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This study aimed to determine the effect of the interaction between globalization and innovation on food security in sub-Saharan Africa over the period of 21 years, that is between 2001 to 2021. It employed secondary data which was sourced from the World Development Indicators to measure food security in terms of availability represented as "Gross Domestic Product per Capita, PPP, Dissemination (constant 2017 international $)", accessibility represented by the "Food production Index (2014-2016 = 100)", also, globalization and innovation quantified using Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and access to mobile internet subscription (% of total population), respectively. The study used the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) for estimation. The results of the Generalized Method of Moments analysis showed that globalization has a direct and statistically insignificant impact on food security when measured in terms of availability with a co-efficient value of 0.071 but an indirect and significant impact on accessibility with a coefficient value of -1.467. Innovation, on the other hand, was shown to have a direct and insignificant effect on availability but direct and significant impact on accessibility with coefficient values of 0.301 and 10.722, respectively. In achieving the objective of the study, the results of the GMM analysis revealed that the interaction between globalization and innovation has an indirect and significant effect on availability and a direct and significant impact on accessibility with coefficient values of -0.076 and 0.809, respectively. Based on these findings, this study recommends that a balance should be struck between globalization and innovation to improve food availability and sustainable agricultural practices should be given priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the high-light environment, young leaves accumulate anthocyanins as a photoprotection strategy. However, anthocyanin biosynthesis-related enzymes gene sequence is still unknown in the leaves of subtropical forest plants. There are thus few reports on the relationship between the expression level of these genes and photoprotection. In this study, Machilus chinensis and Castanopsis chinensis were taken as plant material in a subtropical forest. Non-full-length nucleotide sequences of chalcone synthase, dihydroflavonol 4-reductase, anthocyanin synthase, and ß-tubulin gene were obtained by homologous and electronic cloning. The expression of those genes was verified and analyzed, and some physiological indicators were measured. The anthocyanin content and anthocyanin synthesisrelated gene expression in the young leaves of C. chinensis were significantly higher than that of M. chinensis. Although young leaves of M. chinensis did not accumulate anthocyanins, they showed higher antioxidants and nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ). This study indicates that anthocyanins, antioxidants, and NPQ together mediate the positive effects on photoadaptation in young leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf senescence is an important event in the plant life cycle. Ethylene and ascorbic acid (AsA) both regulate the leaf senescence process. The role of endogenous AsA in ethylene-induced leaf senescence was explored in two independent endogenous AsA changing Arabidopsis thaliana mutants. The line vtc2-1 with a single base change in VTC was AsAdeficient mutant; the GLDH-overexpressing line (GLDHOE) driven by the CaMV 35S promoter was AsA-overaccumulating mutant. After spraying 600 µM ethephon for 6 d, vtc2-1 showed the most serious leaf chlorosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, chlorophyll breakdown, Rubisco degradation, and had the highest expression level of senescenceassociated genes (SAGs), such as SAG12, SAG13, SAG20, and SAG21 among the three lines. In contrast, GLDHOE maintained the highest photosynthetic pigments contents, Rubisco content, antioxidant capacity, and the lowest expression of SAG2, SAG20, and SAG21 among the three lines. Taken together, we conclude that endogenous AsA can delay ethyleneinduced senescence by scavenging ROS and inhibiting SAGs expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onchocerciasis in camels is caused by adult Onchocerca spp. and results in great economic losses to the camel industry. However, only a few studies on Onchocerca have been conducted, especially regarding the intermediate host and vector(s). In the present study, 192 camels were examined from December and January during 2013 and 2016, and the filarial larvae suspected to be Onchocerca spp. were further identified. Furthermore, aquatic dipteran insects in the living environment of camels were collected from May to September between 2013 and 2017 and dissected. Eventually, onchocercal lesions were observed in 95 of 192 (49%) camels and the captured insects were classified into 49 species from 42 genera in 21 families, among which 18 species were newly recorded in Inner Mongolia and 14 were haematophagous species. The filarial larvae were found in Culicoides puncticollis and identified as Onchocerca fasciata, indicating that C. puncticollis is the vector of O. fasciata in Inner Mongolia. These findings provide an estimate of onchocerciasis infection in camels and an alternative method of identifying insects and screening vectors using molecular methods. Important data are also provided for the diagnosis and control of onchocerciasis, thereby further filling the gap in knowledge regarding transmission vectors in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins and nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) are two important tools that provide photoprotection in plant leaves. In order to understand how plants use these tools for acclimation to changing seasonal conditions, we investigated pigments, antioxidative capacity, and photosynthesis in leaves of an evergreen tree (Acmena acuminatissima) in two contrasting seasons. Young leaves of A. acuminatissima appeared in distinct colors, being light green in summer and red in winter due to the presence of anthocyanins. In the winter young leaves, anthocyanins contributed less than 2% to the antioxidant pool. In the summer, young leaves had higher NPQ than that of mature leaves, but in the winter, they did not derive any NPQ-related advantage over mature leaves. These results suggest that the accumulation of anthocyanins in young leaves in the winter may compensate for the insufficient photoprotection afforded by NPQ and that anthocyanins function as a light attenuator to protect the photochemical apparatus against excess light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase change thermal control method is now widely used in aircraft thermal protection due to its high energy density, constant temperature control, flexible operation, and many other advantages.1-6 However, thermal conductivity of most current phase change materials is low in phase transition process.7-10 This paper will add high thermal nanoparticles to phase change material in order to enhance the thermal conductivity, which, however, has some problems, such as settlement in the macro, reunion at the micro, etc. These problems also influence the improvement of the thermal conductivity. In view of this, a dispersing agent was introduced to these phase change materials, and then the mixed solution was subjected to ultrasonic dispersion. According to the test results, this treatment was effective in maximizing thermal conductivity of the composite phase change materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Peat archives offer a diverse range of physical and chemical proxies from which it is possible to study past environmental and ecological changes. Direct numerical calibration and verification is difficult so process-based and mechanistic studies are therefore required to establish and quantify links between environmental changes and their associated proxy-responses. Traditional 'space-for-time' calibrations provide a solution to this calibration problem, but are often unable to isolate a single environmental variable from other potentially confounding variables. In this study, we explored the potential of a site-specific 'space-for-time' approach applied to a hummock-hollow transect on an ombrotrophic raised bog in Patagonia, southern Chile. Coupled stable carbon, oxygen and hydrogen isotopic measurements were made on individual samples of Sphagnum moss cellulose and compared with plant-associated waters, local hydrology, temperature and relative humidity, sampled at the same points along the study transect. Results reveal a range of environmental responses, which were supported by plant-physiological models in the case of carbon and oxygen isotopes. For hydrogen isotopes, the results obtained from cellulose indicated a need for further research into hydrogen isotope fractionation in Sphagnum. We recommend conducting site-specific characterization of plant response to support the development of peat-based isotope records for palaeoenvironmental research, and where logistically possible, that monitoring is conducted over timescales appropriate to the time-integrative nature of the Sphagnum record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors and the third cause of cancer death worldwide. The development of HCC is a multi-pathway regulated process including a variety of genetic mutations and variations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To get an insight into the overall genetic aberration, we analyzed the gene expression profile of 9 HCC samples and 9 normal liver tissues as control. Genes located in these two regions of 4p16.3 and 14q32.1 with gain or loss proceeded to in-depth analysis based on the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Through network analysis of these genes and pathways, molecules highly correlated with HCC and might be targeted for treatments were also hunted out. RESULTS: Through this method, we found two MicroRNAs (miR-943 and miR-571) that never been reported in HCC samples before. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has introduced an effective method for cancer research and our work will greatly promote the genetic knowledge of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of northern high-latitude peatlands played an important role in the carbon (C) balance of the land biosphere since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). At present, carbon storage in northern peatlands is substantial and estimated to be 500 ± 100 Pg C (1 Pg C = 1015 g C). Here, we develop and apply a peatland module embedded in a dynamic global vegetation and land surface process model (LPX-Bern 1.0). The peatland module features a dynamic nitrogen cycle, a dynamic C transfer between peatland acrotelm (upper oxic layer) and catotelm (deep anoxic layer), hydrology- and temperature-dependent respiration rates, and peatland specific plant functional types. Nitrogen limitation down-regulates average modern net primary productivity over peatlands by about half. Decadal acrotelm-to-catotelm C fluxes vary between −20 and +50 g C m−2 yr−1 over the Holocene. Key model parameters are calibrated with reconstructed peat accumulation rates from peat-core data. The model reproduces the major features of the peat core data and of the observation-based modern circumpolar soil carbon distribution. Results from a set of simulations for possible evolutions of northern peat development and areal extent show that soil C stocks in modern peatlands increased by 365–550 Pg C since the LGM, of which 175–272 Pg C accumulated between 11 and 5 kyr BP. Furthermore, our simulations suggest a persistent C sequestration rate of 35–50 Pg C per 1000 yr in present-day peatlands under current climate conditions, and that this C sink could either sustain or turn towards a source by 2100 AD depending on climate trajectories as projected for different representative greenhouse gas concentration pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatlands are a major terrestrial carbon store and a persistent natural carbon sink during the Holocene, but there is considerable uncertainty over the fate of peatland carbon in a changing climate. It is generally assumed that higher temperatures will increase peat decay, causing a positive feedback to climate warming and contributing to the global positive carbon cycle feedback. Here we use a new extensive database of peat profiles across northern high latitudes to examine spatial and temporal patterns of carbon accumulation over the past millennium. Opposite to expectations, our results indicate a small negative carbon cycle feedback from past changes in the long-term accumulation rates of northern peatlands. Total carbon accumulated over the last 1000 yr is linearly related to contemporary growing season length and photosynthetically active radiation, suggesting that variability in net primary productivity is more important than decomposition in determining long-term carbon accumulation. Furthermore, northern peatland carbon sequestration rate declined over the climate transition from the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA) to the Little Ice Age (LIA), probably because of lower LIA temperatures combined with increased cloudiness suppressing net primary productivity. Other factors including changing moisture status, peatland distribution, fire, nitrogen deposition, permafrost thaw and methane emissions will also influence future peatland carbon cycle feedbacks, but our data suggest that the carbon sequestration rate could increase over many areas of northern peatlands in a warmer future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of northern high-latitude peatlands played an important role in the carbon (C) balance of the land biosphere since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). At present, carbon storage in northern peatlands is substantial and estimated to be 500±100 PgC (1 PgC=1015 gC). Here, we develop and apply a peatland module embedded in a dynamic global vegetation model (LPX). The peatland module features a dynamic nitrogen cycle, a dynamic C transfer between peatland acrotelm (upper oxic layer) and catotelm (deep anoxic layer), hydrology- and temperature-dependent respiration rates, and peatland specific plant functional types. Nitrogen limitation down- regulates average modern net primary productivity over peatlands by almost a factor of two. Decadal acrotelm-to-catotelm C fluxes vary between -20 and +50 gCm-2 yr-1 over the Holocene. Key model parameters are calibrated with reconstructed peat accumulation rates from peat-core data. The model reproduces the major features of the peat core data and of the observation-based modern circumpolar soil carbon distribution. Results from a set of simulations for possible evolutions of northern peat development and areal extent show that soil C stocks in modern peatlands increased by 365- 550 PgC since the LGM, of which 175-272 PgC accumulated between 11 and 5 kyr BP. Furthermore, our simulations suggest a persistent C sequestration rate of 35-50 PgC per 1000 yr in peatlands under current climate conditions, and that this C sink could either vanish or turn into a small source by 2100 AD depending on climate trajectories as projected for different representative greenhouse gas concentration pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatlands are a major terrestrial carbon store and a persistent natural carbon sink during the Holocene, but there is considerable uncertainty over the fate of peatland carbon in a changing climate. It is generally assumed that higher temperatures will increase peat decay, causing a positive feedback to climate warming and contributing to the global positive carbon cycle feedback. Here we use a new extensive database of peat profiles across northern high latitudes to examine spatial and temporal patterns of carbon accumulation over the past millennium. Opposite to expectations, our results indicate a small negative carbon cycle feedback from past changes in the long-term accumulation rates of northern peatlands. Total carbon accumulated over the last 1000 yr is linearly related to contemporary growing season length and photosynthetically active radiation, suggesting that variability in net primary productivity is more important than decomposition in determining long-term carbon accumulation. Furthermore, northern peatland carbon sequestration rate declines over the climate transition from the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA) to the Little Ice Age (LIA), probably because of lower LIA temperatures combined with increased cloudiness suppressing net primary productivity. Other factors including changing moisture status, peatland distribution, fire, nitrogen deposition, permafrost thaw and methane emissions will also influence future peatland carbon cycle feedbacks, but our data suggest that the carbon sequestration rate could increase over many areas of northern peatlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the Wetland and Wetland CH4 Intercomparison of Models Project (WETCHIMP) that was created to evaluate the simulation of large-scale wetland characteristics and their associated methane (CH4) emissions. In WETCHIMP, there were three methods were used to estimate wetland extent, that were based on wetland distribution maps, prognostic relations between hydrological states that were based on satellite observations, and hydrological mass balances.

