scales of livestock, poultry, sericulture, forestry, and fisheries, as well as significant increases in investment in both the secondary and the tertiary industry sectors. Future directions and implementation challenges for this type of DSS were discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Older individuals are priority coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine recipients. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of and factors influencing vaccine hesitancy in older individuals living in nursing homes and communities., Methods: A self-administered COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy survey was conducted from September 2021 to December 2021 among people aged ≥ 60 years in eight nursing homes (382 participants) and the community (112 participants) in Taizhou, China. The response rate was 72.1% (382/530) for older adults in nursing homes and 68.7% (112/163) for older adults in the community., Results: We found that 58.1% of the older individuals in nursing homes and 36.6% of those in the community were hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and that there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression results indicated that the main factors influencing hesitation among the older individuals in nursing homes were being male (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.67, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.01-2.76); their cognitive level, including having a high perceived risk of COVID-19 infection (OR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.73-5.43) or the perception of low vaccine safety (OR = 3.08, 95% CI: 1.545- 6.145); anxiety (OR = 3.43, 95% CI: 1.96-5.99); and no previous influenza vaccination (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.13-2.93); whereas those for older individuals in the community were comorbid chronic diseases (OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.11- 8.78) and community workers not recommending the vaccine (OR = 8.223, 95% CI: 1.77-38.27)., Conclusion: The proportion of older individuals in nursing homes who were hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was significantly higher than for older individuals in the community. Targeted measures should be implemented to reduce vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination rates in response to the special environment of nursing homes and the characteristics of this population., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Shizuishan is a typical exhausted resources-based city in the northern area of the Ningxia Hui autonomous region in China. In order to develop the planting industry of selenium (Se)-rich agricultural products and promote green and sustainable urban development and transformation, investigations on the quality of Se-rich land were carried out in Shizuishan City, where 7399 surface soil (0-20 cm) samples of farmlands, 30 atmospheric precipitation samples, and nine parent rocks were collected. By means of semi variogram model construction by GS + , Kriging interpolation in ArcGIS and statistics via SPSS, such as correlation analysis and mean-value analysis, the content, spatial distribution, and enrichment factors of Se-soil were analyzed. Further, the enrichment characteristics of soil Se in alkaline conditions were summarized. The results indicated that ω (Se) in surface soil was (0.26±0.12) mg·kg -1 , and its spatial distribution was highly auto-correlated. The variation in Se content was related to natural factors. Along Helan Mountain, the content of Se in the surface soil was comparatively higher than that where coal mines were located. The parent rock was the principal factor that controlled the enrichment of soil Se. The physical and chemical properties of soil such as organic material, pH, and iron and manganese oxides had crucial effects on the enrichment of soil Se in a surficial environment. Compared to a strong alkaline environment, alkaline conditions were beneficial for the enrichment of Se in the surface soil.

A passive air sampler was used to monitor the concentration and contamination profile of 18 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the atmosphere over the urban and industrial area of Gaolan, a city in northwest China, during the non-heating and heating seasons of 2018, and the sources, pollutant transport, and the health risks of PCB exposure were analyzed and assessed using principle component analysis, trajectory modeling, and inhalation exposure modeling. The atmospheric concentration in the study area ranged from 110.2 to 429.9 pg·m -3 , and the highest average concentration was found at the industrial estate. Tetra-PCBs and penta-PCBs were the dominant homologue groups, and the percentage of tetra-PCBs increased in the heating season. Combustion and industrial thermal processes, PCB-containing electrical equipment, and the combined source of volatilization from paint, combustion, and industrial thermal processes were considered to be the main sources, and the source of combustion and industrial thermal processes contributed the largest proportion of PCBs at 40.8%. Largely, the emission of UP-PCBs would significantly influence PCB pollution in the study area. Trajectory analysis results illustrated that PCBs emitted from sources in the study area would be transmitted to Lanzhou City atmospherically; local pollution would be the main source of PCBs contamination in the study area during the non-heating season, while the atmospheric input of PCBs transmitted from the northwest region would be another source during the heating season. Health risk analysis showed that the non-cancer risk of PCBs exposure was low in all age groups; however, lifetime cancer risks exceeded 10 -6 . PCBs emitted from combustion and industrial thermal processes sources would have a strong impact on resident exposure to PCBs, and adverse health effects would be caused due to long-term inhalation exposure of the inhabitants to PCBs contamination in the study area.

