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Waterlogging due to excessive rainfall has become a factor limiting flax production in southern China. This has led to morphology alteration, and biomass and yield reduction in field crop production. Flax variety Zhongyama 1 was planted in sand culture, and the adaptive mechanisms of the responses to waterlogging in the fast growth and harvest stage were determined. According to the results, height and total biomass decreased significantly under waterlogged conditions during the fast growth period; furthermore, in the harvest stage, flax height increased significantly, whereas the technical length, fork diameter, and weight decreased significantly. For gene expression, the gene of glucose, glutathione metabolism, was up-regulated in shoot, and the gene of phenylpropanoid metabolic, lignin, was up-regulated in root. The results suggested that the synthesis and degradation of lignin is involved in flax resistance to waterlogging, especially in terms of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, glycolysis, and metabolism of plant hormone signal transduction. Furthermore, unpaired electrons flowing through the electron transport chain may react with oxygen to produce ROS and hamper plant growth, development, and survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article comments on the paper "Shame: An Acute Stress Response to Interpersonal Traumatization," by Dianne Trumbull. Topics mentioned include the visual dimension, power, and pain of shame, distinction between shame and guilt, the role of shame in development and attachment emotion, the impact of shame on self-esteem, and the interaction of shame and culture.

Data from a field experiment conducted in China's Loess Plateau (2013-2015) were used to determine the energy balance of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as affected by tillage and straw treatments. Tillage treatments included chisel plow, no tillage, and mouldboard plow. Crop straw levels included straw returning and straw removed. The energy balance was evaluated by comparing the following parameters: net energy, energy profitability, energy use efficiency, and energy intensity. The yield parameters were significantly influenced by the tillage treatments and revealed that the chisel plow entailed fewer field operations and lower energy requirements with a higher yield than mouldboard plowing tillage. The highest proportion of energy input came from a nitrogen fertiliser, followed by diesel fuel. The total energy input applied per hectare increased with an increase in the tillage intensity, and the lowest energy input was required for the no tillage case with the straw returning treatment, and the highest for the case of mouldboard plow with the straw returning treatment. The lowest average energy intensity was recorded for the no tillage case, followed by the case of chisel plow tillage in both cropping seasons. Moreover, in the case of mouldboard plough tillage, the maximum energy intensity was recorded in both cropping seasons. In the cases of the chisel plow tillage and the no tillage, we observed the maximum energy gain, while in the no tillage case, we observed the maximum energy use efficiency. The net return and the benefit/cost ratio were higher in the case of straw returning than those in the case of no straw treatment. We concluded that no tillage and chisel plow tillage with straw returning could improve the energy use efficiency and the benefit/cost ratio of winter wheat production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central aim of this experiment was to compare acoustic parameters, formant frequencies and vowel space area (VSA), in adolescents with hearing-impaired (HI) and their normal-hearing (NH) peers; for kinematic parameters, the movements of vocal organs, especially the lips, jaw and tongue, during vowel production were analysed. The participants were 12 adolescents with different degrees of hearing impairment. The control group consisted of 12 age-matched NH adolescents. All participants were native Chinese speakers who were asked to produce the Mandarin vowels /a/, /i/ and /u/, with subsequent acoustic and kinematic analysis. There was significant difference between the two groups. Additionally, the HI group produced more exaggerated mouth and less tongue movements in all vowels, compared to their NH peers. Results were discussed regarding possible relationship between acoustic data, articulatory movements and degree of hearing loss to provide an integrative assessment of acoustic and kinematic characteristics of individuals with hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strain BO-07 was isolated from the root tissue ofBoesenbergia rotunda(L.) Mansf A. and identified asStreptomycessp. on the basis of morphology, chemotaxonomy and 16S rDNA sequencing. The fractionation of the crude extract from strain BO-07 cultures led to the isolation of two biphenyls: 3′-hydroxy-5-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxybiphenyl (1) and 3′-hydroxy-5,5′-dimethoxy-3,4-methylenedioxybiphenyl (2); these compounds and the crude extract had potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, and antioxidant and anticancer activities. These compounds showed the highest activity againstStaphylococcus aureusATCC25932,Bacillus cereusATCC7064 andBacillus subtilisATCC6633 with a minimum inhibitory concentration value of 0.5 µg/ml and minimum bactericidal concentration of 2–8 µg/ml. Compounds1and2showed the highest (1, 1diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) DPPH antioxidant activity with a scavenging concentration (SC50) value of 85.84 and 88.26 µg/ml, respectively, and also showed strong cytotoxicity against all the three cancer cell lines (HeLa, HepG2 and Huh7) at an IC50value of 3.04–20.30 μg/ml. Both the compounds were less toxic on normal cells (L929) than on the investigated cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: To assess pregnancy outcomes in pregnancies with idiopathic polyhydramnios at term.