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To identify different patterns of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction management among Chinese community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury and explore the factors associated with latent classes. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in communities throughout China Mainland. Participants were recruited through the China Association of Persons with Physical Disability and a total of 2582 participants was included in the analysis. The data were collected by a questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic factors, disease-related factors, and a list of 8 bladder management methods. Latent class analysis was used to identify different latent classes of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction management. Then the multinomial logistic regression was applied to analyze the relationship between neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction management patterns and socio-demographic and disease-related factors. Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction management pattern among community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury was divided into four latent classes: "urinal collecting apparatus dominated pattern" (40.3%), "bladder compression dominated pattern" (30.7%), "intermittent catheterization dominated pattern" (19.3%) and "urethral indwelling catheterization dominated pattern" (9.6%). Multinomial logistic regression analysis found that the employment status, residential region, nursing need, payment method for catheterization products, hand function, time since spinal cord injury, urinary incontinence and concerns about social interaction affected by urination problems were significantly associated with latent classes. Only 19.3% of people used the intermittent catheterization as their main neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction management method. More attention needs to be paid to the promotion of the standardization process of intermittent catheterization in community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury. The associated factors of the four classes can be used for tailored and targeted interventions to increase the use of intermittent catheterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: China has implemented policies to make rare diseases more affordable. While previous studies evaluated overall affordability, few have examined affordability differences across regions and disease types. Given the vastness of China and varying medical policies across cities, this study assesses the affordability of rare diseases based on China's First List of Rare Diseases (CFLRD), National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL), and outpatient chronic and special disease policies in each prefecture. Method: Six rare diseases were selected and the average annual treatment cost of all relevant drugs in NRDL was calculated for each disease. Based on the WHO/HAI standardized approach, the study analyzed 289 cities with outpatient chronic and special disease policies, measured the security levels by the actual reimbursement ratio of Basic Medical Insurance (BMI) and affordability by the ratio of individual expenses after reimbursement to the annual disposable income of urban residents in the province. The security levels and affordability differences across disease types and provinces were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the K-W test. Result: The affordability of rare diseases varied significantly on the disease types and annual treatment cost. Diseases with an annual treatment cost below 100 000 yuan are affordable to all prefectures even with low reimbursement rates, while those with a higher treatment cost were not affordable in at least 80% of prefectures even though the reimbursement ratio is high. The affordability of the same disease varies significantly across provinces and municipalities. Outpatient chronic and special diseases insurance and critical illness insurance, and the inconsistencies between them, result in regional differences. Conclusion: Although China has made progress in improving the affordability of rare diseases, significant differences persist between cities and diseases. The study suggests the optimization of the BMI system and explores independent funds and innovative insurance models to enhance the affordability of rare diseases, particularly those with extremely high treatment costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite major advances in cancer therapeutics, the therapeutic options of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LSCC)-specific remain limited. Furthermore, the current staging system is imperfect for defining a prognosis and guiding treatment due to its simplicity and heterogeneity. We sought to develop prognostic decision tools for individualized survival prediction and treatment optimization in elderly patients with LSCC. Methods: Clinical data of 4564 patients (stageIB-IIIB) diagnosed from 2010 to 2015 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for prognostic nomograms development. The proposed models were externally validated using a separate group consisting of 1299 patients (stage IB-IIIB) diagnosed from 2012–2015 in China. The prognostic performance was measured using the concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, the average time-dependent area under the receiver operator characteristic curves (AUC), and decision curve analysis. Results: Eleven candidate prognostic variables were identified by the univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis. The calibration curves showed satisfactory agreement between the actual and nomogram-estimated Lung Cancer-Specific Survival (LCSS) rates. By calculating the c-indices and average AUC, our nomograms presented a higher prognostic accuracy than the current staging system. Clinical usefulness was revealed by the decision curve analysis. User-friendly online decision tools integrating proposed nomograms were created to estimate survival for patients with different treatment regimens. Conclusions: The decision tools for individualized survival prediction and treatment optimization might facilitate clinicians with decision-making, medical teaching, and experimental design. Online tools are expected to be integrated into clinical practice by using the freely available website (https://loyal-brand-611803.framer.app/). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is a rodent-related zoonotic disease induced by hantavirus. Previous studies have identified the influence of meteorological factors on the onset of HFRS, but few studies have focused on the stratified analysis of the lagged effects and interactions of pollution and meteorological factors on HFRS. Methods: We collected meteorological, contaminant and epidemiological data on cases of HFRS in Shenyang from 2005–2019. A seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model was used to predict the incidence of HFRS and compared with Holt-Winters three-parameter exponential smoothing model. A distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) with a maximum lag period of 16 weeks was applied to assess the lag, stratification and extreme effects of pollution and meteorological factors on HFRS cases, followed by a generalized additive model (GAM) to explore the interaction of SO2 and two other meteorological factors on HFRS cases. Results: The SARIMA monthly model has better fit and forecasting power than its own quarterly model and the Holt-Winters model, with an optimal model of (1,1,0) (2,1,0)12. Overall, environmental factors including humidity, wind speed and SO2 were correlated with the onset of HFRS and there was a non-linear exposure-lag-response association. Extremely high SO2 increased the risk of HFRS incidence, with the maximum RR values: 2.583 (95%CI:1.145,5.827). Extremely low windy and low SO2 played a significant protective role on HFRS infection, with the minimum RR values: 0.487 (95%CI:0.260,0.912) and 0.577 (95%CI:0.370,0.898), respectively. Interaction indicated that the risk of HFRS infection reached its highest when increasing daily SO2 and decreasing humidity. Conclusions: The SARIMA model may help to enhance the forecast of monthly HFRS incidence based on a long-range dataset. Our study had shown that environmental factors such as humidity and SO2 have a delayed effect on the occurrence of HFRS and that the effect of humidity can be influenced by SO2 and wind speed. Public health professionals should take greater care in controlling HFRS in low humidity, low windy conditions and 2–3 days after SO2 levels above 200 μg/m3. Author summary: China has the highest number of people infected with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in the world, and Shenyang, located in the northeast, is a high prevalence area for infection in China. Previous studies have found that there are several analytical methods on outbreak prediction and that HFRS infection is climate-related. However, HFRS has been less studied in terms of comparative time series prediction, and the link between outbreaks and atmospheric pollution and the identification of the joint effects of meteorological factors affecting this link have not been studied. These are the two main focuses of this study. A synchronous periodicity and seasonality between pollutants, climate change and HFRS infection were found throughout the study area, both located in spring-summer and winter-related. Specifically, on the one hand, high sulfur dioxide concentrations increase the risk of developing HFRS. On the other hand, the combined effect of climate and pollutants on HFRS became increasingly sensitive over time, showing as the highest risk of contracting HFRS when increasing daily sulfur dioxide and decreasing humidity. Time series analysis showed that seasonal SARIMA models are more suitable for prediction, and the association between climate and pollution and HFRS infection has been confirmed within the time series analysis. The above findings help to improve the understanding of the transmission effects of HFRS in different meteorological and pollution levels and the prediction of HFRS outbreak epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the dynamic relationship between the digital economy, science and technology innovation and carbon emissions using a panel vector autoregressive model with data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2019. The results show that: initial development of the digital economy will lead to an increase of carbon emissions, but the effect will be gradually weakened in later stages and become a reverse inhibitory effect; the growth of digital economy development level and the increase of carbon emissions intensity