Chenopodium album Linn is used as the traditional Chinese medicine for treating cough, anorexia, piles, dysentery, diarrhea, and kills small worms in China. Nine new tropolones (1-9), and fourteen known tropolone derivatives (10-23) were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis and references from C. album Linn for the first time. Compounds (1-4) and compounds (13-14) displayed notably hepatoprotective activities in intro for lowering AST levels (19.63 ± 2.34 to 29.87 ± 1.27 U•L -1 ) and ALT levels (15.21 ± 1.18 to 20.29 ± 2.11 U•L -1 ) in HepG2 cells treated with H 2 O 2 . Compounds (8-9) and compounds (15-17) exhibited moderate antiproliferative activities in vitro against the human tumor cell lines with IC 50 values ranging from 0.5 ± 0.2 to 15.5 ± 2.7 μM. A preliminary structure activity relationship was summarized and discussed scientifically, which provided new clues to design novel hepatoprotective and antiproliferative drugs based on the tropolone derivatives., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the association between the prevalence of varicocele and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in elder man in China., Methods: A total of 831 BPH/LUTS outpatients who were 40 years or older were recruited. The patients' age, total prostatic volume (TPV), International Prostate Symptom Score, total prostate-specific antigen, nocturia, and body mass index were recorded. The presence and grade of varicocele were diagnosed by physical examination in combination with scrotal color Doppler., Results: The total prevalence of varicocele was 53.0%. The prevalence values of varicoceles in patients were 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 years old, and 80 or above were 43.0%, 42.4%, 54.0%, 59.5%, and 64.0%, respectively. When comparing with varicocele grade, TPV (P  =  .002) was found to be significantly different. Nocturia frequencies increased significantly in patients with varicocele (P  <  .01). There were no difference in terms of International Prostate Symptom Score, total prostate-specific antigen, and body mass index between patients with no varicocele and with grades 1, 2, and 3 varicoceles (P  >  .05)., Conclusion: For elderly patients, the prevalence of varicocele shows an increasing trend with aging. Higher-grade varicoceles are associated with higher TPV and nocturia levels. Varicocele, which may be a factor that affects BPH/LUTS, cannot be overlooked., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: It is uncertain whether gender affects the outcomes of catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). The objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CA for long-standing persistent AF in women., Methods: Between January 2010 and May 2011, 220 consecutive patients (73 females, 33.2%), with long-standing persistent AF who underwent CA were prospectively recruited. Gender-related differences in clinical presentation, periprocedural complications, and outcomes were compared., Results: Women were less likely to have lone AF than men (27.4% vs 47.6%; P = 0.004). The incidence of rheumatic heart disease was higher in women (19.2% in women vs 1.4% in men; P < 0.001). Women had a lower initial ablation success rate than men (35.6% vs 57.1%; P = 0.003). Hematomas occurred more often in women (6.8% in women vs 0.7% in men; P = 0.027). A Cox regression analysis demonstrated total duration of AF (per month, hazard ratio [HR] 1.003, confidence interval [CI] 1.001-1.006; P = 0.006) and gender (HR 1.663, CI 1.114-2.485; P = 0.013) as the independent predictors for recurrence after the first CA., Conclusions: Women and long AF duration were closely related to the recurrence of AF after the first ablation in patients with long-standing persistent AF. Women also had a higher risk of vascular complications., (©2013, The Authors. Journal compilation ©2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: To analyze the trend of incidence and mortality on thyroid cancer in China., Methods: Data from 32 cancer registry sites in China was collected and Jionpoint model was used to obtain the crude, age-specified incidence and mortality, both Chinese national and world age-standardized rates of incidence and mortality and their trends., Results: The crude incidence of thyroid cancer was 4.44/10(5), and the Chinese national and world age-standardized rates were 2.89/10(5) and 3.31/10(5) respectively. The crude mortality of thyroid cancer was 0.44/10(5), with the Chinese national and world age-standardized rates as 0.21/10(5) and 0.29/10(5) during 2003 - 2007 in the country. Thyroid cancer accounted for 1.67% and 0.26% of the Chinese national and world age-standardized proportions, for total cancers. Both incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer were higher in females than in males, 3.38 and 1.75 times higher in urban areas than those in rural areas. The incidence of thyroid cancer showed annually increase of 14.51% while the mortality had an increase of 1.42%., Conclusion: The incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer increased rapidly in China, calling for more control efforts on this disease.

