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Concurrent heatwaves, featured by simultaneous occurrences of extreme heat in separate regions, pose significant risks to natural ecosystems and human society. In August 2022, unprecedented heatwaves struck central China and west Russia concurrently, resulting in severe energy crisis, numerous financial losses, and fatalities. Through synoptic‐scale analysis, we identify a pivotal role of recurrent Rossby wave packets (RRWPs) in shaping the event by repeatedly forming ridges and troughs over the same key areas. In this study, we further extend the investigation of the influence of RRWPs on heatwave occurrences in these two targeted regions over the past 44 years. Using a self‐organizing map to identify the RRWP patterns, we find that RRWPs with ridges over central China are closely associated with a marked increase in heatwave probabilities in both central China and western Russia. Specifically, the regional‐mean likelihood of heatwaves increases by factors of 3.0 and 2.6, respectively, relative to the climatology. Notably, the effect of RRWPs on the occurrence of concurrent heatwaves across both regions is more pronounced than on regional events alone. For example, during RRWPs, the likelihood of concurrent heatwaves affecting at least 20% of both target regions exceeds 10 times the climatological average. Our findings underscore the significant role of RRWPs in triggering concurrent Eurasian heatwaves and suggest promising synoptic predictability for such extreme events. Plain Language Summary: When heatwaves strike multiple regions simultaneously, the consequences can be severe, including energy shortages, economic losses, and fatalities. In August 2022, central China and western Russia experienced devastating heatwaves concurrently closely tied to Recurrent Rossby Wave Packets (RRWPs)—an atmospheric wave pattern involving the repeated formation of high‐pressure and low‐pressure systems in the same areas. In this study, we took a closer look at RRWPs and their association with heatwave occurrences in central China and western Russia over the past 44 years. We found that the presence of RRWPs could escalate heatwave risks in these two regions. Specifically, when RRWPs featured by a high‐pressure system is situated over central China, the likelihood of heatwaves increased by 3.0 times in central China and 2.6 times in western Russia compared to climatological conditions. Moreover, RRWPs have a more pronounced impact on the concurrent occurrence of heatwaves in central China and western Russia than on individual regions alone. This study unveils the significant role of RRWPs in modulating simultaneous Eurasian heatwaves, indicating substantial predictive capability for extreme heat events on a synoptic scale. Key Points: The concurrent heatwaves in central China and western Russia in August 2022 were related to recurrent Rossby wave packets (RRWPs)RRWPs significantly increase the likelihood of heatwave occurrences in central China and western RussiaRRWPs play a more significant role in amplifying the risk of concurrent heatwaves than individual heatwave occurrences in a single region [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Accurate estimation of forest aboveground biomass (AGB) is crucial for understanding and managing forest ecosystems in the context of global environmental change, and also provides a scientific basis for national and regional ecological planning and carbon emission reduction policies. In order to investigate the regional pattern of forest AGB and its influencing factors in central China, a total of 469 sample plots were measured along four sample transects and on six mountains in field survey. The results showed that: 1) Two longitudinal distribution patterns of forest AGB were found, and one was that the AGB in the Qinling Mountains and the Daba Moutains gradually decreased from east to west, and the other was that the AGB in the areas between the two mountains gradually increased from east to west. The latitudinal distribution pattern of the forest AGB showed an "increasing–decreasing-increasing–decreasing" trend from south to north. The altitudinal distribution pattern showed a "first increasing-then decreasing" pattern with increasing altitude. 2) The influence of each factor on the spatial pattern of forest AGB was manifested as temperature > precipitation > HAI > topography, indicating that the spatial pattern of forest AGB in central China was the result of the interaction of climate, human activities and natural factors.

Introduction: Extreme weather becomes increasingly frequent and severe under climate change, causing unexpected damage to trees. Among them, sleet damage is particularly harmful to evergreen trees in subtropical area. Camphor trees (Cinnamomum camphora), as dominant street trees in central China, are prone to sleet damage, resulting in loss of valuable ecosystem functions. Methods: By measuring tree size characteristics of 118 camphor trees before and after a record-breaking sleet event in Wuhan, a mega-city in central China, we built allometric equations between size and volume of broken branches and used the random forest regression to model sleet damage to camphor trees. Results: We identified that larger trees with intermediate bole height suffered more than smaller trees with tall bole height from the sleet event. We estimated the volume of broken branches of a camphor tree with DBH at 35.0 cm as 106.4 dm3, equivalent to 55.3 kg biomass loss, from the sleet event. Discussion: We suggest that pruning the branches instead of topping the main stems of small camphor trees would reduce the sleet hazard. To mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, regular pruning should be practiced on street camphor trees to protect them from future heavy sleet events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on Central China (CC), including Shanxi, Henan, Anhui, Hubei, Jiangxi, and Hunan provinces. The 2019 average annual precipitation (PRE), average annual temperature (TEM), average annual wind speed (WS), population density (POP), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), aerosol optical depth (AOD), gross domestic product (GDP), and elevation (DEM) data were used as explanatory variables to predict the average annual PM2.5 concentrations (PM2.5Cons) in CC. The average annual PM2.5Cons were predicted using different models, including multiple linear regression (MLR), back propagation neural network (BPNN), and random forest (RF) models. The results showed higher prediction accuracy and stability of the RF algorithm (RFA) than those of the other models. Therefore, it was used to analyze the contributions of the explanatory factors to the PM2.5 concentration (PM2.5Con) prediction in CC. Subsequently, the spatiotemporal evolution of the PM2.5Cons from 2010 to 2021 was systematically analyzed. The results indicated that (1) PRE and AOD had the most significant impacts on the PM2.5Cons. Specifically, the PRE and AOD values exhibited negative and positive correlations with the PM2.5Cons, respectively. The NDVI and WS were negatively correlated with the PM2.5Cons; (2) the southern and northern parts of Shanxi and Henan provinces, respectively, experienced the highest PM2.5Cons in the 2010–2013 period, indicating severe air pollution. However, the PM2.5Cons in the 2014–2021 period showed spatial decreasing trends, demonstrating the effectiveness of the implemented air pollution control measures in reducing pollution and improving air quality in CC. The findings of this study provide scientific evidence for air pollution control and policy making in CC. To further advance atmospheric sustainability in CC, the study suggested that the government enhance air quality monitoring, manage pollution sources, raise public awareness about environmental protection, and promote green lifestyles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate estimation of forest aboveground biomass (AGB) is crucial for understanding and managing forest ecosystems in the context of global environmental change, and also provides a scientific basis for national and regional ecological planning and carbon emission reduction policies. In order to investigate the regional pattern of forest AGB and its influencing factors in central China, a total of 469 sample plots were measured along four sample transects and on six mountains in field survey. The results showed that: 1) Two longitudinal distribution patterns of forest AGB were found, and one was that the AGB in the Qinling Mountains and the Daba Moutains gradually decreased from east to west, and the other was that the AGB in the areas between the two mountains gradually increased from east to west. The latitudinal distribution pattern of the forest AGB showed an "increasing–decreasing-increasing–decreasing" trend from south to north. The altitudinal distribution pattern showed a "first increasing-then decreasing" pattern with increasing altitude. 2) The influence of each factor on the spatial pattern of forest AGB was manifested as temperature > precipitation > HAI > topography, indicating that the spatial pattern of forest AGB in central China was the result of the interaction of climate, human activities and natural factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deforestation is a major type of land use change to accommodate growing population, especially in developing countries. The risk of diversity loss due to habitat loss can be estimated using the species-area relationship based on abundance of each species. However, deforestation often occurs before there is any understanding of the impact of deforestation on tree diversity. Here, we assessed the potential effect of forest habitat destruction on the loss of species richness in a mature subtropical broadleaf forest in central China. We surveyed and constructed the species-area relationship for 54 400 m2 plots, and simulated habitat loss scenarios by randomly and aggregately sampling plots. Rank-abundance of the 21 tree species was best fitted by the Zipf-Mandelbrot model, and our sample size was sufficient by the criterion of Hill numbers at orders q = 0, 1, and 2. We found that the number of species lost due to habitat loss was well predicted by the random placement species loss-area loss curve, and was lower than that due to aggregated habitat destruction by less than one species. The probability of losing one species reached 40% when losing 16 plots by aggregated sampling, 10 plots fewer than that by random sampling. Moreover, the probability of losing two species was 10–22 % higher by aggregately sampling than that by randomly sampling when losing 17 – 34 plots (0.68 – 1.36 ha). Considering that aggregated deforestation is common in reality, the results imply that the number of tree species lost due to deforestation could be higher than the theoretical estimation. Our study suggests the importance of assessing the impact of deforestation on tree diversity before selective logging in subtropical forests.