Peatlands contain a large belowground carbon (C) stock in the biosphere, and their dynamics have important implications for the global carbon cycle. However, there are still large uncertainties in C stock estimates and poor understanding of C dynamics across timescales. Here I review different approaches and associated uncertainties of C stock estimates in the literature, and on the basis of the literature review my best estimate of C stocks and uncertainty is 500±100 (approximate range) gigatons of C (Gt C) in northern peatlands. The greatest source of uncertainty for all the approaches is the lack or insufficient representation of data, including depth, bulk density and carbon accumulation data, especially from the world's large peatlands. Several ways to improve estimates of peat carbon stocks are also discussed in this paper, including the estimates of C stocks by regions and further utilizations of widely available basal peat ages. Changes in peatland carbon stocks over time, estimated using Sphagnum (peat moss) spore data and down-core peat accumulation records, show different patterns during the Holocene, and I argue that spore-based approach underestimates the abundance of peatlands in their early histories. Considering long-term peat decomposition using peat accumulation data allows estimates of net carbon sequestration rates by peatlands, or net (ecosystem) carbon balance (NECB), which indicates more than half of peat carbon (>270 Gt C) was sequestrated before 7000 yr ago during the Holocene. Contemporary carbon flux studies at 5 peatland sites show much larger NECB during the last decade (32±7.8 (S.E.) g Cm-2 yr-1) than during the last 7000 yr (~11 gCm-2 yr-1), as modeled from peat records across northern peatlands. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for carbon accumulation data and process understanding, especially at decadal and centennial timescales, that would bridge current knowledge gaps and facilitate comparisons of NECB across all timescales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the value of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), pediatric sequential organ failure assessment (pSOFA) and pediatric critical illness score (PCIS) in predicting mortality of pediatric sepsis in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) from Southwest China. Methods: This was a prospective multicenter observational study. A total of 447 children with sepsis admitted to 12 PICU in Southwest China from April 2022 to March 2023 were enrolled. Based on the prognosis, the patients were divided into survival group and non-survival group. The physiological parameters of SIRS, pSOFA and PCIS were recorded and scored within 24 h after PICU admission. The general clinical data and some laboratory results were recorded. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to compare the predictive value of SIRS, pSOFA and PCIS in mortality of pediatric sepsis. Results: Amongst 447 children with sepsis, 260 patients were male and 187 patients were female, aged 2.5 (0.8, 7.0) years, 405 patients were in the survival group and 42 patients were in the non-survival group. 418 patients (93.5%) met the criteria of SIRS, and 440 patients (98.4%) met the criteria of pSOFA≥2. There was no significant difference in the number of items meeting the SIRS criteria between the survival group and the non-survival group (3(2, 4) vs. 3(3, 4) points, Z= 1.30, P= 0.192). The pSOFA score of the non-survival group was significantly higher than that of the survival group (9(6, 12) vs . 4(3, 7) points, Z= 6.56, P< 0.001), and the PCIS score was significantly lower than that of the survival group (72(68, 81) vs . 82(76, 88) points, Z= 5.90, P< 0.001). The predictive value of pSOFA (AUC=0.82) and PCIS (AUC=0.78) for sepsis mortality was significantly higher than that of SIRS (AUC=0.56) ( Z= 6.59, 4.23, both P< 0.001). There was no significant difference between pSOFA and PCIS ( Z= 1.35, P= 0.176). Platelet count, procalcitonin, lactic acid, albumin, creatinine, total bilirubin, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and international normalized ratio were all able to predict mortality of sepsis to a certain degree (AUC=0.64, 0.68, 0.80, 0.64, 0.68, 0.60, 0.77, 0.75, 0.76, all P< 0.05). Conclusion: Compared with SIRS, both pSOFA and PCIS had better predictive value in the mortality of pediatric sepsis in PICU.