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 106 225 term pregnancies from 37 hospitals in China. Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancies with idiopathic polyhydramnios were compared with pregnancies with normal amniotic fluid. The primary outcome was intra-uterine fetal death (IUFD).Results: In all, 307 out of 106 225 (0.3%) had idiopathic polyhydramnios at term, 276 of which were mild and 31 of which were moderate-severe. Compared to term pregnancies with normal amniotic fluid, pregnancies idiopathic polyhydramnios was associated with over 24-fold higher risk for IUFD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 24.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.3-82.0), macrosomia (aOR 2.8, 95%CI 2.0-3.8), malpresentation (aOR 2.5, 95%CI 1.7-3.7), cesarean delivery (aOR 2.5, 95%CI 1.7-3.7) and low APGAR scores at 5 min (aOR 4.3, 95%CI 2.4-7.8), which increased with severity of idiopathic polyhydramnios.Conclusion: Term pregnancies with idiopathic polyhydramnios, especially moderate-severe ones are at a significantly increased rate for adverse pregnancy outcome. Increased antepartum surveillance of fetal well-being and timed delivery are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the association of CYP1A1 genotype and additional gene–smoking interaction with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk based on a Chinese case-control study. Methods: A total of 1862 participants (1134 men, 728 women) were selected, including 620 CAD patients and 1242 normal controls. Logistic regression was performed to investigate association of CYP1A1 genotype, gene–gene, and gene–smoking interaction with CAD. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to screen the best gene–gene and gene–smoking interaction combination, cross-validation consistency, the testing balanced accuracy, and the sign test, to assess if each selected interaction was calculated. Results: The carriers of homozygous mutant of rs4886605 polymorphism and heterozygous of rs4646903 are associated with increased CAD risk than those with wild-type homozygotes; OR (95% CI) was 1.98 (1.53–2.61) and 1.58 (1.24–1.96), respectively. The carriers of homozygous mutant of rs1048943 polymorphism is associated with decreased CAD risk than those with wild-type homozygotes, OR (95% CI) = 0.75 (0.60–0.93). GMDR model indicated a potential gene–gene interaction between rs4886605 and rs4646903 and a potential gene–smoking interaction between rs4886605 and smoking. Participants with rs4886605-CT or TT and rs4646903-TC or CC genotype have the highest CAD risk, compared to participants with rs4886605-CC and rs4646903-TT genotype; OR (95% CI) was 2.72 (2.03–3.61). In addition, we also found that smokers with rs4886605-CT or TT genotype have the highest CAD risk, compared to nonsmokers with rs4886605-CC genotype; OR (95% CI) was 3.07 (2.23– 3.96). Conclusions: rs4886605 and rs4646903 are associated with increased CAD risk, but rs1048943 is associated with decreased CAD risk; we also found gene–gene interaction between rs4886605 and rs4646903 and gene–environment interaction between rs4886605 and smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional survey mainly investigated the sleep characteristics and its association with the training volumes of top blind soccer players in China. Additionally, the sleep quality of athletes with and without a visual impairment was compared. Blind soccer players (n = 60) completed the survey form measuring their sleep characteristics and demographic data. A secondary data-set about the sleep quality of athletes without disabilities was used to compare with the current sample. The results showed that 26.7% blind soccer players were classified as poor sleepers. There was a significant difference of sleep quality (poor vs.good sleep quality) by training volume and sleep characteristics (subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and daytime dysfunction). Somewhat unexpectedly, blind soccer players generally showed a better sleep quality than athletes without disabilities. It was concluded that more than one fourth of blind soccer players have poor sleep quality and that training volumes may affect it. There is a need to understand possible reasons and mechanisms of poor sleep quality among this special population in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Conclusion:From aspect of fluid dynamics, expanding patients’ nasopharyngeal coronal-sectional area to 48.3–54.7% of normal area will bring the airflow velocity back to normal in adenoidal hypertrophy children. It might provide a suggestion for adenoidectomy range selection and whether total resection is necessary. Objectives:To evaluate the nasopharyngeal airflow characteristics in pediatric OSA patients with adenoidal hypertrophy, and to explore the proper resection range for adenoidectomy Method:Nine OSA patients and four normal children were recruited. The CT scans of their upper airway were collected and used to construct three dimensional models for fluid dynamics analysis. Using computational fluid dynamics, indices such as velocity, pressure, and coronal-sectional area were calculated. Results:Compared with the normal, the OSA children showed three characteristics in nasopharyngeal: the airflow velocity was significantly higher (p < 0.05), the coronal-sectional area was significantly smaller (p < 0.01), while pressure showed no difference (p > 0.05). In a study of the relationship between velocity and coronal-sectional area, this study investigates different coronal-sectional areas from 30–300 mm2. It was found that, when patients’ nasopharyngeal coronal-sectional area was expanded over 155–170 mm2, namely 48.3–54.7% of normal area, airflow velocity in nasopharyngeal showed no difference than normal. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to compare the effects of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors vildagliptin and saxagliptin on 24 hour acute glucose fluctuations in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled with a combination of metformin and sulfonylurea. Research design and methodsThis was a 24 week, prospective, randomized, open-label, active-controlled study. Patients (N = 73) with T2DM who had inadequate glycemic control (HbA1c 7.0%–10.0%) with a stable dosage of metformin plus gliclazide for more than 3 months were randomized to receive either vildagliptin 50 mg twice daily (BID,n = 37) or saxagliptin 5 mg once daily (QD,n = 36). Change in mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) was assessed at the end of 24 weeks. ResultsAt baseline, the mean (±SD) age was 62.9 ± 6.55 years, disease duration was 7.0 ± 2.33 years, and HbA1c was 8.4 ± 0.68%. After 24 weeks of treatment, the MAGE decreased from 5.81 ± 1.16 mmol/L to 4.06 ± 0.86 mmol/L (p<0.001) in the vildagliptin group and from 5.66 ± 1.14 mmol/L to 4.79 ± 1.25 mmol/L (p = 0.003) in the saxagliptin group. The mean change in MAGE in the vildagliptin group was significantly greater than that in the saxagliptin group (1.74 ± 0.48 mmol/L vs. 0.87 ± 0.40 mmol/L,p<0.001). The mean change in HbA1c, from baseline to the study endpoint, in the vildagliptin and saxagliptin groups, was 1.22 ± 0.40% and 1.07 ± 0.36%, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.091). The overall safety and tolerability of vildagliptin and saxagliptin were similar. The limitations of the study were a small number of patients and open-label administration of the study drug. ConclusionVildagliptin produced a significantly greater reduction in acute glucose fluctuations compared with saxagliptin when added to a dual combination of metformin and sulfonylurea in Chinese patients with T2DM. Chinese clinical trial registration numberChiCTR-TRC-13003858. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study assessed the effect of 1-year regular Tai Chi (TC) on neuromuscular reaction in elderly women. A total of 41 elderly women (55 years–68 years) completed the study. The TC group (n = 21) performed the 24-form TC, while the control group (C, n = 20) was instructed to read newspapers or watch television when the TC group practised. Electromyogram measurements were conducted before and after intervention. After a year-long intervention, the post-test results of between-group neuromuscular reaction time showed significant differences in the rectus femoris (t = 3.607, p = 0.001), semitendinosus (t = 2.678, p = 0.011), anterior tibialis (t = 3.455, p = 0.001), and gastrocnemius muscles (t = 4.061, p = 0.000). Within-group results showed that the TC group had significantly shorter neuromuscular reaction time compared to its baseline value in the rectus femoris (t = 3.066, p = 0.006), semitendinosus (t = 2.485, p = 0.022), anterior tibialis (t = 2.311, p = 0.032), and gastrocnemius muscles (t = 2.462, p = 0.023). Results suggested that year-long regular TC can improve neuromuscular reaction function in elderly women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate the protective effect of recombinant human EPO(rhEPO) on cerebral microvascular endothelial cells and the mechanisms by which rhEPO interacts with TJs proteins, claudin-5, Occludin and ZO-1 during the early period following traumatic brain injury. Research design: Rats (n = 81) were randomly divided into sham-operated group, TBI group and rhEPO+TBI group. Traumatic brain injury was induced by the Marmarou method. Methods and procedures: Rats were killed at 3, 24, 72 and 168 hours after TBI. The integrity of the blood–brain barrier was investigated by using a spectrophotometer to assess extravasation of Evans blue dye. The expression of Claudin-5, Occludin and ZO-1 were determined by immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Results: From 3 hours to 3 days, rats in the TBI group demonstrated a remarkable increase in Evans blue content in the brain, relative to rats in the sham-operated group (p < 0.05). The expression of Claudin-5 and Occludin was significantly lower than those in the sham-operated group (p < 0.05). In contrast, rats in the TBI+rhEPO group demonstrated a significant decrease in brain levels. Conclusion: It was found that administration of rhEPO protected cerebral microvascular endothelial cells and reduced permeability of BBB and the mechanisms may be due to increasing the expression of TJs proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omge-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) exhibited significant effect in inhibiting various tumors. However, the mechanisms of its anticancer role have not been