The H9N2 subtype of avian influenza virus (AIV) is widely prevalent in poultry and wild birds globally, and has become the predominant subtype circulating in poultry in China. The H9N2 AIV can directly or indirectly (by serving as a “donor virus”) infect humans, posing a significant threat to public health. Currently, there is a lack of in-depth research on the prevalence of H9N2 viruses in Shanxi Province, central China. In this study, we isolated 14 H9N2 AIVs from October 2020 to April 2022 in Shanxi Province, and genetic analysis revealed that these viruses belonged to 7 different genotypes. Our study on animals revealed that the H9N2 strains we identified displayed high transmission efficiency among chicken populations, and exhibited diverse replication abilities within these birds. These viruses could replicate efficiently in the lungs of mice, with one strain also demonstrating the capacity to reproduce in organs like the brain and kidneys. At the cellular level, the replication ability of different H9N2 strains was evaluated using plaque formation assays and multi-step growth curve assays, revealing significant differences in the replication and proliferation efficiency of the various H9N2 viruses at the cellular level. The antigenicity analysis suggested that these isolates could be classified into 2 separate antigenic clusters. Our research provides crucial data to help understand the prevalence and biological characteristics of H9N2 AIVs in central China. It also highlights the necessity of enhancing the surveillance of H9N2 AIVs.

Abstract Aim To analyze the clinicopathological features of schistosomal and non-schistosomal colorectal cancer in Central China and compare them with other areas of the Yangtze River Basin. Method The 501 cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) were retrospectively analyzed from 2020 to 2022. They were divided into two groups: 406 cases of colorectal cancer without schistosomiasis (CRC-NS) and 95 cases of colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis (CRC-S).The clinicopathological characteristics included the distribution of schistosomiasis eggs, patient age, sex, tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage. By retrieving the database, this study compared the clinicopathological differences of colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis in other areas of the Yangtze River basin. Results The cases of colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis accounted for 18.9%(95/501) in the study. The patients of CRC-S were older than the patients of CRC-NS (P = 0.002, P

Forest fires in central China pose significant threats to ecosystem health, public safety, and economic stability. This study employs advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models to comprehensively analyze the factors driving the occurrence of these fire events. A predictive model for forest fire occurrences has been developed, complemented by targeted zoning management strategies. The key findings are as follows: (i) Spatial analysis reveals substantial clustering and spatial autocorrelation of fire points, indicating high-density areas of forest fire occurrence, primarily in Hunan and Jiangxi provinces, as well as the northeastern region. This underscores the need for tailored fire prevention and management approaches. (ii) The forest fire prediction model for the central region demonstrates exceptional accuracy, reliability, and predictive power. It achieves outstanding performance metrics in both training and validation sets, with an accuracy of 86.00%, precision of 88.00%, recall of 87.00%, F1 score of 87.50%, and an AUC value of 90.50%. (iii) Throughout the year, the occurrence of forest fires in central China varies by location and season. Low-occurrence periods are observed in summer and winter, particularly in Hunan and Hubei provinces, due to moderate weather conditions, agricultural practices, and reduced outdoor activities. However, spring and autumn also present localized risks due to uneven rainfall and dry climates. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of forest fire occurrences in central China, offering a solid framework for proactive fire management and policy formulation to effectively mitigate the impacts of these events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] A "once-in-a-millennium" super rainstorm battered Zhengzhou, central China, from 07/17/2021 to 07/22/2021 (named "7.20" Zhengzhou rainstorm). It killed 398 people and caused billions of dollars in damage. A pressing question is whether rainstorms of this intensity can be effectively documented by geological archives to understand better their historical variabilities beyond the range of meteorological data. Here, four land snail shells were collected from Zhengzhou, and weekly to daily resolved snail shell δ 18O records from June to September of 2021 were obtained by gas-source mass spectrometry and secondary ion mass spectrometry. The daily resolved records show a dramatic negative shift between 06/18/2021 and 09/18/2021, which has been attributed to the "7.20" Zhengzhou rainstorm. Moreover, the measured amplitude of this shift is consistent with the theoretical value estimated from the flux balance model and instrumental data for the "7.20" Zhengzhou rainstorm. Our results suggest that the ultra-high resolution δ 18O of land snail shells have the potential to reconstruct local synoptic scale rainstorms quantitatively, and thus fossil snail shells in sedimentary strata can be valuable material for investigating the historical variability of local rainstorms under different climate backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To analyze the clinicopathological features of schistosomal and non-schistosomal colorectal cancer in Central China and compare them with other areas of the Yangtze River Basin. Method: The 501 cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) were retrospectively analyzed from 2020 to 2022. They were divided into two groups: 406 cases of colorectal cancer without schistosomiasis (CRC-NS) and 95 cases of colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis (CRC-S).The clinicopathological characteristics included the distribution of schistosomiasis eggs, patient age, sex, tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage. By retrieving the database, this study compared the clinicopathological differences of colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis in other areas of the Yangtze River basin. Results: The cases of colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis accounted for 18.9%(95/501) in the study. The patients of CRC-S were older than the patients of CRC-NS (P = 0.002, P < 0.05). There was a statistical difference in the location of occurrence (P = 0.000, P < 0.05) between the two groups. There were no significant differences between CRC-S and CRC-NS in other clinicopathological features, such as sex (P = 0.054), Type(P = 0.242), histological type(P = 0.654), infiltrative depth(P = 0.811), differentiation(P = 0.837), lymph node metastasis(P = 0.574), intravascular tumor thrombus(P = 0.698), T stage(P = 0.354). In other areas of the Yangtze River Basin, there were statistical differences in the age of occurrence and T stage (P < 0.05) between colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis and non-schistosomal colorectal cancer. Conclusion: In Central China, colorectal cancer with chronic schistosomiasis infection occurs more in the rectum and sigmoid colon. It is more common in individuals over 60 years old, consistent with the findings in the Yangtze River Basin. Additionally, schistosomal colorectal cancer had a higher T stage in the Yangtze River Basin. This may be related to the malignant biological behavior of colorectal cancer and could result in a relatively poor prognosis. Therefore, the elderly population in schistosomiasis endemic areas should pay more attention to early screening and tumor prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of rapid urbanization in China, the spatial restructuring of towns and cities has significantly impacted urban compactness. The study of the spatio–temporal characteristics and driving mechanisms of urban compactness in central China is a strategic imperative and conducive to promoting regional sustainable development that is based on easing the contradiction between land resource supply and demand and reducing energy consumption. Therefore, this study focused on 80 prefecture-level cities in central China, utilizing barycenter model and GTWR model, among others, to analyze the spatio–temporal evolution pattern of urban compactness from 2006 to 2020 and its driving factors, with the aim of uncovering the intrinsic mechanisms behind enhancing urban compactness in the area. The results show the follows: (1) The urban compactness in central China has generally shown an upward trend, with a pronounced spatial clustering around provincial capital cities and the spatial changes in compactness predominantly concentrated in the north–south direction. (2) Various factors have influenced urban compactness, where government intervention and population aggregation present as bi-directional driving factors, while the effective use of land resources and high-quality industrial development, among others, present as positive driving factors. The spatio–temporal heterogeneity and agglomeration features of each driving factor are significant. (3) Further analysis indicates that the effective use of land resources is the primary factor in enhancing urban compactness, followed by technology. Therefore, we should adhere to the concept of compact cities and gradually promote the compactness of cities in central China based on the impact of the driving factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), a significant global health concern, imposes a substantial disease burden. In China, there is inadequate data concerning the monitoring of respiratory pathogens, particularly bacteria, among patients with SARI. Therefore, this study aims to delineate the demographic, epidemiological, and aetiological characteristics of hospitalised SARI patients in Central China between 2018 and 2020. Methods Eligible patients with SARI admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Within the first 24 h of admission, respiratory (including sputum, nasal/throat swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, thoracocentesis fluid, etc.), urine, and peripheral blood specimens were collected for viral and bacterial testing. A multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic approach was used to identify human influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, human bocavirus, human coronavirus, human metapneumovirus, and rhinovirus. Bacterial cultures of respiratory specimens were performed with a particular focus on pathogenic microorganisms, including S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, Strep A, H. influenzae, A. baumannii, and E. coli. In cases where bacterial culture results were negative, nucleic acid extraction was performed for PCR to assay for the above-mentioned eight bacteria, as well as L. pneumophila and M. pneumoniae. Additionally, urine specimens were exclusively used to detect Legionella antigens. Furthermore, epidemiological, demographic, and clinical data were obtained from electronic medical records. Results The study encompassed 1266 patients, with a mean age of 54 years, among whom 61.6% (780/1266) were males, 61.4% (778/1266) were farmers, and 88.8% (1124/1266) sought medical treatment in 2020. Moreover, 80.3% (1017/1266) were housed in general wards. The most common respiratory symptoms included fever (86.8%, 1122/1266) and cough (77.8%, 986/1266). Chest imaging anomalies were detected in 62.6% (792/1266) of cases, and 58.1% (736/1266) exhibited at least one respiratory pathogen, with 28.5% (361/1266) having multiple infections. Additionally, 95.7% (1212/1266) of the patients were from Henan Province, with the highest proportion (38.3%, 486/1266) falling in the 61–80 years age bracket, predominantly (79.8%, 1010/1266) seeking medical aid in summer and autumn. Bacterial detection rate (39.0%, 495/1266) was higher than viral detection rate (36.9%, 468/1266), with the primary pathogens being influenza virus (13.8%, 175/1266), K. pneumoniae (10.0%, 127/1266), S. pneumoniae (10.0%, 127/1266), adenovirus (8.2%, 105/1266), P. aeruginosa (8.2%, 105/1266), M. pneumoniae (7.8%, 100/1266), and respiratory syncytial virus (7.7%, 98/1266). During spring and winter, there was a significant prevalence of influenza virus and human coronavirus, contrasting with the dominance of parainfluenza viruses in summer and autumn. Respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus exhibited higher prevalence across spring, summer, and winter. P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and M. pneumoniae were identified at similar rates throughout all seasons without distinct spikes in prevalence. However, S. pneumoniae showed a distinctive pattern with a prevalence that doubled during summer and winter. Moreover, the positive detection rates of various other viruses and bacteria were lower, displaying a comparatively erratic prevalence trend. Among patients admitted to the intensive care unit, the predominant nosocomial bacteria were K. pneumoniae (17.2%, 43/249), A. baumannii (13.6%, 34/249), and P. aeruginosa (12.4%, 31/249). Conversely, in patients from general wards, predominant pathogens included influenza virus (14.8%, 151/1017), S. pneumoniae (10.4%, 106/1017), and adenovirus (9.3%, 95/1017). Additionally, paediatric patients exhibited significantly higher positive detection rates for influenza virus (23.9%, 11/46) and M. pneumoniae (32.6%, 15/46) compared to adults and the elderly. Furthermore, adenovirus (10.0%, 67/669) and rhinovirus (6.4%, 43/669) were the primary pathogens in adults, while K. pneumoniae (11.8%, 65/551) and A. baumannii (7.1%, 39/551) prevailed among the elderly, indicating significant differences among the three age groups. Discussion In Central China, among patients with SARI, the prevailing viruses included influenza virus, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Among bacteria, K. pneumoniae, S. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and M. pneumoniae were frequently identified, with multiple infections being very common. Additionally, there were substantial variations in the pathogen spectrum compositions concerning wards and age groups among patients. Consequently, this study holds promise in offering insights to the government for developing strategies aimed at preventing and managing respiratory infectious diseases effectively.