are mutually Granger causative; carbon emissions will inhibit the development of the digital economy in the short term, and will have a significant self-promoting effect; the improvement of science and technology innovation level on the growth of digital economy development level is the driving effect of the improvement of STI level on the growth of digital economy development level is not yet stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last two decades, rapid development in the network technology has been observed, particularly hardware, and the development of software technology has accelerated, resulting in the launch of a variety of novel products with a wide range of applications. Traditional sports training systems, on the other hand, have a single function and a complex operation that cannot be fully implemented in colleges and universities, causing China's sports training to stagnate for a long time. The goal of physical education and training is to teach a specific action to attain its maximum potential in a variety of ways. As a result, we should use the system to collect scientifically sound and trustworthy data to aid relevant staff in completing their training tasks. Therefore, in the context of big data, network information technology has become the main way to improve the physical education system. By applying cloud computing technology, machine vision technology, and 64-bit machine technology to the physical education training system, extract the video data of the physical education system, design the system video teaching process, and complete the construction of three-dimensional human model, so as to analyze the training situation of the trainers. In this paper, 30 basketball majors in a university are selected as the professional group and 30 computer majors as the control group. The average reaction time, scores, and expert scores of the two groups are analyzed. The results show that the test of the professional group is significantly higher than that of the amateur group. At the same time, the feedback results of students using physical education and training system and normal physical education teaching and training are compared and analyzed. One week later, the students trained by the physical education system have improved their thinking ability, movement accuracy, and judgment ability, indicating that the application of the physical education training system to the actual effect is ideal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Perceived organizational support was a benefit for the work performance of nurses, which may affect emotional labor and the development of professional values. This study aimed to explore the relationship between nurses' perceived organizational support and professional values, and investigate the mediating role of emotional labor. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in 3 tertiary hospitals in Wuhan from October 2020 to January 2021. The data were collected by a questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics, the Emotional Labor Scale for Nurses, the nurses' Perceived Organizational Support Scale, and the Nursing Professional Values Scale (NPVS-R). A convenience sample of 1017 nurses responded to the questionnaire survey. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to test the relationship between variables. Predictor effects were tested using hierarchical multiple regressions. The structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the mediation effect of emotional labor on the pathway from perceived organizational support to professional values. Results: A positive moderate correlation was observed between the perceived organizational support and emotional labor (r = 0.524, P < 0.01), and a positive strong correlation was observed between perceived organizational support and professional values (r = 0.609, P < 0.01). Emotional labor and perceived organizational support were positive predictors of professional values (B = 0.531, 95%CI = 0.414 ~ 0.649; B = 0.808, 95%CI = 0.715 ~ 0.901, respectively). The association between perceived organizational support and professional values was mediated by emotional labor. Conclusions: Results showed that perceived organizational support was positively related to nurses' emotional labor, which was in turn associated with high professional values. For nurses, improving organizational support and training nurses to engage in emotional labor through providing multiple support systems, establishing appropriate incentive mechanisms, and training nurses to regulate emotions can be effective ways to promote nurses' professional values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Perceived organizational support was a benefit for the work performance of nurses, which may affect emotional labor and the development of professional values. This study aimed to explore the relationship between nurses' perceived organizational support and professional values, and investigate the mediating role of emotional labor. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in 3 tertiary hospitals in Wuhan from October 2020 to January 2021. The data were collected by a questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics, the Emotional Labor Scale for Nurses, the nurses' Perceived Organizational Support Scale, and the Nursing Professional Values Scale (NPVS-R). A convenience sample of 1017 nurses responded to the questionnaire survey. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to test the relationship between variables. Predictor effects were tested using hierarchical multiple regressions. The structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the mediation effect of emotional labor on the pathway from perceived organizational support to professional values. Results: A positive moderate correlation was observed between the perceived organizational support and emotional labor (r = 0.524, P < 0.01), and a positive strong correlation was observed between perceived organizational support and professional values (r = 0.609, P < 0.01). Emotional labor and perceived organizational support were positive predictors of professional values (B = 0.531, 95%CI = 0.414 ~ 0.649; B = 0.808, 95%CI = 0.715 ~ 0.901, respectively). The association between perceived organizational support and professional values was mediated by emotional labor. Conclusions: Results showed that perceived organizational support was positively related to nurses' emotional labor, which was in turn associated with high professional values. For nurses, improving organizational support and training nurses to engage in emotional labor through providing multiple support systems, establishing appropriate incentive mechanisms, and training nurses to regulate emotions can be effective ways to promote nurses' professional values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the current state of knowledge and practice of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection management in China. Materials and Methods: This nationwide, multicenter, cross‐sectional questionnaire survey was conducted between March and April 2021 with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection in 31 provinces, encompassing over 1000 hospitals in mainland China. General physician information, diagnostic and detection status, eradication treatment, reexamination and follow‐up after treatment, and basic knowledge of physicians were collected and compared with the Fifth Chinese National Consensus Report on Management of H. pylori infection and the 2016 Maastricht V/Florence guidelines. The subgroup analysis was also performed. Results: Of the 6873 questionnaire respondents, 48.8% were males, and 51.2% were females. Approximately, 26.5% of respondents indicated that their hospitals had dedicated clinics for managing H. pylori infection. Moreover, 88.0% of respondents prescribed a bismuth‐containing quadruple regimen as the initial eradication treatment, and 92.7% deemed the gastric acid suppression critical. Furthermore, 91.0% of respondents routinely recommended a reexamination 1–2 months after eradication therapy, and 95.1% advised patients to stop PPI treatment at least 2 weeks before reexamination. The detail of following (the choice of target population/methods; the choice/availability of drugs/regimens, indications for eradication, factors influencing eradication efficacy/improvement methods and factors influencing adherence, management options/factors influencing relapse; the timing and methods, awareness of reinfection rates/prevention measures, and the approach to continuing education, awareness of guidelines, and acceptance of current core concepts of management) was also described. Subgroup analysis further revealed that significant differences were existed in being gastroenterologist or not, different education level, professional title, years of working, and provincial administrative regions. Conclusions: Chinese physicians' skills and knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection could be improved. More works on education are needed in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate how perceived social support and self‐rated health together could mediate the relationship between pain and depression among Chinese nursing home residents with pain. Methods: The study was conducted in 38 nursing homes in 13 cities in China. A convenience sample of 2154 older adults responded to the questionnaire survey. A mediation analysis was performed on the data of 990 participants with pain. The data were collected by a questionnaire consisting of socio‐economic and demographic characteristics, the Geriatric Depression Scale‐15, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Self‐rated Health Scale and the Numerical Rating Scale of pain. The sample was subdivided by sex. Descriptive analysis, t‐tests, chi‐squared tests, Mann–Whitney U‐tests, Spearman correlation analyses and the bootstrap method were used to analyze data. Results: The prevalence rate of pain and depression among nursing home residents were 46.0% and 20.7% respectively. Pain, perceived social support and self‐rated health were all significantly correlated with depression (r = 0.217, P < 0.01; r = −0.216, P < 0.01; r = 0.385, P < 0.01, respectively). Perceived social support and self‐rated health independently and in series partly explained the relationship between pain and depression. Conclusions: The results of the study showed that pain was associated with low perceived social support first, and then poor self‐rated health, which was in turn related to the development of depression among nursing home residents with pain. For nursing home residents, perceived social support and self‐rated health as an internal resource can affect the ability to overcome the suffering of pain and reduce the level of depression. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1234–1240. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important irritant trace gas in the atmosphere, ammonia (NH3) significantly impacts human health and environment. Bottom-up emission inventories are widely used to estimate ammonia emissions and their geographical distributions over China. However, high uncertainties are still associated with emission inventories due to inaccurate emission factors used. The Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm is a population-based stochastic optimization algorithm used to solve complicated optimization problems. We quantify NH3 emissions and lifetime from Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) NH3 observations together with MERRA-2 wind fields based on the DE algorithm. Two inland cities, Urumchi and Golmud in China, are chosen to study of the NH3 emissions based on the distributions of NH3 total columns and wind fields. The NH3 emissions rate estimated is about 5.84 × 10−11 and 4.19 × 10−11 kg·m−2s−1 in Urumchi and in the Golmud area from May to September from 2008 to 2023, respectively. The lifetime of NH3 estimated in the two areas is 4.31 and 9.19 h, respectively. We compare the NH3 emissions and lifetime estimated in this study with the values in other studies, and the results show the reliability of the method used. This work is one of few quantitative studies of NH3 emissions from cities using satellite observations in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • 14 non-exclusion parentage cases with two loci concurrent mutations were reported. • The trio cases with double mutations are more frequent than the expectation. • However, the characteristics of mutation is in agreement with those previous studies. Abstract Two loci concurrent mutations in non-exclusion paternity case were reported based on 19 STR loci available from Goldeneye™ DNA ID System 20A (Peoplespot, Beijing, China). When 9508 family trios with Paternity index (PI) threshold of >10,000 was analyzed, 14 families show mutations at two loci. The paternity was confirmed by using an additional 19 STR markers. When the probability of occurrence of two mutations was compared with the expected probability deduced from binomial model, the observed mutational probability was significantly larger than the expectation. However, the characteristics of mutations agree with those reported previously. Our result indicates that larger samples is still need to estimate mutation rates accurately and reveal the relationship between mutations with multiple loci and the characterization of human mutations based on microsatellites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Technology advances are considered to be effective in reducing carbon emissions. However, studies show that the effect of such advances on reducing carbon emissions is not as effective as expected, owing to the existence of the rebound effect (RE). This paper proposes a new method integrating the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) production model and the sequential Malmquist-Luenberger (SML) index to calculate China's macro-carbon RE. An extended DEA production model is used to eliminate the impact of input scale, and the SML index is employed to avoid the phenomenon of technology regress. Results show that the carbon RE can be calculated more precisely. The new method is then applied to calculate carbon RE values from 30 Chinese provinces from 1996 to 2015, and results indicate that the carbon RE does indeed exist in China and that national average carbon RE values vary from 7.4% to 43.8%. Furthermore, both the backfire effect and the super conservation effect are evident in some provinces. Based upon the obtained results, certain policy implications are suggested to facilitate China in effectively implementing carbon emission reduction actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the values of δ13C in modern plants of the Dajiuhu Basin were determined, and correlation analysis was performed on various climatic factors influencing the values of δ13C in plants of this area on a seasonal scale. Results showed that carbon isotopes were fractionated from the collected plants through C3 pathways. Carex argyi and Sphagnum palustre L. are more sensitive to changes in air humidity. As a typical case, the values of δ13C in Carex argyi and Sphagnum palustre L. are positively and negatively associated with humidity, respectively, indicating that humidity was an important factor influencing the values of δ13C in plants of this area. Thus, while remodelling the palaeoclimate of the Dajiuhu Basin using the value of δ13C in the sedimentary peat plant residue, the plant residues of dominant species in this area (i.e. Sphagnum palustre L. and Carex argyi) that were sensitive to air humidity could be used. This is very important to understand deeply the mechanism of influence of climate change on plant carbon isotope fractionation and to predict the effects possibly caused by future global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ording to the transport theory of soil solutes and the conditions of soil, geology and climate in the karst region of Guizhou Province, a numerical simulation model of edaphic nitrogen element transport under field conditions is initially established. In this model, NO and NH are regarded as soil solutes. Transformation mechanisms such as biological release, bio-immobilization, ammonium adsorption-desorption, nitration-denitrification and factors of crop root uptaking are considered in this model. It is hoped that the data from this model could directly be used to guide agricultural production in this region and offer feasible ways to improve the use of nitrogen element, sustainable development of agriculture in karst mountainous areas and natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the global climate change and the rapid progress of urbanization, the frequent occurrence of flooding disasters and non-point source pollution seriously threaten the sustainable development of modern cities. To alleviate these problems, China started to pilot construction of the "Sponge City" (SPC). Over a decade, it has attracted public attention, supports, and participations. The paper presents a literature review of sponge city construction (SPCC) process (planning, design and construction) as well as the assessment of SPC, including: operation, maintenance, and effectiveness. Research gap and future works are also proposed. The paper offers some tactics for SPCC, including: 1) in the planning and construction stage of SPC, the goals and systematic plans should be formulated according to local water-environmental conditions. The drainage plan should cover the strategy to dispose runoff volumes at sources and the ultimately goal for flood mitigation. The drainage design involves the combination of various green and grey infrastructures; 2) It is important to identify monitoring methods and hydrological models which can be used to assess the performance of a SPC. With adequate field data, all models and methods should be calibrated for not only runoff quantity and quality control but also the alleviation of urban heat island effects, including the base flows and local groundwater table; 3) Based on the regional field data, it is necessary to standardize regional design parameters, construction material specifics, and maintenance scheme and schedule that would significantly affect the facility's infiltrating and filtering processes, therefore, a regular maintenance program should be initiated to monitor the operations of the as-built facilities according to local climate conditions. The paper evaluated several maintenance methods for ten typical facilities to provide a reference for the operation and maintenance of facilities in SPCC. • The sponge city construction (SPCC) and design methods were introduced in detail. • Scientific and reasonable assessment can better guide the SPCCs. • The sponge city (SPC) facilities can be a better way to control stormwater runoff. • Monitoring and simulation method are equally important for assessing SPC effect. • A maintenance program should be initiated to monitor the operations of SPC facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable oxygen isotopes (δ18O) from α-cellulose of peatland plants represent a widely used tool for studying ecological processes and palaeoenvironmental evolution. However, comparison of different regions shows that the climate drivers of δ18O from peat cellulose vary by location. In addition, controversy remains about the parts of plants that are most suitable for analysis. In this study, δ18O from different parts of modern plants in the peatland of Dajiuhu (Hubei Province, China) were determined to better understand the environmental factors that influence δ18O in this area and at a seasonal scale. Results show that δ18O values do not significantly differ in different parts of the plants (whole sample, stem and leaf). Correlation analyses indicate that the major factor contributing to δ18O variability is the δ18O value of peatland water under the influence of monsoons. In addition, significant negative correlations exist between δ18O of plants and mean monthly temperature. Therefore, results demonstrate that δ18O of plants may preserve the 18O isotopic signatures of the peatland water and mean monthly temperature signals, irrespective of the plant organ analysed. Our findings provide a reference and basis for a modern process that uses α-cellulose δ18O in plants to study palaeoenvironmental changes. • The δ18O of plants in the peatland of Dajiuhu were determined. • The δ18O of plants could preserve the δ18O signatures of the source water. • The influence of the mean monthly temperature in the region was not negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains to clarithromycin, metronidazole, amoxicillin, levofloxacin, furazolidone, and tetracycline in Chinese children. Materials and Methods: This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted from January 2016 through May 2023. Gastric mucosa biopsies were obtained from pediatric participants who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at 96 hospitals in northern, southwestern, and southeastern China. The susceptibility of H. pylori to six commonly used antibiotics was determined by agar dilution method. Results: Among the 3074 H. pylori isolates, 36.7% were resistant to clarithromycin, 77.3% to metronidazole, 16.6% to levofloxacin, and 0.3% to amoxicillin. No strains were detected to be resistant to furazolidone or tetracycline. During the 8‐year study period, resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole showed a significant upward trend, while the resistance pattern of the other antibiotics demonstrated a