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Evaluation of groundwater quality has an important role in groundwater management and conservation. Addressing the uncertain characteristics of groundwater quality as affected by multiple interacting factors – and the factors being changeable, random and fuzzy – sample test data from 20 hydrogeologic boreholes in a study area in Fenggang town, Zunyi city, China were collected and a groundwater quality evaluation model was built based on set pair analysis. Through expressions of the connection degree and decomposition of the degree of discrepancy and calculation of the comprehensive fuzzy connection degree, results of groundwater quality evaluation in the study area were obtained. The reliability and validity of the model were proved by comparing the results with the actual situation. This new groundwater quality evaluation method reflects the characteristics of groundwater quality controlled by multiple factors and factor uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carney complex is a syndrome characterized by skin pigmentation abnormalities, myxomas, endocrine tumors/overactivity, and schwannomas. It is caused by a mutation in the PRKAR1A gene that encodes the enzyme protein kinase A regulatory subunit type 1 alpha. A 23-year old male was diagnosed with Carney complex on the basis of spotty skin lentigines on his face and lips, multiple thyroid neoplasms, a right ventricular myxoma, and bilateral testicular tumors. A total bilateral orchectomy was performed and the pathological findings revealed Leydig's cell tumors on one side and a Sertoli cell tumor on the other side. When his first-degree relatives were examined, his mother was found to have Carney complex as well. This is the first reported case of familial Carney complex in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Influenza H7N9 has become an endemic pathogen in China where circulating virus is found extensively in wild birds and domestic poultry. Two epidemic waves of Human H7N9 infections have taken place in Eastern and South Central China during the years of 2013 and 2014. In this study, we report on the first four human cases of influenza H7N9 in Shantou, Guangdong province, which occurred during the second H7N9 wave, and the subsequent analysis of the viral isolates. Methods: Viral genomes were subjected to multisegment amplification and sequenced in an Illumina MiSeq. Later, phylogenetic analyses of influenza H7N9 viruses were performed to establish the evolutionary context of the disease in humans. Results: The sequences of the isolates from Shantou have closer evolutionary proximity to the predominant Eastern H7N9 cluster (similar to A/Shanghai/1/2013 (H7N9)) than to the Southern H7N9 cluster (similar to A/Guangdong/1/2013 (H7N9)). Conclusions: Two distinct phylogenetic groups of influenza H7N9 circulate currently in China and cause infections in humans as a consequence of cross-species spillover from the avian disease. The Eastern cluster, which includes the four isolates from Shantou, presents a wide geographic distribution and overlaps with the more restricted area of circulation of the Southern cluster. Continued monitoring of the avian disease is of critical importance to better understand and predict the epidemiological behaviour of the human cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A number of effective strategies have been developed to improve the quality of life in patients with COPD. However, few have been implemented in patients with COPD at all stages in a community setting. This study evaluated the efficacy of a complex COPD health management intervention in rural communities in China. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial including 8,217 subjects with COPD was implemented from May 2008 to May 2012 in 14 community health-care centers. The control group of subjects received usual care, whereas the management group of subjects participated in a health management program that included assessing the subjects’ health status, giving regular health lectures, smoking cessation counseling, encouraging regular exercise, providing rehabilitative training and psychological counseling, and regular followup. As a primary outcome, we examined the changes in the BODE index. Secondary outcomes included depression and anxiety rates, current smoking rate, awareness of COPD, mortality, risk factors, respiratory medication use, hospital admissions, and emergency department visits. RESULTS: After 4 y, the mean cumulative value of the BODE index increased by 0.7 per subject in the control group and decreased by 0.4 per subject in the health management group (difference of 1.1, 95% CI 0.2–2.0, P < .001). Health management reduced anxiety symptoms by 4.8%, depression symptoms by 6.6%, current smoking by 14.3%, mortality due to all causes by 9.0%, hospitalizations due to all causes by 16.1%, and emergency department visits due to all causes by 18.1% (P < .05 for all). However, it increased immunomodulator use by 58.9%, respiratory medication use by 14.1–21.9%, and awareness scores for COPD by 57.2% (P < .05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The health management program is an effective community-based strategy for the prevention and management of COPD in China, increasing awareness and knowledge among patients and practitioners and improving management within the limitations of access to pharmacotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunomodulatory effect has been found to be an important therapeutic measure for immune responses against cancer. In this study, we evaluated the inhibition of Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB), an anti-inflammatory and an antitumor Chinese herb, including flavonoids and scutebarbatines on tumor growth and its immunomodulatory effects in vivo. HPLC and LC/MS/MS methods were conducted for the analysis of flavonoids and scutebarbatines in SB. Lewis-bearing C57BL/6 mice model was established and tumor volume was evaluated by high frequency color ultrasound experiment. ELISA and western blot analysis were performed for the determination of immunomodulatory factors. SB treatment at the dose of 10, 6.67, and 3.33 g crude drug/kg/d significantly inhibited tumor growth of Lewis-bearing C57BL/6 mice with the inhibition rates of 44.41 ± 5.44%, 33.56 ± 4.85%, and 27.57 ± 4.96%, respectively. More importantly, the spleen and thymus indexes were increased remarkably by SB treatment. SB could decrease IL-17, IL-10, FOXP3, TGF-β1, RORγt, and IL-6 levels whereas it could increase remarkably IL-2 and IFN-γ levels. Our results demonstrated that SB could inhibit tumor growth in vivo through regulating immune function in tumor-bearing mice and suggested that the immunomodulatory function of SB had a potential therapeutic effect in lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the role of the `hukou' or household registration system in the administration of rural-urban migration in mainland China. Changes of hukou policies since 1978; Array of hukou categories created since the 1970s; Consequences of the policy adjustment with respect to the rise in rural-urban migration; Hukou system reforms.

The article discusses the incidence of imported malaria cases in China in 2012. Topics discussed include criteria for imported malaria, causative agents for malaria which include Plasmodium palcifarum, P. vivax and P. malariae, and increased incidence of imported malaria from Chinese workers returning from Africa.

