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Abstract: The Cesium-137 technique was used to estimate soil erosion in the Xihanshui River Basin. More than 100 samples were taken from 10 sites and 20 hillslopes with a 10cm diameter hand-operated core driller. Each sample was 60 cm long. The 137Cs activity was analyzed by gamma spectrometry. The simplified mass balance model and the profile distribution model were used to calculate soil erosion and deposition rate. The local 137Cs reference ranged from 1,600 to 2,402 Bq m−2. The data shows an exponential decrease of mass concentration and amount with depth in an undisturbed soil profile. Soil erosion in the river basin is moderate or severe on cultivated land with annual erosion rates of 2,000–6,000 t km−2 yr−1. In general, very severe or severe soil erosion occurred at the upper slope sections, moderate or severe soil erosion at the middle section, and moderate or slight soil erosion at the lower slope sections. On the slopes with natural vegetation, consisting of herbaceous and wood species, the erosion rate is much lower or not detectable. On the lower section of slopes with well-developed vegetation however, there was no soil loss, instead deposition occurred at a rate of more than 300 t km−2 yr−1. The slope gradient and vegetation cover affected soil erosion and deposition rates. In general, the rate of soil erosion was proportional to the slope gradient and inversely proportional to the degree of vegetative cover. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. It is extremely important to establish sufficient exposure and room for manipulation during endoscopic thyroidectomy. To solve this problem, the authors have developed a new technique for retraction of the strap muscles perfected during 500 cases of breast-approach endoscopic thyroidectomy. Methods. The new technique encompasses the use of 3 styles of retractor: the suture retractor, the button retractor, and the adjustable button retractor. These retractors are all easy to make and are all useful in different situations. Conclusions. The new technique is a safe and cost-effective method. It reduces the operation time required to obtain good exposure without transecting the strap muscles. In addition, it is minimally invasive and confers cosmetic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An analysis of the effect of ENSO events with different strengths on the isotopic composition of precipitation is conducted based on test data for 206 precipitation samples collected from January 2012 to February 2017 in Shanghai coupled with the archives for Nanjing, Wuhan, Fuzhou, and Hong Kong from 1961 to 2012 from the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP) database. During the research periods, the δD and δ 18 O values in precipitation are lower in summer and autumn but higher in winter and spring. The slope and intercept of the atmospheric precipitation lines during El Niño events are larger than during other times, while anti-temperature, precipitation amount, and vapor pressure effects are more significant than during La Niña events. The δ 18 O and deuterium excess values (value of d ) of rainfall in Shanghai during El Niño and La Niña events of varied strengths have an obvious negative correlation with the oceanic Niño index (ONI), sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA), and the extreme and cumulative values of ONI. Moreover, ENSO events are closely intertwined with the correlation between δ 18 O isotopic value in precipitation, ONI, and SSTA.

A total of 70 precipitation samples were collected from August 2014 to August 2015 in Shanghai and the oxygen and hydrogen isotope of precipitation were analyzed. The relationship between the δ 18 O and deuterium excess of precipitation and ENSO events was addressed. The results showed that δD and δ 18 O of precipitation in Shanghai were higher in winter and spring than in summer and fall. The slope of meteoric water line with these data was a little smaller than the global meteoric water line. The main reason could be the unbalanced secondary evaporation in the process of precipitation. The correlation between the δ 18 O in precipitation and temperature and precipitation varied in different time scales. On a seasonal scale, this work revealed that there was no significant temperature effect in winter, but significant precipitation effect was found in the annual scales, which was obviously affected by the atmospheric circulation. δ 18 O values and deuterium excess in precipitation recorded the La Niña and El Niño conversion process. During the La Niña event, the δ 18 O and d values were more negative than those in the El Niño event.

To reveal the magnetic response to the atmospheric heavy metal pollution in leaves along urban parks, Camphor leaf samples, widely distributed at urban parks, were collected along the year leading wind direction of Shanghai, by setting two vertical and horizontal sections, using rock magnetic properties and heavy metal contents analysis. The results showed that the magnetic minerals of samples were predominated by ferromagnetic minerals, and both the concentration and grain size of magnetite particles gradually decreased with the winter monsoon direction from the main industrial district. A rigorous cleaning of leaves using ultrasonic agitator washer could remove about 63%-90% of low-field susceptibility values of the leaves, and this strongly indicated that the intensity of magnetic signal was mainly controlled by the PMs accumulated on the leaves surfaces. Moreover, there was a significant linear relationship between heavy metals contents (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, V and Pb) and magnetic parameters (0.442 ≤ R ≤ 0.799, P < 0.05), which suggested that magnetic parameters of urban park leaves could be used as a proxy for atmospheric heavy metal pollution. The results of multivariate statistical analysis showed that the content of magnetic minerals and heavy metal indust-loaded tree leaves was affected by associated pollution of industry and traffic.