slight but nonsignificant fluctuation. Significant regional differences were found in the distribution of clarithromycin resistance among the northern (66.0%), southwestern (48.2%), and southeastern (34.6%) regions. The metronidazole resistance rate was significantly lower in the southeastern coastal region (76.3%) than in the other two regions (88.2% in the north and 87.7% in the southwest). Multi‐drug resistance for two or more antibiotics was detected in 36.3% of the H. pylori strains, and the predominant multi‐resistance pattern was the dual resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole. Conclusions: The prevalence of H. pylori resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole is rather high in Chinese children and has been increasing over time. A relatively high resistance rate to levofloxacin was also noticed in children, while almost all strains were susceptible to amoxicillin, furazolidone, and tetracycline. It will be of great clinical significance to continuously monitor the antibiotic‐resistance patterns of H. pylori in the pediatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Laboratory and industrial scale experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of tertiary dodecyl mercaptan (TDM) as a collector on the flotation of auriferous pyrite and arsenopyrite. The optimum recovery of gold associated with auriferous sulphides was obtained by adding a mixture of TDM and sodium butyl xanthate, together with only a little CuSO4 as an activator in a weak alkaline pulp adjusted by NaOH. A two-month industrial trial at the Liumei plant in Guangxi, China showed that an average gold recovery of 90.8% into a concentrate assaying 81.1g/t Au from a feed assaying 2.9g/t Au could be achieved at pH 8–8.5 using TDM as a collector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylum Bathyarchaeota, which has high species and functional diversity, is abundant and widespread in marine sediments. In this study, the abundance and communities of Bathyarchaeota in surface sediment samples from the southern Yellow Sea (SYS) and northern East China Sea were investigated. The high numbers of Bathyarchaeota 16S rRNA gene copies indicated that Bathyarchaeota plays an important role in the biogeochemical cycles in these surface sediments. In total, 16 subgroups of Bathyarchaeota were detected, with Bathy-8 having the highest relative abundance in nearshore surface sediment samples. Redundancy analysis showed that the water depth, temperature and salinity were the most influential factors determining the Bathyarchaeota community spatial distribution. In addition, the diversity index and Chao1 estimator values were negatively correlated with the temperature and water depth, respectively (P < 0.05). Our results improve the understanding of the Bathyarchaeota diversity and the environmental conditions influencing the Bathyarchaeota distribution in surface sediment samples. • The high numbers of Bathyarchaeota 16S rRNA gene copies were detected in the surface sediments from the SYS and NECS. • Bathy-8 having the highest relative abundance in nearshore surface sediment samples of the SYS and NECS. • Water depth, temperature and salinity can significantly influence the Bathyarchaeota community in surface sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of a new circovirus (Porcine Circovirus 3, PCV3) has raised concern because its impact on swine health is not fully known. In Fujian Province in eastern China, even its circulating status and genetic characteristics are unclear. Here, we tested 127 tissue samples from swine from Fujian Province that presented respiratory symptoms. All of the PCV3 positive samples were negative for many other pathogens involved in respiratory diseases like PCV2, PRRSV, and CSFV, suggesting that PCV3 is potentially pathogenic. From phylogenetic analysis, PCV3 strains are divided into two main clades and five sub-clades; PCV3a-1, PCV3a-2, PCV3a-3, PCV3b-1, and PCV3b-2. Our identified strains belong to genotypes PCV3a-1, PCV3a-2, PCV3a-3, and PCV3b-2, indicating a high degree of genetic diversity of PCV3 in Fujian province until 2019. Interestingly, we found the time of the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) of PCV3 was dated to the 1950s, and PCV3 has a similar evolutionary rate as PCV2 (the main epidemic genotypes PCV2b and PCV2d). In addition, positive selection sites N56D/S and S77T/N on the capsid gene are located on the PCV3 antigen epitope, indicating that PCV3 is gradually adaptive in swine. In summary, our results provide important insights into the epidemiology of PCV3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1 or CTLA-4 individually have shown substantial clinical benefits in the treatment of malignancies. We aimed to assess the safety and antitumour activity of cadonilimab monotherapy, a bispecific PD-1/CTLA-4 antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumours. This multicentre, open-label, phase 1b/2 trial was conducted across 30 hospitals in China. Patients aged 18 years or older with histologically or cytologically confirmed, unresectable advanced solid tumours, unsuccessful completion of at least one previous systemic therapy, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1 were eligible for inclusion. Patients who had previously received anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or anti-CTLA-4 treatment were not eligible for inclusion. In the dose escalation phase of phase 1b, patients received intravenous cadonilimab at 6 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks. In the dose expansion phase of phase 1b, cadonilimab at 6 mg/kg and a fixed dose of 450 mg were given intravenously every 2 weeks. In phase 2, cadonilimab at 6 mg/kg was administered intravenously every 2 weeks in three cohorts: patients with cervical cancer, oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The primary endpoints were the safety of cadonilimab in phase 1b and objective response rate in phase 2, based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), version 1.1. The safety analysis was done in all patients who received at least one dose of cadonilimab. Antitumour activity was assessed in the full analysis set for the cervical cancer cohort, and in all patients with measurable disease at baseline and who received at least one dose of cadonilimab in the oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma cohorts. The study is registered on ClinicalTrial.gov , NCT03852251 , and closed to new participants; follow-up has been completed. Between Jan 18, 2019, and Jan 8, 2021, 240 patients (83 [43 male and 40 female] in phase 1b and 157 in phase 2) were enrolled. Phase 2 enrolled 111 female patients with cervical cancer, 22 patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (15 male and seven female), and 24 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (17 male and seven female). During dose escalation, no dose-limiting toxicities occurred. Grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 67 (28%) of 240 patients; the most frequent grade 3 or worse treatment-related adverse events were anaemia (seven [3%]), increased lipase (four [2%]), decreased bodyweight (three [1%]), decreased appetite (four [2%]), decreased neutrophil count (three [1%]), and infusion-related reaction (two [1%]). 17 (7%) patients discontinued treatment due to treatment-related adverse events. 54 (23%) of 240 patients reported serious treatment-related adverse events, including five patients who died (one due to myocardial infarction; cause unknown for four). In phase 2, in the cervical cancer cohort, with a median follow-up of 14·6 months (IQR 13·1–17·5), the objective response rate was 32·3% (32 of 99; 95% CI 23·3–42·5). In the oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma cohort, with a median follow-up of 17·9 months (IQR 4·0–15·1), the objective response rate was 18·2% (four of 22; 95% CI 5·2–40·3). In the hepatocellular carcinoma cohort, with a median follow-up of 19·6 months (IQR 8·7–19·8), the objective response rate was 16·7% (four of 24; 95% CI 4·7–37·4). Cadonilimab showed an encouraging tumour response rate, with a manageable safety profile, suggesting the potential of cadonilimab for the treatment of advanced solid tumours. Akeso Biopharma. For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing carbon emissions and increasing carbon sinks are key strategies to effectively remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Assessing the current carbon emission status and predicting future carbon emission scenarios could help formulate effective regional carbon emission reduction targets. However, it is necessary to enhance the carbon sink capacity of terrestrial ecosystems and improve forest management methods to promote greenhouse gas absorption. In this study, the spatiotemporal characteristics and dynamic evolution of fossil fuel CO 2 (FFCO 2) emissions in China from 2000 to 2019 were analyzed using the standard deviation ellipse, kernel density of emissions, and Theil index. A backpropagation (BP) neural network optimized with a genetic algorithm (GA) was used to predict FFCO 2 emission during 2020–2030. The biomass increment methodology was used to predict the potential carbon sinks generated by Chinese Certified Emission Reduction (CCER) carbon-sink forestry projects during 2020–2030. The results showed that China's FFCO 2 emissions exhibited a gradual increasing trend during 2000–2019, with an average annual growth rate of 6.29%. China's FFCO 2 emissions show a greater distribution on the southeastern coast than in the northwestern interior. The GA-BP prediction shows that China's FFCO 2 emissions will continue to fluctuate and increase between 2020 and 2030. The potential of carbon sinks will be 0.69 × 108 Mg C generated by the CCER carbon-sink forestry projects during 2020–2030, which could offset 0.56% of FFCO 2 emissions. In the future, imbalances in regional development should be considered when formulating carbon-reduction strategies. Moreover, using carbon-sink of forestry projects of CCER to balance economic development including poverty eradication and environmental conservation should be considered. Specifically, establishing a methodology of projects for the management of natural forests' carbon-sink will be an important future strategy. • China's FFCO 2 emissions rose in volatility with an average growth rate of 6.29%. • The spatial differences of FFCO 2 emissions are gradually narrowing. • FFCO 2 emissions will continue to rise in the future. • Carbon-sink forestry project is ideal approach to offset carbon emission. • The Methodology of Forests Management for natural forest should be focused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of information technology and mobile Internet access, social media content has become extremely