With the shrinking of indigenous malaria cases and endemic areas in the People's Republic of China (P.R. China), imported malaria predominates over all reported cases accounting for more than 90% of the total. On the way to eliminate malaria, prompt detection and rapid response to the imported cases are crucial for the prevention of secondary transmission in previous endemic areas. Through a comprehensive literature review, this chapter aims to identify risk determinants of potential local transmission caused by the imported malaria cases and discusses gaps to be addressed to reach the elimination goal by 2020. Current main gaps with respect to dealing with potential malaria resurgence in P.R. China include lack of cross-sectoral cooperation, lack of rapid response and risk assessment, poor public awareness, and inadequate research and development in the national malaria elimination programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction patterns of Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax malaria transmission and the role of an integrated strategy of case management and vector control are compared between different ecological zones. The epidemiology of malaria in Hainan and Yunnan provinces was disparate, even though distinct malaria control strategies have been adapted to different situations based on risk group, vector behaviours, local health infrastructure, and environmental conditions. The island Hainan appears to be victorious in eliminating malaria. However, there is still a long way to go to prevent the reintroduction of malaria in Hainan province and eliminating malaria in the border areas of Yunnan province. This review of the experiences and challenges from malaria control to elimination in Hainan and Yunnan provinces of southern China will provide a basis for the future elimination of malaria in the whole country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Apicomplexan parasites of the genus Babesia, Theileria and Plasmodium are very closely related organisms. Interestingly, their mitochondrial (mt) genomes are highly divergent. Among Babesia, Babesia orientalis is a new species recently identified and specifically epidemic to the southern part of China, causing severe disease to water buffalo. However, no information on the mt genome of B. orientalis was available. Methods Four pairs of primers were designed based on the full genome sequence of B. orientalis (unpublished data) and by aligning reported mt genomes of B. bovis, B. bigemina, and T. parva. The entire mt genome was amplified by four sets of PCR. The obtained mt genome was annotated by aligning with published apicomplexan mt genomes and Artemis software v11. Phylogenetic analysis was performed by using cox1 and cob amino acid sequences. Results The complete mt genome of B. orientalis (Wuhan strain) was sequenced and characterized. The entire mt genome is 5996 bp in length with a linear form, containing three protein-coding genes including cytochrome c oxidase I(cox1), cytochrome b (cob) and cytochrome c oxidase III (cox3) and six rRNA large subunit gene fragments. The gene arrangement in B. orientalis mt genome is similar to those of B. bovis, B. gibsoni and Theileria parva, but different from those of T. orientalis, T. equi and Plasmodium falciparum. Comparative analysis indicated that cox1 and cob genes were more conserved than cox3. Phylogenetic analysis based on amino acid sequences of cox1, cob and cox1 + cob, respectively, revealed that B. orientalis fell into Babesia clade with the closest relationship to B. bovis. Conclusions The availability of the entire mt genome sequences of B. orientalis provides valuable information for future phylogenetic, population genetics and molecular epidemiological studies of apicomplexan parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the dendritic cells (DCs) maturity differences of HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with different spleen deficiency (SD) syndromes and explore the role of syndrome differentiation in the therapeutic evaluation of Chinese medicine. Methods. 120 participants were recruited including three treatment groups in different SD syndrome categories as spleen deficiency with liver depression (SDLD), spleen deficiency with damp heat (SDDH), and spleen deficiency with kidney deficiency (SDKD) and one healthy control group; each group had 30 participants. Corresponding drugswere applied. The outcome measures included DC phenotype, liver function, IL-10, IL-12, and HBV-DNA levels. Results. The surface markers of mature DCs and cytokines levels were different in each group; the positive rate of CD80, CD1a, HLA-DR, and CD1a was the lowest in SDKD group. After 3-month intervention, the expression of CD80, CD86, CD1a, HLA-DR, and IL-12 significantly increased, while ALT, AST, and IL-10 significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in treatment groups. HBV-DNA level also significantly reduced in both SDKD and SDLD groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions. HBeAg negative patients had DCs dysmaturity, and there were differences between different SD syndromes. Chinese medicine intervention according to syndrome differentiation could advance the maturity and function of DCs and improve the therapeutic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most malignant neuroendocrine tumor but highly sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. At present, the standard first-line chemotherapy regimen of extensive-stage SCLC is platinum combined etoposide regimen. However, most patients who receive first-line chemotherapy will relapse within one to two years. Once recurrent, it indicates poor prognosis. In this study, we analyzed the survival among all extensive-stage SCLC and patients who received first-line chemotherapy and determined prognostic factors. Methods: Total of 394 patients who were diagnosed as extensive-stage small cell lung cancer from February 2001 to December 2011 hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were collected. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Univariate analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to detect the influence factors of survival. Results: The median OS of all extensive-stage small cell lung cancer was 14.8 months; 1-year, 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 58.9%, 27.2% and 7.8%, respectively. According to the results of univariate and Cox multivariate analysis, OS of extensive-stage SCLC was closely associated with age (P=0.006), ECOG PS (P=0.021), liver metastasis (P<0.001), bone metastasis (P<0.001) and chemotherapy (P<0.001). The mortality risk of patients who didn't receive chemotherapy was 4.919 times higher than that who received; the mortality risk of patients without liver, bone metastasis was reduced by approximately 50 percent. The first-line chemotherapy was mainly EP (DDP+VP-16) or CE (CBP+VP-16) regimens (accounting for 82.8%) with 4-6 cycles. The median OS and PFS in first-line chemotherapy were 15.1 months and 7.5 months, respectively. The result of Cox regression analysis indicated that OS in first-line chemotherapy was remarkably related to smoking history (P=0.041), liver metastasis (P<0.001), bone metastasis (P<0.001), chemotherapy cycle number (P<0.001); PFS was relevant with smoking history (P=0.003), liver metastasis (P=0.001), bone metastasis (P<0.001), chemotherapy cycle number (P<0.001). Thoracic radiotherapy was not an independent influence factor of OS and PFS in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. Conclusion: The patients who were younger than 60-year old, with good KPS, absence of liver and bone metastasis had better prognosis. Patients should receive chemotherapy