Background: Marginal renal grafts may alleviate the shortage of suitable organs to meet an increasing demand of kidney transplantation, especially when live donors are currently limited to relatives of patients in China. The aim of this study was to investigate how to increase the available donors pool, evaluation, and treatment of marginal donors., Methods: We had performed 121 kidney transplantation cases with living relative donors. Five out of these cases applied marginal grafts with surgical diseases, including one renal stone, one duplex kidney, one renal leiomyoma and two cases of simple renal cysts. In each case, particular surgical interventions were exerted on the graft prior to standard engrafting procedures., Results: All recipients recovered with functioning transplants given that their serum creatinine levels declined to a normal range within one week after operation. These recipients were subsequently followed up for 10 months on average and their kidney functions remained stable., Conclusions: Marginal renal grafts with surgical diseases, which can be treated surgically before engrafting, may provide satisfying transplantation outcomes. Positive and cautious consideration of these grafts may increase renal donor pool.

Background: Organ transplantation represents an important advance in modern medical science, and it has benefited many patients with organ failure; however, the severe deficiency of organ sources has been a bottleneck that has limited the benefits this technology can bring. The aim of this study was to show the results of a survey on Chinese people's awareness and attitudes toward organ donation., Methods: We designed a questionnaire regarding organ donation consisting of 20 short questions, which were distributed to 10 groups. Most of the questions were multiple-choice; the core question related to people's attitudes to organ donation and the development of organ donation. The survey was held in the outpatient hall of Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, a commercial district, and four professional colleges. Participants were randomly selected, and answered questions about gender, age, educational background, profession, and study major., Results: In all, 2930 valid responses were received. Male:female ratio was nearly 1:1.2 (mean age 38 years). Over 90.0% of participants knew about organ transplantation and which organs could be transplanted; more than 95.0% knew about organ donation, but the time they had been aware of it varied. Nearly 90.0% of the participants approved of deceased organ donation; 73.0% indicated they would like to donate their organs post mortem. Participants who knew more about organ failure and organ transplantation were more likely to support organ donation. College students were very positive about organ donation, though as they gain professional knowledge their attitudes may change. Altogether, 65.3% of participants approved of living organ donation, which was obviously lower than the figure for deceased organ donation (P < 0.05). In all, 85.7% of participants approved of compensation to the deceased donor's family. To promote organ donation in China, 62.9% of participants indicated that the public's knowledge about organ donation should be increased via the media and various kinds of education. Only 20.0% of the participants believed that legislation was required., Conclusions: We conclude that at present the Chinese public has a basic understanding about organ transplantation and donation. The majority respondents were in favor of deceased organ donation and were willing to donate their own organs after death.

Objective: To investigate the differences in gene expression profiles of adult articular cartilage from patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) versus those with primary knee osteoarthritis (OA)., Methods: The messenger RNA expression profiles of articular cartilage from patients with KBD, diagnosed according to the clinical criteria for KBD in China, were compared with those of cartilage from patients with OA, diagnosed according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index. Total RNA was isolated separately from 4 pairs of the KBD and OA cartilage samples, and the expression profiles were evaluated by Agilent 4x44k Whole Human Genome density oligonucleotide microarray analysis. The microarray data for selected transcripts were confirmed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification., Results: For 1.2 x 10(4) transcripts, corresponding to 58.4% of the expressed transcripts, 2-fold changes in differential expression were revealed. Expression levels higher in KBD than in OA samples were observed in a mean + or - SD 6,439 + or - 1,041 (14.6 + or - 2.4%) of the transcripts, and expression levels were lower in KBD than in OA samples in 6,147 + or - 1,222 (14.2 + or - 2.8%) of the transcripts. After application of the selection criteria, 1.85% of the differentially expressed genes (P < 0.001 between groups) were detected. These included 233 genes, of which 195 (0.4%) were expressed at higher levels and 38 (0.08%) were expressed at lower levels in KBD than in OA cartilage. Comparisons of the quantitative RT-PCR data supported the validity of our microarray data., Conclusion: Differences between KBD and OA cartilage exhibited a similar pattern among all 4 of the pairs examined, indicating the presence of disease mechanisms, mainly chondrocyte matrix metabolism, cartilage degeneration, and apoptosis induction pathways, which contribute to cartilage destruction in KBD.