Background: Severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), a significant global health concern, imposes a substantial disease burden. In China, there is inadequate data concerning the monitoring of respiratory pathogens, particularly bacteria, among patients with SARI. Therefore, this study aims to delineate the demographic, epidemiological, and aetiological characteristics of hospitalised SARI patients in Central China between 2018 and 2020. Methods: Eligible patients with SARI admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Within the first 24 h of admission, respiratory (including sputum, nasal/throat swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, thoracocentesis fluid, etc.), urine, and peripheral blood specimens were collected for viral and bacterial testing. A multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic approach was used to identify human influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, human bocavirus, human coronavirus, human metapneumovirus, and rhinovirus. Bacterial cultures of respiratory specimens were performed with a particular focus on pathogenic microorganisms, including S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, Strep A, H. influenzae, A. baumannii, and E. coli. In cases where bacterial culture results were negative, nucleic acid extraction was performed for PCR to assay for the above-mentioned eight bacteria, as well as L. pneumophila and M. pneumoniae. Additionally, urine specimens were exclusively used to detect Legionella antigens. Furthermore, epidemiological, demographic, and clinical data were obtained from electronic medical records. Results: The study encompassed 1266 patients, with a mean age of 54 years, among whom 61.6% (780/1266) were males, 61.4% (778/1266) were farmers, and 88.8% (1124/1266) sought medical treatment in 2020. Moreover, 80.3% (1017/1266) were housed in general wards. The most common respiratory symptoms included fever (86.8%, 1122/1266) and cough (77.8%, 986/1266). Chest imaging anomalies were detected in 62.6% (792/1266) of cases, and 58.1% (736/1266) exhibited at least one respiratory pathogen, with 28.5% (361/1266) having multiple infections. Additionally, 95.7% (1212/1266) of the patients were from Henan Province, with the highest proportion (38.3%, 486/1266) falling in the 61–80 years age bracket, predominantly (79.8%, 1010/1266) seeking medical aid in summer and autumn. Bacterial detection rate (39.0%, 495/1266) was higher than viral detection rate (36.9%, 468/1266), with the primary pathogens being influenza virus (13.8%, 175/1266), K. pneumoniae (10.0%, 127/1266), S. pneumoniae (10.0%, 127/1266), adenovirus (8.2%, 105/1266), P. aeruginosa (8.2%, 105/1266), M. pneumoniae (7.8%, 100/1266), and respiratory syncytial virus (7.7%, 98/1266). During spring and winter, there was a significant prevalence of influenza virus and human coronavirus, contrasting with the dominance of parainfluenza viruses in summer and autumn. Respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus exhibited higher prevalence across spring, summer, and winter. P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and M. pneumoniae were identified at similar rates throughout all seasons without distinct spikes in prevalence. However, S. pneumoniae showed a distinctive pattern with a prevalence that doubled during summer and winter. Moreover, the positive detection rates of various other viruses and bacteria were lower, displaying a comparatively erratic prevalence trend. Among patients admitted to the intensive care unit, the predominant nosocomial bacteria were K. pneumoniae (17.2%, 43/249), A. baumannii (13.6%, 34/249), and P. aeruginosa (12.4%, 31/249). Conversely, in patients from general wards, predominant pathogens included influenza virus (14.8%, 151/1017), S. pneumoniae (10.4%, 106/1017), and adenovirus (9.3%, 95/1017). Additionally, paediatric patients exhibited significantly higher positive detection rates for influenza virus (23.9%, 11/46) and M. pneumoniae (32.6%, 15/46) compared to adults and the elderly. Furthermore, adenovirus (10.0%, 67/669) and rhinovirus (6.4%, 43/669) were the primary pathogens in adults, while K. pneumoniae (11.8%, 65/551) and A. baumannii (7.1%, 39/551) prevailed among the elderly, indicating significant differences among the three age groups. Discussion: In Central China, among patients with SARI, the prevailing viruses included influenza virus, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Among bacteria, K. pneumoniae, S. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and M. pneumoniae were frequently identified, with multiple infections being very common. Additionally, there were substantial variations in the pathogen spectrum compositions concerning wards and age groups among patients. Consequently, this study holds promise in offering insights to the government for developing strategies aimed at preventing and managing respiratory infectious diseases effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermodynamic and liquid water profiles can be retrieved by a ground-based microwave radiometer (MWR) in nearly all weather conditions, which is useful for detecting mesoscale phenomena. This paper reviews the advances in remote sensing of atmospheric profiles and cloud properties by MWR in central China. Comparative studies indicate that MWR retrieval accuracy is different under various skies, especially those that decay under precipitation. The off-zenith method is proven to be capable of reducing the impact of precipitation and snow on MWR retrieval accuracy. Application studies demonstrate that MWR retrievals are helpful for early warning of rainstorms, hailstorms, and thunderstorms. Moreover, MWR retrievals provide a way to study cloud properties. The temporal variations of cloud occurrence frequency (COF) and liquid water path (LWP) are different for low, middle, and high clouds, and the vertical distribution of COF is also different in autumn and other seasons. Note that MWR can infer valid retrievals over the eastern Tibetan Plateau due to the weak precipitation over there. Also, cloud properties over the eastern Tibetan Plateau present differences from those over central China, and this is related to the different characteristics of atmospheric water vapor between these two regions. To bring more benefits for mechanism study and early warning of severe weather and numerical weather prediction, the decayed accuracy of MWR zenith retrievals under precipitation should be resolved. And combining MWR with other instruments is necessary for MWR application in detecting multi-layer clouds and ice clouds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesTo examine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hospitalized unintentional injuries among children in Central China and theoretically propose preventive and control measures.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of children aged 0–18 years with unintentional injuries who were admitted to a tertiary hospital in Central China from January 2017 to December 2023. We examined various aspects of the unintentional injuries, including age, gender, urban-rural distribution, external causes, trends, location of injury, cost, and length of stay.ResultsA total of 20,166 children with hospitalized unintentional injuries were enrolled. The median age with IQR was 2.8 (1.6, 5.1) years, with majority of the patients (57.0%) were aged 1–3 years, while the fewest were aged 11–18 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.8:1, and the urban-to-rural ratio was 1.1:1. The most common external causes were foreign bodies (41.7%), exposure to inanimate mechanical forces (25.1%), and falls (22.1%). The most frequently injured body parts were head (72.5%). The total number of unintentional injuries exhibited an increasing trend from 2017–2022, and a decreasing trend from 2022–2023. The urban-rural distribution reversed after 2020. The overall hospitalization cost was 20,810,870.4 USD, with an median cost of 758.7 (556.4, 1,186.2) USD per person.ConclusionUnintentional injuries imposed a heavy burden on society and families. However, the number of cases and the urban-rural distribution showed significant trend changes from 2017–2023. The external causes varied by age group, gender, and region, while prevention and control measures should be developed accordingly.

We present in situ LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of xenotime and monazite in assemblages with native gold and Au (Ag) tellurides from the Xiaoqinling lode gold district in central China. Composite xenotime and monazite grains formed through coupled dissolution-reprecipitation reactions reveal two discrete gold mineralization events. The first gold mineralization event, recorded by monazite (158.6 ± 3.3 Ma, Tera-Wasserburg lower intercept age) and xenotime cores (157.11 ± 0.83 Ma, weighted mean 206Pb/238U age), is characterized by the mineral assemblage of lingbaoite (AgTe3)-sylvanite ([Au,Ag]2Te4)-stützite (Ag5–xTe3)/native tellurium-sylvanite-stützite. The second gold mineralization event, recorded in the rims of xenotime (135.46 ± 0.93 Ma, weighted mean 206Pb/238U age), is characterized by the mineral assemblage of native gold-calaverite (AuTe2)-petzite (AuAg3Te2)-tellurobismuthite (Bi2Te3). Our study implies that the large-scale Jurassic mineralization event in eastern China, related to flat subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate beneath the eastern China continent, also caused widespread gold mineralization in the Qinling-Dabie Orogen, in addition to production of its world-class porphyry Mo deposits. The fact that only a few Jurassic gold mineralization ages have been reported before, may be due to the lack of suitable geochronometers to record the earlier Jurassic hydrothermal processes, which have been overprinted by the better-recognized Early Cretaceous gold mineralization event. This study also presents a rare example of xenotime compositional alterations and resetting of U-Pb ages induced by low to moderate salinity carbono-aqueous fluids at low temperatures. The textural relationships between gold minerals in contact with such composite xenotime crystals demonstrate that they could have precipitated before, coeval with, or after the dated domains. Since low to moderate salinity carbonoaqueous fluids are commonly involved in the formation of lode gold deposits, it is crucial to examine xenotime textures and recognize potential alteration textures before carrying out isotopic dating of xenotime collected from these deposits. Without prior compositional and textural characterization, attempts to date such composite crystals could yield mixed dates and meaningless ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the urban panel data of central China from 2010 to 2018, the PM2. 5 in Central China is analyzed by using spatial analysis and other methods. Explore the temporal and spatial differences, spatial evolution characteristics and spatial correlation of concentration, and construct the Environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) model to test the possible EKC relationship. The results show that: ① the PM2. 