with first-line standard regimen (CE/EP regimen). It was beneficial to survival if the effect of first-line chemotherapy was SD or PR-CR and the proper chemotherapy cycle number was 4-6 cycles. The role of thoracic radiotherapy in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer needed to be investigated further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective At present, surgery is advocated for stage IIIa non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and the survival of them is determined by many factors. The aim of this study is to analyze the influencing factors of prognosis for stage IIIa surgical patients. Methods Between March 2002 and October 2012, 151 surgical cases that have postoperative pathological finding of stage IIIa NSCLC with completed followed-up data were received in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. According to different N stages, 151 patients were divided into T4N0/T3-4N1M0 and T1-3N2M0 stages. Kaplan-Meier survival method was used to calculate the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and to proceed univariate analysis of survival. Cox regression analysis was used to conduct multivariate analysis. A p-value less than 0.05 was evaluated as statistically significant. Results 151 stage IIIa NSCLC patients had 43 stage T4N0/T3-4N1M0 cases and 108 stage T1-3N2M0 cases. The median OS and PFS of the whole group were 38.9 and 12.9 months respectively. The median OS of stage T4N0/T3-4N1M0 and T1-3N2M0 were 48.7 and 38.9 months. The median PFS of them were 14.9 and 19.8 months respectively. There were no significant differences of OS and PFS between two groups. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that postoperative chemotherapy had a significant influence on OS of the surgical patients with stage IIIa NSCLC (P=0.001), and family history of tumor had a significant influence on PFS (P<0.05). The maximum diameter of tumor had a significant influence on PFS only in univariate analysis. Conclusion For stage IIIa NSCLC, postoperative chemotherapy can increase OS and PFS, but postoperative radiotherapy have no benefit on them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phlebotomus chinensis is a primary vector of visceral leishmaniasis; it occurs in various biotopes with a large geographical distribution, ranging from Yangtze River to northeast China. Phlebotomus sichuanensis, a species closely related to P. chinensis in high altitude regions, has a long term disputation on its taxonomic status. Both species occur in the current epidemic regions and are responsible for the transmission of leishmaniasis. Population genetic analysis will help to understand the population structure and infer the relationship for morphologically indistinguishable cryptic species. In this study, microsatellite markers were used for studying the genetic differentiation between P. chinensis and P. sichuanensis. Methods: Sandflies were collected in 6 representative localities in China in 2005-2009. Ten microsatellite loci were used to estimate population genetic diversity. The intra-population genetic diversity, genetic differentiation and effective population size were estimated. Results: All 10 microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic across populations, with high allelic richness and heterozygosity. Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium was found in 23 out of 60 (38.33%) comparisons associated with heterozygote deficits, which was likely caused by the presence of null allele and the Wahlund effect. Bayesian clustering analysis revealed three clusters. The cluster I included almost all specimens in the sample SCD collected at high altitude habitats in Sichuan. The other two clusters were shared by the remaining 5 populations, SCJ in Sichuan, GSZ in Gansu, SXL and SXX in Shaanxi and HNS in Henan. The diversity among these 5 populations was low (FST = -0.003-0.090) and no isolation by distance was detected. AMOVA analysis suggested that the variations were largely derived from individuals within populations and among individuals. Consistently, the analysis of ribosomal DNA second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) sequence uncovered three types of variants, which corresponded with the three gene pools revealed by microsatellites. Conclusions: The data suggested that the SCD population carried a distinct gene pool, which was differentiated from the other populations. The high altitude ecological habitats, distinctive ITS2 and herein divergence inferred by microsatellite loci support the species status of P. sichuanensis. The P. chinensis populations did not have a significant divergence from each another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: NutritionDay is an annual worldwide cross-sectional multicentre audit. This report aimed to describe the results of nutritionDay 2010 in Jinling hospital, providing a map of the prevalence of malnutrition and actual nutrition therapy practice in different units. The risk factors to malnutrition and length of hospital stay were also investigated. Methods: The data was collected from 233 inpatients from Jinling hospital on Nov 4th, 2010, using standardized questionnaires. Malnutrition was objectively defined as BMI <20 or unintentional weight loss >5% in the past three months. Risk factors for malnutrition and the impact of multiple factors on length of hospital stay were analyzed. Results: 233 inpatients participated in this audit (143 M: 90 F; mean±SD age 50.6±18.5 years). Of the patients, 42.5%were malnourished. Multivariable analysis revealed three risk factors for malnutrition: gender, food intake and length of hospital stay before audit. Longer length of hospital stay prevailed in patients aged ≥ 65 years (p<0.001), and there was a positive and significant, but weak, correlation between length of hospital stay and age. Conclusions: The prevalence of malnutrition was high. Higher age may be the main contributor to longer length of hospital stay. This was the first study to obtain data from hospitalized patients' nutritional status in China during the nutritionDay audit and the valuable results could supply evidence for clinical nutrition support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canine distemper virus (CDV) infects a variety of carnivores, including wild and domestic Canidae. In this study, we sequenced and phylogenetic analyses of the hemagglutinin (H) genes from eight canine distemper virus (CDV) isolates obtained from seven raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and a giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in China. Results: Phylogenetic analysis of the partial hemagglutinin gene sequences showed close clustering for geographic lineages, clearly distinct from vaccine strains and other wild-type foreign CDV strains, all the CDV strains were characterized as Asia-1 genotype and were highly similar to each other (91.5-99.8% nt and 94.4-99.8% aa). The giant panda and raccoon dogs all were 549Y on the HA protein in this study, irrespective of the host species. Conclusions: These findings enhance our knowledge of the genetic characteristics of Chinese CDV isolates, and may facilitate the development of effective strategies for monitoring and controlling CDV for wild canids and non-cainds in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations play essential roles in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients using EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Detection of EGFR mutations in blood cell-free DNA (cfDNA) seems promising. However, the mutation status in the plasma/serum is not always consistent with that in the tissues. Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare the mutation statuses in plasma to those in tissues and thus to determine the specific subgroups of NSCLC patients who may be the best candidates for EGFR mutation analyses using blood cfDNA. Methods: A total of 111 pairs of tissue and plasma samples were collected. Mutant-enriched PCR and sequencing analyses were performed to detect EGFR exon 19 deletions and exon 21 L858R mutations. Results: Mutations were discovered in 43.2% (48/111) of the patients. The overall rate of consistency of the EGFR mutation statuses for the 111 paired plasma and tissue samples was 71.2% (79/111). The sensitivity and specificity rates of detecting EGFR mutations in the plasma were 35.6% (16/45) and 95.5% (63/66), respectively. The disease stage and tumor differentiation subgroups showed significantly different detection sensitivities; the sensitivity was 10% in early-stage patients and 56% in advanced-stage patients (p = 0.0014). For patients with poorly differentiated tumors, the sensitivity was 77.8%, which was significantly different from those with highly differentiated (20%; p = 0.0230) and moderately differentiated tumors (19%; p = 0.0042). Conclusion: Blood analyses for EGFR mutations may be effectively used in advanced-stage patients or patients with poorly differentiated tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fever is one of the most common clinical symptoms of many diseases. Qingkailing (QKL) injection is widely used in China as a clinical emergency medicine due to its good antipyretic effects. It is a herbal formula which is composed by eight kinds of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). As a kind of typical multiple constituents and multiple actions of TCM, it is very difficult to elaborate the antipyretic mechanism by conventional pharmacological method. Metabonomics technique provides beneficial tool for this challenge. In this study, an ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC Q-TOF/MS) metabonomics method was developed to explore the changing process of biochemical substances in rats of yeast-induced pyrexia. Partial least squares discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) was used to distinguish the normal control group, the pyrexia model group, and the pyrexia model group treated by QKL injection. The potential biomarkers related to pyrexia were confirmed and identified. MetPA was used to find the possible metabolic pathways. The results indicated that the antipyretic effect of QKL injection on yeast-induced pyrexia rats was performed by repairing the perturbed metabolism of amino acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continued spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of H5 and H7 subtypes and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses of H5, H7 and H9 subtypes in birds and the subsequent infections in humans pose an ongoing pandemic threat. It has been proposed that poultry workers are at higher risk of exposure to HPAI or LPAI viruses and subsequently infection due to their repeated exposure to chickens or domestic waterfowl. The aim of this study was to examine the seroprevalence of antibodies against H5, H7 and H9 viruses amongst duck-related workers in Beijing, China and the risk factors associated with seropositivity. In March, 2011, 1741 participants were recruited from (1) commercial duckbreeding farms; (2) private duck-breeding farms; and (3) duck-slaughtering farms. Local villagers who bred ducks in their backyards were also recruited. A survey was administered by face-to-face interview, and blood samples were collected from subjects for antibody testing against H5, H7 and H9 viruses. We found that none of the subjects were seropositive for either H5 or H7 viruses, and only 0.7% (12/1741) had antibody against H9. A statistically significant difference in H9 antibody seroprevalence existed between the various categories of workers (P = 0.005), with the highest figures recorded amongst the villagers (1.7%). Independent risk factors associated with seropositivity toinfection with H9 virus included less frequent disinfection of worksite (OR, 5.13 [95% CI, 1.07-24.58]; P = 0.041; ≤ twice monthly versus>twice monthly) and handling ducks with wounds on hands (OR, 4.13 [95% CI, 1.26-13.57]; P = 0.019). Whilst the risk of infection with H5, H7 and H9 viruses appears to be low among duck-related workers in Beijing, China, ongoing monitoring of infection with the H9 virus is still warranted, especially amongst villagers who breed backyard ducks to monitor for any changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calligonum taklimakanense B. R. Pan & G. M. Shen, a new species of Polygonaceae from Taklimakan Desert, Xinjiang, China, is described and illustrated. It is closely related to C. ebinuricum Ivanova ex Soskov in having similar fruit shape and achenes with two rows of bristles, but differs in straight old branches and slightly coiled achenes without a long beak. Calligonum ebinuricum has tortuous old branches, very coiled achenes, and a 2-4 mm long beak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The distribution of HLA alleles and haplotypes varies widely between different ethnic populations and geographic areas. Before any genetic marker can be used in a disease-associated study it is therefore essential to investigate allelic frequencies and establish a genetic database. Methodology/Principal Findings: This is the first report of HLA typing in the Tujia group using the Luminex HLA-SSO method HLA-A, -B and -DRB1 allelic distributions were determined in 124 unrelated healthy Tujia individuals, and haplotypic frequencies and linkage disequilibrium parameters were estimated using the maximum-likelihood method. In total 10 alleles were detected at the HLA-A locus, 21 alleles at the HLA-B locus and 14 alleles at the HLA-DRB1 locus. The most frequently observed alleles in the HLA-I group were HLA-A*02 (35.48%), A*11 (28.23%), A*24 (15.73%); HLA-B*40 (25.00%), B*46 (16.13%), and B*15 (15.73%). Among HLA-DRB1 alleles, high frequencies of HLA-DRB1*09 (25.81%) were observed, followed by HLA-DRB1*15 (12.9%), and DRB1*12 (10.89%). The two-locus haplotypes at the highest frequency were A*02-B*46A (8.47%), followed by A*11-B*40 (7.66%), A*02-B*40 (8.87%), A*11-B*15 (6.45%), A*02-B*15 (6.05%), B*40-DRB1*09 (9.27%) and B*46-DRB1*09 (6.45%). The most common three-locus haplotypes found in the Tujia population were A*02-B*46-DRB1*09 (4.84%) and A*02-B*40-DRB1*09 (4.03%). Fourteen two-loci haplotypes had significant linkage disequilibrium. Construction of a neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree and principal component analysis using the allelic frequencies at HLA-A was performed to compare the Tujia group and twelve other previously reported populations. The Tujia population in the Wufeng of Hubei Province had the closest genetic relationship with the central Han population, and then to the Shui, the Miao, the southern Han and the northern Han ethnic groups. Conclusions/Significance: These results will become a valuable source of data for tracing population migration, planning clinical organ transplantation, carrying out HLA-linked disease-associated studies and forensic identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is based on a timely dialogue among two US based anthropologists and one Chinese scholar on the relationship between tourism studies and anthropological intervention in and beyond China. It makes two main arguments; First, under rapid globalization the boundaries between disciplines are becoming increasingly blurred and the targets of our research are also more mobile. An interdisciplinary approach has become a key feature in current researchers across many social sciences and the