fully demonstrated. The declination of 5-methylcytosine (5 mC) was closely associated with poor prognosis of tumors. To explore whether omega-3 PUFAs influences on DNA methylation level in tumors, colorectal cancer (CRC) rat model were constructed using N-methyl phosphite nitrourea and omega-3 PUFAs were fed to part of the rats during tumor induction. The PUFAs contents in the rats of 3 experimental groups were measured using gas chromatography and 5 mC level were detected by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that tumor incidence in omega-3 treated rats was much lower than in CRC model rats, which confirmed significant antitumor role of omega-3 PUFAs. Six PUFA members categorized to omega-3 and omega-6 families were quantified and the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 PUFAs was remarkably lower in omega-3 PUFAs treatment group than in CRC model group. 5 mC content in omega-3 PUFAs treated rats was higher than in CRC model rats, suggesting omega-3 PUFAs promoted 5 mC synthesis. Therefore, omega-3 PUFAs probably inhibited tumor growth via regulating DNA methylation process, which provided a novel anticancer mechanism of omega-3 PUFAs from epigenetic view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hupehsuchus nanchangensishas been known from five specimens from the Triassic of China since its type was found in 1972. However, our knowledge of its morphology is still limited because of the poor preservation of the known specimens. This article aims to (1) update the morphological information of the animal on the basis of a new specimen from the same stratum of the type in the neighbouring Yuanan County, Hubei Province, China; (2) revise the diagnostic features of the animal and (3) make a detailed comparison to demonstrate if the members of Hupehsuchia are different from one another. Considering the body shape, the anatomy and relationships of those bones surrounding the orbit and temporal fenestrae, the sharply curved boomerang-shaped lateral elements of the gastralia, the semicircular scapula and bar-like ilium,Hupehsuchus nanchangensiscan be easily distinguished from coevalNanchangosaurus suniorParahupehsuchus longusorEohupehsuchus brevicollis. The body shape and limb morphology suggest thatHupehsuchus nanchangensismust have had a different mode of lifestyle from that of other three hupehsuchians. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It was widely reported in China that female college students were fitter than male college students in a recent fitness study in Jiangsu Province, China. After carefully examining the finding and its related context, I believe that this specific finding was a “side effect” of the changes made in the2014 Chinese Students Fitness and Health Standardsrather than true improvements in female students' fitness. I further verified my observation using data from the 2010 and 2014 fitness studies from another province in China. After describing the lessons learned, I call for more studies to examine the validity and credibility of the 2014 standards and suggest using caution when releasing any new standards in the future before they are carefully studied and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Primary objective: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is known to alter the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in sepsis, although the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying disruption of the BBB in LPS-induced sepsis. Research design: Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were designed to test the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in LPS-induced BBB dysfunction. Methods and procedures: Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) were cultured. The protein expressions were detected by western blot. BBB integrity was determined by Evans Blue. Main outcomes and results: LPS (1 μg ml-1) dramatically increased the permeability of the BBB and the ROS productions, as well as reducing the expression levels of occludin and claudin-5 in cultured HBMECs. Inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase by apocynin or up-regulation of AMPK reversed the LPS-induced abnormities in HBMECs. In LPS-induced sepsis in mice, it was found that LPS dramatically increased NAD(P)H oxidase protein expressions and ROS productions in the brain and disrupted BBB function assayed by Evans blue staining, which were abolished by AICAR treatment. Conclusions: It is concluded that AMPK activation improves the functions of the BBB impaired by LPS through suppression of NAD(P)H oxidase-derived ROS in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anatomically preserved lycopsid,Lobodendron fanwanensegen.etsp. nov.Liu, Wang, Xue & Meng, is described from the Upper Devonian (Famennian) Wutong Formation of Changxing County, Zhejiang Province, China. The fossil plant bears slender, dichotomously branched axes. The vascular strand consists of solid terete primary xylem and lobed secondary xylem, which implies the result from the activity of possibly discontinuous cambium. The new plant has character combinations that do not conform to any branches in the canopy of the tree-lycopsids known previously, but resemble those of the basal part of some pseudoherbaceous lycopsids. This new plant may exemplify a Late Devonian lycopsid with a pseudoherbaceous growth habit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of hypobaric hypoxia (HH) on the function and expression of P2X receptors in rat hippocampus CA1 pyramidal