5 concentration in the Central China varied widely from 2010 to 2018, and the annual average PM2. 5 concentration exhibited an overall fluctuating decreasing trend during the study period; ② the PM2. 5 concentration in the Central China exhibited a spatial distribute on that was high in the northeastern region and low in the other regions; ③ a positive spatial correlation existed between the PM2. 5 concentration and urbanization in the Central China from 2010 to 2018; ④ and there was an positive N-type EKC relationship between the PM2. 5 pollution and urbanization in the Central China. This study provides a new perspective for exploring the relationship between the PM2. 5 concentration and urbanization, an important reference for achieving environmental protection and sustainable urban development in the Central China, and guidance for relevant departments to formulate PM2. 5 reduction policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) in the Kuroshio region near the East China Sea (K-ECS) during August has been found to be closely related to the September precipitation anomaly over Central China (CC) in this study. The significant causality is identified from SSTA in K-ECS to anomalous rainfall over CC. When a negative SSTA occurs in K-ECS during August, its cooling effect on the overlying atmosphere lasting from August to September promotes the formation of anomalous anticyclonic circulation below 600 hPa above K-ECS and the southeast of China by weakening the local convection. The southerly in the west of this anomalous circulation transports more water vapor into CC. Eventually, the convergence of moisture provides favorable conditions for the generation of precipitation here. The responsive characteristics of the anomalous atmospheric circulation during September to a negative SSTA in K-ECS in August can be confirmed through numerical experiments. The above important long-term relationship suggests that SSTA in K-ECS during August could serve as a valuable predictor for September precipitation over CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gram-negative bacilli are one of the most common causes of various infections in clinical. The emergence and global spread of multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacilli has become a major challenge in the global public health field. Methods: A total of 51,189 non-repetitive strains of gram-negative bacilli were isolated in clinical settings. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted by using the automated VITEK 2 compact system and the matched AST susceptibility test card, complemented by the disk diffusion method. The antimicrobial susceptibility results were interpreted by CLSI. Rates of MDR and XDR in Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated. Used the chi-square test to determine whether the antimicrobial resistance rates of four major gram-negative bacilli isolated from ICU and non-ICU department have statistical differences. Results: Escherichia coli (31.4%), Klebsiella spp. (21.2%), Acinetobacter spp. (13.8%), and P. aeruginosa (11.0%) were the most frequently isolated gramnegative bacilli. Escherichia coli was the top one organism isolated from urinary tract (68.4%), bloodstream (39.9%), body fluid (33.2%), wound and pus (37%), except for respiratory tract (8.8%). Whereas Acinetobacter baumannii and K. pneumoniae were the major isolated organisms from respiratory tract. Acinetobacter baumannii showed high resistance to fluoroquinolones, β-lactam/ β-lactamase inhibitor combinations class, ceftazidime, cefepime, imipenem, and meropenem, the resistance rates reached more than 70%. Ceftazidime showed a lower resistance rate to E. coli than ceftriaxone. For E. coli, fluoroquinolones showed a high resistance rate (ciprofloxacin 61.36% and levofloxacin 53.97%), whereas amikacin, carbapenems exhibited a lower resistance rate fluctuating at 2%. Acinetobacter baumannii and K. pneumoniae showed rapid increases in carbapenem resistance whereas E. coli had the lowest resistance rate and remain stable at 2%. Acinetobacter baumannii exhibited the highest rate of MDR and XDR, reaching 60–80 and 45–55%, respectively. Compared to non-ICU departments, the resistance rates of four major gram-negative bacilli in the ICU department were much higher and the differences were statistically significant (p <  0.05). Conclusion: Amikacin, carbapenems, and piperacillin/tazobactam exhibited relatively high sensitivity, whereas fluoroquinolones showed high resistance rate whether they can be the first-line antimicrobials for empirical treatment of UTI should take more consideration. The gram-negative bacilli in ICU were more resistance than that in non-ICU. These findings are helpful for clinicians using antimicrobials reasonably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The genus Gekko Laurenti, 1768, currently comprises approximately 86 species, of which 21 are native to China, that commonly live on walls, rocks, and trees, and are distributed across Southeast Asia, western Oceania, and Melanesia. This article describes a new species of Gekko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) based on its distinct morphological features and molecular evidence, which was identified in the Dabie Mountains on the border of Anhui and Henan provinces of Central China. The analysis of phylogeny based on a mitochondrial DNA fragment (16S, CYTB, and COI) indicated that the new taxon is different from its congeners. Morphologically, the new species can be diagnosed from the other subgenus Japonigekko species by a combination of 34 (14 mensural and 20 meristic) morphological characteristics, and Principal component analysis (PCA) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the new species can be clearly distinguished from its sister species G. hokouensis. Based on the above multiple lines of evidence, we describe this gecko from the Dabie Mountains as a new species, Gekko kaiyai sp. nov. The discovery of this species implies that there are now 87 identified species in the genus Gekko, 22 of which can be found within China. This study describes a novel species of Gekko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) based on its distinct morphological features and molecular evidence, which was identified in the Dabie Mountains on the border of Anhui and Henan provinces of Central China. Gekko kaiyai sp. nov. could be distinguished from its congeners owing to its morphological characteristics, such as being a medium body sized gecko species (snout–vent length, 56.98–64.99 mm, n = 4, females; 50.03–61.56 mm, n = 11, males); nostrils scale in contact with rostral scale; tubercles on the dorsal and limb, while the upper forelimb is smooth with no tubercles; 22–33 interorbital scales between the anterior corners of the eyes; 157–209 ventral scales between mental and cloacal slit; 90–121 midbody scale rows; 30–43 ventral scale rows; 7–9 sub-digital lamellae on first fingers, 8–13 fourth fingers, 7–9 first toes, and 7–11 fourth toes; free of webbing in the fingers and toes; 9–12 pre-cloacal pores in males, which are absent in females; post-cloacal unilateral tubercles 1 (few 2); and a dorsum that is greyish white to dark brown, with 6–7 brown markings between the nape and sacrum. The phylogenetic tree based on the mitochondrial DNA sequences (16S, CYTB, and COI) indicated that Gekko kaiyai sp. nov. form an independent clade with strong support (100/1) and are a sister group to G. hokouensis. At the inter-species level, the genetic distances were all large, further confirming that an independent species had been identified. The discovery of this species implies that there are now 87 identified species in the genus Gekko, 22 of which can be found within China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an alternative concept of teacher professional development, teacher professional learning has attracted increasing research attention. This study explored the relationship between teacher gender, principal support, teacher professional identity, and teacher professional learning among 608 teachers in central and western regions of China. The results indicated that female teachers perceived higher professional identity and professional learning than male teachers. Principal support had a significant positive influence on teacher professional learning, with teacher professional identity playing a partial mediating role. Teacher gender moderated the mediation effect of teacher professional identity on teacher professional learning, and professional identity had a higher influence on professional learning among male than female teachers. Based on the findings, the practical implication was discussed. Practitioner points: Principal support had a significant effect on teachers' professional learning.Teacher professional identity played a mediating role in the relationship between principal support and teacher professional learning.Teacher gender moderated the mediation effect of teacher professional identity on teacher professional learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the start of the twenty-first century, China's economy has grown at a high or moderate rate, and air pollution has become increasingly severe. The study was conducted using data from remote sensing observations between 1998 and 2019, employing the standard deviation ellipse model and spatial autocorrelation analysis, to explore the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of PM2.5 in Henan Province. Additionally, a multiscale geographically weighted regression model (MGWR) was applied to explore the impact of 12 driving factors (e.g., mean surface temperature and CO2 emissions) on PM2.5 concentration. The research revealed that (1) Over a period of 22 years, the yearly mean PM2.5 concentrations in Henan Province demonstrated a trend resembling the shape of the letter “M”, and the general trend observed in Henan Province demonstrated that the spatial center of gravity of PM2.5 concentrations shifted toward the north. (2) Distinct spatial clustering patterns of PM2.5 were observed in Henan Province, with the northern region showing a primary concentration of spatial hot spots, while the western and southern areas were predominantly characterized as cold spots. (3) MGWR is more effective than GWR in unveiling the spatial heterogeneity of influencing factors at various scales, thereby making it a more appropriate approach for investigating the driving mechanisms behind PM2.5 concentration. (4) The results acquired from the MGWR model indicate that there are varying degrees of spatial heterogeneity in the effects of various factors on PM2.5 concentration. To summarize the above conclusions, the management of the atmospheric environment in Henan Province still has a long way to go, and the formulation of relevant policies should be adapted to local conditions, taking into account the spatial scale effect of the impact of different influencing factors on PM2.5.