humanities. The anthropological intervention to tourism studies is thus inevitable and makes a significant contribution to this field. Tourism management should no longer be an isolated area with the sole focus on the economic and management aspects, but needs to incorporate other social, cultural, and psychological explorations. With its tradition of a holistic and critical perspective, cultural anthropology is in an unique position to examine multiple dimensions of tourism and to go beyond the level of simple description. Second, it is imperative to examine the localization process when we study any social and cultural phenomena in the contemporary world. The study of tourism is exception. Due to different cultural and economic backgrounds, each country or region tends to face some unique problems and challenges. Thus, theories, methods, and practices developed out of Western tourism studies must be adapted to fit local Chinese conditions. Professor Graburn points out eight aspects of research that are pertinent to understanding Chinese tourism in the pat and the future: nostalgia, authenticity, symbols, ritual and religion, commodification and globalization, heritage, gender, and landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Riparian ecosystems are an important transition zone between river ecosystem and the terrestrial ecosystems and play an important role in the global carbon cycle of terrestrial ecosystems. The study was carried out in littoral in XiangXi river, which was the larger tributary and nearest to the Three Gorges Dam. Gas exchange rates were measured to explore the main factors controlling the carbon flux of littoral in XiangXi river using chamber method during water discharge in 2011. The results showed that in the early of water discharge, net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of 165- 175m a.s.l. was 2.17±0.53μmol m-2s-1, which was markedly lower than that of over 175m a.s.l. (-1.04±0.62μmol m- 2s-1, P<0.05). Total ecosystem respiration (TER) of 165-175m a.s.l. was 3.21±0.52μmol m-2s-1, which was little lower than that of over 175m a.s.l. (3.79±0.94μmol m-2s-1), but there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). The study indicated that being experienced flooding, the lower areas in littoral of the main stream of Xiangxi river might be a weak carbon source due to lower vegetation cover, higher soil water content and different soil microbial in the early of water discharge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OX40 and OX40L, members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, are costimulatory molecules involved in the activation and proliferation of T lymphocytes. OX40L plays an important role in the process of atherosclerosis, and variants of OX40/OX40L are associated with myocardial infarction in European populations. Our study examined 235 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and 220 controls and sought to establish whether polymorphisms in OX40/OX40L are associated with atherosclerosis or myocardial infarction in the Han Chinese population. OX40 rs17568A/G, rs2298212A/G, and OX40L rs3850641A/G polymorphisms were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The results showed that carriers of the G allele of rs17568A/G had a significantly increased risk of ACS ( p = 0.023, adjusted odds ratio = 1.72, 95% confidence interval = 1.08-2.75) after adjusting for age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, and lipids. No significant association between rs2298212A/G or rs3850641A/G and the risk of ACS was found in this study. In conclusion, OX40 gene polymorphism may be associated with a risk of ACS in the Han Chinese population, although the association between OX40L polymorphisms and ACS requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Energy-saving and emission-reduction are the major challenge to the development of countries in the world. When it comes to China, it refers to properly handle the regional issues. According to the common trends of the average industrial SO2 emission per square kilometer in three developed regions (Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta and Bohai Economic Circle) and the remaining regions in the east, the middle and the west, this paper conducts an empirical analysis on the issue of pollution emission spilled from the developed regions to the remaining provinces. The result shows that the pollution emission in developed regions significantly demonstrates the role-model effect to the remaining provinces, and the effect will be weaken as the distance from the remaining provinces to three developed regions increases, which somewhat interprets the common trend of pollution emission among regions. Meanwhile, the role-model effect gives us the policy recommendation that China shall pay full attention to the exemplary role played by the developed regions on the issue of energy-saving and emission-reduction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Human reliability analysis (HRA) is generally viewed as quite an important part in probabilistic safety assessment (PSA). In this paper, a THERP+HCR HRA model is presented to model the operators’ post-accident behavior in Chinese nuclear power plants. The paper shows how the model is structured and how to consider and acquire the corresponding data, including HCR data modification and HRA event tree data. A case study is presented to make an illustration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: To determine the clinical presentation, biochemical findings, complications, clinical diagnosis and management of patients with acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP). The influence of the mode of delivery on maternal-perinatal mortality is analyzed and two methods of diagnostic imaging are compared. Material & Methods: Eleven cases of AFLP identified at the West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2003 to June 2008 were studied. To provide additional evidence, 342 cases of AFLP were reviewed retrospectively from original articles researched in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure between the same period. Results: All cases presented with a prodrome of nausea, vomiting, malaise and jaundice. Raised transaminases and serum bilirubin were found in all patients (100%), hypoglycemia was found in two patients (18.2%) and hypoproteinemia was found in five patients (45.5%). All cases were confirmed by diagnostic criteria and clinical assessment. Diagnostic imaging helped to confirm the diagnoses. Ultrasound was used to diagnose nine patients (81.8%), and two (18.2%) patients were diagnosed by computerized tomography. Except for one patient whose labor was induced with oxytocin because of fetal death before admission, all other pregnancies were terminated by cesarean section within 24 h of definitive diagnosis. All patients and neonates survived delivery. One (9.1%) maternal death and one (7.2%) fetal death occurred. Conclusions: Early diagnosis, termination of pregnancy by Cesarean section as soon as possible and comprehensive therapy are crucial for improving the prognoses of both mother and newborn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that investigated the occurrence of multiple neoplasms associated with avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) in field layer hens. Researchers examined three cases of intestinal adenocarcinoma associated with ALV-J in China during the period of 2007 to 2009. They identified the types of neoplasms found in the hens by pathology and confirmed the results by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). They observed that the most prevalent neoplasms were hemangiomas, followed by myelocytomas.