Objective: To investigate the association of vitamin D with distribution of body fat in children and adolescents. Methods: Data were obtained from the baseline survey of School-based Cardiovascular and Bone Health Promotion Program in 2017. Multiple linear regression and multinomial logistic regression models were applied to analyze the relationships of body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), trunk fat mass index (TFMI), appendicular fat mass index (AFMI), and visceral fat area(VFA) with vitamin D level and status in children and adolescents. Results: A total of 11 960 children and adolescents were included in the analysis (boys accounting for 49.7%). The average age and serum vitamin D level of study population were (11.0±3.3) years and (35.0±11.9) nmol/L, respectively. The deficiency rate of vitamin D was 37.2%. Gender-specific associations of BMI, FMI, TFMI, and AFMI with vitamin D level were found ( P for interaction <0.05): they were inversely associated with vitamin D level in boys (BMI: β =-0.56; FMI: β =-0.59; TFMI: β =-0.60; AFMI: β =-0.59; all P <0.05), but not in girls ( P >0.05). VFA was positively associated with vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in both boys and girls, and the risks of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency all increased by 17%(95% CI : 9%-25%) for per increment of standard deviation in VFA. Conclusions: The higher level of visceral fat was associated with the lower vitamin D levels in children. Abdominal obese children and boys with excessive body fat are the key population in the prevention and control of vitamin D deficiency.