The demand for carbon peaking and 'carbon neutrality' is putting pressure on some provinces in central China that are on the rise in economic development and rely on coal as their main energy source. This article takes Jiangxi Province as an example to study the relationship between net CO2 emissions and 11 indicators, the STIRPAT model is used to perform multivariate linear fitting. The results of regression are used to calculate the peak value of net CO2 emissions under different scenarios, and the fuzzy set qualitative analysis method is used to study the development model of net CO2 emissions in Jiangxi Province and its control path. The results showed that: (1) Per capita GDP has the most significant impact on the net CO2 emissions, while the proportion of total forestry output value, energy conservation, environmental protection expenditures in public expenditures, the number of buses vehicles operating per 10,000 people are negatively correlated with net CO2 emissions. (2) After simulating the possible development scenarios of Jiangxi Province, it can be concluded that there are in three scenarios the net CO2 emissions are most likely to peak before 2030. (3) Configuration analysis results showed that if Jiangxi Province wants to achieve 'carbon neutrality' in 2060, it is necessary to maintain both economic structural adjustment and energy consumption structural adjustment, with carbon intensity reduction as the main goal development model. (4) The central China should give more play to the advantages of the forestry industry and strengthen the energy structure regulation policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present an integrated study of petrology, zircon U–Pb geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry, and zircon Lu–Hf isotopes for the basic–intermediate dykes in the western Gonghe basin, northeastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. LA–MC–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating indicates that these dykes were emplaced in the Middle Triassic (240 ± 1.6 Ma). Geochemically, these basic–intermediate dykes are characterized by enrichments in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g. K, Rb, and Pb), coupled with depletions in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs; e.g. Nb, Ta, and Ti). These geochemical features, along with the relatively low zircon εHf values (−7.2 to 1.6), suggest that these mafic dykes were originated from enriched mantle metasomatized by subduction-related fluids in a back-arc extensional environment. Literature investigations indicate that Middle Triassic mafic dykes are widespread in central China and are geochemically of arc affinities. Therefore, a regional back-arc extensional event occurred in central China during Middle Triassic time, which was likely caused by rollback of the subducting Kunlun–Animaqin Paleo-Tethyan slab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the emergence of tourism as an economic development tool, urban travel resources and tourist experience are now closely related. In the context of the strategy for the rise of central China, this study examined the transport resources of 87 cities in this area, with a special focus on their intra-city transport supply, thus constructing a more comprehensive urban transport resource index system. The study adopted a hybrid approach combining entropy weight and the TOPSIS method and built a coupling coordination degree (CCD) model to estimate the synergistic development of urban tourismification and transport resources in these cities from 2010 to 2019. It also looked at the evolutionary characteristics of the CCD by applying kernel density estimation and exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA). The results showed that: ① The CCD between urban tourismification and transport resources in central China suggested that the development of the system was both imbalanced and slow, and in most cities, a higher-quality transport supply was needed to meet their tourismification demand. ② In terms of the temporal characteristic, the kernel density curve shifted to the right with a long right tail and a flattening main peak, gradually turning from single-peaked to multi-peaked, reflecting an overall balanced development of the CCD from 2010 to 2019. ③ Adopting the trend surface analysis, the study found that the CCD was in a U-shaped trend, with part of the trough concentrated near Wuhan, and a trickle-down effect was detected on the periphery, mainly in Taiyuan, Shennongjia, Zhangjiajie, and Nanchang. ④ In terms of the spatial characteristic, the CCD featured resource dependence in the early stage, a margin-to-center downtrend in the middle stage, and finally a periphery-to-center downtrend with provincial capitals at the core, consistent with the development trend of the tourism industry from tourist attractions only to the integration of the city and its scenic spots. In addition, there was spatial autocorrelation in the CCD, with the hot spots centering on northern Jiangxi and the cold spots converging in the Henan-Anhui boundary and central Hubei. This study proposes a set of measures to enhance tourism and commerce in central China. These include strengthening comprehensive planning and integrating essential resources, cultivating new industries that integrate humanistic and touristic elements, and improving policy guidance and implementation in peripheral areas. Furthermore, the transformation of high-level scenic spots' tourism development should be accelerated, public services should be optimized, regional barriers should be removed, and a mutually beneficial outcome should be realized by promoting travel and combining tourism and commerce. Additionally, there is a need to continue encouraging the shared production and living styles between locals and tourists and integrating urban scenery to speed up the rate of urban tourismification and highlight the innovative vitality it contains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatiotemporal characteristics of ozone pollution and increased human health risks in Central China were investigated using a long time series of ozone concentrations from 2014 to 2020. We found a gradual increase in ozone pollution, with the highest concentrations observed in the northeastern region. The spatial distribution of population density showed distinct patterns, with the northeastern and east-central regions coinciding with areas of high ozone concentrations. The study found an overall increasing trend in MDA8 ozone concentrations, with a regional average increase of 3.5 (μg m−3) per year, corresponding to a 4.4% annual increase. We observed a significant clustering of areas at a higher risk of premature mortality associated with long-term ozone exposure, particularly in the northeastern region. Estimated premature mortality due to ozone pollution in Central China between 2014 and 2020 shows an increasing trend from 2014 to 2019 and a decreasing trend in 2020 due to the occurrence of extreme ozone pollution and the subsequent recovery of ozone concentrations after the closures due to COVID-19. Premature mortality due to ozone exposure is affected by both ozone levels and the exposed population, with high correlation coefficients exceeding 0.95. The high total population (more than 220 million per year) and increasing ozone levels exacerbate the problem of premature mortality due to ozone pollution. This study improves our understanding of the impact of ozone pollution on human health and emphasizes the dynamic nature of ozone pollution and its impacts on human health over time. It underscores the need for further study and comprehensive action to mitigate these health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting ratoon rice is a critical measure for ensuring food security in China. Understanding the mechanism underlying farmers' decision-making involving ratoon rice production may contribute to the design and implementation of extension policies. This study examined the impact of off-farm employment and outsourced machinery services on farmers' ratoon rice production behavior. We used a representative household survey of 1752 rice farmers in Hubei province in central China and a multinomial endogenous treatment effect model to address potential self-selection biases from both observable and unobservable factors. Our estimates suggest that the probability of ratoon rice production decreases by 17.2% for farmers with off-farm employment, while the probability of ratoon rice production increases by 78.9% and 57% for farmers with outsourced machinery services and those with simultaneous off-farm employment and outsourced machinery services, respectively. Moreover, we found that outsourced machinery services can mitigate the negative impact of agricultural labor aging and feminization on ratoon rice production to some extent. Outsourced machinery services have regional heterogeneity effects as farmers in non-plain areas are more likely to engage in ratoon rice production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archeomagnetism focuses on exploring high-resolution variations of the geomagnetic field over hundreds to thousands of years. In this study, we carried out a comprehensive study of chronology, absolute and relative paleointensity on a late Neolithic site in central China. Ages of the samples are constrained to be ~3,500–3,000 BCE, a period when available paleointensity data are sparse. We present a total of 64 high-fidelity absolute paleointensities, demonstrating the field varied quickly from ~55 to ~90 ZAm2 between ~3,500–3,000 BCE. Our results record a new archeomagnetic jerk around 3,300 BCE, which is probably non-dipolar origin. The new results provide robust constraints on global geomagnetic models. We calculated a revised Chinese archeointensity reference curve for future application. The variations of absolute and relative paleointensity versus depth show good consistency, reinforcing the reliability of our results. This new attempt of combining absolute and relative paleointenstiy provides a useful tool for future archeomagnetic research.