The article presents a study which aims to understand the influence of specific steps on genotoxicity and toxicity during surface water treatment in a water treatment plant in China with liquid chlorine as the disinfectant. The study shows that prechlorination and postchlorination steps increase DNA damage and oxidative stress. It highlights the usefulness of comet and oxidative stress assays in evaluating surface water genetoxicity during drinking water treatment.

A novel hepatitis B virus (HBV) strain (W29) was isolated from serum samples in the northwest of China. Phylogenetic and distance analyses indicate that this strain is grouped with a series of distinct strains discovered in Vietnam and Laos that have been proposed to be a new genotype I. TreeOrderScan and GroupScan methods were used to study the intergenotype recombination of this special group. Recombination plots and tree maps of W29 and these putative genotype I strains exhibit distinct characteristics that are unexpected in typical genotype C strains of HBV. The amino acids of P gene, S gene, X gene, and C gene of all genotypes (including subtypes) were compared, and eight unique sites were found in genotype I. In vitro and in vivo experiments were also conducted to determine phenotypic characteristics between W29 and other representative strains of different genotypes obtained from China. Secretion of HBsAg in Huh7 cells is uniformly abundant among genotypes A, B, C, and I (W29), but not genotype D. HBeAg secretion is low in genotype I (W29), whose level is close to genotype A and much lower than genotypes B, C, and D. Results from the acute hydrodynamic injection mouse model also exhibit a similar pattern. From an overview of the results, the viral markers of W29 (I1) in Huh7 cells and mice had a more similar level to genotype A than genotype C, although the latter was closer to W29 in distance analysis. All evidence suggests that W29, together with other related strains found in Vietnam and Laos, should be classified into a new genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Following the rapid increase of migrant workers in China, the number of "absent migrant parents" children is also rising fast. The "absent migrant parents" children might have an insecure relationship with their parents, have a different view of them, and be prone to have the feeling of loneliness. The purpose of the study was to compare the self-concept and loneliness between the "absent migrant parents" children and comparison children, to examine the relationship between self-concept and loneliness among the two groups, and to study the predictors of self-concept among the two groups. Methods: Participants were 230 "absent migrant parents" children and 250 comparison children in the rural area of a county, China. The self-concept and loneliness of children were assessed using Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale and Childhood Loneliness Scale. Results: The "absent migrant parents" children were more likely to dislike their parents or be uncertain whether they like their parents, and they reported less time spent in physical and leisure time activities, higher loneliness and lower self-concept in comparison with the comparison children. Loneliness was significantly negatively correlated with all the dimensions of self-concept among the two groups. Regression analysis showed that self-concept was positively related to the relationship with parents and guardians and time spent in physical and leisure activities among the "absent migrant parents" children. The same factors (except the relationship with guardians) were found for self-concept among the comparison children. Conclusions: The "absent migrant parents" children were more inclined to have lower self-concept and higher loneliness. The lower self-concept seemed to contribute to the higher loneliness of the "absent migrant parents" children. The lower self-concept of the "absent migrant parents" children was mainly related with their relationship with parents and guardians. The acceptance and support from their parents could not be fully replaced by that from their guardians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To determine, in a meta-analysis, the diagnostic performance of quantitative diffusion-weighted (DW) MR imaging in patients with breast lesions. Methods: English and Chinese studies published prior to June 2009 to assess the diagnostic performance of quantitative DWI in patients with breast lesions were reviewed and summarized with reference to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed by using the quality assessment of diagnostic studies (QUADAS) instrument. Publication bias analysis was performed by using Comprehensive Meta-analysis version 2. Meta-Disc version 1.4 was used to describe primary results and explore homogeneity by Chi-square test and inconsistency index; to explore threshold effect by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) space and Spearman correlation coefficient; and to pool weighted sensitivity and specificity by fixed or random effect model. A summary ROC (sROC) curve was constructed to calculate the area under the curve (AUC). Results: Of 65 eligible studies, 13 with 615 malignant and 349 benign lesions were included in the original metaanalysis, among which heterogeneity arising from factors other than threshold effect and publication bias was explored. Methodological quality was moderate. The pooled weighted sensitivity and specificity with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) in one homogenous subgroup of studies using maximum b = 1000 s/mm² were 0.84 (0.80, 0.87) and 0.84 (0.79, 0.88) respectively. AUC of sROC was 0.9085. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the pooled estimates were stable and reliable. Conclusions: Quantitative DWI has a higher specificity to differentiate between benign and malignant breast lesions compared to that of contrast-enhanced MRI. However, large scale randomized control trials (RCTs) are necessary to assess its clinical value because of disunified diffusion gradient factor b and diagnosis threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's human rights issue has received a great deal of attention since the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident. How the news media cover human rights is important for a number of reasons beyond simply informing the public. However, the research on the nature of the Western media coverage of the Chinese human rights issue is largely absent. This article examines the nature of the European transnational media coverage of this issue from 1989 to 2005 and explores the factors influencing the development of coverage. The finding shows that there is little connection between the real world human rights situation in China measured by NGOs and the media coverage. Based on the analysis of western government policy and interviews with journalists, the article further argues that news values, the growing prominence of economic issues in media agenda and the sensitivity of diplomatic and political conflict are the factors that drive human rights reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Most oil reservoirs in the Shengli Oilfield area have entered middle and late development stages after nearly 40-years of production, and they are suitable for applying CO2 EOR and carbon storage techniques. This study is aimed at assessing the potential of CO2 EOR and storage in three large oil fields in the region based on the data of 183 mature oil reservoirs. The assessments include a regional geology assessment, storage site screening, reservoir screening for CO2 EOR and EOR potential and storage capacity calculations. Many mature oil reservoirs are close to the main CO2 sources and have good geographical and geological conditions for CO2 storage. Of 41 reservoirs, 18 are suitable both for EOR and storage while 23 reservoirs were found