cells. Research design: The functional changes of P2X receptors were investigated through the cell HH model and the expressional alterations of P2X receptors were observed through the animal HH model. Methods and procedure: P2X receptors mediated currents were recorded from the freshly dissociated CA1 pyramidal cells of 7--day--old SD rats by whole cell patch clamp recording. The expression and distribution of P2X receptors were observed through immunohistochemistry and western blot at HH 3--day and 7--day. Main outcomes and results: In acute HH conditions, the amplitudes of ATP evoked peak currents were decreased compared to control. The immunohistochemistry and western blot results reflected there was no change in P2X receptors expression after 3 days HH injury, while P2X receptors expression was up--regulated in response to 7 days HH injury. Conclusions: These findings supported the possibility that the function of P2X receptors was sensitive to HH damage and long--term function decrease should result in the expression increase of P2X receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the ungual phalanges of Litolophus, an early chalitotheres that were almost unknown due to few fossil record. It says that the specimens of the early Eocene chalicothere Litolophus gobiensis were discovered from the Arshanto formation in the Erlian Basin in Inner Mongolia, China. It says that L. gobiensis was the most abundant bigger mammal in the quarry, while Litolophus assemblage was formed by a catastrophic event. It mentions that the discovered species maintain a tetradactyl hand with digit II to digit V functional phalanges, which are common characteristics of perissodactyls.

Background: Obesity and hypertension are common health problems in children and adolescents. Several studies have reported that obesity is associated with elevated blood pressure (BP) in both adults and children. However, there are few data of population-wide blood pressure monitoring in overweight and obese children and adolescents. Aim: The present study examined the prevalence of overweight, obesity and relative high BP among children and adolescents and compared the level of blood pressure among children and adolescents with different weight status in Shandong, China. Subjects and methods: A total of 8555 students (4325 boys and 4230 girls) aged 7--18 years participated in this study. Height, weight and BP of all subjects were measured, body mass index (BMI) of adolescents was calculated from their height and weight and prevalence of overweight and obesity were obtained according to the screening criteria for overweight and obesity in Chinese students using BMI. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight, obesity and relatively high BP were 14.31%, 10.64% and 24.14% in boys and 8.75%, 5.70% and 22.39% in girls, respectively. An increasing trend was observed in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and pulse pressure (PP) from the normal weight group, to the overweight and obese groups. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of overweight, obesity and relatively high BP among children and adolescents in Shandong, China. The present findings emphasize the importance of prevention of overweight and obesity in order to prevent future related problems such as hypertension in children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: The tumor's grade, rather than the tumor's location, was related to the opportunity of preserving laryngeal functions in patients with pyriform sinus cancer. The survival rate decreased significantly with the increase of tumor grade or node grade. Preservation of laryngeal functions is a safe and promising method without compromising the survival rate of patients with pyriform sinus cancer. Objective: Surgical resection of pyriform sinus carcinoma has a profound influence on the preservation of laryngeal functions. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the surgical treatment of pyriform sinus carcinoma in the preservation of laryngeal functions without compromising the survival rate. Methods: Two hundred and thirty patients with pyriform sinus cancer had been operated from March 1978 to December 2002. Of them, 158 cases had been operated with the preservation of laryngeal functions and 72 cases had been undergone total laryngectomy. In addition, 216 cases had received adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy. All cases were followed up for 6--12 months (mean 51 ±± 26) after surgery. The survival rate was calculated on the basis of Kaplan-Meier analysis, and the factors that influenced the survival rate of patients with and without preservation of laryngeal functions were analyzed with the log-rank test. Results: Laryngeal functions were preserved completely (speech, respiration, and deglutition) in 70.9% (112/158) cases, and partially (speech and deglutition) in 29.1% (46/158) cases. The 3- and 5-year survival rates were 75.4% and 59.0%, respectively, for the group with laryngeal function preservation, and 58.6% and 41.5%, respectively, for the group without preservation. There was no statistically significant difference in the survival rate between the two groups within the follow-up period ( p > 0.05). Increase in the tumor grade resulted in a proportional decrease of patients with preservation of laryngeal function ( p < 0.05). Increase in the tumor grade ( p < 0.05) or node grade ( p < 0.05) also led to significant decrease in the survival rate. The location of the primary lesions (the lateral wall