Objective: To investigate the relationships between vitamin D nutritional status and the calcaneal bone mineral density (BMD) in children. Methods: Data were obtained from School-based Cardiovascular and Bone Health Promotion Program. In 2017, a total of 15 391 children aged 6-16 years in Beijing selected through stratified cluster sampling were included in the baseline survey. A follow-up investigation was conducted in 2019. The questionnaire survey, detection of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level and ultrasound measurement of calcaneal BMD were conducted. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationships between baseline vitamin D nutritional status and the follow-up calcaneal BMD. Results: A total of 10 914 children aged (11.5±3.3) years (boys accounting for 49.6%) were included in the analysis. The average 25(OH)D level was (35.4±12.0) nmol/L, and the deficiency rate was 36.1%. After the adjustment for age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol use status, dairy products intake, vitamin D supplement, calcium supplement, physical activity, pubertal development, and baseline calcaneal BMD Z -score, for per 10 nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D, the follow-up calcaneal BMD Z -score increased by 0.01( P =0.041), and the OR (95% CI ) of decreased calcaneal BMD Z -score after 2 years was 0.96 (0.93-1.00)( P =0.030). Compared with vitamin D adequacy, the follow-up calcaneal BMD Z -score of children with vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency decreased by 0.03( P =0.307) and 0.06 ( P =0.046), and the risk of decreased calcaneal BMD Z -score after 2 years increased by 15%( P =0.037) and 21%( P =0.006), respectively ( P for trend<0.05). Conclusions: Vitamin D nutritional status was closely related to calcaneal BMD, and children with adequate vitamin D nutritional status tended to obtain higher BMD. Children and adolescents are encouraged to maintain sufficient vitamin D levels, strengthen nutrition and exercise to promote bone health.

Objective: To investigate the incidence and risk factors of pediatric fracture in school-age children and adolescents in Beijing. Methods: A total of 12 056 students with complete fracture data of 2017 baseline survey and 2019 follow-up survey of School-based Cardiovascular and Bone Health (SCVBH) Promotion Program in Beijing were selected as study subjects. Logistic regression model was used to analyze associations of fracture incidence with age, BMI, fracture history and lifestyle. Results: The 2-year accumulative incidence rate of pediatric fracture was 3.1% (95% CI : 2.8%-3.4%) in school-age children and adolescents in Beijing, which was much higher in boys (4.1%) than in girls (2.1%) and increased with age in boys but decreased with age in girls. Fractures mainly occurred at upper-limb (69.0%), no gender and age specific significant in fracture sites were observed. Fracture history was the risk factor for fracture incidence in both boys and girls (boys: RR =1.81, 95% CI : 1.18-2.64; girls: RR =3.11, 95% CI : 1.74-5.13). In addition, higher duration and frequency of moderate to vigorous physical activities (≥120 min/day) and frequent consumption of sugar sweetened beverage (≥1 time/week) were also found to increase fracture risk in boys. Conclusion: The incidence of pediatric fracture was associated with gender, age, fracture history and lifestyle habits in school-age children and adolescents in Beijing. Targeted strategies are needed to prevent childhood fracture.