suitable for storage as depleted oil reservoirs. The total EOR potential could be 999.72×104 t and the CO2 storage potential could reach 9,553.92×104 t. The overall incremental oil recovery rate could be 5.76%. The greater OOIP the oil reservoir has, the greater potential for CO2 EOR and storage it will have, and the more suitable for large-scale storage projects it will be. Those oil reservoirs suitable for CO2 EOR with large OOIP will be the preferred sites for CO2 storage. Many nearly depleted oil reservoirs with large OOIP can be considered as main sites for CO2 storage in the near future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In view of the operation rule of retail loans and the characteristics of default factors affecting default behavior, the authors put forward non-linear proportional default model with time-dependent variables based on the Cox model. This model takes into account the non-linear relationship among variables and time-dependent variables while calculating the retail loan default probability in China''s commercial banks, which will make the model to be in line with its objective reality better. The result demonstrates this model is scientific and feasible in practical application in China''s commercial banks through empirical analysis and example analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Both of crop growth simulation models and remote sensing method have a high potential in crop growth monitoring and yield prediction. However, crop models have limitations in regional application and remote sensing in describing the growth process. Therefore, many researchers try to combine those two approaches for estimating the regional crop yields. In this paper, the WOFOST model was adjusted and regionalized for winter wheat in North China and coupled through the LAI to the SAIL–PROSPECT model in order to simulate soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI). Using the optimization software (FSEOPT), the crop model was then re-initialized by minimizing the differences between simulated and synthesized SAVI from remote sensing data to monitor winter wheat growth at the potential production level. Initial conditions, which strongly impact phenological development and growth, and which are hardly known at the regional scale (such as emergence date or biomass at turn-green stage), were chosen to be re-initialized. It was shown that re-initializing emergence date by using remote sensing data brought simulated anthesis and maturity date closer to measured values than without remote sensing data. Also the re-initialization of regional biomass weight at turn-green stage led that the spatial distribution of simulated weight of storage organ was more consistent to official yields. This approach has some potential to aid in scaling local simulation of crop phenological development and growth to the regional scale but requires further validation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A heated debate has recently emerged between tiger farmers and conservationists about the potential consequences of lifting the ban on trade in farmed tiger products in China. This debate has caused unfounded speculation about the extent of the potential market for tiger products. To fill this knowledge gap, we surveyed 1880 residents from a total of six Chinese cities to understand Urban Chinese tiger consumption behavior, knowledge of trade issues and attitudes towards tiger conservation. We found that 43% of respondents had consumed some product alleged to contain tiger parts. Within this user-group, 71% said that they preferred wild products over farmed ones. The two predominant products used were tiger bone plasters (38%) and tiger bone wine (6.4%). 88% of respondents knew that it was illegal to buy or sell tiger products, and 93% agreed that a ban in trade of tiger parts was necessary to conserve wild tigers. These results indicate that while Urban Chinese people are generally supportive of tiger conservation, there is a huge residual demand for tiger products that could resurge if the ban on trade in tiger parts is lifted in China. We suspect that the current supply of the market is predominantly met by fakes or substitutes branded as tiger medicines, but not listing tiger as an ingredient. We suggest that the Traditional Chinese Medicine community should consider re-branding these products as bone-healing medicines in order to reduce the residual demand for real tiger parts over the long-term. The lifting of the current ban on trade in farmed tiger parts may cause a surge in demand for wild tiger parts that consumers say are better. Because of the low input costs associated with poaching, wild-sourced parts would consistently undercut the prices of farmed tigers that could easily be laundered on a legal market. We therefore recommend that the Chinese authorities maintain the ban on trade in tiger parts, and work to improve the enforcement of the existing ban. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To assess differences of HIV risk between ethnicities in northwestern China. Method Cross-sectional serosurvey and structured questionnaire interview of 383 injection drug users of either Han or Uigur ethnicity in Urumqi, Xinjiang. Results Both Uigur minority ethnicity and residence in a Uigur or mixed Uigur/Han community were independently associated with higher HIV risk. Conclusion HIV prevention programs should give special focus on minority ethnic drug users and their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in hydraulic heads with space and time and evolution of the location of fresh water–salt water interface are important for groundwater development in coastal aquifers. Measurements of piezometric heads at 11 well clusters consisting of three piezometric wells of different depths with a 5-day interval for 15 months show that the piezometric heads at nearly all the wells near the northwestern coast in Beihai decrease with increasing depth and increase with increasing distance from the coast. Changes in piezometric heads at the wells during the measurement period were caused by seasonal precipitation and induced by the tide. The depth of the sharp interface between fresh water–salt water can be estimated based on measurements of piezometric heads at a piezometric well tapping at a point in the salt water zone below the interface and measurements of the water table at the same well. The calculations of the interface for well H5 range from 40 to 80 m below sea level in the measurement period, which are believed to be more reasonable than those estimated with the Ghyben–Herzberg relation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater of low total dissolved solids (TDS) of 10 mg/L and low pH ranging commonly from 4.0 to 7.0 occurs in the unconsolidated unconfined and confined aquifers in the coastal plain near Beihai, Guangxi, China. Minerals in the unconsolidated sediment of Quaternary are predominated by quartz (more than 50%) with small amount of clay minerals, such as kaolinite, illite and chlorite. SiO2 accounts for most (more than 70%) of the chemical compositions of the sediments. The sediments contain low concentrations of soluble constituents (below 300 μg/g) and are predominated by SO4. Abundant recharge from low-TDS precipitation and a long time’s dissolution of the unconsolidated sediments containing small amount of soluble compositions lead to low TDS of the groundwater in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The renal dynamic imaging method (modified Gate''s method) with 99mTc-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) is simple and less time consuming for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation than other methods. However, its diagnostic performance as a surrogate marker of GFR is questioned increasingly. Recently, the modified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation based on data from Chinese patients