Search

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) and condom use have been proven to reduce the risk of sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among HIV sero-different couples, but its full implementation remains a challenge. This study aims to assess HIV seroconversion rate of HIV-negative spouse and its associated risk factors among HIV sero-different couples in rural China. Methods: An open cohort of HIV sero-different couples enrolled in 30 counties in China between October 1, 2010, and September 30, 2012, and followed-up to December 31, 2012, was constructed retrospectively. A nested case-control study of risk factors of HIV seroconversion among sero-different couples was conducted in April and May of 2013, based on the open cohort. Sero-different couples with the HIV-negative spouse seroconverting at least 3 months after the previous negative diagnosis during cohort observation period were labeled as “case couples”. The “control couples” were selected randomly from the same cohort that did not have the HIV-negative spouse seroconversion during the same period. The “case couples” and “control couples” were matched on gender, age, and region of residence. Sexual behaviors among HIV sero-different couples before and after the index spouses notifying their HIV infection status to their HIV-negative spouses were collected via face-to-face interview. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with HIV seroconversion among HIV sero-different couples. Results: Of 4481 HIV sero-different couples, a total of 53 seroconversions were observed within 5218 person-years of follow-up. The incidence rate was 1.02 (95%CI: 0.76–1.33) per 100 person-years. Forty “case couples” confirmed HIV-negative spouse seroconversions infected via marital sexual transmission, were matched to 80 “control couples”. Of the 120 couples, 81(67.5%) were receiving ART, and 70 (58.3%) reported consistently used condoms during intercourse after the index spouse was diagnosed HIV infection. Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed that the desire to conceive a child (OR = 5.18, 95% CI: 1.19–22.58) significantly increased the odds of HIV seroconversion. Protective factors of spousal HIV seroconversion were currently receiving ART (OR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01–0.67) and consistent condom use (OR = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01–0.28). Conclusions: Intention to conceive a child is the most important risk factor for HIV seroconversion among sero-different couples. Specific efforts on scientific use of ART to assist sero-different couples to achieve their wish to conceive a healthy child are needed to minimize the risk of HIV transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the interactive association between obesity with different anthropometry indices and prevalence of hypertension in rural Lanzhou. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in rural Lanzhou from April to July in 2013. The available information of 1275 rural residents aged more than 35 years was collected with a unified questionnaire and their blood pressure and anthropometry indices were measured in the field. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.1. A generalized estimate equation (GEE) linear model was used to determine the association between obesity with different indexes and hypertension. Results: There was a moderate prevalence of general obesity (~11%) and very high prevalence of central obesity (53.2~67%) among the adults of rural Lanzhou. The prevalence of hypertension approximated 28%. GEE linear models showed that obesity with any one of anthropometry indices was associated significantly with the increased prevalence of hypertension among both males and females. In females, general obesity increased the prevalence of hypertension by 37% (0.37, 95%CI: 0.27,0.47) but in males by 23% (0.23, 95%CI: 0.12,0.35). The hypertensive effect of all central obesity was much lower than that of general obesity but approximately comparable to that of overweight. In addition, the interactions of the classified body mass index (BMI) and central obesity showed that when general obesity or overweight coexisted with any one of central obesity, the prevalence of hypertension was increased significantly, and this effect was a little higher than the corresponding main effect of general obesity or overweight in females but was much higher in males. In addition, general obesity or overweight which did not coexist with central obesity was not significantly associated with the increased prevalence of hypertension, nor were the other situations of central obesity in the normal weight or underweight except for the situation of central obesity with waist-to-hip ratio in the males of normal weight or underweight. Conclusion: In rural Lanzhou, higher BMI had larger associations with the increased prevalence of hypertension than central obesity indices. Only when general obesity or overweight coexisted with central obesity, the prevalence of hypertension was significantly increased. So, central obesity indices should be used jointly with BMI in evaluating the risk of hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are steroidal phytohormones that regulate various physiological processes, such as root development and stress tolerance. In the present study, we showed that brassinolide (BL) affects potato root in vitro growth in a dose-dependent manner. Low BL concentrations (0.1 and 0.01 μg/L) promoted root elongation and lateral root development, whereas high BL concentrations (1–100 μg/L) inhibited root elongation. There was a significant (P<0.05) positive correlation between root activity and BL concentrations within a range from 0.01 to 100 μg/L, with the peak activity of 8.238 mg TTC·g−1 FW·h−1 at a BL concentration of 100 μg/L. Furthermore, plants treated with 50 μg/L BL showed enhanced salt stress tolerance through in vitro growth. Under this scenario, BL treatment enhanced the proline content and antioxidant enzymes’ (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) activity and reduced malondialdehyde content in potato shoots. Application of BL maintain K+ and Na+ homeostasis by improving tissue K+/Na+ ratio. Therefore, we suggested that the effects of BL on root development from stem fragments explants as well as on primary root development are dose-dependent and that BL application alleviates salt stress on potato by improving root activity, root/shoot ratio, and antioxidative capacity in shoots and maintaining K+/Na+ homeostasis in potato shoots and roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine theory of acupuncture, Baihui (GV20) is applied to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, the relationships between neural responses and GV20 remain unknown. Thus, the main aim of this study was to examine the brain responses induced by electroacupuncture stimulation (EAS) at GV20. Materials and Methods: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed in 33 healthy subjects. Based on the non-repeated event-related (NRER) paradigm, group differences were examined between GV20 and a sham acupoint using the regional homogeneity (ReHo) method. Results: Compared with the sham acupoint, EAS at GV20 induced increased ReHo in regions including the orbital frontal cortex (OFC), middle cingulate cortex (MCC), precentral cortex, and precuneus (preCUN). Decreased ReHo was found in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), supplementary motor area (SMA), thalamus, putamen, and cerebellum. Conclusions: The current findings provide preliminary neuroimaging evidence to indicate that EAS at GV20 could induce a specific pattern of neural responses by analysis of ReHo of brain activity. These findings might improve the understanding of mechanisms of acupuncture stimulation at GV20. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An avian-origin influenza H7N9 virus epidemic occurred in China in 2013-2014, in which >422 infected people suffered from pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome and septic shock. H7N9 viruses belong to the H7 subtype of avian-origin influenza viruses (AIV-H7). Hemagglutinin (HA) is a vital membrane protein of AIV that has an important role in host recognition and infection. The epitopes of HA are significant determinants of the regularity of epidemic and viral mutation and recombination mechanisms. The present study aimed to predict the conserved B-cell epitopes of AIV-H7 HA using a bioinformatics approach, including the three most effective epitope prediction softwares available online: Artificial Neural Network based B-cell Epitope Prediction (ABCpred), B-cell Epitope Prediction (BepiPred) and Linear B-cell Epitope Prediction (LBtope). A total of 24 strains of Euro-Asiatic AIV-H7 that had been associated with a serious poultry pandemic or had infected humans in the past 30 years were selected to identify the conserved regions of HA. Sequences were obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information and Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data databases. Using a combination of software prediction and sequence comparisons, the conserved epitopes of AIV-H7 were predicted and clarified. A total of five conserved epitopes [amino acids (aa) 37-52, 131-142, 215-234, 465-484 and 487-505] with a suitable length, high antigenicity and minimal variation were predicted and confirmed. Each obtained a score of >0.80 in ABCpred, 60% in LBtope and a level of 0.35 in Bepipred. In addition, a representative amino acid change (glutamine235-to-leucine235) in the HA protein of the 2013 AIV-H7N9 was discovered. The strategy adopted in the present study may have profound implications on the rapid diagnosis and control of infectious disease caused by H7N9 viruses, as well as by other virulent viruses, such as the Ebola virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Being small for gestational age ( SGA), a foetal growth abnormality, has a long-lasting impact on childhood health. Its aetiology and underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Underlying epigenetic changes of imprinted genes have emerged as a potential pathological pathway because they may be associated with growth, including SGA. As a common methyl donor, folic acid ( FA) is essential for DNA methylation, synthesis and repair, and FA supplementation is widely recommended for women planning pregnancy. The present study aimed