Objective: To investigate the relationships between hyperuricemia and the incidence risk for cardiometabolic abnormity in children. Methods: Data were obtained from School-based Cardiovascular and Bone Health Promotion Program. In 2017, a total of 15 391 children aged 6-16 years in Beijing were selected through stratified cluster sampling at baseline survey. Follow-up investigation was conducted in 2019. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationships of uric acid quartiles and change in uric acid levels with incidence risks for cardiometabolic abnormity (hypertension, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia). Results: A total of 8 807 children (4 376 boys, 4 431 girls) were included in the analysis, the average age of the children was (11.1±3.3) years at baseline survey. The adjusted odds ratios ( OR s) and 95% confidence intervals ( CIs ) of incidence risk for hypertension in the third and fourth quartiles of the UA were 1.39 (1.11-1.75) and 1.56 (1.19-1.81), respectively. The OR s and 95% CIs of risk for high LDL-C in the second, third and fourth quartiles were 1.88 (1.16-3.05),1.98 (1.23-3.17) and 2.25 (1.42-3.57). The uric acid level increased by one standard deviation, the risk increased by 17% for hypertension and 27% for high LDL-C. The uric acid level increased by 10 μmol/L, the risk increased by 2.1% for hypertension and 2.9% for high LDL-C. The gender-stratified analysis showed that the similar results. The OR s and 95% CIs were 1.32 (1.09-1.60) and 1.50 (1.05-2.16) for hypertension, 1.90 (1.38-2.60) and 2.96 (1.58-5.52) for high TC, 1.78 (1.26-2.51) and 2.84 (1.60-5.03) for high LDL-C in the groups of newly diagnosed hyperuricemia and persistent hyperuricemia. Conclusions: Higher uric acid level was associated with increased incidence risks for hypertension, abnormal TC and LDL-C. Maintaining optimal uric acid level by children might contribute to the early prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Objective: To analyze the influence of obesity status on the development of cardiometabolic disorders in school-age children. Methods: Information about children's body weight, body height and cardiovascular risk factors were collected in baseline survey in 2017 and follow-up survey in 2019. The school-age children were divided into four groups based on their baseline and follow-up obesity status, i.e. sustained non-obesity group, restored obesity group, newly classified obesity group, and persistent obesity group. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the difference of change in levels of cardiometabolic factors among the four groups. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between obesity status and the incidence risk of cardiometabolic disorders. Results: The present study included 11 379 school-age children (boys accounting for 49.6%). During the 2 years, the incidence of obesity was 3.2% (95% CI : 2.9%-3.5%) with the restoration ratio of obesity of 4.4% (95% CI : 4.0%-4.8%). Compared with the sustained non-obesity group, increases in SBP, DBP, TG, LDL-C and non-HDL-C were much higher in newly classified obesity group and persistent obesity group, but lower in restored obesity groups except for DBP (all P <0.05). In addition, the incidence risk of hypertension, high glucose, dyslipidemia and cardiometabolic disorders (≥2 risks) were much higher in newly classified and persistent obese children than in sustained non-obese children. No difference was found in incidence risks of most cardiovascular disorders between restored obese children and sustained non-obese children, except for hypertension and cardiometabolic risks. Conclusion: Both newly classified obesity and persistent obesity increased the incidence risks for multi cardiovascular disorders, while these risks could be reduced when non-obese status restore.

Objective: To investigate the association between vitamin D nutritional status and the body muscle mass in children. Methods: Data were obtained from School-based Cardiovascular and Bone Health Promotion Program. In 2017, a total of 15 391 children aged 6-16 years in Beijing were selected through stratified cluster sampling in baseline survey. A follow-up investigation was conducted in 2019. The questionnaire survey and the detection of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level were conducted. The bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) apparatus was used to measure body muscle mass, and muscle mass index (MMI) was calculated. Multivariable linear models were used to analyze the association of vitamin D nutritional status with the baseline and follow-up MMI measures. Results: A total of 10 890 children aged (11.5±3.3) years(boys accounting for 49.6%) were included in the analysis. The average 25(OH)D level was (35.4±12.0) nmol/L, with an adequacy ratio of 11.1%. After multivariate linear regression adjustment for age, sex, body fat mass, smoking status, alcohol use status, dairy supplement, calcium supplement, physical activity, and pubertal development, no statistically significant association between vitamin D nutritional status and baseline MMI level was observed ( P >0.05). For the follow-up MMI, the Z -score increased by 0.008 ( P =0.058) for per 10 nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D, which were 0.002 ( P =0.815) and 0.037 ( P =0.031) higher in children with insufficient and adequate vitamin D than those with vitamin D deficiency, respectively ( P for trend =0.089). Subgroup analysis showed that in the normal BMI group, for per 10 nmol/L increase in 25 (OH) D, the MMI at baseline survey and MMI Z -score at follow-up of children with adequate vitamin D and increased by 0.019 and 0.014, respectively (both P <0.05). Conclusions: Vitamin D nutritional status was related to muscle mass in children, and children with adequate vitamin D tended to obtain higher MMI. Children and adolescents are encouraged to maintain sufficient vitamin D levels, strengthen nutrition and exercise to promote body health.

Objective: To explore the screening effect of obesity assessed by body fat indicators on persistent dyslipidemia among children. Methods: Data were obtained from the baseline and follow-up survey of 'School-based Cardiovascular and Bone Health Promotion Program.' BMI, fat mass index (FMI), and fat mass percentage (FMP) were used to define obesity. Dyslipidemia, diagnosed both in the baseline and a follow-up survey, was defined as persistent dyslipidemia. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to compare the predictive capabilities of obesity defined by different indicators on persistent dyslipidemia. Results: A total of 10 783 children (boys accounted for 49.6%) were included in the analysis, with the average age as (10.9±3.3) years old. The detection rates of persistent high TC, high LDL-C, low HDL-C, high TG, and high non-HDL-C were 1.3%, 1.2%, 4.3%, 1.3%, and 0.8%, respectively. In boys, the capabilities of FMI- and FMP-defined obesity in the prediction of persistent high LDL-C [FMI: AUC=0.626 (95 %CI : 0.558-0.694), P =0.024; FMP: AUC=0.642 (95 %CI : 0.574-0.710), P =0.004] and high non-HDL-C [FMI: AUC=0.637 (95 %CI : 0.584-0.689), P =0.017; FMP: AUC=0.641 (95 %CI : 0.588- 0.693), P =0.018] were significantly higher than BMI-defined obesity. Besides, obese boys defined by FMI had the stronger capability in predicting persistent low HDL-C than that defined by BMI [AUC=0.784 (95 %CI : 0.742-0.826) vs. 0.750 (95 %CI : 0.726-0.773), P =0.047]. In girls, the capabilities of FMI- and FMP-defined obesity in the prediction of persistent dyslipidemia were not statistically different from BMI. Conclusions: The obesity assessed by body fat performed better in predicting persistent high LDL-C, low HDL-C, and high non-HDL-C than that assessed by BMI among boys, which can be further applied to cardiovascular disease prevention.