China's industrialization and urbanization process is advancing rapidly. While using natural resources, the country also generates a large amount of waste, causing serious environmental pollution and affecting further development of human society. Expanding the scale of investment in environmental protection has gradually become an effective means to address the problem. China is continuously increasing investment in environmental protection, actively improving environmental conditions, and achieving the dual goals of promoting high-quality development and environmental protection. Six provinces in central China were taken as research objects and the regional differences in their investments in environmental protection were analyzed. A panel entropy weight model was used to calculate the green development level of industrial enterprises, and a panel regression model was employed to calculate the impact of investment in environmental protection on the degree of influence of the green development of industrial enterprises. Results show that the six provinces in central China have significant differences in their investment in industrial environmental pollution control. The unreasonable allocation of environmental protection investment funds has led to the insignificant improvement of environmental pollution caused by industrial enterprises in the six central provinces of investment in environmental protection. R&D expenditure of industrial enterprises, the total import, and export volume of foreign-invested enterprises, and the fixed asset investment of the entire society have a positive role in promoting the green development of industrial enterprises. The added value of the secondary industry has a significant negative effect on the green development of industrial enterprises. Conclusions can be used as a reference for encouraging industrial enterprises to increase investment in environmental protection and promote green development.

Air pollution has been suggested as a trigger of hypertension (HTN), but it has not yet been fully analyzed how it impacts short-term HTN mortality. This study aimed to assess the association between short-term air pollution exposure and HTN mortality among Wuhan residents. This study used site-based HTN data from 2013 to 2019, in addition to data on meteorology and air pollution. Associations between short-term air pollution exposure and HTN mortality were assessed using generalized additive models (GAM). Positive links were found between PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2 and HTN diseases mortality. In the single-pollutant model, for every 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2, the percent changes (PCs) for HTN mortality were 0.991% (95% CI: 0.205, 1.778), 0.835% (95% CI: 0.336, 1.334), 4.344% (95% CI: 2.021, 6.668), and 1.740% (95% CI: 0.785, 2.694), respectively. O3 was found negatively associated with HTN mortality, and the PC with every 10 μg/m3 increase after a accumulated lag of 7 days in O3 exposure was −1.000% (95% CI: −1.760, −0.240). All pollutants risk estimates were robust to adjustment for co-pollutants. Stratified analysis showed that females and people aged over 65 were more likely to be harmed by air pollution. In conclusion, short-term exposure to air pollution may increase the risk of HTN mortality. The negative association reported in O3 provides further insight into the health effects of air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change affects the growth of regional vegetation; both trees and grain crops often change concurrently, such that the annual radial growth of trees shows consistent inter-annual variations with the total grain crop productivity. However, it remains unclear whether they exhibit concurrent responses to climate factors, and that there lacks of the study on long-term high-resolution variations of grain crops productivity. This paper employs a Pinus massoniana tree-ring series from the Tongbai Mountains to analyze the correlations between tree-ring chronology, local climate data and grain productivity indicators (i.e., total sown grain areas (TSA), total grain outputs (TGO), and average grain yield per hectare (YPH)) of Henan Province in central China. The results indicate that temperature in March and August was the main limiting factor on tree growth, and the best concurrent relationship with tree growth was TSA, which has a correlation of 0.747 (p

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes and the associations of demographic characteristics with HPV infection among women with condyloma acuminatum (CA) in Henan Province of China.Methods: From January 2019 to October 2022, 702 women with CA were sampled for HPV subtypes and surveyed by questionnaire at Henan Provincial People′s Hospital. The HPV genotype was tested by flow-through hybridization after polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results: The location of warts was mainly vulva. The age of the subjects was mainly distributed in the 20– 29-year-old, followed by 30– 39-year-old. The most common subtypes were HPV 6 (43.59%), 11 (24.93%), 16 (11.82%), 52 (7.83%), 58 (7.55%), 51 (7.26%), 61 (5.70%), 39 (5.56%), 18 (5.13%), and 54 (4.70%), our results also suggested that HPV 6 and 11 were the dominant genotypes in each age group. The infection of low-risk HPV (LR-HPV) (74.50%) and single HPV (47.01%) were the main categories. In terms of educational level, women with senior high school or above were inclined to infect single and pure-LR HPV. Unmarried status, sometimes or never condom use increased the chances of multiple, pure high-risk (HR) and mixed HPV infections. Women with multiple sex partners were more likely to cause multiple and mixed HPV infections.Conclusion: Our experimental data on the prevalence and subtype distribution of HPV in women with CA could provide valuable reference for preventing CA in Henan Province. The application of the nine-valent vaccine provides a broad prospect for female CA prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Cancer patients exhibit fear of COVID-19, which could lead to serious consequences. However, minimal information is available about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of cancer patients. Therefore, this study aims to examine the fear level of COVID-19 among cancer patients in Henan Province, Central China and to identify its causes, results, and coping factors. Methods: An online survey was conducted among 1,067 cancer patients. The participants reported their individual fear level of COVID-19, risk of COVID-19 infection, risk of death from COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccination concerns, influence level of COVID-19 pandemic on their disease treatment, loneliness due to COVID-19, economic burden from COVID-19, quality of life, safety behavior, information regarding COVID-19 vaccination, psychological guidance, physical activities, and demographic characteristics. Chi-square and cumulative logistic regression were used to determine the predictors of COVID-19 fear level. Results: This study indicates that cancer patients report moderate fear level of COVID-19 in Central China (66.9%). The six cause factors (risk of COVID-19 infection, risk of death from COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccination concerns, influence level of COVID-19 pandemic on disease treatment, loneliness due to COVID-19, and economic burden from COVID-19) were positively associated with COVID-19 fear level. Three coping factors (information regarding COVID-19 vaccination, psychological guidance, and physical activities) were negatively associated with COVID-19 fear level. COVID-19 fear level was negatively associated with quality of life and positively associated with safety behavior. Conclusion: Our results suggest that governments should improve access to personalized vaccine counseling and psychological guidance by undertaking the responsibility of patients' attending physicians and increasing publicity. Physical activities should be included in the treatment program to help cancer patients better recover their physical and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of ozone has been in a rising crescendo in the last decade while the fine particles (PM2.5) is gradually decreasing but still at a high level in central China. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the vital precursors of ozone and PM2.5. A total of 101 VOC species were measured in four seasons at five sites from 2019 to 2021 in Kaifeng. VOC sources and geographic origin of sources were identified by the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and the hybrid single-particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory transport model. The source-specific OH loss rates (LOH) and ozone formation potential (OFP) were calculated to estimate the effects of each VOC source. The average mixing ratios of total VOCs (TVOC) were 43.15 parts per billion (ppb), of which the alkanes, alkenes, aromatics, halocarbons, and oxygenated VOCs respectively accounted for 49%, 12%, 11%, 14%, and 14%. Although the mixing ratios of alkenes were comparatively low, they played a dominant role in the LOH and OFP, especially ethene (0.55 s−1, 7%; 27.11 μg/m3, 10%) and 1,3-butadiene (0.74 s−1, 10%; 12.52 μg/m3, 5%). The vehicle-related source which emitted considerable alkenes ranked as the foremost contributing factor (21%). Biomass burning was probably influenced by other cities in the western and southern Henan and other provinces, Shandong and Hebei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of rapid urbanization in China, the spatial restructuring of towns and cities has significantly impacted urban compactness. The study of the spatio–temporal characteristics and driving mechanisms of urban compactness in central China is a strategic imperative and conducive to promoting regional sustainable development that is based on easing the contradiction between land resource supply and demand and reducing energy consumption. Therefore, this study focused on 80 prefecture-level cities in central China, utilizing barycenter model and GTWR model, among others, to analyze the spatio–temporal evolution pattern of urban compactness from 2006 to 2020 and its driving factors, with the aim of uncovering the intrinsic mechanisms behind enhancing urban compactness in the area. The results show the follows: (1) The urban compactness in central China has generally shown an upward trend, with a pronounced spatial clustering around provincial capital cities and the spatial changes in compactness predominantly concentrated in the north–south direction. (2) Various factors have influenced urban compactness, where government intervention and population aggregation present as bi-directional driving factors, while the effective use of land resources and high-quality industrial development, among others, present as positive driving factors. The spatio–temporal heterogeneity and agglomeration features of each driving factor are significant. (3) Further analysis indicates that the effective use of land resources is the primary factor in enhancing urban compactness, followed by technology. Therefore, we should adhere to the concept of compact cities and gradually promote the compactness of cities in central China based on the impact of the driving factors.

China has proposed the ambitious target of peaking the carbon emissions by 2030 and realizing the carbon neutrality by 2060 (hereafter referred to as “double carbon” goal). Central China is supposed to be one of the most essential aspect for this target. However, renewable resources in the central China region encounter the issues of inferior capacity factor and restricted resource potential. A resource analysis for local onshore wind and solar PV is conducted here, incorporating inversion analysis data with high spatial and temporal resolutions (include wind field, surface radial, local elevation, slope and landscape), to propose the (1) spatial distribution and seasonal fluctuation of local onshore wind and solar PV; (2) supplied curves for all the provincial regions in Central China at every renewable investment level; (3) optimal provincial allocation and overall portfolio for local renewables in the Central China. This research is supposed to provide data and model support for the ongoing deployment of renewables in Central China, and the fulfillment of the “double carbon” goal in the entire country.

The Wei River catchment in the southern part of the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP), is one of the centers of the agricultural revolution in China. The area has experienced intense land use changes since ~6000 BCE, which makes it an ideal place to study the response of fluvial systems to anthropogenic land cover change (ALCC). We applied a numerical landscape evolution model that combines the Landlab landscape evolution model with an evapotranspiration model to investigate the direct and indirect effects of ALCC on hydrological and morphological processes in the Wei River catchment since the mid-Holocene. The results show that ALCC not only leads to changes in discharge and sediment load in the catchment but also affects their sensitivity to climate change. When the proportion of agricultural land area exceeded 50 % (around 1000 BCE), the sensitivities of discharge and sediment yield to climate change increased abruptly indicating a regime change in the fluvial catchment. It is associated with a large sediment pulse in the lower reaches. The model simulation results also show a link between human settlement, ALCC and floodplain development: Changes in agricultural land use changes lead to downstream sediment accumulation and floodplain development, which in turn leads to further spatial expansion of agriculture and human settlement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central China harbors the native dart-sac-bearing camaenids Laeocathaica. The genus is revised and seven new species are proposed based on museum material and newly collected specimens. This work confirmed that most Laeocathaica species have restricted habitats. The comparison of the dart sac apparatus among the dart-sac-bearing camaenid genera indicated the importance of the presence of the proximal accessory sac that might be analogous to the membranous/muscular sac surrounding the proximal dart sac and/ or the distal region of the vagina near the atrium, which also plays a significant role in the diagnosis of Laeocathaica species based on its number, symmetry and position on the dart sac. Species with similar shell morphology were studied using geometric morphometric methods to detect variations in shell shape. A molecular phylogenetic analysis based on 16S and ITS2 sequence data of partial Laeocathaica species and many other dart-sac-bearing taxa suggested that Laeocathaica might be monophyletic. Furthermore, the present phylogeny indicated that Stilpnodiscus, Cathaica, Bradybaena, and Pseudobuliminus might be polyphyletic and therefore the taxonomy of dart-sac-bearing camaenids in this region requires a thorough revision. This work reconfirms that the Southern Gansu Plateau is important as a hotspot for malacodiversity conservation on the Chinese mainland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cimolodontan multituberculates are common in the Late Cretaceous and Paleocene of central Asia; they are rarely known from regions south of the Mongolian plateau. Here, we report a new genus and species of multituberculate, Erythrobaatar ganensis gen. et sp. nov., from the Late Cretaceous of Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, central China, representing the southernmost record of Cretaceous multituberculates in Eurasia. The new species is based on two well-preserved specimens that include cranial and postcranial materials. With a cranium and dentary length of 83 and 66 mm, respectively; it is one of the largest known Cretaceous multituberculates from Eurasia. The present work focuses on the description of the craniodental morphology of the new species, in comparison with that of other Late Cretaceous and Paleogene cimolodontans in order to establish the new taxon. Erythrobaatar ganensis is most closely related to Yubaatar zhongyuanensis and Yubaatar qianzhouensis in the shape and size of the skull and teeth. Phylogenetic analyses place the new species within Taeniolabidoidea, which consists mostly of Late Cretaceous and Paleogene cimolodontans from Asia and North America. The new material also sheds light on tooth replacement, reduction, homologies, and occlusion of multituberculates with a focus on cimolodontans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transfer of land involves many aspects in China, include property rights and transactions of land, the mode of land transfer, and the principal element is the farmer’s willingness. In order to study the basic situation of land transfer in central China and analyze the main factors affecting rural land transfer in China. This research takes Henan Province-a sizable agricultural province in central China-as the research object. Researches the principal modes of land transfer, and analyzes the effectiveness of pastoral land transfer. It uses quantitative analysis methods to determine the influencing factors of land transfer. The analyses consisted of five aspects, the level of non-agricultural industry progress, the level of agrarian modernization development, urbanization development, per capita net income of farmers, and the number of labor transfer. The conclusion is the growth rate of land transfer in Henan Province has shown a downward trend, and the gradual growth of land transfer has cut the urbanization process in Henan Province. Relevant government departments need to take effective measures to solve this problem, to promote the transfer of rural land urbanization.