abundant and open, and users have become heavily dependent on social reading. As a result, users' reading motivation has greatly changed from traditional reading to digital reading to social reading. Exploring the potential effects of social reading can contribute to providing strategies to accurately target high-quality reading content to help promote reading with social media. Drawing upon the use and gratifications theory and reading motivation scales, the current study examines the effectiveness of reading motivation to explore in depth the influencing mechanism of users' reading on social media. Structural equation modeling is employed to empirically test the impact factor model. The results indicate that social media users' reading motivation mainly includes entertainment, self-presentation, information acquisition, social promotion, and social interaction. Regarding the overall contribution, social motivation is the most important factor in social media reading activities, followed by intrinsic reading motivation and information reading motivation. The findings and their implications are discussed to provide suggestions for social media operators promoting high-quality reading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fertility intentions have been proved to be a reliable predictor of actual fertility behaviour. Also, childbirth-related fear (CBRF) has been proven to be negatively associated with childbirth readiness and fertility intentions among women, while childbirth readiness was positively related to fertility intentions. However, the associations and potential mechanisms between CBRF, childbirth readiness, and fertility intentions remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the unique association between CBRF, childbirth readiness, and fertility intentions and whether childbirth readiness would mediate the relationship between CBRF and fertility intentions. Method: A cross-sectional study of women (N = 1119, aged 16–53 years) who gave birth within 72 h was conducted. Using a convenience sampling, women were recruited from obstetric wards—10 comprehensive hospitals and 3 specialized hospitals in 7 provinces in mainland China. Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between CBRF, childbirth readiness, fertility intentions, and social support. Multivariate linear regression was further used to analyze the association between demographic and personal characteristics, CBRF, childbirth readiness, and fertility intentions. Mediation analysis was used to examine whether childbirth readiness mediates the relationship between CBRF and fertility intentions. Results: Women with high childbirth readiness (β = 0.09, P = 0.002) had higher fertility intentions. However, women with high CBRF (β = − 0.17, P < 0.001) were more likely to have lower fertility intentions. CBRF had both direct and indirect effects on the level of fertility intentions. As predicted, childbirth readiness mediated the relationship between CBRF and the level of fertility intentions (estimate = − 0.012, 95% bootstrap CI: − 0.021 to − 0.005). Higher CBRF was associated with lower scores of childbirth readiness, which was associated with lower levels of fertility intentions. Conclusions: This study established the evidence that CBRF had both direct and indirect effects on the level of fertility intentions and childbirth readiness mediated the relationship between CBRF and the level of fertility intentions. Specifically, higher CBRF was associated with lower scores of childbirth readiness, which was associated with lower levels of fertility intentions. This finding suggested that it is important for health policymakers and health providers to pay more attention to improving women's childbirth readiness, which might reduce the negative influence of CBRF on fertility intentions, thus strengthening their fertility intentions. Plain language summary: Over the past two decades, fertility rates have been dropping steadily in most countries. Fertility intentions have been proven to be a reliable predictor of actual fertility behaviour. The worldwide sluggish fertility trend has brought about a series of issues, such as accelerated population ageing, shrinking workforce, and economic decline. China has the largest national population in the world, accounting for nearly one-fifth of the world's population, thus having a huge impact on global population trends. Therefore, in the context of significant fertility decline and population policy changes, timely research on fertility intention is of great significance for China and other low-fertility countries. CBRF has been proven to be negatively associated with childbirth readiness and fertility intentions among women, while childbirth readiness was positively related to fertility intentions. This study aimed to investigate the unique association between fertility intentions, CBRF, and childbirth readiness, and whether childbirth readiness would mediate the relationship between CBRF and fertility intentions. In this cross-sectional study, we found that women with high childbirth readiness had higher fertility intentions. However, women with high CBRF were more likely to have lower fertility intentions. Furthermore, CBRF had both direct and indirect effects on the level of fertility intentions. Childbirth readiness mediated the relationship between CBRF and the level of fertility intentions. Higher CBRF was associated with lower scores of childbirth readiness, which was associated with lower levels of fertility intentions. This finding suggested that it is important for health policymakers and health providers to pay more attention to improving women's childbirth readiness, which might reduce the negative influence of CBRF on fertility intentions, thus strengthening their fertility intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The most common type of glomerulonephritis in China is mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) featured with mesangial cell overproliferation and inflammation, as well as fibrosis. Albiflorin (AF) is an effective composition extracted from Paeonia Alba Radix and has been administrated for various diseases. Nevertheless, there is no research reporting the effect of AF on MPGN. Purpose: Our work aims to probe into the role and possible mechanism of AF on MPGN. Research Design: We investigated the effects of AF on mesangial cell overproliferation, inflammation, and fibrosis in vitro and in vivo and identified the related signaling pathways. Study Sample: human mesangial cells (HMCs) and male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Data Analysis: SPSS 18.0 was used to analyze the data. Results: AF attenuated the proliferation and inflammation both in vitro and in vivo. In detail, AF decreased the ki67 expression in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-treated HMCs and MPGN rats, and the mRNA expression or contents of inflammatory cytokines were reduced after AF treatment. The fibrosis of LPS-treated HMCs and MPGN rats was also reduced by AF. Moreover, AF effectively restrained 24 h urinary protein, improved kidney function, and mitigated dyslipidemia and pathological injury of MPGN rats. Additionally, we found that the protective effects of AF were accompanied by the blocking of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway, and the inhibitory effects of AF on MPGN were reversed by insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), the PI3K agonist. Conclusions: AF alleviates MPGN via restraining mesangial cell overproliferation, inflammation, and fibrosis via PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most infant formula oils differ significantly from human milk fat (HMF) in structure and composition, which is detrimental to the development of infants. In this study, the lipid compositions of Carassius auratus oils (CAOs) from seven provinces of China were systematically analyzed, and the potential of CAO for use in human milk fat substitutes (HMFS) was evaluated. First, the main fatty acids in most CAOs were confirmed to be palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. It is interesting to find that 57.08–69.27% of palmitic acid tended to be located at the sn -2 position, which showed a consistency with HMF. Afterwards, content of C52 triacylglycerol in CAOs from three regions exceeded 45%. Finally, a HMFS containing CAO from Jiangsu province was prepared by physical blending and it was verified to have a high similarity with HMF after similarity evaluation, which can provide a reference for the application of CAO in infant formulas. ● Palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids are the major fatty acids in CAOs. ● Over 65% of palmitic acid in CAOs is located at the sn -2 position. ● OPO and OPL are the most abundant triacylglycerols (TAG) in CAOs. ● CAOs have similar composition with HMF, which can be used in infant formula. ● HMFS obtained by physical blending of CAO and base oils have high similarity to HMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD), caused by porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), has ravaged the pig industry, causing huge economic loss. At present, PCV2b and PCV2d are highly prevalent genotypes worldwide, while in China, in addition to PCV2b and PCV2d, a newly emerged PCV2e genotype detected in the Fujian province has attracted attention, indicating that PCV2 genotypes in China are more abundant. A preliminary study was conducted to better understand the genetic diversity and prevalence of PCV2 genotypes in southern China. We collected 79 random lung samples from pigs with respiratory signs, from 2018 to 2021. We found a PCV2-positivity rate of 29.1%, and frequent co-infections of PCV2 with PCV3, Streptococcus suis (S. suis), and other porcine pathogens. All PCV2-positive samples were sequenced and subjected to whole-genome analysis. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the PCV2 ORF2 gene and complete genomes, found that PCV2 strains identified in this study belonged to genotypes PCV2a (1), PCV2b (6), PCV2d (10), and PCV2e (6). Importantly, PCV2e was identified for the first time in some provinces, including Guangdong and Jiangxi. Additionally, we found two positively selected sites in the ORF2 region, located on the previously reported antigenic epitopes. Moreover, codon 63, one of the positively selected sites, has different types of amino acids in different genotypes. In conclusion, this study shows that PCV2e is an emerging genotype circulating in southern China, which warrants urgent, specific surveillance to aid the development of prevention and control strategies in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Since 1997, the H5 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) circulating in China have become an international concern. Clade 2.3.2 of H5N1 AIVs is genetically distinct from the viruses isolated before 2007 and antigenically different from the vaccine strains widely used in China. Swine farms in rural China are thought to play an important role in AIVs ecology. Objectives: A seroepidemiological study was undertaken among swine farm residents and pigs to understand the prevalence of antibodies against H5N1 AIVs in southern China. Study design: During the period March 24, 2008 to December 25, 2012,serum samples were collected from 1606 swine farm residents on 40 swine farms in southern China. A total of 1980 pigs’ serum samples were collected in the same swine farms where swine workers’ serum samples were collected from March 2009 to March 2013. For a control group, 104 serum samples were collected from healthy city residents in Nanchang. All the serum samples were collected to perform hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and (neutralization) NT assays to investigate the prevalence of H5N1 AIV infections in southern China. Results: Sixteen human samples were positive by HI assay and 10 of these were also positive by NT assay against H5N1. No serum samples from human control and pigs were HI positive for H5N1 AIV. Discussion: Our results demonstrate minimal transmission H5N1 AIV from birds to pigs in the swine farms studied and the risk of poultry-to-human and poultry-to-pig transmission for at least clades 2.3.2 seemed very low. This study provides the first data regarding antibodies against H5N1 AIV in humans and pigs on swine farms in China. The findings of this study can serve as a baseline for additional serologic studies to assess transmission of H5N1 viruses between avian species, pigs and swine workers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pigs are susceptible to both human and avian influenza viruses (AIV). Moreover, they are suspected of being the intermediate hosts or mixing vessels of pandemic influenza viruses. Researchers suspect that the influenza viruses are able to undergo reassortment or to adapt to various mammalian hosts while they incubate in pigs. For the present report, we conducted a serological surveillance of pigs in southern China from 2008 to 2012 to establish the prevalence of antibodies against H5N1 and H9N2 AIV. A total of one hundred pig farms from the Guangdong, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Yunnan Provinces were sampled, yielding a total of 3960 serum specimens. The haemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests revealed no evidence of H5 infection when the Clade 2.3.2 virus was used as the antigen, but a 4.6% positive rate of H9 infection was observed when using the Beijing/1/94-like virus as the antigen. The positive sera for H9 infection were further verified with neutralization tests, which confirmed a 3.7% rate of positive sera of H9 infection. In summary, the results imply that the swine populations in southern China had not been affected greatly by the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Nevertheless, these swine H9N2 influenza viruses might pose a threat to human health, and so researchers should continue to carry out swine influenza virus surveillance in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has proven to be highly genetically variable; however, comprehensive information regarding the virus's genetic diversity in South China is limited. In this study, a total of 3199 clinical samples were collected from 267 pig farms suspected of PRRSV infection between 2007 and 2011. The ORF5 genes of 51 PRRSV-positive samples were sequenced and analyzed. The 51 study strains were divided into three primary subgenotypes. Fourty-five of the strains belonged to subgenotype I and were closely related to the highly pathogenic PRRSV (HP-PRRSV) strains. The subgenotype I strains were generally clustered into genetically similar groups by year. Only one of the strains belonged to subgenotype II, clustering with the classical North American type, VR2332. Five of the strains were grouped into subgenotype III, which occupied a separate branch and was closely related to the recently isolated novel field strains, QYYZ and GM2. The 5 subgenotype III strains shared an amino acid identity with the remaining 46 study strains ranging from 79.6%–83.6%. Amino acid analysis showed extensive mutations in subgenotype III; the diverse genetic mutations of these novel strains are of great concern. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two trials were conducted to determine the optimal replacement level of rice bran meal (RBM) as a substitute for kelp meal (KM) in the diet of the hybrid abalone Haliotis discus hannai ♀ × H. fulgens ♂. This study also investigated whether betaine as an attractant supplementation could be used to facilitate RBM as a replacement for KM. In Trial 1, RBM was used to replace 25%, 50%, and 100% of the dietary KM (RBM25, RBM50, and RBM100, respectively) based on a diet containing 30% KM (Con). In Trial 2, RBM50 was the same as in Trial 1, and betaine was supplemented in RBM50 at 0.2% (B1), 0.4% (B2), and 0.8% (B3) in the diets. Abalone (weight approximately 4 g) were randomly assigned to four groups replicated in triplicate (60 abalone/replicate). The abalone were fed the experimental diets for 10 weeks. In Trial 1, compared to the Con group, no significant differences were observed in final weight (FW), final shell length (FSL), specific growth rate (SGR), or daily increment in shell length (DISL) at 25% KM replacement by RBM. However, 50% KM replacement significantly reduced the FW, FSL, SGR, and DISL compared to the Con group. There were no significant differences in the proximate composition of the soft body tissues of the abalone. In Trial 2, growth performance parameters of the hybrid abalone were significantly improved with increasing levels of betaine in the diets compared to those fed diet RBM50, reaching the maximum value in the B2 group. Consistent with the feed intake results, the hormone concentrations of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and orexins in the digestive gland and cerebral ganglia of abalone were significantly increased when the supplementation level of betaine in the diets was increased to 0.2%. However, no apparent impacts were observed on NPY or orexin concentrations among the B1, B2, and B3 groups. Finally, we suggest 0.4% betaine supplementation along with replacing 50% of the KM with RBM in the hybrid abalone diet. The optimal diet is a cost-effective alternative feed formulation that can reduce the dependence on KM for abalone production in China. This study also demonstrates the potential of betaine as a feed attractant in abalone aquaculture. • 25% kelp meal (KM) can be replaced by rice bran meal (RBM) without obvious adverse impacts on the growth performance of the hybrid abalone. • The addition of 0.4% betaine in diets increased the replacement level of KM by RBM to 50% without negatively affecting the growth performance of the hybrid abalone. • Development of such diets will significantly reduce feed cost and reliance on KM for abalone feed company in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored variables associated with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including symptom burden, impact on daily life and work, obstacles during therapy, satisfaction level with therapy, and health-related quality of life in 1500 respondents with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) including essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV) and myelofibrosis (MF) in a multicenter, cross-sectional study across China, a representative of the developing countries. In multivariate analyses, urban household registration and higher education level were significantly-associated with no symptoms at diagnosis in respondents with ET or MF. CALR mutation was significantly-associated with lower MPN-10 scores in respondents with MF. Higher MPN-10 scores were significantly-associated with negative impact on daily life and work as well as lower satisfaction level in respondents with ET, PV and MF. Receiving ruxolitinib was significantly-associated with high satisfaction and satisfaction in respondents with MF. In addition, other demographics and clinical variables were also impacting PROs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To summarize data from a serological survey of high‐risk populations in Guangdong Province, China, and to perform a meta‐analysis to investigate the prevalence and seroprevalence of celiac disease (CD) in the Chinese general and high‐risk populations. Methods: We collected data from the serological survey of high‐risk population of CD in Guangdong Province, China (N = 1390) by testing their serum tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A (tTG‐IgA), deamidated gliadin peptides immunoglobulin A (DGP‐IgA) and deamidated gliadin peptides immunoglobulin G (DGP‐IgG). Additionally, a literature search was performed on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and three Chinese databases for articles published up to 20 December 2020 to estimate the pooled prevalence and seroprevalence of CD in China. Results: In the serological survey, 0.94% (13/1390) of individuals were positive for CD antibodies. In a meta‐analysis of 18 studies, the seroprevalence of CD in the general Chinese population was 0.27% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02%‐0.71%). While that in the high‐risk population was 8.34% (95% CI 4.90%‐12.54%) (odds ratio 7.27, 95% CI 4.06‐13.04). The prevalence of biopsy‐confirmed CD in high‐risk Chinese populations was 4.44% (95% CI 1.53%‐8.58%). The seroprevalence of CD varied with patients' geographical origin, being higher in northern China than in southern China. Conclusions: Early diagnosis of CD by serological screening in high‐risk population and generous serological testing in those with vague symptoms, especially in northern China, are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in the trnK region of chloroplast DNA were investigated in the present study using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism to detect the genetic structure and to infer the possible glacial refugia of Ginkgo biloba L. in China. In total, 220 individuals from 12 populations in China and three populations outside China were analyzed, representing the largest number of populations studied by molecular markers to date. Nineteen haplotypes were produced and haplotype A was found in all populations. Populations in south-western China, including WC, JF, PX, and SP, contained 14 of the 19 haplotypes and their genetic diversity ranged from 0.771 4 to 0.867 6. The TM population from China also showed a high genetic diversity ( H = 0.848 5). Most of the genetic variation existed within populations and the differentiation among populations was low ( GST = 0.2). According to haplotype distribution and the historical record, we suggest that populations of G. biloba have been subjected to extensive human impact, which has compounded our attempt to infer glacial refugia for Ginkgo. Nevertheless, the present results suggest that the center of genetic diversity of Ginkgo is mainly in south-western China and in situ conservation is needed to protect and preserve the genetic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: This study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the illness experience of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients in China and the meaning they attach to those experiences. Background: ALS is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder that significantly impacts individuals and families. There is a large number of patients with ALS in China. However, little is known about how they live with ALS. Design: Phenomenological qualitative research was performed among twenty people with ALS from the neurology department of a tertiary hospital in China. Colaizzi's method was used to analyse the participants' data. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) was used as a guideline to secure accurate and complete reporting of the study. Results: We proposed three themes and eight subthemes on the illness experience of participants: (1) life countdown: 'my body was frozen' (body out of control and inward suffering); (2) family self‐help: 'we kept an eye on each other' (family warmth and hardship, and supporting the supporter); and (3) reconstruction of life: 'what was the meaning of my life' (learning to accept, rebuilding self‐worth, resetting the priority list and living in the moment). Conclusions: In the family self‐help model, patients are prompted to turn from negative mentalities to search for meaning in life actively. Healthcare providers need to attach importance to the family self‐help model to alleviate the pressure on medical resources. Relevance to clinical practice: Healthcare providers should encourage patients to play a supportive role in the family and provide more care support and professional care knowledge guidance to caregivers, to promote the formation of the family self‐help model which might help to improve the experience of patients and families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The psychological birth trauma is a universal phenomenon in childbearing women. The influences could extend in a wide range, which includes the mothers' health, mother-infant relationship, partner relationship. The medical staff could even choose to quit playing their part in the birthing process. The phenomenon has gradually garnered attention around the world. However, it has rarely been discussed under Chinese special conditions. The study was to explore Chinese women's lived experiences of psychological birth trauma during labor and birth.Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach was adopted in this study. Twenty-four women were recruited, who reported having experienced psychological birth trauma. In-depth interviews were conducted within 1 week after birth. Colaizzi's method was used to analyze the data.Results: Twenty-four women participated in the study. Four themes emerged to describe the women's experience of psychological birth trauma: "How am I supposed to relieve the endless pain?" " Can't I be weak?" "Am I not important?" "What uncertainties are waiting for me?"Conclusions: The findings provide deep insight into Chinese women's unique experience of psychological birth trauma. The social and health system could prevent psychological harm during birth and promote maternal health by measures of pain management, thoughtful attention, adequate caring, and prenatal preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this 3 years study was to determine the prevalence of porcine pathogens of the lungs of swine in swine farms in southern China. A total of 5,420 samples were collected from 200 swine farms. The bacterium that was most commonly isolated was Streptococcus suis, with 10.24 % of the samples being positive, 114 lungs (2.1 %) were positive for pseudorabies virus and 263 (4.85 %) were positive for classical swine fever virus; much lower than positive for PRRSV (15.1 %, p = 0.023) and PCV2 (13.8 %, p = 0.038). lungs that were positive for PRRSV and/or PCV-2 have significantly increased odds of being positive for any of the S. suis (9.79 vs. 0.44 %, p = 0.003). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an economic devastating virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has spread globally, and seriously hinders the healthy development of the swine industry worldwide. In recent years, however, recombinant PRRSV strains are continuously emerging, resulting in the death of a large number of pigs in China. In this study, we reported a NADC30-like PRRSV strain GD1909, a recombinant virus, which may originate from NADC30-like and HUN4-like strains. The GP5 protein of GD1909 strain has an asparagine insertion at position 60 and has more complex glycosylation pattern. This should be helpful for a better understanding of PRRSV molecular epidemiology and the prevention of PRRSV infection in the future. • The genomic characterization of one novel PRRSV strain (GD1909) was analyzed. • One amino acid insertion was observed in GP5 at position 60. • GP5 protein of GD1909 strain has more complex glycosylation patterns compared with NADC30 strain. • GD1909 strain may originate from the recombination events among NADC30 and the Chinese HP-PRRSV HUN4 isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to develop a nomogram that predicts the overall survival (OS) of rectal neuroendocrine tumours (NETs).Methods: We retrospectively analysed 310 patients with rectal neuroendocrine tumours in 5 hospitals in southern China. All of the patients were assigned to the training set. A multivariable analysis using Cox proportional hazards regression was performed using the training set, and a nomogram was constructed. It was validated on a dataset obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database of America (n = 547).Results: In the training set, the nomogram exhibited improved discrimination power compared with the WHO grade guidelines (Herrell's C-index, 0.872 vs 0.794; p < 0.001) and was also better than the seventh AJCC TNM classification (Herrell's C-index, 0.872 vs 0.817; p < 0.001). In the SEER validation dataset, the discrimination was also excellent (C-index, 0.648 vs 0.583, p < 0.001 and 0.648 vs 0.603, p = 0.016, respectively, compared with G grade and TNM classification). Calibration of the nomogram predicted individual survival corresponding closely with the actual survival.Conclusions: We developed a nomogram predicting 1- and 3-year OS of patients with rectal neuroendocrine tumours. Validation revealed excellent discrimination and calibration, suggesting good clinical utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the temporal trends in mortality and disease burden of injuries in Anhui province from 2008 to 2017, so as to provide reference for injury control and prevention. Methods. Data of mortality were collected from 9 national surveillance points in Anhui province during 2008-2017 in the Information System for Death Cause Register and Management. The surveillance data were analyzed by using crude mortality, standardized mortality rate (SMR), potential year of life lost (PYLL), PYLL rate (PYLLR), and average of year life lost (AYLL). Results. There were a total of 44855 people died from injury, accounted for 9.44% of the all-cause mortality, ranked as the fifth leading cause of deaths in the whole population, and denoted the first leading cause of deaths in the 0-44 year's group. The leading causes of injury deaths were road traffic accidents, suicide, accidental falls, drowning, and poisoning. Road traffic accidents was the primary cause of injury deaths among the male population, while suicide was the dominate cause of injury deaths among the female population. Drowning, traffic accidents, and suicide accounted for the most injury deaths among the population aged 0-14 years, 15-64 years, and above 60 years, respectively. The road traffic accidents accounted for the largest proportion of injury PYLL and PYLLR, and drowning caused the highest AYLL among injury deaths. Conclusion. In Anhui province, road traffic accidents, suicide, accidental falls, drowning, and poisoning were the top five causes of injury deaths that harm the health of local residents; corresponding injury prevention strategies should be formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate and simple analytical approach for the determination of residues cinerin I, cinerin II, jasmolin I, jasmolin II, pyrethrin I and pyrethrin II (six active ingredients of pyrethrins) in fresh and dried goji berries was developed and validated for analysis by gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Good linearity (determination coefficient >0.99), accuracy (average recoveries of 88.3%–111.5%) and precision (intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations of 0.4%–8.3%) were obtained with the optimised determination method. The LODs and LOQs of the six analytes in two goji matrices were 0.24–2.1 µg/kg and 0.8–7 µg/kg, respectively. In a field trial, the terminal residual levels of pyrethrins (the sum of the concentrations of the six target analytes) in fresh and dried goji berry samples were <20–304 µg/kg at harvest, which could provide some information for the establishment of a maximum residue limit of pyrethrins on goji berries in China. Moreover, the risk assessment results indicated that because the risk quotient values were ≪100%, the potential dietary risk of pyrethrins on goji berries could be negligible for Chinese consumers. These detection and field results could provide some supporting data for the determination of pyrethrin residues in other crops and the proper application and safety assessment of pyrethrins in goji plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediments on continental slopes, which are rich in hydrates and organic matters, may release methane into the overlying seawater and even into the atmosphere. To evaluate the impact of sediment emissions on oceanic methane cycling and greenhouse gas emissions, this study assessed the distribution of methane in surface sediments and water columns and calculated the sea-to-air methane flux in the Dongsha area of the northern South China Sea. Results show that the methane concentrations exhibited large spatio-temporal changes. In May 2019, the methane concentrations and sea-to-air methane flux (4.1 ± 3.7 μmol m−2 d−1) were close to the background values, indicating that in situ aerobic methane production was a weak atmospheric methane source. In contrast, in