of chronic kidney disease (CKD) showed significant performance improvement. In the present study, the renal dynamic imaging methods and the modified abbreviated MDRD equation were compared with the plasma clearance method.Methods. Four hundred and eighty two patients with CKD were selected. GFR were estimated simultaneously using three methods: (i) modified Gate''s method (gGFR); (ii) the modified abbreviated MDRD equation (c-aGFR) and (iii) dual plasma sampling method (rGFR). Using rGFR as the reference method, gGFR and c-aGFR were compared with rGFR in each stage of CKD.Results. Both gGFR and c-aGFR were correlated well with rGFR (rgGFR = 0.81 and rc-aGFR = 0.90, P < 0.001). In the overall performance, c-aGFR had less bias (849.5 vs 933.1 arbitrary units), higher precision (57 vs 78.4 ml/min/1.73 m2) and higher accuracy than gGFR. For gGFR, the 15, 30 and 50% accuracies were 32.4, 56.0 and 79.1%, respectively; for c-aGFR, the corresponding accuracy rose to 43.2%, 75.5% and 90.9%, respectively. In each stage of CKD, the modified abbreviated MDRD equation also outperformed the modified Gate''s method in the GFR estimation.Conclusion. Our results indicated that the performance of the renal dynamic imaging in total GFR estimation was not better than the modified abbreviated MDRD equation in our patient group, and should not be used as a surrogate marker of GFR, especially in clinical trials. We presume that the dynamic renal imaging methods for estimation of GFR can be improved by using proper reference GFR, more adequate background subtraction and soft-tissue attenuation correction, in a relatively larger sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Caragana Fabr., consisting of approximately 70 species, has a temperate Asian distribution and occurs mainly in the drought and cold regions of the northwestern and southwestern Tibetan Plateau of China. The distribution pattern of the genus was investigated using dispersal-vicariance analysis (DIVA). The results indicate that vicariance versus dispersal plays a major role in the evolution of the genus and that short-distance dispersal also exists. There is no fossil record of this genus. Therefore, Caragana is inferred as an advanced taxon in terms of its limited temperate Asian distribution. Based on the morphological variation and ecological adaptation in Caragana, the generic speciation is postulated to be related to the uplifting of the Tibetan Plateau and to the increasing arid conditions of Central Asian lands since the Neogene. The Mongolian Plateau and the Tibetan Plateau are hypothesized as the barriers of vicariance between East Asia and western Central Asia. (Managing editor: Ya-Qin) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is twofold: First, it documents and analyzes the nature of the emerging struggle over property rights through an ethnographic account of how different social, economic, and political interests conflict and intersect with one another in post-Mao urban development. I suggest that property-based activism plays a critical role in the development of citizenship rights, but it also has an important class dimension because it is often the property rights of a certain class of citizens that are violated. I also document how displaced residents adopt multiple strategies of resistance (including law) to advance their interests. What is particularly salient is the rise of a popular consciousness centered on property rights, and how this new language of rights has become a vital basis for citizens' individual and collective action. Second, this study explores shifts in late socialist power dynamics and tensions between private property rights and development in a context where "law" remains murky and weak. By taking a closer look at how private property is actually understood and negotiated in everyday life, I question a popular position advocated by many scholars (especially economists) that clearly defined property rights are key to economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on employees position restructuring at Peking University Library in China. Reduction of unwanted positions; Enhancement of the responsibilities of selected positions; Improvement in library services and staff morale; User expectations.

Image fusion is important in the synthetic application of multisource remotelv sensed images, and image registration is the basis of image fusion. The traditional method of manual registration is a laborious, tedious, and complex task. For improving the efficiency of image fusion, automatic methods of image registration must be used. In this paper, automatic registration based on the theory and methods of image matching is presented. The main contents include extraction of single point matching, reliability strategy based on a hierarchical pyramid image structure, and global image matching. The automatic registration of multi-source remote sensing images is then discussed, the presentation being based on global image matching. Finally, the successful results of the automated registration and fusion of TM and SPOT images are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the impact of college and university mergers on academic libraries in China. Emergence of school mergers as part of the higher educational reform policy of the state government; Impact of mergers on library administration, staff positions and library data collection; Recommendation of administrative guidelines on library mergers.

This case-control study aims to investigate the relationship of polymorphisms of four gene loci (CGRP rs155209 and rs3781719, RAMP1 rs3754701 and rs7590387) with the prognosis of interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). A total of 317 CHB patients receiving interferon alone for the first time were recruited in northern China, and peripheral blood samples were obtained. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in rs155209, rs3781719, rs3754701, and rs7590387 were genotyped using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods were employed to assess the correlation between CHB prognosis treated with interferon and polymorphisms of these gene loci. The study clearly demonstrated the relevance of polymorphisms of rs155209, rs3781719, rs3754701, and rs7590387 with DNA response and ALT response after interferon treatment. CHB patients with CGRP rs155209C had a lower risk of developing DNA response (CT vs. TT: OR = 0.159, 95% CI = 0.086–0.294, P adj < 0.001; CC vs. TT: OR = 0.131, 95% CI = 0.059–0.288, P adj < 0.001), as well as a lower risk of developing ALT response (CT vs. TT: OR = 0.530, 95% CI = 0.323–0.869, P adj < 0.05). Moreover, CHB patients with RAMP1 rs3754701T allele were more prone to develop DNA response (AT vs. AA: OR = 2.061, 95% CI = 1.237–3.435, P adj < 0.05; TT vs. AA: OR = 5.676, 95% CI =1.247–25.837, P adj < 0.05), and they also more likely to develop ALT response (AT vs. AA: OR = 1.766, 95% CI = 1.098–2.840, P adj < 0.05). We did not find a significant association between CGRP rs3781719 or RAMP1 rs7590387 and DNA response or ALT response. This study revealed that CGRP rs155209 and RAMP1 rs3754701 polymorphisms, but not CGRP rs3781719 and RAMP1 rs7590387, were correlated with interferon therapy prognosis for CHB in Han Chinese population, and RAMP1 rs3754701T was a protective factor for ALT response and DNA response, but CGRP rs155209C carriers were less prone to DNA and ALT responses. • A total of 317 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients using interferon for the first time were enrolled. • SNPs in the in CGRP rs155209 and RAMP1 rs3754701 were detected using MALDI-TOF-MS. • Discovered that RAMP1 rs3754701 and CGRP rs155209 were associated with the prognosis to interferon therapy in the Han Chinese population for the first time. • Provide a potential implications for therapeutic guidance of chronic hepatitis B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]