to investigate the inter-relationships among methylation levels of two imprinted genes [ H19 differentially methylated regions ( DMRs) and MEST DMRs], maternal FA supplementation and SGA. Methods We conducted a case-control study. Umbilical cord blood was taken from 39 SGA infants and 49 controls whose birth weights are appropriate for gestational age ( AGA). DNA methylation levels of H19 and MEST DMRs were determined by an analysis of mass array quantitative methylation. Results Statistically significantly higher methylation levels were observed at sites 7.8, 9 and 17.18 of H19 ( P = 0.030, 0.016 and 0.050, respectively) in the SGA infants compared to the AGA group. In addition, the association was stronger in male births where the mothers took FA around conception at six H19 sites ( P = 0.004, 0.005, 0.048, 0.002, 0.021 and 0.005, respectively). Conclusions Methylation levels at H19 DMRs were higher in SGA infants compared to AGA controls. It appears that the association may be influenced by maternal peri-conception FA supplementation and also be sex-specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Rice ingestion is an important dietary exposure pathway for methylmercury. There are few studies concerning prenatal methylmercury exposure through rice ingestion, yet the health risks are greatest to the developing fetus, and thus should be investigated. Objectives Our main objective was to quantify dietary methylmercury intake through rice and fish/shellfish ingestion among pregnant mothers living in southern China, where rice was a staple food and mercury contamination was considered minimal. Methods A total of 398 mothers were recruited at parturition, who donated scalp hair and blood samples. Total mercury and/or methylmercury concentrations were measured in biomarkers, in rice samples from each participant's home, and in fish tissue purchased from local markets. Additional fish/shellfish mercury concentrations were obtained from a literature search. Dietary methylmercury intake during the third trimester was equivalent to the ingestion rate for rice (or fish/shellfish)×the respective methylmercury concentration. Results Dietary methylmercury intake from both rice and fish/shellfish ingestion averaged 1.2±1.8 µg/day (median=0.79 µg/day, range=0–22 µg/day), including on average 71% from rice ingestion (median: 87%, range: 0–100%), and 29% from fish/shellfish consumption (median 13%, range: 0–100%). Median concentrations of hair total mercury, hair methylmercury, and blood total mercury were 0.40 µg/g (range: 0.08–1.7 µg/g), 0.28 µg/g (range: 0.01–1.4 µg/g), and 1.2 µg/L (range: 0.29–8.6 µg/L), respectively, and all three biomarkers were positively correlated with dietary methylmercury intake through rice ingestion (Spearman's rho=0.18–0.21, p≤0.0005), although the correlations were weak. In contrast, biomarkers were not correlated with fish/shellfish methylmercury intake (Spearman's rho=0.04–0.08, p=0.11–0.46). Conclusions Among pregnant mothers living in rural inland China, rice ingestion contributed to prenatal methylmercury exposure, more so than fish/shellfish ingestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been identified in many fungi. However, no genome-scale identification of ncRNAs has been inventoried for basidiomycetes. In this research, we detected 254 small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) in a genome assembly of an isolate (CCEF00389) of Pleurotus ostreatus, which is a widely cultivated edible basidiomycetous fungus worldwide. The identified sncRNAs include snRNAs, snoRNAs, tRNAs, and miRNAs. SnRNA U1 was not found in CCEF00389 genome assembly and some other basidiomycetous genomes by BLASTn. This implies that if snRNA U1 of basidiomycetes exists, it has a sequence that varies significantly from other organisms. By analyzing the distribution of sncRNA loci, we found that snRNAs and most tRNAs (88.6%) were located in pseudo-UTR regions, while miRNAs are commonly found in introns. To analyze the evolutionary conservation of the sncRNAs in P. ostreatus, we aligned all 254 sncRNAs to the genome assemblies of some other Agaricomycotina fungi. The results suggest that most sncRNAs (77.56%) were highly conserved in P. ostreatus, and 20% were conserved in Agaricomycotina fungi. These findings indicate that most sncRNAs of P. ostreatus were not conserved across Agaricomycotina fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to investigate the management of hypertension in Shanghai, China and to examine whether there was any difference of hypertension management among people enrolled in different health insurances.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 31,531 residents were selected in Shanghai, using a randomized, stratified, multi-stage sampling method, and were asked to provide their status of hypertension, condition of hypertension management, health insurances and other demographic information. A weighted propensity score model was used to adjust confounders and to analyze the differences on hypertension management among hypertension patients enrolled in different health insurances.Results: In Shanghai, most hypertension patients achieved good management of hypertension. However, patients enrolled in the New Cooperative Medical Scheme or the Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance scheme were more likely to achieve publicity of precautionary knowledge about hypertension (OR = 2.36 [95 % CI :1.96,2.85] and 1.28 [95 % CI:1.12,1.45], respectively) and had their blood pressure under control (OR = 1.33 [95 % CI :1.09,1.62] and 1.22 [95 % CI:1.05,1.42], respectively) than patients enrolled in the Urban Employee Basic Health Insurance scheme.Conclusion: The study provided a comprehensive description of hypertension in Shanghai, China. To support the management of hypertension, publicity of hypertension prevention knowledge should be improved, especially to people enrolled in the Urban Employee Basic Health Insurance scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phylogeography and historical demography of the cyprinid fish Diptychus maculatus (subfamily Schizothoracinae) are evaluated across three river systems in the Northern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and Tien Shan range: the Indus River, Tarim River and Ili River. Results: Results from both mtDNA (16S rRNA, Cyt b and D-loop) and nucDNA (RAG-2) resolved four reciprocally monophyletic clades, representing populations from Indus River, South Tarim River, North Tarim River and Ili River, respectively. The divergence times was estimated to be 1.5-2.5 Mya. It is consistent with the hypothesis that the split of four clades is the consequence of vicariance resulting from both the intensive uplift of QTP and Tien Shan as well as the resultant expansion of the Taklimakan Desert. Several lines of evidences indicate dynamic demographic histories for the populations, with late Pleistocene and Holocene population bottlenecks and expansions except the Indus River. Conclusions: Our results clearly depicted the phylogenetic relationship of D. maculatus from Indus River, Tarim River and Ili River. The analyses implicated the relationship among the distribution of D. maculatus, paleo-drainages and geographic events, and implied the existence of the South Tarim River in history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green mirid bug Apolygus lucorum is a regional pest of multiple crops in northern China, and the survival and development of diapausing eggs during winter plays an important role in the population dynamics of this species. The effect of water on the survival and development of A. lucorum eggs was investigated using laboratory-induced diapause. Diapausing eggs were exposed to various humidity regimes under three conditions: (1) termination of diapause with exposure to warm long-day (WLD) conditions (i.e., 26 ± 1°C and 75 ± 5% relative humidity (RH) under a photoperiod of 16 hours light and 8 hours dark), (2) termination of diapause by chilling at 4°C, or (3) during the post-diapause stage, i.e., from transfer to WLD conditions after chilling, until the hatching of nymphs. The results indicate that water availability is crucial for the post-diapause resumption of development of A. lucorum. However, exposure to excessive moisture was detrimental, as indicated by a decrease in diapause termination rate and a prolonged pre-hatching period of diapausing eggs, compared to limited moisture conditions. This implies that both too dry and too humid environmental conditions would suppress survival and postpone hatching of overwintered A. lucorum eggs, and might explain why this pest has not caused severe damage in either southern or western China where the respective climates are very humid or dry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspartic acid racemization in teeth has been increasingly used to estimate chronological age with a considerably high accuracy in forensic practice. The Chaoshan population in South China is relatively isolated in geography, and has specific lifestyle and dietary inhibits. It is still unknown whether this method is suitable for this population. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between chronological age and the d/l aspartic acid ratio in dentin in the third molar tooth of the Chaoshan population. Fifty-eight non-carious third molar teeth (31 mandibles and 27 maxillae), from 58 living individuals of known age (24 males and 34 females), were retrieved. Dentin was extracted from these teeth. The d- and l-aspartic acids in dentins were separated and detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Linear regression was performed between the d/l aspartic acid ratio of dentins and chronological age. Results showed that the correlation coefficient (r) was 0.969, and the mean absolute error (MAE) was 2.19 years, its standard deviation (SD) was ±1.53 years, indicating excellent correlation. There was no significant difference in racemization rates of dentin between sexes (P=0.113, F=2.6), or between mandibles and maxillae (P=0.964, F=0.000). Results indicate that the ratio of the d and l forms of aspartic acid of dentins, in the third molar, is closely correlated with chronological age, special lifestyle do no obviously affect the accuracy of the age estimations by aspartic acid racemization of the dentin in the third molar and that aspartic acid racemization in the third molar dentin can be used as an accurate method to estimate chronological age in the Chaoshan population in South China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aims of this study were to document the trajectory of weight gain and body mass index (BMI) in children with type 1 narcolepsy, and to analyze basal metabolic rate (BMR).Methods: A total of 65 Chinese children with type 1 narcolepsy with a disease duration ≤12 months were included. In addition, 79 healthy age-matched students were enrolled as controls. Height and body weight were measured every six months for up to 36 months to calculate BMI growth. BMR was measured using COSMED K4b2 indirect calorimetry in 34 patients and 30 healthy controls at six months. At the end of 36 months, the BMR was compared among 18 patients and 16 healthy controls.Results: The children with type 1 narcolepsy showed higher BMIs at follow-up assessments. At the end of the study, 38.46% of the patients were obese and an additional 26.15% were overweight. The patients' BMI growth at six, 12, 18, 24 and 30 months of follow-up was significantly higher, but not at month 36. The patients' basal energy expenditure was significantly lower than that of the controls at six months but not at 36 months.Conclusion: BMI increased rapidly in children with type 1 narcolepsy after disease onset, but BMI growth decreased gradually with prolonged disease. Decreased BMR is an important cause underlying rapid weight gain. The gradual restoration of BMI growth and BMR in narcolepsy emphasizes the importance of compensatory metabolic mechanisms in this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explored the relationship between visual dorsal stream and Chinese reading by resting-state fMRI technique. We collected the resting-state brain activities and reading skills of Chinese-speaking adult readers. The results showed that the values of amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in right posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and left visual middle temporal area (MT) (two regions of dorsal stream) were significantly correlated with rapid naming (RAN) speed, and the ALFF values of right PPC were correlated with orthographic awareness (OA). Further resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) analysis revealed that RAN speed was related to RSFCs between dorsal stream areas and reading areas (e.g., left fusiform gyrus, bilateral middle occipital gyrus). OA was correlated with RSFCs between right PPC and left middle occipital gyrus. It suggested that spontaneous activities of visual dorsal stream, as well as connection between it and reading-related areas, were highly associated with Chinese reading skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leucocytozoon parasites infect many species of avian hosts, including domestic chicken, and can inflict heavy economic loss on the poultry industry. Two major species of Leucocytozoon parasites have been reported in China, L. sabrazesi and L. caulleryi, although L. sabrazesi appears to be more widespread than L. caulleryi in southern China. The traditional method for detecting Leucocytozoon infection is microscopic examination of blood smears for the presence of mature gametocytes in circulation, which may miss infections with low parasitemia (gametocytemia) or immature gametocytes. Here we developed a PCR-based method to monitor L. sabrazesi infections at seven sites in four provinces of China after testing two PCR primer pairs based on parasite mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) and cytochrome c oxidase III (coxIII) genes. We compared the results of PCR detection with those of microscopic observation. As expected, the PCR assays were more sensitive than microscope examination in detecting L. sabrazesi infection and were able to detect parasite DNA after gametocytes disappeared in the blood stream. Using these methods, we investigated monthly dynamics of L. sabrazesi in chickens from a free-range farm in Xiamen, Fujian province of China, over one year. Our results showed that chickens were infected with L. sabrazesi year-round in southern China. Finally, we tested several compounds for potential treatment of Leucocytozoon infections, including primaquine, ketotifen, clomipramine hydrochloride, desipramine hydrochloride, sulfaquinoxaline, and pyrimethamine. Only primaquine had activity against L. sabrazesi gametocytes. Our results provide important information for controlling parasite transmission in southern China and disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benchmark dose (BMD) method has been increasingly used to assess the health risks of cadmium (Cd) in epidemiological studies. The aim of our study was to estimate the threshold levels of urinary Cd (UCd) using the BMD method in a general population of Jiangshan City, Zhejiang Province of China. In our study, a total of 934 people (469 men, 465 women) were recruited and morning urine samples were collected from all the participants. Levels of Cd, creatinine, and renal dysfunction indicators such as retinol binding protein (RBP), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), and N-acetyl-b-glucosaminidase (NAG) in urine were detected for analysis of BMD and BMD low (BMDL) of UCd. RBP, β2-MG, and NAG in urine all correlated significantly (P < 0.001) with UCd except of age (P = 0.767). When the benchmark response (BMR) was 5%, the BMD/BMDL of UCd for RBP, β2-MG, and NAG was 1.69/ 0.89, 1.24/0.62, 0.85/0.49 μg/g Cr in men and 1.70/0.76, 1.35/0.64, 1.36/0.65 μg/g Cr in women, respectively. If the BMR was set at 10%, the BMD/BMDL of UCd for RBP, β2-MG, and NAG was 2.44/1.59, 2.09/1.30, 1.80/1.04 μg/g Cr in men and 2.43/1.53, 2.10/1.34, 2.31/1.37 μg/g Cr in women, respectively. Our results provided evidence for Cd-induced tubular effects in cadmium non-polluted areas in China. Both β2-MG and NAG were more sensitive than RBP in response to Cd exposure. But β2-MG was the most sensitive indicator in women, and NAG was the most sensitive one in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The present study evaluated the relationship between dietary fatty acid ( FA) intakes and human milk FA levels. Methods Healthy lactating women ( n = 514) from Northern China participated in the study. Dietary intake was assessed with a 24-h dietary recall questionnaire and evaluated using golden key maternal nutrition software (Wincome, Shanghai, China) and China Food Composition 2009. Human milk FA composition was determined by gas chromatography. Results The maternal daily median intakes of linoleic acid ( LA), α-linolenic acid ( ALA) and arachidonic acid ( AA) were 19.93 g, 3.08 g and 16.33 mg, respectively. Eicosapentaenoic acid ( EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA) intakes were below the recommended levels. FA levels in 100 g of human milk were 0.363 g LA, 0.038 g γ-linolenic acid ( GLA), 0.052 g dihomo γ-linolenic acid ( DGLA), 0.144 g ALA, 0.079 g AA, 0.007 g EPA, 0.018 g docosatetraenoic acid ( DTA) and 0.048 g DHA. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that human milk DGLA levels were negatively correlated with dietary LA intake (β = −0.223, P = 0.030), and human milk GLA and DTA levels were negatively correlated with dietary ALA intake (β = −2.189, P = 0.031; β = −2.252, P = 0.027) after adjusting for possible confounding factors. Conclusions The results of the present study suggest the presence of competitive interactions between n-3 fatty acids ( ALA) and n-6 fatty acids ( GLA and DTA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2013, the first case of human infection with an avian influenza A virus (H7N9) was reported in China, and the human infection with this virus has continued as of 2016. At the request of the WHO, we have successfully developed candidate reassortant vaccine virus using A/Anhui/1/2013 and the high egg-growth master virus A/PR/8/1934. Recent plans regarding influenza vaccine production include using cell-cultured systems in Japan and several other countries. However, egg-based vaccine viruses are not always suitable for cell-cultured vaccine production due to potential issues with growth, protein yield and antigenic stability. Therefore, in this study, we have developed a high-growth master virus (hg-PR8) adapted to qualified NIID-MDCK cells that are competent for vaccine production. The virus hg-PR8 was obtained after 20 serial passages of A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (PR8) in NIID-MDCK cells. The viral titer of hg-PR8 was 108.6 plaque-forming units per milliliter (PFU/mL). Seven amino acid substitutions were identified in the amino acid sequences of PB2, PB1, PA, NA, M and NS of hg-PR8 compared to the sequence of the original PR8 (org-PR8) strain. The growth capacities of the reassortant viruses, which possess heterologous internal genes from hg-PR8 or org-PR8, indicated that the amino acid changes in PB2 and NS2 similarly affected growth capacity in NIID-MDCK cells. To assess the suitability of hg-PR8 as a master virus, we generated 6:2 reassortant viruses possessing the HA and NA segments from A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9) and the remaining segments from hg-PR8. The virus titers of the reassortant strains were 107−108 PFU/mL. The antigenicity of the viruses was stable during ten passages of the viruses in NIID-MDCK cells. In comparison with the egg-based reassortant vaccine viruses with identical HA and NA segments, the hg-PR8-based viruses showed 1.5- to 2-fold higher protein yields in NIID-MDCK cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borneol is a compound widely used in ophthalmic preparations in China. Little is known about its exact role in treating eye diseases. Here we report that transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channel is a pharmacological target of borneol and mediates its therapeutic effect in the eyes. Ca2+ measurement and electrophysiological recordings revealed that borneol activated TRPM8 channel in a temperature- and dose-dependent manner, which was similar to but less effective than the action of menthol, an established TRPM8 agonist. Borneol significantly increased tear production in guinea pigs without evoking nociceptive responses at 25°C, but failed to induce tear secretion at 35°C. In contrast, menthol evoked tearing response at both 25 and 35°C. TRPM8 channel blockers N-(3-Aminopropyl)-2-[(3-methylphenyl)methoxy]-N-(2-thienylmethyl)benzamide hydrochloride (AMTB) and N-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperazine-1-carboxamide (BCTC) abolished borneol- and menthol-induced tear secretion. Borneol at micromolar concentrations did not affect the viability of human corneal epithelial cells. We conclude that borneol can activate the cold-sensing TRPM8 channel and modestly increase ocular surface wetness, which suggests it is an active compound in ophthalmic preparations and particularly useful in treating dry eye syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of both hospital and community infections globally. It's important to illuminate the differences between community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) and hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA), but there have been confusions on the definition, especially for the MRSA isolates identified within 48 h of admission. This study aimed to determine the molecular characteristics and virulence genes profile of CA and HA-MRSA isolates identified less than 48 h after hospital admission in our region.Methods: A total 62 MRSA isolates identified within 48 h after admission and the clinical data were collected. Antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) of collected isolates were performed according to the guidelines of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) 2015, and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and virulence gene profiling were performed to explore the molecular diversity.Results: SCCmec III and sequence type (ST) 239 were the most prevalent SCCmec type and ST in both CA and HA-MRSA groups. HA-MRSA group had higher prevalence of SCCmec III (87.2 %) and ST239 (79.5 %) compared with CA-MRSA (60.9 and 43.4 %, both P < 0.001), while the frequency of SCCmec IV (26.0 %) and ST59 (21.7 %) were higher in CA-MRSA than its counterpart (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003). MRSA-ST239-III was the predominant type in this study (61.3 %, 38/62), especially in HA-MRSA group (76.9 %, 30/39). However, CA-MRSA strains exhibited more diversity in genotypes in this study. Meanwhile, CA-MRSA tended to have lower resistant percentage to non-β-lactams antibiotics but more virulence genes carriage, especially the staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE) genes. Notably, seb gene was only detected in CA-MRSA isolates (52.2 %), likely a significant marker for CA-MRSA isolates. Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene (PVL) was highly detected in both groups, while appeared no significantly different between CA-MRSA (47.8 %) and HA-MRSA (43.6 %).Conclusions: Our findings support a difference in the molecular epidemiology and virulence genes profile of CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA. Furthermore, this study indicates a possible transmission from HA-MRSA to CA-MRSA, which may cause the overlap of the definition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese children are facing dual burden of malnutrition—coexistence of under-and over-nutrition. Little systematic evidence exists for explaining the simultaneous presence of under-and over-nutrition. This study aims to explore underlying mechanisms of under-and over-nutrition among children in rural China. This study used a nationwide longitudinal dataset of children (N = 5,017) from 9 provinces across China, with four exclusively categories of nutritional outcomes including under-nutrition (stunting and underweight), over-nutrition (overweight only including obesity), paradox (stunted overweight), with normal nutrition as reference. Multinomial logit models (Level-1: occasions; Level-2: children; Level-3: villages) were fitted which corrected for non-independence of observations due to geographic clustering and repeated observations of individuals. A mixture of risk factors at the individual, household and neighbourhood levels predicted under-and over-nutrition among children in rural China. Improved socioeconomic status and living in more urbanised villages reduced the risk of stunted overweight among rural children in China. Young girls appeared to have higher risk of under-nutrition, and the risk decreased with age more markedly than for boys up to age 5. From age 5 onwards, boys tended to have higher risk of under-nutrition than girls. Girls aged around 12 and older were less likely to suffer from under-nutrition, while boys’ higher risk of under-nutrition persisted throughout adolescence. Children were less likely to suffer from over-nutrition compared to normal nutrition. Boys tended to have an even lower risk of over-nutrition than girls and the gender difference widened with age until adolescence. Our results have important policy implications that improving household economic status, in particular, maternal education and health insurance for children, and living environment are important to enhance rural children’s nutritional status in China. Investments in early years of childhood can be effective to reduce gender inequality in nutritional health in rural China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is an important commercial farmed herbivorous fish species in China, but is susceptible to Aeromonas hydrophila infections. In the present study, we performed de novo RNA-Seq sequencing of spleen tissue from specimens of a disease-resistant family, which were given intra-peritoneal injections containing PBS with or without a dose of A. hydrophila. The fish were sampled from the control group at 0 h, and from the experimental group at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. 122.18 million clean reads were obtained from the normalized cDNA libraries; these were assembled into 425,260 contigs and then 191,795 transcripts. Of those, 52,668 transcripts were annotated with the NCBI Nr database, and 41,347 of the annotated transcripts were assigned into 90 functional groups. 20,569 unigenes were classified into six main categories, including 38 secondary KEGG pathways. 2,992 unigenes were used in the analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). 89 of the putative DEGs were related to the immune system and 41 of them were involved in the complement and coagulation cascades pathway. This study provides insights into the complement and complement-related pathways involved in innate immunity, through expression profile analysis of the genomic resources in C. idella. We conclude that complement and complement-related genes play important roles during defense against A. hydrophila infection. The immune response is activated at 4 h after the bacterial injections, indicating that the complement pathways are activated at the early stage of bacterial infection. The study has improved our understanding of the immune response mechanisms in C. idella to bacterial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment on deep placement of fertilizers was carried out using precision hill-drilling machine with the objective of determining super rice growth and photosynthesis characteristics, as well as grain quality in South China. With 'no fertilizer' as control, the four fertilizer combinations were 100 kg N ha-1, 100 kg N ha-1 + 60 kg SiO2 ha-1, 125 kg N ha-1, and 125 kg N ha-1 + 60 kg SiO2 ha-1. Super rice special fertilizer comprised 12.5% N, 6.0% P2O5, 10.0% K2O and 15% organic matter. The super rice varieties were Yuejingsimiao 2 (inbred) and Peizataifeng (hybrid) common in South China. The design was splitplot with three replications. Plant height, LAI, SPAD and net photosynthetic rate (NPR) were affected by both variety and fertilizer. Application of 100 kg N ha-1 gave highest GS activity at booting 125 kg N ha-1 resulted in a favorable GS activity from booting to full-heading. SPS activity at booting was highest with 125 kg N ha-1 + 60 kg SiO2 ha-1. Application of 100 kg N ha-1 + 60 kg SiO2 ha-1 to Peizataifeng showed higher GS and SPS activity at booting, and gave the highest head rice rate. While milled rice yield was not, brown rice yield, head rice recovery, rice with chalkiness, and chalky ratio were affected by variety and fertilizer. Treatments were significantly different from each other in polished grain protein and amylose content. Yuejinsimiao 2 fertilized with 125 kg N ha-1 + 60 kg SiO2 ha-1 recorded the highest protein content and non-fertilized Peizataifeng the least. While Peizataifeng fertilized with 125 kg N ha-1 accumulated the highest amount of amylose, Yuejinsimiao 2 fertilized with 100 kg ha-1 + 60 kg SiO2 ha-1 had the least. In hybrid Peizataifeng, grain amylose was lower with the silicon-added fertilizers. In inbred Yuejinsimiao 2, grain protein was least when no fertilizer was applied and it increased with addition of silicon and increase in N% of fertilizer. We concluded that deep application of rice special fertilizer can improve growth and photosynthesis characteristics, as well as the quality of super hybrid rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Congenital cataracts are one of the common eye disorders leading to visual impairment or blindness in children worldwide. We found a Chinese family with autosomal dominant pulverulent cataract.Aims: To identify the pathogenic gene mutation in a Chinese family with autosomal dominant inherited pulverulent cataract.Subjects and Methods: After obtained informed consent, detailed ophthalmic examinations were carried out; genomic DNAs were obtained from seven family members in a three-generation Chinese family with three affected. All exons of candidate genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and were sequenced performed by bidirectional sequencing.Results: By sequencing the encoding regions of the candidate genes, a missense mutation (c. 176C>T) was detected in gap junction protein alpha 3 genes (GJA3), which resulted in the substitution of highly conserved proline by leucine at codon 59 (p.P59L). The mutation co-segregated with all patients and was absent in 100 normal Chinese controls.Conclusions: The study identified a missense mutation (c. 176C>T) in GJA3 gene associated with autosomal dominant congenital pulverulent cataract in a Chinese family. It gave further evidence of phenotype heterogeneity for P59L mutation in GJA3 associated with congenital cataract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an important oilseed crop worldwide, and is also considered as one of the most promising plants for alkali-affected soil amelioration in the northeast of China. Seed germination plays a vital role in seedling establishment, and is always sensitive to alkali stress. However, little