Objective: To investigate the relationships between vitamin D nutritional status and the risks of cardiometabolic abnormities in children. Methods: Data were obtained from the School-based Cardiovascular and Bone Health Promotion Program. In 2017, a total of 15 391 children aged 6-16 years in Beijing were selected by using a stratified cluster sampling method in the baseline survey. A Follow-up investigation was conducted in 2019. Log-binomial regression was used to analyze the relationships between baseline vitamin D nutritional status and the risks of cardiometabolic abnormities (obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia). Results: A total of 10 482 participants were involved in the study. The average vitamin D level was (35.6 ± 12.0) nmol/L, and the deficiency rate was 35.1%. The 2-year cumulative incidence rates of obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, high TC, high LDL-C, low HDL-C, high TG, and high non-HDL-C were 4.3%, 10.8%, 8.5%, 3.1%, 2.5%, 3.4%, 2.5%, and 3.9% respectively. After the adjustment of potential confounding factors, children with vitamin D inadequacy or deficiency had higher risks of high TC [ RR (95 %CI ): inadequacy, 2.06 (1.19-3.58); deficiency, 2.80 (1.61-4.89)], high LDL-C [ RR (95 %CI ): inadequacy, 1.67 (1.02-2.73); deficiency, 1.99 (1.19-3.33)], and high non-HDL-C [ RR (95 %CI ): inadequacy, 2.00 (1.26-3.17); deficiency, 2.45 (1.53-3.92)] compared with children with adequate vitamin D, and the risks of them increased with the decrease of vitamin D level (trend P <0.05). The gender-stratified analysis showed that vitamin D deficiency was remained associated with high TC [ RR (95 %CI ): boy, 2.64 (1.19-5.87); girl, 3.13 (1.43-6.83)] and high non-HDL-C [ RR (95 %CI ): boy, 2.58(1.40-4.77); girl, 2.31 (1.10-4.84)]. Conclusions: The risks of abnormal TC, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C were inversely associated with vitamin D level. Maintenance of adequate vitamin D status in children may contribute to the early prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Objective: To compare the power of dyslipidemia diagnosis by different sets of cut points in the prediction of cardiovascular metabolic risk factors and identify the appropriate cut points for the diagnosis of dyslipidemia in children and adolescents in China. Methods: Data were obtained from the baseline survey of 'School-based Cardiovascular and Bone Health Promotion Program' in Beijing in 2017. Dyslipidemia was diagnosed by using two set of cut points. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to assess the power of dyslipidemia diagnosis by the two set of cut points to predict the prevalence of hypertension, obesity, high fat mass percentage and impaired fasting glucose. Results: A total of 14 390 children and adolescents were in included in the study. The prevalence rates of high TC, high LDL-C, low HDL-C, and high TG in the participants were 2.7 % , 2.7 % , 14.4 % , and 3.7 % according to 'Chinese Reference Standard', and 5.0 % , 3.7 % , 13.3 % , and 3.5 % according to 'China Expert Consensus'. Low HDL-C and high TG defined by the 'Chinese Reference Standard' had better performance for the prediction of high fat mass percentage and obesity in boys, but worse performance in girls ( P <0.001). Conclusions: Using 'China Reference Standard' can increase the true positive rate in the prediction of obesity or high fat mass percentage in boys, and reduce the false positive rate in girls. The cut points for the diagnosis of dyslipidemia in Chinese children and adolescents need to be further validated by using national representative sample and in longitudinal study.

Objective: To investigate the association between blood lipid and calcaneus bone mineral density (BMD) in children and adolescents aged 6-16 years in Beijing. Methods: Children and adolescents were selected in 30 schools (8 primary schools, 21 middle schools and one 12-year education school) from Dongcheng, Tongzhou, Fangshan and Miyun districts of Beijing by using a stratified cluster sampling method from November 2017 to January 2018. A total of 14 303 students in grade 1 to 4 of primary school, grade 1 of junior and senior middle school were enrolled after excluding subjects who were not able to participate into this study due to trauma or other uncomfortable physical conditions or with missing key values or with diabetes and kidney diseases. Questionnaire survey, blood lipid and calcaneus BMD were conducted. Multivariate linear regression was applied to quantify the association between calcaneal BMD as a dependent variable and blood lipid level as an independent variable after adjusting for the potential confounding factors. Furthermore, quantile regression was used to analyze the association between blood lipid level and different percentiles ( P (25), P (50) and P (75)) of ultrasonic velocity values of bone mineral density, and parallel test was conducted for regression coefficients of different percentiles. Results: A total of 14 303 participants aged (11.4±3.3) years (49.9% boys) were involved in the analysis. The mean age of 14 303 participants was (11.0±3.3) years. 7 142 boys accounted for 49.9%. The mean±SD of calcaneal BMD, total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were (1 540.9±33.8) m/s, (3.90±0.76), (2.18±0.62), and (1.40±0.32) mmol/L, respectively. The P (5)0 ( P (25), P (75)) of triglyceride (TG) was 0.69 (0.49-0.94) mmol/L. After the adjustment of age, height, smoking, drinking, vitamin D and calcium supplementation, dairy intake, physical activity, FMI, and MMI, a significantly inverse association ( P< 0.05) between TG level and calcaneus BMD was observed in both genders, which the regression coefficients (95 %CI ) in boys and girls were -0.064 (-0.085, -0.044) and -0.073 (-0.094, -0.053), respectively. Conclusion: The level of BMD was associated with TG in boys and girls. Therefore, it is important to prevent children from hypertriglyceridemia for the bone health promotion.