Objective: To study the characteristics and influencing factors on hearing impairment among elderly population in the community of Taiyuan city., Methods: 384 ageing people above 60 years old were selected from Chaoyang and Guandi community in Taiyuan city by multi-stage sampling. Data on influencing factors of hearing impairment were collected by questionnaire. 5 ml fasting blood samples were drawn to detect the level of glucose, triglyceride and cholesterin in the blood samples. All the objects were tested with binaural hearing. The level of binaural hearing threshold at 0.5 kHz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 3 kHz, 4 kHz, 8 kHz were measured by GVSLN-TC-GK2000 hearing-assistant evaluative apparatus. The level of 3 kHz, 4 kHz, average hearing threshold from ear with better audition was chosen as dependent variable. Socio-demographic data, environmental factors and biochemical indicator were chosen as independent variables, t test, ANOVA and accumulative logistic regression were performed to analyze the influencing factors on hearing impairment by software SPSS 13.0., Results: The prevalence of hearing impairment among elderly population was 90.9%. The hearing disorder was 78.6% with 1.3% of them using hearing-assistant apparatus. Results from single factor analysis showed that the average levels of 3 kHz, 4 kHz, 8 kHz hearing thresholds were significantly different among elderly with different age, sex, education background and the levels of glucose and cholesterin (P < 0.01). Results of accumulative logistics regression showed that except glucose in which was the only one included in regression model of lower median frequency group, all the others were included in regression model of frequency group. Being male, older age and with higher level of glucose and cholesterin in blood were risk factors causing hearing impairment. Higher education level seemed to be a preventive factor., Conclusion: Hearing impairment appeared in higher prevalence among the elderly population, suggesting that proper measures should be taken. It is beneficial for abating hearing impairment to decrease the level of glucose and cholesterin in blood.

Objective: To explore the influencing factors on mild cognitive impairment among the community-based elderly population., Methods: A 'n : m' matched case-control study was conducted to analyze the risk factors. Cox regression model of survival analysis was selected to deal with non-geometric proportional matched data which was difficult to analyze by logistic regression model., Results: Four hundred and twenty-three cases together with nine hundred and twenty-five controls were interviewed with an uniformed questionnaire. Through univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis, the odds ratio and 95% CI of these risk factors appeared to be: physical labor as 1.396 (1.092-1.785); smoking as 1.551 (1.021-2.359); higher level of blood glucose as 1.354 (1.102-1.664); HDL-C in the serum as 1.543 (1.232-1.932); LDL-C in the serum as 1.299 (1.060-1.592); lower level of estrogen in the serum as 1.263 (1.031-1.547); hypertension as 1.967 (1.438-2.689); diabete: 1.381 (1.139-1.675); depressive disorder: 1.406 (1.110-1.780); cerebral thrombosis as 1.593 (1.307-1.943); higher SBP as 1.331 (1.129-1.569) and ApoEepsilon 4 carrier as 1.462 (1.140-1.873) respectively. Odds ratio and 95% CI on protection factors appeared to be: reading newspaper frequently as 0.610 (0.503-0.740); frequently doing housework as 0.804 (0.665-0.973); frequently engaging in social activities as 0.617 (0.502-0.757); reemployment after formal retirement as 0.759 (0.636-0.906); having acumen olfaction as 0.900 (0.845-0.958); having extrovert personality as 0.829 (0.699-0.984); being decisive as 0.811 (0.662-0.993)., Conclusion: The major measures to prevent MCI seemed to be including the following factors as: being intellectuals, engaging in healthy life style and decreasing the risk in developing hypertension, diabetes, depressive disorder and cerebrovascular disease. However, olfactory hypoesthesia, cowardice and having introvert character, ApoEepsilon 4 carrier etc could be treated as early indications to signify MCI.

Aim: To evaluate the long-term risk of gastroduodenal ulcer and cardiovascular events induced by celecoxib in a population-based, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study., Methods: From 2004 to 2006, a total of 1024 Chinese patients (aged 35 to 64 years) with severe chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia were randomly assigned to receive 200 mg of celecoxib twice daily or placebo in Linqu County (Shandong Province, China), a high-risk area of gastric cancer. All gastroduodenal ulcer and cardiovascular events occurred were recorded and the patients were followed up for 1.5 years after treatment. At the end of the trial, a systematic interview survey about other adverse events was conducted., Results: Gastroduodenal ulcer was detected in 19 of 463 (3.72%) patients who received celecoxib and 17 of 473 (3.31%) patients who received placebo, respectively (odds ratio = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.58-2.19). Cardiovascular (CV) events occurred in 4 patients who received celecoxib and in 5 patients who received placebo, respectively. Compared with those who received placebo, patients who received celecoxib had no significant increase in occurrence of CV events (hazard ratio = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.23-3.15). Among the adverse events acquired by interview survey, only the frequency of bloating was significantly higher in patients treated with celecoxib than in those treated with placebo., Conclusion: Treatment of gastric cancer with celecoxib is not associated with increased risk of gastroduodenal ulcer and cardiovascular events.