September 2020, abnormally high methane concentrations up to 26.6 nM were detected in the upper slope with water depths of 600–950 m and to the east of a seamount; the average sea-to-air methane flux increased to 11.3 ± 7.9 μmol m−2 d−1. The consistency of methane distribution throughout the water column and surface sediments, with a generally increasing trend with the increasing depth, indicates that in September 2020, sediment emissions were crucial methane sources in seawater and led to moderate emissions into the atmosphere. The heterogeneities of methane concentrations and sea-to-air methane fluxes were attributed to the uneven distribution of methane in the sediments. Besides, strong internal solitary waves in summer and autumn exacerbates methane release, especially around high terrain areas, such as in continental upper slopes and in the upstream side of seamounts. Our results demonstrate that methane released from the sediments, being perhaps affected by internal solitary waves induced sediments disturbance, substantially impacted the oceanic methane cycling in continental slopes. Thus, this study provides new insights into the methane budget of marginal basins. • Abnormally high methane concentrations were detected in the upper slope and to the east of a seamount. • Sediment emissions were crucial methane sources in seawater in the Dongsha area. • ISWs enhance methane released from sediments into atmosphere near high terrain areas in Autumn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zhao, Y.; Zou, X.; Liu, Q., and Chen, Y., 2019. Impacts of climate variability and human activities on streamflow in the Wanquan River Basin along the east coast of Hainan Island, southern China. Journal of Coastal Research, 35(2), 410–419. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. The influences of climate change and human activities on streamflow change have received significant attention recently. In this study, daily data from seven precipitation gauges and one hydrological station are analyzed to assess the impacts of climate variability and human activities on streamflow over the past 54 years in the Wanquan River Basin (WRB). The Mann-Kendall test and Morlet wavelet method were employed to analyze the streamflow series, and the relative effects of climate change and human activities were empirically determined based on a coupled water and energy budget analysis. The results show that annual streamflow exhibited a statistically insignificant decreasing trend throughout the entire basin at an annual rate of –0.015 × 108 m3/y. Meteorological factors, such as temperature, exhibited significant increases throughout the entire basin. A decreasing trend in precipitation and an increasing trend in potential evapotranspiration were identified in the upstream region, whereas the opposite trends were observed in the downstream region. Moreover, an abrupt change in streamflow at Jiaji station occurred in 1974, exhibiting periodicities of 2 to 4 and 8 to 11 years at a 95% confidence level during the periods of 1965–80 and 1970–75, respectively. Regarding the catchment-averaged water balance, a quantitative analysis revealed that climate change resulted in an increase in streamflow from the 1970s to the 2000s throughout the entire basin, and streamflow increased by 146%, 259%, 473%, and 128% in the 1970s, the 1980s, the 1990s, and 2000–13 relative to streamflow in the 1960s. However, human activities may have decreased streamflow (–46%, –159%, –373%, and –28% in the 1970s, the 1980s, the 1990s, and 2000–13, respectively). Therefore, the relative effect of climate change was greater than that of human activities. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms associated with the anthropogenic effects on runoff changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The efficacy of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication has steadily declined, primarily because of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of furazolidone eradication therapies as initial treatments for H. pylori infection. Methods: A national, multicenter, open‐label, randomized controlled trial was performed at 16 sites across 13 provinces in China to evaluate the efficacy and safety of furazolidone‐containing therapies for H. pylori infection. Treatment naïve patients were randomly assigned to: esomeprazole 20 mg, bismuth 220 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, and furazolidone 100 mg twice daily for 10 and 7 days (FAB 10 and FAB 7; the same therapy without bismuth (FA 10 and FA 7). The primary and secondary outcomes were the eradication rate and regimen safety, respectively. Treatment success was assessed by the 13C urea breath test at least 4 weeks after treatment completion. Results: Overall, according to intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis, the eradication rates for FAB 10 and FAB 7 were 86.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79.9%‐93.2%) and 83.6% (95% CI, 76.3%‐90.9%) and for FA 10 and FA 7 were 82.4% (95% CI, 74.9%‐89.8%) and 77.6% (95% CI, 69.4%‐85.8%), respectively. According to per‐protocol analysis, the overall eradication rates for FAB 10 and FAB 7 were 94.7% (95% CI, 90.3%‐99.1%) and 90.8% (95% CI, 85.1%‐96.5%) and for FA 10 and FA 7 were 90.6% (95% CI, 84.9%‐96.3%) and 85.1% (95% CI, 78.2%‐92.1%), respectively. The overall prevalence of side effects was 8.1%. Conclusions: Furazolidone‐containing therapies, particularly the tested 10‐day quadruple therapy, exhibited satisfactory efficacy and safety. This 10‐day quadruple therapy represents a promising initial treatment strategy for Chinese patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The hydrostatic pressure and seepage force generated by rainwater in cracks increase the overturning moment of collapse body. • The influence of crack depth on the stability of collapse body is obvious. • Crack width has a certain influence on the stability of collapse body, but its influence is not obvious. • The failure of collapse body includes three parts: initiation of tensile cracks, crack expansion, bending and dumping of collapse body. • Inhibiting crack depth and width can effectively control collapse geological disasters and soil gravity erosion. Collapse is one of the frequent geological disasters on the Loess Plateau, which seriously threatens the safety of people's life and property. Taking the typical loess collapse in Wangdonggou, Changwu County, China as the research object, the loess collapse model is established through the field geological investigation and laboratory tests. Based on the principle of fluid–solid coupling, the failure mechanism of collapse body with the different crack depth and crack width are numerically simulated by the finite element method to study the influence of cracks on loess collapse under the action of heavy rainfall. The results show that with the infiltration of rainfall, on the one hand, the self-weight of the collapse body increases, which causes the increase of shear stress at the slope foot. On the other hand, when rainwater seeps out from the slope surface, it generates the seepage force, resulting the increase of the overturning moment of the collapse body. When the crack depth gradually increases from 0 to 6.0 m, the tensile stress at the crack tip gradually increases, the trend of collapse body toppling towards the free face is more and more obvious, the plastic zone gradually expands from the slope foot to the crack tip, and the safety factor of the collapse body decreases from 1.135 to 0.958. With the increase of crack width, the gravity center of collapse body gradually moves outward, the soil deformation at the slope foot and crack tip gradually increases, and the stability of the collapse body continuously decreases. The failure process of toppling loess collapse includes tensile crack initiation, crack expansion and collapse body bending and toppling. The results reveal the influence of crack depth and crack width on the stability of the collapse body under the action of rainfall, as well as the instability failure mechanism of the collapse body, which can provide theoretical support for the prevention and control of collapse geological disasters and soil gravity erosion in Loess Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial DNA mutations play an important role in hereditary hearing loss. The present study aimed at identifying more novel genetic variants of mitochondrial DNA. Complete Mitochondrial genomes were detected in 97 Northwestern Chinese probands with non-syndromic hearing loss and 376 control subjects. The variants were evaluated for the pathogenicity using the following criteria: (1) present in <1% of the controls, (2) evolutional conservation, (3) potential structural and functional alterations. Mutational analysis in probands identified 706 variants, including 180 variants in the D loop region, 27 variants in the 12S rRNA gene, 29 variants in the 16S rRNA gene, 122 missense variants and 312 silent variants in the protein coding gene, 29 variants in the tRNA genes and 7 variants in the non-coding region. After further analysis assessed for the potential structural and functional significance, we identified 5 new candidate variants for hearing loss: 12S rRNA1473C>T, tRNA Phe 614A>C, tRNA Lys 8339A>G, ND1 3866T>C and non-coding 5656A>G. Our findings may provide the role of these genes in hearing loss development in China and valuable information for the further understanding of pathogenic mechanism of hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin sheets of bean curd (TSBC), a favorite food in China, is mostly vacuum packed to maintain the shelf life. However, the vacuum packing processing will cause adhesion between sheets, which is difficult to peel. To solve this problem, a rapid dehydration technique for the TSBC using cold plasma was developed. The surface structure and physicochemical properties of the TSBC treated by cold plasma were evaluated. The results indicated that water contact angle increased from 0° to 66.37° and 66.94°, and adhesion between sheets decreased from 2.81 g. sec to 0.01 g.sec. It was due to the removal of the bulk-phase water from the TSBC. And scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of a dense structure on the TSBC surface. Moreover, surface structure determination revealed that the cold plasma etching led to the depolymerization of protein and the exposure of hydrophobic points without any effect on the primary structure. • TSBC treated by cold plasma formed a dense surface structure, reducing the adhesion between sheets. • The etching effects of cold plasma led to the depolymerization of protein of TSBC. • More hydrophobic groups of protein in TSBC were exposed, improving the surface hydrophobicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]