is known about the dynamic changes and regulatory mechanisms of gene expression and metabolic processes of this species during germination stage under alkali stress. In the present study, physiological, metabolome and transcriptome responses in germinating seeds of castor were investigated when exposed to 0, 50, 100 and 150 mM alkalinity (NaHCO 3). The results showed that alkali stress sharply decreased germination percentage. The Na+ content increased but K+ content decreased under alkalinity. In addition, the malondialdehyde and proline contents increased with the increasing alkalinities. Meanwhile, 50, 100 and 150 mM alkalinity induced 31, 48 and 113 differential metabolites, respectively. Furthermore, transcriptome profiling result showed that there were 138, 845 and 694 differentially expressed genes in the seeds under different concentrations alkali stresses, respectively. The integrating analysis of metabolite and gene expression changes indicating that germination response of castor seeds under alkali stress was closely related to amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism and nucleotide metabolism. The adaptive strategies of castor seeds under alkaline stress were promoting amino acid metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle to regulate osmotic balance and ROS level; as well as providing materials and energy for secondary metabolism, although alkali stress affected the membrane fluidity due to the reduction of unsaturated fatty acid content. Moreover, castor seeds increased metabolites on nucleotide biosynthesis to ensure their germination process under alkaline salt stress. The present research provides a deeper insight into overall understanding alkali-tolerant mechanisms of oil crops during germination in a holistic level. • l Using metabolomics and transcriptomics explored physiological adaptation mechanisms of castor seeds under alkali stress. • l 31, 48 and 113 differential metabolites and 138, 845 and 694 differentially expressed genes were found under alkali stress. • l Germination of castor at alkalinity was closely related to amino acid, carbohydrate, lipid and nucleotide metabolisms. • l Seeds of castor promoted amino acid metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle under stress. l Seeds of castor provided materials and energy for secondary metabolism under stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient that limits agricultural productivity; however, excessive N fertilizers are still used, especially in China. Improving crop N use efficiency (NUE) is an effective measure to reduce environmental pollution and is a primary direction in agricultural crop improvement. Although the physiological and molecular mechanisms for uncovering differences in NUE have become increasingly important, only a few crops have been studied to date. Two proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) cultivars with contrasting NUE, the low–N–tolerant cultivar (T184) and the low–N–sensitive cultivar (S111), were used to explore physiological as well as comparative transcriptomic mechanisms for earning high NUE in field and hydroponic experiments. The results showed that T184 had higher N uptake and utilization efficiencies and better photosynthetic capacity than S111 in field trials, as measured by increased chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate. Meanwhile, improved NUE and yield of T184 were observed compared with S111 under different N regimes. In hydroponic experiments, T184 had higher photosynthetic capacities in leaves and higher N metabolism enzyme activities in leaves and roots than S111, despite the photosynthetic and physiological parameters exhibited decreasing tendency to N deficiency in both T184 and S111. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis revealed that T184 had less differentially expressed genes (DEGs) than S111. Many genes involved in photosynthesis and N uptake and assimilation were implicated in conferring NUE. Four nitrate transporter genes and eight photosynthetic genes were higher in T184 than in S111 under low and recovery N conditions and were strongly associated with NUE. These results revealed that greater N uptake and utilization efficiencies, accelerated N assimilation and translocation, and enhanced photosynthetic activity confer higher NUE in proso millet. • The low N–tolerant proso millet had increased N uptake, N utilization efficiency (NUE), and grain yield. • Higher photosynthetic capacity and physiological metabolism of the low–N–tolerant proso millet were observed. • Identify photosynthesis candidate genes could facilitate breeding for enhanced NUE. • High N uptake and utilization efficiencies, maintained photosynthesis, and N transport resulted in a higher NUE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In terrestrial ecosystems, the mechanisms that allow plants to adapted to low P availability are largely not understood, particularly for woody legume woody. Here, we investigated the responses of rhizobia inoculation and low phosphorus (P) availability on black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) from different geographic origins of China. For this purpose, black locust seedlings from two provenances with distinct climatic and soil background, i.e., the Gansu Province (GS) of Northwest China and the Dongbei region (DB) of Northeast China, were exposed to sufficient (0.5 mM) and low P availability (0.5 µM) with and without rhizobia inoculation in a greenhouse for two months. The rhizobia strain used for inoculation was obtained from a black locust forest stand of 50-years-old in the Shandong Province of East China. CO 2 and H 2 O gas exchange parameters as well as foliar physiological traits were measured. Our results indicated significantly different provenance-specific responses to inoculation and low P availability. Compared to sufficient P supply, inoculated DB Robinia showed a 57.6% decrease in whole plant biomass and a 49.2% decrease in the number of nodules at low P supply. However, low P availability had no effects on biomass accumulation of GS Robinia and increased its nodule formation by 240%. Still, gas exchange parameters and foliar physiological traits of GS Robinia plants were more responsive to low P supply than in DB plants. When inoculated with rhizobia at low P treatment, Robinia plants seem to use P preferentially for nodule production, thus weakening photosynthesis (86%) and reducing total biomass (58%) compared to non-inoculated plants. From these results it is concluded that GS Robinia may constitute a feasible candidate provenance for future afforestation programs of vulnerable terrestrial ecosystems. However, long-term systemic studies are needed in future to elucidate the physiological mechanisms of its adaption to low P availability. • The mechanisms about how plants adapted to low P supply are largely not understood. • Rhizobia inoculation and low P supply applied to two black locust provenances. • Provenance-specific responses to inoculation and low P supply were detected. • Photosynthetic and foliar traits of GS Robinia were more responsive to low P supply. • Long-term systemic studies are needed to elucidate behind physiological mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of moderately increased maternal dietary energy intake during gestation on foetal skeletal muscle development and metabolism with pig as a model. Methods: Twelve primiparous purebred Large White sows (initial body weight 135.5 ± 1.6 kg) were allocated to one of two energy intake treatments: normal-energy-intake group (Con, 30.96 MJ DE/day) as recommended by the National Research Council (NRC; 2012) and high-energy-intake group (HE, 34.15 MJ DE/day). The nutritional treatments were introduced from mating to day 90 of gestation. On day 90 of gestation, foetuses were examined by morphological, biochemical and molecular analysis of the longissimus muscle. Umbilical vein serum hormones were measured. Results: Sow body weight was increased in HE group compared with Con group ( P < 0.05), whereas foetal myofibre density was decreased ( P < 0.05). Meanwhile, protein concentration, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities and umbilical vein serum triiodothyronine (T3) concentration were decreased in HE foetuses ( P < 0.05). Maternal HE diets decreased the mRNA abundance of muscle growth-related genes, myosin heavy-chain (MYH/MyHC) genes (MYH2 and MYH1) and insulin-like growth factor 1 and insulin growth factor-binding protein 5 ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, the protein expressions of myogenic differentiation factor 1, myogenin and fast-MyHC isoforms were reduced in HE foetuses ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that moderately increased maternal dietary energy intake delays the differentiation and maturation in skeletal muscle of the foetus on day 90 of gestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

The Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have previously been associated with severe infections. Here, the impact of the PVL genes on severity of disease and clinical outcome of patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) or ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) due to MRSA was investigated in a single center observational study in a hospital in China. HAP due to MRSA was diagnosed in 100 patients and 13 of the patients were PVL positive, while VAP was diagnosed in 5 patients and 2 were PVL positive. The PVL positive patient group showed a significantly higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (14.3 ±7.8 vs. 10.1 ±4.7, P = 0.005) and significantly more patients with CRP levels >80 mg/L (8/15 vs. 12/90, P = 0.006) or WBC counts >15x109/L (7/15 vs. 12/90, P = 0.006), indicating that the severity of disease is affected by the presence of the PVL genes. The outcome of the study was defined by 30-day mortality. Four (27%) of the PVL positive patients and four (4%) of the PVL negative patients died within 30 days (P = 0.01, Fisher exact test). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated for the PVL positive and PVL negative patient groups, which differed significantly (P = 0.003). Among the patients that died, the mean interval between diagnosis and death was shorter for the PVL positive patients (9.3 ±5.6 vs. 40.8 ±6.6 days, P = 0.013). Further analysis within the HAP and VAP patient groups showed that the presence of PVL in MRSA impacted the severity of disease and clinical outcome of HAP, but for VAP the number of patients included in the study was too low. In conclusion, in this single center study in a Chinese hospital the presence of the PVL genes in MRSA impacted the severity of disease and clinical outcome in patients with HAP due to MRSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate allelopathy of plants in desert ecosystems, related research achievements obtained in recent years, reported allelopathic plants, allelochemicals and releasing ways of alleochemicalds were summarized, and then the key problems of research into allelopathic plants in desert ecosystems were indicated. It was considered that the research of allelopathy of plants in desert regions has just started in China, and plants with allelopathic potential were found in the Compositae, Leguminosae, Rosaceae, Scrophulariaceae and Gramineae; plants in desert regions release allelochemicals mainly via natural volatilization, which is closely related to their growing environment; allelochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids have been identified. This study can provide theoretical basis and practical value for reasonable adoption of protection measures of desert plants and comprehensive control of desertification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of alphabetic language have shown that orthographic knowledge influences phonological processing during spoken word recognition. This study utilized the Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) to differentiate two types of phonology-to-orthography (P-to-O) mapping consistencies in Chinese, namely homophone density and orthographic consistency. The ERP data revealed an orthographic consistency effect in the frontal-centrally distributed N400, and a homophone density effect in central-posteriorly distributed late positive component (LPC). Further source analyses using the standardized low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) demonstrated that the orthographic effect was not only localized in the frontal and temporal-parietal regions for phonological processing, but also in the posterior visual cortex for orthographic processing, while the homophone density effect was found in middle temporal gyrus for lexical-semantic selection, and in the temporal-occipital junction for orthographic processing. These results suggest that orthographic information not only shapes the nature of phonological representations, but may also be activated during on-line spoken word recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The resurgence of pertussis has occurred in many countries. However, the epidemiological profiles of pertussis cannot be well understood by the current surveillance system in China. This study was designed to investigate the age specific serologic evidence of antibodies against pertussis, and to offer information regarding the existence of pertussis infection in Zhejiang Province, China. Methods: A cross-sectional serosurvey was carried out in 6 counties of Zhejiang Province during September and October of 2014. The immunoglobulin G-pertussis toxin (IgG-PT) levels were measured quantitatively with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The antibody activities were expressed in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-U/ml and a level ≥30 FDA-U/ml was considered seropositive. An IgG-PT >80 FDA-U/ml indicated recent pertussis infection if the patient had not received immunization with the pertussis vaccine within the last year. Results: The mean IgG-PT seropositivity rate among the 2107 subjects was 33.32% with a geometric mean concentration of 17.73 (95% confidence interval: 16.90–18.60) FDA-U/ml. The difference in the seropositivity rates reached significant means among the different age groups (waldχ2 = 198.41, P<0.0005), and children aged 3 years had the highest percentage (63.24%) of undetectable IgG-PT level. Of the 1707 subjects ≥3 years of age, 169 (9.90%) had evidence of a recent infection. The highest proportion of IgG-PT levels ≥80 FDA-U/ml was found in ≥60 years age group followed by 11–15 and 16–25 years age groups. Conclusions: This study indicates the rather lower IgG-PT level sustained 1 year after the acellular pertussis vaccine booster dose, and substantial proportion of population susceptibility to pertussis in Zhejiang Province, China. Moreover, pertussis infection is not uncommon; it was estimated that 10% of subjects were recently infected approximately within the last 100 days. We highly suggest that the surveillance capacity should be strengthened and consider introducing booster dose that protect against pertussis in 6 years old children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to estimate the herd prevalence of major mastitis pathogens in bulk tank milk (BTM) in China dairy herds, to determine the relationship between the presence of mastitis pathogens and bulk tank milk somatic cell counts (BTSCC), and to investigate the impact of different dairy cattle farming modes and region on bacterial species. BTM samples collected from 894 dairy herds in China were examined for the presence of mastitis pathogens. The Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) cards were used for BTM sample collection, storage, and transportation and bacterial DNA amplification by real-time PCR. Among contagious pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus dysgalactiae were detected in 50.1, 92.2, and 72.3% of the 894 BTM samples, respectively. Among environmental pathogens, E. coli, Streptococcus uberis, Enterococcus spp., Klebsiella spp., Serratia marcescens, Corynebacterium bovis, and Arcanobacterium pyogenes were detected in 28.6, 8.9, 35.7, 20.0, 1.3, 17.0, and 67.2% of the BTM samples, respectively. Staphylococcal β-lactamase gene was detected in 61.7% of the BTM samples. The presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Arcanobacterium pyogenes were significantly associated with high BTSCC, respectively. Significant differences were found in presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus dysgalactiae in BTM sampled from the small household farms, dairy-farming communities, and large-scaled dairy farms. There were significant differences in the presence of Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Arcanobacterium pyogenes, staphylococcal β-lactamase gene, Staphylococcus spp., Klebsiella spp., Enterococcus spp., and Streptococcus uberis in BTM among Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, and Hebei province. In conclusion, contagious mammary pathogens are predominated among pathogens in BTM samples in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate and analyze prevalence and risk factors of infertility at a representative rural site of Northern China. Method: This is a cross-sectional study. We conducted a face-to-face questionnaire survey from July 2014 to October 2014 involving 5,131 women who were at childbearing age in Suizhong, a medium-sized, representative county located in Northern China. Finally, data from 4,232 valid questionnaires were analyzed. Definition: Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regularly unprotected sexual intercourse. Results: Infertility prevalence in Suizhong County was 13.09% (95% CI, 12.09%-14.1%), of which the primary infertility incidence was 0.99% (95% CI, 0.72%-1.34%), and the secondary infertility incidence was 12.10% (95% CI, 11.13%-13.12%). For women, the infertility incidence of underweight women (Body Mass Index, BMI<18.5 kg/m2) was 1.5-fold higher than that of women with moderate BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m2). The infertility incidence of women with little exercise was 4 times more than that of women with regular exercise, and 2 times more than that of women with heavy exercise. The group with moderate menstrual flow had the lowest prevalence of infertility, while both scant and excessive menstruation led to increased infertility incidence. Number of pregnancies (OR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.51–0.79) was a protective factor for infertility, while the number of abortions (OR = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.58–2.93) was a risk factor for infertility. For men, those who stayed up late at night more than 3 times per week showed a significantly higher infertility incidence. Men who engaged in occupations with high-temperature working environment also suffered from an infertility incidence of about four times more than the others. Conclusions: We found significant association between women's infertility incidence with their BMI, state of exercise, amount of menstrual flow, number of pregnancies and number of abortions. As for men, both staying up late and engaging in high-temperature occupations are independent factors affecting their fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This Chinese study assessed partial pressure of exhaled nitric oxide (PeNO) in healthy Tibetan and non-Tibetan newborn infants born at a very high altitude. Methods: Full-term Tibetan and non-Tibetan neonates born in Lhasa, 3658 metres above sea level, were compared to non-Tibetan neonates born in Kunming (1891 m) and Huai'an (16 m). The chemiluminiscence technique was used to measure the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide during spontaneous tidal breathing and this was then converted to partial pressure of exhaled nitric oxide (PeNO). Results: In their first week, Tibetan and non-Tibetan neonates born in Lhasa had persistently higher PeNO levels than non-Tibetan neonates born in Kunming and Huai'an, which was further verified by partial pressure of inspired oxygen adjustment. However, the non-Tibetans born in Lhasa required short-term oxygen therapy to improve their early postnatal oxygenation. The temporal changes of PeNO and cardio-respiratory function measurements demonstrated that Tibetan and non-Tibetan newborns in Lhasa initially needed to adapt to attain homoeostasis in oxygenation and gas exchange. Conclusion: Tibetan and non-Tibetan newborn infants living at the same high altitude demonstrated comparable PeNO levels during postnatal adaptation to hypobaric hypoxia, which warrants further investigation of the mechanism of endogenous nitric oxide and hypoxic tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective FOXE1 plays an important role in craniofacial development. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between genetic variants of FOXE1 and risk of non-syndromic orofacial clefts in a Chinese population. Materials and Methods Three potentially functional SNPs of FOXE1 (rs3758250 and rs907577 in the 5′ upstream and rs7043516 in the 3′- UTR) were selected and their associations with non-syndromic orofacial cleft susceptibility were investigated in a case-control study from a Chinese population (602 cases and 605 controls). Genotyping was performed with double ligation and multiplex fluorescence PCR. Associations between the SNPs and risk of non-syndromic orofacial clefts and its subgroups were estimated from unconditional logistic regression analysis. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to assess SNP function. Results Overall, we did not find any of the individual SNP or haplotype was associated with NSOC susceptibility. Nevertheless, in stratified analysis, we found rs7043516, locating in the 3′- UTR of FOXE1, was associated with risk of cleft lip only. Further in vitro luciferase assay indicated that this SNP could contribute to differential binding ability with mi RNA. Conclusions Taken together, this study showed that rs7043516 may be considered as a potentially susceptible marker of cleft lip only among Chinese Han populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endangered causes of Taxus chinensis var. maireiin the Taihang Mountains are analyzed in three sides in connection with the situation that is resources increasing attenuation.The first is biological factors such as pollination barriers, deeply dormancy seed, cannot vegetative propagation under natural conditions, poor adaptability of seedling to environment and slow growth. The second is environmental factors such as very limited distribution environment and position in community. The third is interference of persons and other animals.According to these factors, we provide three measures to protect Taxus chinensis var. maireiin three sides that protect existing resources, breed subsequent resources and find new pathway of producing taxol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variation in nutrient resorption has been studied at different taxonomic levels and geographic ranges. However, the variable traits of nutrient resorption at the individual species level across its distribution are poorly understood. We examined the variability and environmental controls of leaf nutrient resorption of Quercus variabilis, a widely distributed species of important ecological and economic value in China. The mean resorption efficiency was highest for phosphorus (P), followed by potassium (K), nitrogen (N), sulphur (S), magnesium (Mg) and carbon (C). Resorption efficiencies and proficiencies were strongly affected by climate and respective nutrients concentrations in soils and green leaves, but had little association with leaf mass per area. Climate factors, especially growing season length, were dominant drivers of nutrient resorption efficiencies, except for C, which was strongly related to green leaf C status. In contrast, green leaf nutritional status was the primary controlling factor of leaf nutrient proficiencies, except for C. Resorption efficiencies of N, P, K and S increased significantly with latitude, and were negatively related to growing season length and mean annual temperature. In turn, N, P, K and S in senesced leaves decreased with latitude, likely due to their efficient resorption response to variation in climate, but increased for Mg and did not change for C. Our results indicate that the nutrient resorption efficiency and proficiency of Q. variabilis differed strongly among nutrients, as well as growing environments. Our findings provide important insights into understanding the nutrient conservation strategy at the individual species level and its possible influence on nutrient cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, B. burgdorferi, B.garinii, B. afzelii and B. yangtze sp. nov have been reported; B.garinii and B. afzelii are the main pathogenic genotypes. But until now only one Chinese strain was reported with whole genome sequence. In order to further understand the genomic characteristics and diversity of Chinese Borrelia strains, 5 isolates from China were sequenced and compared with the whole genome sequences of strains in other areas. The results showed a high degree of conservation within the linear chromosome of Chinese strains, whereas plasmid showed a much larger diversity according to the majority genomic information of plasmids. The genome sequences of the five Chinese strains were compared with the corresponding reference strains, respectively, according to the genospecies. Pairwise analysis demonstrates that there are only 70 SNPs between the genomes of CS4 and B31. However, there are many more SNPs between the genomes of QX-S13 and VS116, PD91 and PBi, FP1 and PKo, R9 and Pko, respectively. Gene comparison showed some important different genes. OspA was one of the important different genes. Comparative genomic studies have found that OspA gene sequences of PD91 and R9 had great differences compared with the sequence of B31. OspA gene sequence of R9 had a 96bp deletion; OspA gene of PD91 had two deletions: 9bp and 10 bp. To conclude, we showed the genomic characteristics of four genotype Chinese B. burgdorferi strains. The genomic sequence of B. yangtze sp. nov and differences from B. valaisiana were first reported. Comparative analysis of Chinese strains with the different Borrelia species from other areas will help us to understand evolution and pathogenesis of Chinese Borrelia burgdorferi strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimating gross primary production (GPP) and net primary production (NPP) are significant important in studying carbon cycles. Using models driven by multi-source and multi-scale data is a promising approach to estimate GPP and NPP at regional and global scales. With a focus on data that are openly accessible, this paper presents a GPP and NPP model driven by remotely sensed data and meteorological data with spatial resolutions varying from 30 m to 0.25 degree and temporal resolutions ranging from 3 hours to 1 month, by integrating remote sensing techniques and eco-physiological process theories. Our model is also designed as part of the Multi-source data Synergized Quantitative (MuSyQ) Remote Sensing Production System. In the presented MuSyQ-NPP algorithm, daily GPP for a 10-day period was calculated as a product of incident photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and its fraction absorbed by vegetation (FPAR) using a light use efficiency (LUE) model. The autotrophic respiration (Ra) was determined using eco-physiological process theories and the daily NPP was obtained as the balance between GPP and Ra. To test its feasibility at regional scales, our model was performed in an arid and semi-arid region of Heihe River Basin, China to generate daily GPP and NPP during the growing season of 2012. The results indicated that both GPP and NPP exhibit clear spatial and temporal patterns in their distribution over Heihe River Basin during the growing season due to the temperature, water and solar influx conditions. After validated against ground-based measurements, MODIS GPP product (MOD17A2H) and results reported in recent literature, we found the MuSyQ-NPP algorithm could yield an RMSE of 2.973 gC m-2 d-1 and an R of 0.842 when compared with ground-based GPP while an RMSE of 8.010 gC m-2 d-1 and an R of 0.682 can be achieved for MODIS GPP, the estimated NPP values were also well within the range of previous literature, which proved the reliability of our modelling results. This research suggested that the utilization of multi-source data with various scales would help to the establishment of an appropriate model for calculating GPP and NPP at regional scales with relatively high spatial and temporal resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extensive-disease small-cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC) is characterized by rapid progression and relapse, despite high initial response rates to chemotherapy. The primary objective of this trial was to demonstrate the non-inferiority of amrubicin and cisplatin (AP) combination therapy compared with the standard first-line regimen of etoposide and cisplatin (EP) for previously untreated ED-SCLC in a Chinese population. When non-inferiority was verified, the objective was switched from non-inferiority to superiority.Methods: From June 2008 to July 2010, 300 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to AP and EP groups. AP-treated patients received cisplatin (60 mg/m(2), day 1) and amrubicin (40 mg/m(2), days 1-3) once every 21 days. EP-treated patients received cisplatin (80 mg/m(2), day 1) and etoposide (100 mg/m(2), days 1-3) once every 21 days. Treatment was continued for four to six cycles, except in cases of progressive disease or toxicity, and patient refusal.Results: Median overall survival (OS) for AP vs. EP treatment was 11.8 vs. 10.3 months (p = 0.08), respectively, demonstrating non-inferiority of AP to EP (AP group: 95% confidence interval for hazard ratio 0.63-1.03 months). Median progression-free survival and overall response rates for AP vs. EP groups were 6.8 vs. 5.7 months (p = 0.35) and 69.8% vs. 57.3%, respectively. Drug-related adverse events in both groups were similar, with neutropenia being the most frequent (AP 54.4%; EP 44.0%). Leukopenia, pyrexia, and fatigue were more prevalent in the AP group, but all were clinically reversible and manageable.Conclusions: AP therapy demonstrated non-inferiority to EP therapy, prolonging OS for 1.5 months, but this difference was not statistically significant; thus we propose AP as a promising treatment option for ED-SCLC in China.Trial Registration: This trial was registered on 10 April 2008 (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00660504). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with adverse cardiovascular risk factor patterns and poor outcomes in patients with diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine whether SES is associated with the control of blood glucose, blood pressure, blood cholesterol (3Bs), and diabetic complications in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Data regarding patients' demographics, social economics, diabetes complications, and cardiovascular risk profiles were analyzed for 25,454 patients. The outcomes of interest were the proportions of patients with HbA1c <7.0 %, blood pressure <140/80 mmHg, total serum cholesterol <4.5 mmol/L, and diabetes complications. Multivariable logistic regression was used for analysis. Results: Of the 25,454 patients, the least educated patients (1695, 6.7 %) had the highest chances of developing cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.048), cerebrovascular diseases (p < 0.001), and retinopathy (p < 0.001). The patients with lowest household income (10,039, 40.8 %) had the highest prevalence of retinopathy (p < 0.001) and neuropathy (p < 0.001). The most educated patients were more likely than the least educated patients to achieve HbA1c <7.0 % [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.38; 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) 1.22–1.56] and 3B goals (adjusted OR 1.30; 95 % CI 1.11–1.53). The patients with highest household income were more likely to achieve BP < 140/80 mmHg (adjusted OR 1.16; 95 % CI 1.07–1.27), but less likely to reach HbA1c < 7.0 % (adjusted OR 0.90; 95 % CI 0.83–0.98) than those lowest income patients. Conclusions: Low SES was associated with poor metabolic control and more diabetes complications in adult patients in China. Individual diabetes management based on the SES of patients is encouraged. [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]