or medial wall of the pyriform sinus) showed no significant influence on either the opportunity for preserving laryngeal functions ( p > 0.05) or survival rate of patients ( p > 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixteen isolated theropod teeth were discovered in two areas in the upper Middle-lower Upper Jurassic Shishugou Formation of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, northwest China. This sample can be divided on the basis of qualitative features and simple quantitative metrics into seven tooth morphotypes, each of which probably represents a distinct taxon. Three of the morphotypes may be attributable to theropods already known from the Shishugou Formation, namely the alvarezsauroid Haplocheirus and the basal tetanurans Monolophosaurus and Sinraptor. The other four morphotypes, however, appear to represent new taxa, taking the known theropod diversity of the Shishugou Formation from six species to at least ten. One of the new taxa is probably a dromaeosaurid. Another appears to represent a troodontid or a relative of the potentially troodontid-like Paronychodon, itself so far known only from isolated teeth. Of the remaining two taxa, one appears to be a basal tetanuran or tyrannosauroid, whereas the other either belongs to one of these same groups or represents a ceratosaur. The probable deinonychosaurian teeth in our sample are among the oldest fossils known for this clade, and highlight the diversity of coelurosaurs in the Shishugou Formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To review the experience of menopausal symptoms and low-dose hormone therapy (HT) in postmenopausal women in China. Design Literature review and critical summaries of available prospective, clinical trials (randomized, controlled trials, RCTs). Results Chinese women experience menopausal symptoms less frequently compared with women in developed countries, and the prevalence of menopausal symptoms is less in women of southern China than in women of northern China. The majority of postmenopausal Chinese women lack knowledge about HT, and the usage rate of HT is low in these women compared to that in women of developed countries. Some RCTs investigated the efficacy and safety of low- or ultra-low-dose HT, including conjugated equine estrogen, estradiol valerate, transdermal estradiol, nylestriol alone or in combination with progesterone, and tibolone in postmenopausal Chinese women. These RCTs reported that low- or ultra-low-dose HT relieved menopausal symptoms and prevented bone loss as well as standard-dose HT and was less likely to induce side-effects, including irregular vaginal bleeding and breast tenderness; there may be dose-dependent effects of HT. No study evaluated the effects of low-dose HT on cardiovascular events or breast mammographic density/risk of breast cancer. Conclusions More RCTs are required to confirm efficacy and to assess the safety of low- or ultra-low-dose HT for a long-term period in a large group of postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neural stem cell treatment and neurogenesis stimulation have gained attention as potential treatments for vascular dementia (VD). Currently, research mainly focuses on neurogenesis occurring in the sub-ventricular zone and dentate gyrus, while the research of the piriform cortex (Pir) is limited. Few results showed that weak neurogenesis exists in the Pir of adult rats. Since neurogenesis occurs in the Pir and is closely related to cognitive function, this study addressed the question of whether neurogenesis occurs in the Pir of an animal with the VD. Primary objective and hypothesis: This study investigated the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on brain blood supply and neurogenesis in the piriform cortex (Pir) of rats with VD. Main outcomes and results: Compared to non-VD control rats (NC), rats with VD showed reduced rCBF, increased rCBV and slower MTT in the Pir. However, following hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment in VD rats, rCBF increased, rCBV decreased and MTT increased. To determine whether the restoration in brain blood supply was associated with increased neurogenesis, immunohistochemical detection of nestin and doublecortin (DCX) was used. In the Pir of both normal and VD rats, nestin positive cells were localized to layer II (superficial cellular layer) and layer III (deep cellular layer). Nestin expression was increased in Pir cells in VD rats and was even more intensely expressed after the HBO treatment. DCX positive cells were mostly located in layer II from amygdaline fissure to rhinal fissure. Conclusion: These results suggest that HBO therapy can improve the blood supply and promote the neurogenesis in the Pir of adult rats with the VD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination with heavy metals can lead to losses in agricultural yield and affect human health as the metals enter the food chain, which has become a worldwide problem. Compared with other heavy metals, lead (Pb) contamination is high because of its long persistence in soil and highly toxic effects on crop production and human health. Wheat is the world's most widely grown cereal and can be cultivated in a wide range of soils. Recently, wheat has been grown widely in northern China. The aims of the present studies are to investigate the effect of Pb on antioxidative metabolisms and chlorophyll synthesis of wheat 'Jinan No. 17.' Moreover, calcium ion (Ca2+) levels and bioaccumulation of Pb in the leaves of wheat were investigated. The