Objective: To understand the association between body fat distribution and calcaneal bone mineral density (BMD) in children and adolescents aged 6-16 years in Beijing. Methods: Children and adolescents were selected in 30 schools (8 primary schools, 21 middle schools and one 12-year education school) from Dongcheng, Tongzhou, Fangshan and Miyun districts of Beijing by using a stratified cluster sampling method from November 2017 to January 2018. A total of 15 030 students in grade 1 to 4 of primary school, grade 1 of junior and senior middle school were enrolled after excluding subjects who were not able to participate into this study due to trauma or other uncomfortable physical conditions or with missing key values or with diabetes and kidney diseases. Questionnaire survey, body composition and calcaneus bone mineral density were conducted. The relation of fat mass percentage (FMP), trunk to total fat ratio (TrTFR), trunk to limb fat ratio (TrLFR), limb to total fat ratio (LTFR) and viscera to total fat ratio (VTFR) with calcaneus BMD were assessed using the multivariate linear regression models after adjusting for possible confounding effects. The central fat distribution types were divided into 4 groups including type 1: both trunk fat and visceral fat greater than the sex-and age-specific internal P (75); type 2: barely trunk fat greater than P (75); type 3: barely visceral fat greater than P (75); type 4: both trunk fat and visceral fat greater than P (75). The central fat distribution types were included into the model in the form of dummy variables to analyze its relationship with calcaneal BMD. The sex-and age-specific z-scores of fat distribution indicators and BMD were calculated. Results: A total of 15 030 participants aged (11.4±3.3) years (50.2% boys) were involved in the analysis. In both genders, after adjusting for age, height, lean mass index, smoking, drinking, physical activity, milk intake, vitamin D and calcium supplementation, FMP, TrTFR, TrLFR and VTFR were negatively correlated with calcaneal BMD (all P value<0.05), while LTFR was positively associated with calcaneal BMD (all P values<0.05). Compared to the central fat distribution type 1, the regression coefficients (95% CI ) of type 2, 3 and 4 were -0.253 (-0.418, -0.087), -0.385 (-0.567, -0.204) and -0.428 (-0.487, -0.369) in boys, respectively; the regression coefficients (95% CI ) of type 3 and 4 were -0.158 (-0.301, -0.015) and -0.226 (-0.290, -0.163), respectively. Conclusion: Body fat distribution and central fat distribution in children and adolescents were correlated with calcaneus bone mineral density.

Objective: To describe the status of cardiovascular health (CVH) of children and adolescents aged 6-16 years in Beijing during 2017-2018. Methods: The school-based Cardiovascular and Bone Health Promotion Program(SCVBH) was conducted from November 2017 to January 2018. 15 391 children and adolescents aged 6-16 years were selected from grade 1 to 4 in 8 primary schools, grade 1 in 21 middle schools and senior grade 1 in one twelve-year education school in Dongcheng, Fangshan, Miyun and Haidian Districts of Beijing by using a cluster sampling method. Seven cardiovascular health indicators, including smoking, body mass index, dietary intake, physical activity, blood pressure, blood glucose, and total cholesterol, were categorized as poor, intermediate, and ideal according to American Heart Association (AHA) criteria. The status of CVH was evaluated according to the criteria of the ideal CVH related behaviors and factors defined by AHA. Results: The proportion of children and adolescents with an ideal smoking, dietary intake and physical activity indicators reached 99.2%(4 982/15 108), 19.7%(2 921/14 805), 17.8% (2 499/14 056), respectively. The proportion of children and adolescents with 7 and 4-5 ideal cardiovascular health indicators was 1.7%(209/12 560) and 65.1%(8 176/12 560). The proportion of children and adolescents with 4-7 ideal cardiovascular health indicators, 2-4 ideal health behavior indicators and 2-3 ideal health factors was significantly higher in urban than that in rural all P values<0.001. The proportion of females with 4-7 ideal cardiovascular health indicators, 2-4 ideal health behavior indicators and 2-3 ideal health factors was significantly higher than that in males (all P values<0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health of children and adolescents aged 6-16 years in Beijing during 2017-2018 was very low, particularly for healthy dietary intake and physical activity. Effective public health interventions should be implemented to improve the status of cardiovascular health of them.

Objective: To describe the baseline characteristics of School-based Cardiovascular and Bone Health Promotion Program(SCVBH) in Beijing. Methods: Children and adolescents were selected in 30 schools (8 primary schools, 21 middle schools and one 12-year education school) from Dongcheng, Tongzhou, Fangshan and Miyun districts of Beijing by using a stratified cluster sampling method. 15 391 students in grade 1 to 4 from primary schools, grade 1 from junior and senior high schools were enrolled in the investigation with an exclusion of students who were not able to participate due to trauma or other uncomfortable physical conditions. The baseline survey including a questionnaire survey, physical examination and blood biochemical test was conducted from September 2017 to January 2018. Obesity, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipid, bone density and grip were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia (impaired fasting glucose and diabetes), dyslipidemia, lower bone density were 22.3%(3 394), 14.8%(2 248), 10.4%(1 490), 20.3%(2 919) and 2.1%(316) in total respectively, and 27.2%(2 081), 16.3%(1 244), 12.8%(922), 22.2%(1 595) and 1.2%(94) for boys, 17.3%(1 313), 13.3% (1 004), 7.9%(568), 18.4%(1 324) and 2.9%(229) for girls. Boys had higher prevalence of obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia and lower prevalence of low bone density than girls (all P values <0.05) The mean of body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose and grip of boys were significantly higher than that of girls (all P values <0.05).The mean of body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose and grip of boys were significantly higher than that of girls (all P values <0.05), the mean of fat mass percentage, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol of boys were significantly lower than those of girls (all P values <0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of risk factors of chronic cardiovascular disease was high and the low bone density was appearing in children and adolescents in this study. The promotion of cardiovascular and bone health should be implemented in children and adolescents.