Aim: To summarize our experience in the application of Crurasoft® for antireflux surgery and hiatal hernia (HH) repair and to introduce the work of Chinese doctors on this topic., Methods: Twenty-one patients underwent HH repair with Crurasoft® reinforcement. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and HH-related symptoms including heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, dysphagia, and abdominal pain were evaluated preoperatively and 6 mo postoperatively. A patient survey was conducted by phone by one of the authors. Patients were asked about "recurrent reflux or heartburn" and "dysphagia". An internet-based Chinese literature search in this field was also performed. Data extracted from each study included: number of patients treated, hernia size, hiatorrhaphy, antireflux surgery, follow-up period, recurrence rate, and complications (especially dysphagia)., Results: There were 8 type I, 10 type II and 3 type III HHs in this group. Mean operative time was 119.29 min (range 80-175 min). Intraoperatively, length and width of the hiatal orifice were measured, (4.33 ± 0.84 and 2.85 ± 0.85 cm, respectively). Thirteen and eight Nissen and Toupet fundoplications were performed, respectively. The intraoperative complication rate was 9.52%. Despite dysphagia, GERD-related symptoms improved significantly compared with those before surgery. The recurrence rate was 0% during the 6-mo follow-up period, and long-term follow-up disclosed a recurrence rate of 4.76% with a mean period of 16.28 mo. Eight patients developed new-onset dysphagia. The Chinese literature review identified 12 papers with 213 patients. The overall recurrence rate was 1.88%. There was no esophageal erosion and the rate of dysphagia ranged from 0% to 24%., Conclusion: The use of Crurasoft® mesh for HH repair results in satisfactory symptom control with a low recurrence rate. Postoperative dysphagia continues to be an issue, and requires more research to reduce its incidence.

Atmospheric particulates were sampled from three sampling sites of Putuo, Minhang and Qingpu Districts in Shanghai between Oct. , 2009 and Oct. , 2010. In addition, particulate samples were also collected from Nantong, Zhengzhou, Xi'an, and Beijing city where dust storm dust transported along during spring. Element compositions of atmospheric particulates were determined by XRF and ICP-MS. The concentrations of major and trace elements in atmospheric particulates from Putuo, Minhang and Qingpu Districts were similar, indicating their common source. The UCC standardization distribution map showed that the major element composition of dust storm samples was similar to that of loess in northwestern China, indicating that the dust storm dust was mainly derived from Western desert and partly from local area. The REE partition patterns of dust storm dusts among different cities along dust transport route were similar to each other, as well as to those of northern loess, which indicates that the dust storm samples may have the same material source as loess, which mainly comes from crust material. However, the REE partition patterns of non-dust storm particulates were different among the studied cities, and different from those of loess, which suggests that the non-dust storm samples may be mixed with non-crust source material, which is different from dust storm dust and loess. The major element composition and REE partition pattern are effective indicators for source tracing of dust storm dust.

Cross flow ultrafiltration systems and three dimensional fluorescence spectrum were used to investigate the fluorescence characterization of different molecular weight dissolved organic matter in water of wet season and dry season from Yangtze River estuary, in order to find out the sources and influencing factors. The results showed that four types of dissolved organic carbon (DOM) fluorescence peaks were observed in the water: humic-like fluorescence peak A and C, and protein-like fluorescence peak B and D. Fluorescent substances mainly existed in the truly dissolved organic matter (UOM, < 1 kDa), secondly in low and medium molecular weight of colloidal organic matter (1-500 kDa). Protein of DOM in water mainly originated from anthropogenic sources, then from autochthonous sources. Compared to protein, humic acid of DOM in wet season was both terrigenous and autochthonous sources, while in dry season mainly from terrestrial organic matter. In addition, humic acid in UOM was mainly derived from biological decomposition, however, in colloidal organic matter (COM) came from terrestrial organic matter and was affected by resuspension effects. There was linear correlation between fluorescence intensity and environmental parameters. It was revealed that the complex environmental conditions would influence the fluorescent substance of DOM in water from Yangtze River estuary.