soil was artificially contaminated with different concentrations of Pb [0, 100, 500, and 2000 Pb mg kg-1 dry weight (DW) soil as lead nitrate, Pb(NO3)2]. The catalase (CAT) activity and glutathion (GSH), chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll contents in the leaves of wheat were analyzed with a spectrophotometer at different stages of wheat growth. Calcium levels and bioaccumulation of Pb in the leaves of wheat were studied with inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry (ICP-SF-MS). The results indicated that Pb stress can increase the content of GSH in leaves of wheat, thereby affecting the activity of CAT. Both low and high concentrations of Pb stimulated chlorophyll synthesis at early stages of wheat growth and inhibited chlorophyll synthesis at later stages of wheat growth. Furthermore, Ca and Pb in leaves of wheat increased with increasing concentrations of Pb on day 34 as determined with ICP-SF-MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of risk factors including obesity, insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables, and lack of physical activities are responsible for the majority of chronic disease burden. Healthy behaviours should begin early in life with sustained actions, but in many countries there is no system addressing positive health. The opportunities offered by different settings for gaining entry into individuals and groups are of paramount importance for health promotion. Evidence has shown the effectiveness of the Healthy School model to improve healthy eating and physical activities. In this article we report key findings of studies in Hong Kong showing changes in school policies and environment in relationship to student health apart from improvement of health behaviours by adopting the Healthy School framework. A case study has illustrated how the framework created a supportive environment, policies changes, and personal health skills development to improve healthy eating. The Healthy School model can help to combat childhood obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Forearm fractures are a major cause of disability in postmenopausal women. However, no prior report on the relationship of dietary patterns and forearm fracture in mainland China is available and the results from Western studies may not be applicable to the Chinese population. Objective To determine whether food groups are associated with the risk of forearm fracture among postmenopausal women in China. Design Case-control study. Methods Cases were 209 postmenopausal women aged 50-70 years with new forearm fractures, identified in hospitals in Chengdu. Controls were age- and district-matched subjects randomly selected from the community of Chengdu. Dietary habits and food group intake were measured by a structured food frequency questionnaire. Results The dietary pattern in Chinese postmenopausal women was of high intakes of cereals, vegetables, fruits, beans or bean products, but lower intakes of meat and milk. The estimated odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for forearm fracture were 0.53 (0.42-0.67) for each quintile increase in vegetable intake, 0.73 (0.59-0.92) for each quintile increase in cereal intake, and 0.26 (0.14-0.48) in subjects who met World Health Organization (WHO) dietary recommendations for vegetables and fruits. Conclusions This is the first report indicating that the levels of vegetable and cereal intake, and that meeting WHO recommendations for vegetable and fruit intake, are associated with a decrease in the risk of forearm fractures in Chinese postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a two-part study of perimenstrual symptomatology in Chinese women. We developed and validated the Chinese Questionnaire of Perimenstrual Symptoms (CQ-PERI-MS), which was adapted from the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire, and used this instrument to assess the prevalence and nature of perimenstrual symptoms among Chinese women in Hong Kong. The initial CQ-PERI-MS was first administered to a sample of 538 menstruating Chinese women in Hong Kong together with measures of anxiety, depression and neuroticism. Psychometric analyses rendered a 32-item CQ-PERI-MS which demonstrated good reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, and factorial validity. Four factors were yielded, namely, Dysphoria, Somatic distress, Cognitive problems and Arousal. The CQ-PERI-MS was then administered to a separate sample of 339 menstruating Chinese women in Hong Kong for further examination of validity as well as pattern of perimenstrual symptoms. It was found that perimenstrual symptoms were common, with 18.6% and 34.2% of the participants reporting 10 or more premenstrual and menstrual symptoms, respectively. Both premenstrual and menstrual distress were characterised by a combination of emotional and somatic symptoms. Contrary to previous preconceptions, perimenstrual symptoms are commonly experienced by Chinese women, with both overlapping and distinct features when compared with patterns in the West. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial presents the author's thoughts regarding the health aspects of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The negative body image reinforced by Australian rowing team members Amber Halliday and Marquerite Houston is discussed, as well as the harmful practice of cutting weight undertaken by Olympic wrestlers and the controversy over the possibility that some Chinese gymnasts were underage.