Objective: To present a single center experience in managing transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in Chinese renal transplant (RTx) recipients., Methods: In a cohort of 1429 patients who received RTx operation, 27 patients (six males and 21 females) were pathologically diagnosed with TCC in their native urologic system. The data were analyzed retrospectively., Results: The incidence of TCC was 1.89% and accounted for 41.5% of the patients with post-transplant de novo malignancies among 1429 recipients. Among the 27 recipients with TCC, 77.8% were female, 59.3% had taken a Chinese herb that contains aristolochic acid for at least 2 months before RTx, 51.9% had painless gross hematuria, while 40.7% had microscopic hematuria and/or repeated urologic infection. Two patients were found to have asymptomatic hydronephrosis during a routine check-up. The patients with upper tract carcinoma underwent simultaneous bilateral nephroureterectomy or unilateral nephroureterectomy and bladder cuff resection. Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor was carried out in patients with concomitant or solitary superficial bladder lesions. Intravesical chemotherapy was started and immunosuppressants were adjusted in all patients immediately after the surgery. Tumor recurrence in the bladder was noted in five patients. In one patient, residual and/or recurrent carcinoma in the contralateral pelvis was detected., Conclusions: Transitional cell carcinoma is the predominant malignancy in Chinese RTx recipients. Female sex, the Chinese herb containing aristolochic acid and immunosuppression are markedly associated with the development of TCC. Risk-adapted screening, strict follow up, standard surgical intervention and dose reduction of immunosuppressants are very important for early diagnosis and treatment of TCC.

The first-stage storage of the Three Gorges Project started on the 1st June, 2003 and ended on the 10th June, 2003. In order to investigate the influences of the Three Gorges Project on the Changjiang Estuary and adjacent area environment, a cruise was carried out from the 15th June, 2003 to the 25th June, 2003 to synthetically study the environment. Suspended matter concentrations (SMC) in different water layers at different sites were calculated and distributions of SMC were discussed combining with salinity and temperature of water based on recovered data. In results, SMC increase from surface to bottom in Changjiang Estuary and adjacent area. Suspended matters are enriched in the water over the river mouth bar and alongshore area which are located at the west of 123 degrees E. Compared to that before the storage, SMC are reduced obviously in the Changjiang course and south branch after the storage. For example, at the Xuliujing, SMC are reduced from 400 - 500 mg/L to 60.2 mg/L, and in the south branch, from 445 mg/L to 148 mg/L. In other areas, SMC do not show a significant change that they are both less than 10 mg/L in the surface player and 100 mg/L in bottom player. Generally, the distributed patterns of SMC in the investigation area after the storage are still similar to that before the storage.

Aim: To examine the association of daily alcohol intake, types of alcoholic beverage consumed, drinking patterns and obesity with alcoholic liver disease in China., Methods: By random cluster sampling and a 3-year follow-up study, 1 270 alcohol drinkers were recruited from different occupations in the urban and suburban areas of Xi'an City. They were examined by specialists and inquired for information on: Medical history and family medical history, alcohol intake, types of alcoholic beverage consumed, drinking patterns by detailed dietary questionnaires. Routine blood tests and ultrasonography were done., Results: Multivariate analysis showed that: (1) The risk threshold for developing alcoholic liver disease was ingestion of more than 20 g alcohol per day, keeping on drinking for over 5 years in men. The highest OR was at the daily alcohol consumption > or =160 g, the occurrence rate of ALD amounted to 18.7% (P<0.01). No ALD occurred when ingestion of alcohol was less than 20 g per day. (2) 87.9% of all drank only at mealtimes. The cumulative risk of developing ALD was significantly higher in those individuals who regularly drank alcohol without food than in those who drank only at mealtimes, especially for those who regularly drank hard liquors only and multiple drinks (P<0.05). (3) The alcohol consumption in those with BMI > or =25 was lower than in those with BMI<25, but the risk increased to 11.5%, significantly higher than that of general population, 6.5% (P<0.01). (4) Abstinence and weight reduction could benefit the liver function recovery., Conclusion: In the Chinese population the ethanol risk threshold for developing ALD is 20 g per day, and this risk increases with increased daily intake. Drinking 20 g of ethanol per day and for less than 5 years are safe from ALD. Drinking alcohol outside mealtimes and drinking hard liquors only and multiple different alcohol beverages both increase the risk of developing ALD. Obesity also increases the risk. Abstinence and weight reduction will directly affect the prognosis of ALD. Doctor's strong advice might influence the prognosis indirectly.