Objective: To establish sleeve gastrectomy(SG) rats model of obese type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) for the research of hypoglycemic mechanism., Methods: Nine male Sprague-Dawley (6-week-old) rats were fed with high-sucrose and high-fat diet for 4 weeks, developing diet-induced obesity (DIO) rats model. The rats were then randomly divided into two groups. Six rats of them underwent sleeve gastrectomy(SG) as the sleeve gastrectomy group[SGG, body weight (471.8±17.9) g] and the other three rats underwent a laparotomy and stomach manipulation as the sham operative group[SOG, body weight (467.0±8.4) g]. The body weight, caloric intake and peripheral blood concentration of total ghrelin of rats were recorded after operation., Results: The weight of all the rats declined progressively after operation. The weight of the rats in SOG began to rise on the 5th postoperative day(POD) and regain their preoperative levels on the average 22nd POD. However, the weight of the rats in SGG began to rise slowly from the 9th POD, but was still lower than that of SOG[(487.4±10.1) g] and preoperative levels[(471.8±17.9) g] on the 28th POD[(420.1±18.6) g](P=0.001). Average caloric intake of rats in SGG was significantly lower than that of SOG after operation, but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P=0.121). The ghrelin level of SGG showed a continuous decreasing trend after intervention, decreased by 17.4% compared with the preoperative level (1595.1±14.4 ng/L) on the 28th POD[(1316.8±14.8) ng/L]. The ghrelin level of SOG did not change obviously before and after operation and both groups differ statistically(P=0.000)., Conclusions: A SG rat model is successfully established. This model can be used for the further study of mechanism analysis of T2DM resolution after surgery.

Objective: It is extremely important to establish sufficient exposure and room for manipulation during endoscopic thyroidectomy. To solve this problem, the authors have developed a new technique for retraction of the strap muscles perfected during 500 cases of breast-approach endoscopic thyroidectomy., Methods: The new technique encompasses the use of 3 styles of retractor: the suture retractor, the button retractor, and the adjustable button retractor. These retractors are all easy to make and are all useful in different situations., Conclusions: The new technique is a safe and cost-effective method. It reduces the operation time required to obtain good exposure without transecting the strap muscles. In addition, it is minimally invasive and confers cosmetic benefits.

The chemical compositions of the rainwater collected in Shanghai in Summer of 2008-2009 were investigated. The chemical character and pollutant source of rainwater were evaluated depended on HYSPLIT model, ions tracer techniques, correlation and principal component analysis. The results showed that: (1) the mean pH in rain was 4.72 and 4.68; (2) the frequency of acid rain was 53.30% and 63.30%, respectively, in 2008 and 2009; (3) ionic concentration was SO4(2-) > NH4+ > NO3- > Cl- > Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+, in which the secondary components like SO4(2-), NO3- and NH4+ contributed significantly to total ions of rainwater and they accounted for 55.01% and 65.97% of total ions in 2008 and 2009, respectively, which indicate the severe secondary pollution in Shanghai; (4) the ratio of SO4(2-) to NO3- in Summer precipitation in 2008 and 2009 was 3.19 and 2.13, respectively, which implies sulfuric-nitrous mixed type of precipitation; (5) the content of DOC varied from 1.36 mg/L to 10.69 mg/L and average value was 2.44 mg/L in rainwater; (6) SO4(2-) and NO3- were mainly in the form of (NH4) 2SO4 and NH4NO3, which showed the dominant neutralization effect of NH4+ over Ca2+ in Summer. Source identification indicated that SO4(2-), NH4+, NO3-, K+ and most Ca2+ derived from anthropogenic sources, while Mg2+ and Cl- derived from both marine and non-marine but non-marine was over marine. The chemistry of precipitation in Shanghai was impacted by local pollutants and the long-and moderate-range transport by Southwest monsoon according to backward trajectory analysis.

Aim: To demonstrate the optimal surgical procedure for gastroesophageal reflux disease., Methods: The electronic databases of Medline, Elsevier, Springerlink and Embase over the last 16 years were searched. All clinical trials involved in the outcomes of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) were identified. The data of assessment in benefits and adverse results of LNF and LTF were extracted and compared using meta-analysis., Results: We ultimately identified a total of 32 references reporting nine randomized controlled trials, eight prospective cohort trials and 15 retrospective trials. These studies reported a total of 6236 patients, of whom 4252 (68.18%) underwent LNF and 1984 (31.82%) underwent LTF. There were no differences between LNF and LTF in patients' satisfaction, perioperative complications, postoperative heartburn, reflux recurrence and re-operation. Both LNF and LTF enhanced the function of lower esophageal sphincter and improved esophagitis. The postoperative dysphagia, gas-bloating syndrome, inability to belch and the need for dilatation after LNF were more common than after LTF. Subgroup analyses showed that dysphagia after LNF and LTF was similar in patients with normal esophageal peristalsis (EP), but occurred more frequently in patients with weak EP after LNF than after LTF. Furthermore, patients with normal EP after LNF still had a higher risk of developing dysphagia than did patients with abnormal EP after LTF., Conclusion: Compared with LNF, LTF offers equivalent symptom relief and reduces adverse results.