Job stress can lead to various system dysfunctions, but until now no reliable biomarkers for its assessment have been identified. Allostatic load (AL) is an index that enables the cumulative effect on the body of chronic stress to be assessed, and is derived from a set of relevant biological measures. In this study, a 13-parameter index (building on the original 10-item index) was used to examine the relationship between job strain and AL. Participants were 1219 healthy Chinese employees. Job strain was measured using the Job Content Questionnaire, and AL was assessed by various possible stress responses, including blood pressure, cholesterol, indicators of glucose metabolism, and hormone and inflammation markers. AL in the high job strain group differed sharply from that in the low job strain group. The AL score was positively associated with age and educational level. Several individual parameters also differed between the two groups. Men scored significantly higher on AL and cardiovascular and metabolic health outcomes, whereas for women the associations appeared in the biological indicators. Analyses indicated that decision latitude (DL) and job demands were significantly related to AL. Job demands correlated significantly with the primary biological indicators and DL with the secondary health outcomes. In conclusion, this study provides evidence of the value of measuring allostatic load in assessing the chronic effects of job stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species of Periacma Meyrick from China are reviewed. Thirty-two species are treated, including four new species (P. latizona sp. nov., P. leyensis sp. nov., P. spinivalvula sp. nov. and P. rectignatha sp. nov.). Females of four species (P. iodesma vietnamica Lvovsky, P. zhouzhiensis Wang & Zheng, P. binchuanensis Wang & Zheng and P. equivalvata Wang, Li & Liu) are described for the first time. Periacma chengchengensis Wang & Zheng is synonymized with P. delegate Meyrick, and Periacma plumbea Meyrick is newly recorded from China. Photographs of the adults treated here and the genital structures of the new species are provided. A distribution map of Periacma Meyrick in China and a key to all the Chinese species, except P. isanensis Moriuti et al., are given based on the male genitalia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early archaeological investigations on the Tibetan Plateau concluded that this harsh, high-elevation environment was successfully colonized around 30,000 years ago. Genetic studies have tended to support this view on the assumption that the uniquely evolved physiological capacities seen among modern Tibetan populations required long-term exposure to high-elevation selective pressures. Archaeological evidence amassed over the last decade suggests, however, that colonization leading to full-time occupation occurred much later. Seasonal foraging forays into high-elevation settings at c . 30 and 15 cal. ka appear to have been limited ‘adaptive radiations’ coincident, respectively, with the appearance of early and late Upper Palaeolithic adaptations in low-elevation source areas around the plateau. More permanent occupation of the plateau probably did not begin before c . 8200 cal. bp and may have been driven by ‘competitive exclusion’ of late Upper Palaeolithic foragers from low-elevation environments by emerging settled agricultural groups. The appearance of specialized epi-Palaeolithic blade and bladelet technologies on the high plateau, after 8200 cal. ka, may indicate ‘directional selection’ impacting on these new full-time residents. An ‘adaptive radiation’ of agriculturalists into the mid-elevations of the plateau, this time leading to year-round occupation, is again seen after 6000 cal. bp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which investigated the effects of interpersonal relations on suicide ideation in a sample of persons from China. Findings of previous research on suicide ideation; Statistics on suicide ideation rates and rates for planned suicide, making a comparison to rates in the United States; Role of interpersonal conflict in suicide ideation; Discussion on the conclusions of the study.

Objective: The present study, conducted in Hong Kong, aimed to evaluate the effect of topical steroid in non-retractile prepubertal foreskin by a prospective, randomized, double-blind design. Material and methods: 137 boys with non-retractile foreskin were randomized to betamethasone (n = 66) or placebo (n = 71) for 4 weeks with application of the cream twice daily. Non-responders to treatment were offered steroid treatment for a further 4 weeks. Results: The mean pretreatment grade of the foreskin in the steroid and control groups was 5.08 ± 0.66 and 4.97 ± 0.70, respectively. At the 4-week follow-up, 49 of the former (74%) had a retractile foreskin (grade less than or equal to 3, mean 2.38 ± 1.41). In contrast, only 31 of the control group (44%) had a retractile foreskin (less than or equal to 3, mean 3.55 ± 1.55) (p < 0.001). Only 14 boys were circumcised because 43 of the remaining 57 boys had a retractile foreskin after 4 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: when treatment is necessary, application of topical steroid as a first line of treatment may avoid surgery in almost 90% of cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]