Study Design: A prospective imaging study. Purpose: To characterize the distribution of the global sagittal postural patterns in asymptomatic Chinese adults using Roussouly classification. Overview of Literature: The norms of sagittal parameters in asymptomatic Chinese population have been previously described, but no report described their global sagittal postural patterns as characterized by Roussouly classification. Methods: A cohort of 272 asymptomatic Chinese adults was recruited. Data was assimilated by reviewing the films for each subject. Sagittal parameters were measured and sagittal postural patterns were then determined according to Roussouly classification. The pattern distributions were compared across genders within the study cohort. We also compared the data across different ethnicities from our study and a previous study to further characterize Chinese sagittal postures. Results: The cohort included 161 males and 111 females, with mean age of 23.2±4.4 years. The average descriptive results were as below: pelvic incidence (PI) 46.4°±9.6°, thoracic kyphosis (TK) 24.2°±9.0°, lumbar lordosis (LL) 50.6°±10.6°, sacral slope (SS) 37.2°±7.6°, pelvic tilt (PT) 9.4°±6.8°, spinosacral angle (SSA) 131.1°±7.5° and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) 17.24±32.36 mm. Despite a significant difference between two genders in LL, PI, SSA, and SVA, no difference was found in the distribution of Roussouly types among them. 47.8% of our cohort belonged to Roussouly type 3, while type 1, 2 and 4 comprised 23.2%, 14.0% and 15.1% of the subjects, respectively. Roussouly classification was capable of categorizing sagittal parameters except for the PT. This study also found that 4.4% of the recruited subjects belonged to the C7-anterior subgroup. Conclusions: From a characterization of the sagittal postural patterns of asymptomatic Chinese adults using Roussouly classification, the distribution was similar between Chinese males and females; however, from a cross-study comparison, it was different between asymptomatic Chinese and Caucasian adults, with a higher proportion of Roussouly type 3 in Chinese adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Background: China has rapidly expanded health insurance coverage over the past decade but its impact on hypertension control is not well known. We analyzed factors associated with hypertension and the impact of health insurance on the management of hypertension in China from 1991 to 2009. Methods and Findings: We used individual-level data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) for blood pressure, BMI, and other socio-economic variables. We employed multi-level logistic regression models to estimate the factors associated with prevalence and management of hypertension. We also estimated the effects of health insurance on management of hypertension using propensity score matching. We found that prevalence of hypertension increased from 23.8% (95% CI: 22.5–25.1%) in 1991 to 31.5% (28.5–34.7%) in 2009. The proportion of hypertensive patients aware of their condition increased from 31.7% (28.7–34.9%) to 51.1% (45.1–57.0%). The proportion of diagnosed hypertensive patients in treatment increased by 35.5% in the 19 years, while the proportion of those in treatment with controlled blood pressure remained low. Among diagnosed hypertensives, health insurance increased the probability of receiving treatment by 28.7% (95% CI: 10.6–46.7%) compared to propensity-matched individuals not covered by health insurance. Conclusions: Hypertension continues to be a major health threat in China and effective control has not improved over time despite large improvements in awareness and treatment access. This suggests problems in treatment quality, medication adherence and patient understanding of the condition. Improvements in hypertension management, quality of medical care for those at high risk, and better health insurance packages are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Study the trends in Western fast food consumption (FFC) among Chinese school-age children and the association between FFC and obesity using nationwide survey data. Design: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were conducted to study the trends in FFC and the associations between FFC and weight status (overweight, obesity and body mass index (BMI) z-score). Setting: Longitudinal data from families were collected in the 2004 and 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey (covering nine provinces throughout China). Subjects: The analysis included 2656 Chinese children aged 6 to 18 years (1542 and 1114 children in the 2004 and 2009 survey, respectively). Results: FFC (reported having consumed Western fast food in the past three months) has increased between 2004 and 2009, from 18.5% to 23.9% in those aged 6–18, and increased more rapidly among those aged 13–17, from 17.9% to 26.3%. The increase was significant in almost all groups by age, sex, family income, and residence. Our cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses did not detect a significant association between FFC and obesity/overweight or BMI z-score (e.g., for BMI z-score, boys: β = 0.02, 95% CI: -0.71, 0.75; girls: β = -0.14, 95% CI: -1.03, 0.75). Conclusions: FFC has increased in Chinese school-age children, especially in older children, boys, and those from low- and medium-income families, rural areas, and East China, but decreased among those from high-income families during 2004–2009. The data did not show a significant association between FFC and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The contribution of unhealthy dietary patterns to the epidemic of obesity has been well recognized. Differences in availability of foods may have an important influence on individual eating behaviors and health disparities. This study examined the availability of food stores and food service places by city characteristics on city level of income and urbanization. Methods: The cross-sectional survey was comprised of two parts: (1) an on-site observation to measure availability of food stores and food service places in 12 cities of China; (2) an in-store survey to determine the presence of fresh/frozen vegetables or fruits in all food stores. Trained investigators walked all the streets/roads within study tracts to identify all the food outlets. An observational survey questionnaire was used in all food stores to determine the presence of fresh/frozen vegetables or fruits. Urbanization index was determined for each city using a principal components factor analysis. City level of income and urbanization and numbers of each type of food stores and food service places were examined using negative binomial regression models. Results: Large-sized supermarkets and specialty retailers had higher number of fresh/frozen vegetables or fruits sold compared to small/medium-sized markets. High-income versus low-income, high urbanized versus low urbanized areas had significantly more large-sized supermarkets and fewer small/medium-sized markets. In terms of restaurants, high urbanized cities had more western fast food restaurants and no statistically significant difference in the relative availability of any type of restaurants was found between high- and low-income areas. Conclusions: The findings suggested food environment disparities did exist in different cities of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alterations in the phylogeographical structures of insects in response to the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Quaternary glaciations in eastern Asia, particularly in northern China, remain largely unknown. In this study, we selected Apocheima cinerarius, a moth with flightless females, using molecular data (complete mitochondrial genomes and nuclear data) and ecological niche modelling ( ENM) to investigate the effects of paleoclimatic changes on the evolutionary history of insects in the area of northern China. The phylogenetic tree of complete mitochondrial genomes indicated that there were two lineages, the western and eastern lineages. The nuclear gene analyses also detected unique haplotypes in each lineage. Time of the most recent common ancestor ( TMRCA) of the two lineages was approximately in Early-Middle Pleistocene. Bayesian skyline plots revealed that the western lineage underwent a population expansion event after the Last Glacial Maximum, whereas the eastern lineage underwent expansion between the Last Interglacial and the Last Glacial Maximum. Our results suggest that A. cinerarius expanded eastward from western sites until the moth was distributed across the entire region of northern China. Then, A. cinerarius underwent contraction into isolated glacial refugia followed by subsequent expansion driven by Pleistocene climate changes, which established a narrow sympatric area. Our results indicate that the Quaternary environmental fluctuations had profound influences on the diversification and demography of an insect in northern China, and the same species in north-western China and north-eastern China have different demographic histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]