The development of laparoscopic surgery has generated the new field of study, laparoscopic anatomy. This article reviews the reported literature on laparoscopic anatomy and explores how it has evolved along with advances in abdominal surgery. In addition, the principal concerns in current laparoscopic anatomy research are discussed, including: (1) types of special adjacent anatomical structures; and (2) special surgical planes and anatomical landmarks. Understanding of systematic laparoscopic anatomy can provide the junior surgeons a clear procedural approach, and would benefit laparoscopic surgeons in training.

Objective: To investigate the clinical significance of the operation score system for endoscopic thyroidectomy., Methods: An operation score system based on 6 important procedure skills of endoscopic thyroidectomy was established. And a retrospective study of the first 300 consecutive patients underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy from July 2001 to December 2007 by a single surgeon was performed. The patients was divided into 10 consecutive groups chronologically, each comprising 30 cases., Results: The mean operation score of all the patients was 6.0 and the mean operation time was 98.1 min. There were significant differences in the mean operation score, every skill score and the mean operation time among the 10 groups. In the consecutive two groups comparison, significant differences in the operation scores were observed between group 2 and 3 (P < 0.05) and between group 5 and 6 (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The operation score system for endoscopy thyroidectomy is a useful method to judge the proficiency and the stability of the operation.

Objective: To investigate the possibility of Laparoscopic reconstruction of vagina using pedicled ileal autograft and provide a new procedure of colpopoiesis., Methods: The abdominal and perineal approaches were performed simultaneously under a sufficiently deep general anaesthesia. Laparoscopically, a 15-18 cm segment of the ileum on its vascular pedicle, ileal branches of the superior mesenteric artery and its concomitant veins, was selected and isolated for transplantation using ultrasonically-powered instruments. The distal of the transferred ileal segment was 15cm apart from the ileocecal junction. The ileum continuity was restored immediately by end-to-end anastomosis and the distal oral of the transplant was closed using a curved intraluminal stapler. Meanwhile, a neovaginal tract was completed to dissect from the perineum into the peritoneum and the tract widened laterally. Then the ileum transplant was reversed to reach the perineum through the peritoneal incision at the top of the neovaginal tract without subjecting the mesenteric neurovascular pedicle to undue tension and subsequent necrosis. The oral edge of the ileum transplant was sutured to the perineal skin., Results: Followed up for over 1-53 months postoperatively, 36 patients who received laparoscopic vaginoplasty by transferring ileal segment flaps got satisfactory neovaginal function similar to a normal vagina with mucus and moistness., Conclusions: The advantages of using a laparoscopic ileum colpopoiesis are that (1) satisfactory neovaginal function similar to a normal vagina with mucus and moistness, (2) no disturbance of bowel function, (minimal scarring in abdominal wall and less secondary deformity in perineum and (3) no need for frequent dilation or stent wearing to the reconstructed vagina. And so laparoscopic vaginoplasty was a preferable alternative of vaginoplasty.

The macrofaunal activities exert intensive and extensive influences on the accumulation, transportation, exchange and geochemistry processes of pollutants and redox sensitive elements around the sediment-water interface. Based on the simulated and contrastive analysis method, effects of bivalve Corbicula fluminea activities on dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) exchange between sediment-water interface in different experimental conditions and nitrogen biogeochemical cycling along the tidal flats of Yangtze River estuary are discussed. In short time experiment, Corbicula fluminea burrowing activities increased NH4+ release from sediments, and NO3- efflux to overlying water was much more in Corbicula fluminea inhabiting core. During long time incubation, NH4- and N released in turn from the sediments, bioturation can facilitate NH4- release from the sediments at the beginning of incubation, and stronger nmistrification derived from bioturbation witin the sediments enlarge Nsedim concentration. Disturbance and bioirrigation of Corbicula flumuminea can accelerate organic matter mineralization and N(DIN) exchange between overlying water and pore water, result in a larger release from NH4+ pool in top-sediment to overlying water. In conclusion, by means of excretion, burrowing, bioirrigation and biotuary ation, Corbicula fluuminea burrowing activities can evidently modify the nitrogen dynamics in sediment-water system.