Objective: To investigate the sleep status in children and adolescents and explore the relationship between the sleep and high blood pressure in them. Methods: Data was from the Schoolbased Cardiovascular and Bone Health Promotiow Program (SCVBH) in Beijing. And 13 471 children and adolescents aged 6-16 years were selected from grades 1 to 4 in 8 primary schools, grade 1 in 21 middle schools and senior grade 1 in one twelve-year education school in Dongcheng, Fangshan, Miyun and Tongzhou Districts of Beijing during 2017-2018 by using a cluster sampling method. Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect the demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits of children and adolescents. The blood pressure was measured by electronic sphygmomanometer. Multiple logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between sleep and hypertension risk. Results: The sleep duration was (8.4±1.1) hours. The prevalence of high blood pressure was 15.0%(2 021/13 471). The incidence of mouth breathing, slobber, snoring, and suffocate was 28.4%(3 823/13 471), 23.6%(3 184/13 471) and 18.7%(2 513/13 471), 2.8%(378/13 471) respectively. After adjusting for age, gender, snoring, mouth breaking, slobber, suffocate, the time for bed and sleep duration, we found that snoring and sleep duration (5.0-6.9 h) were both associated with high blood pressure ( OR= 1.49, 95% CI: 1.32-1.69; OR= 1.53, 95% CI: 1.28-1.81). Conclusion: Snoring and sleep duration were positively associated with high blood pressure in this study. Interventions focusing on sleep status should be developed to reduce the incidence of high blood pressure in children and adolescents.

Aim: To develop the single chain variable fragment of MG MG(7)murine anti-human gastric cancer monoclonal antibody using the phage display technology for obtaining a tumor-targeting mediator., Methods: mRNA was isolated from MG MG(7) producing murine hybridoma cell line and converted into cDNA. The variable fragments of heavy and light chain were amplified separately and assembled into ScFv with a specially constructed DNA linker by PCR. The ScFvs DNA was ligated into the phagmid vector pCANTAB5E and the ligated sample was transformed into competent E. Coli TG1. The transformed cells were infected with M13K07 helper phage to form MG MG(7) recombinant phage antibody library. The volume and recombinant rate of the library were evaluated by means of bacterial colony count and restriction analysis. After two rounds of panning with gastric cancer cell line KATO III of highly expressing MG(7)-binding antigen, the phage clones displaying ScFv of the antibody were selected by ELISA from the enriched phage clones. The antigen-binding affinity of the positive clone was detected by competition ELISA. HB2151 E. Coli was transfected with the positive phage clone demonstrated by competition ELISA for production of a soluble form of the MG(7) ScFv. ELISA assay was used to detect the antigen-binding affinity of the soluble MG(7) ScFv. Finally, the relative molecular mass of soluble MG(7) ScFv was measured by SDS-PAGE., Results: The V(H), V(L) and ScFv DNAs were about 340bp, 320bp and 750bp, respectively. The volume of the library was up to 2 X 10(6) and 8 of 11 random clones were recombinants. Two phage clones could strongly compete with the original MG(7) antibody for binding to the antigen expressed on KATO III cells. Within 2 strong positive phage clones, the soluble MG(7) ScFv from one clone was found to have the binding activity with KATO III cells. SDS-PAGE showed that the relative molecular weight of soluble MG(7) ScFv was 32., Conclusion: The MG(7) ScFv was successfully produced by phage antibody technology, which may be useful for broadening the scope of application of the antibody.

We have already developed nine B10.MOL congenic strains carrying H-2 haplotypes derived from Japanese wild mice, Mus musculus molossinus, with the C57BL/10 genetic background. To obtain monoclonal antibodies against the H-2 antigen of the Japanese wild mouse, we carried out cell fusion using spleen cells from the animal immunized with one of the B10.MOL strains, B10.MOL-SGR (H-2wm7). As a result, 19 hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies were produced. Analysis with the intra-H-2 recombinants derived from B10.MOL-SGR indicated that 8 of them reacted with the class I and 11 with the class II molecule. The class I antibodies were tested for their cross-reactivities on wild mice and on the panels of standard inbred and B10.MOL strains. Most of the antibodies reacted with both the Japanese wild mice and the other subspecies, including standard inbred, while two antibodies highly specific for the donor H-2K region reacted with only three wild-derived mice, two M. m. molossinus from Anjo and Shizuoka, Japan, and one M. m. domesticus from Pigeon, Canada. In addition, all of the other four antibodies reactive with the K antigen of B10.MOL-SGR also reacted with the same three wild mice. The wild mice belonging to different subspecies might share very similar H-2K antigenic determinants in spite of their genetic and geographical remoteness.

We studied the allelic frequency of the hemoglobin beta chain (Hbb) of wild mice, Mus musculus, collected from 46 localities, mostly in Asia and surrounding areas. The wild populations in the northern part of China, Korea, and the central part of Japan exhibited an almost monomorphic distribution of Hbbp. In the southern part of Asia, the frequency of Hbbp decreased and Hbbd was predominant. Although Hbbs and Hbbd are generally found in Europe, the Hbbp allele was present in Southeastern Europe (Bulgaria). In the light of these results, the Hbbp allele might have originated in mice of northern Asia.

Genetic variability of the nontranscribed spacer (NTS) region within ribosomal DNA repeating units in the various subspecies of Mus musculus was determined. Mice belonging to several laboratory mouse strains were examined by means of Southern blot hybridization with a mouse ribosomal DNA probe. This probe encompasses the 3' end of the 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and the following spacer. Restriction enzyme digestions of the liver DNAs from various wild mice revealed that each of the subspecies has a unique pattern in the spacer encompassing a distance approximately 10 kb downstream from the ribosomal gene. These restriction patterns permit the classification of mouse subspecies and also provide insights into the origin of the laboratory mouse strains.