Search

Little is known about the association between surface water quality and cancer incidence, especially in China. Drinking water quality has been linked to the incidence of several cancers in individual-level studies. However, few studies have attempted to examine multiple pollutants and multiple cancers at population level. This study used water monitoring and population-level cancer data from across China to examine spatial associations between water pollutants and types of cancer. We found a "dose–response" relationship between the number of pollutants present at high levels and cancer incidence. These results provide evidence of a nationwide spatial association between water quality and cancer in China. The precise relationship varies with cancers and pollutants. However, the overall consistency of the "dose–response" relationship suggests that surface water quality is an important factor in cancer incidence. Our findings highlight new issues such as the changing effects when different pollutants co-exist and an increasing number of new cancer cases partially attributable to poor water quality. Our work also points to some ways to deal with these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, China has determined the national goal of "developing national environmental criteria", thereby promoting the rapid development of environmental quality criteria research in China. In 2017, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China (MEEC, formerly the Ministry of Environmental Protection of China) issued the technical guideline for deriving water quality criteria (WQC) for protection of freshwater organisms (HJ 831-2017), and in 2022, they organized the guideline revision and issued an updated version (HJ 831-2022). The primary contents of the revision included the following. The minimum toxicity data requirements were upgraded from 6 to 10, and the species mean toxicity value was replaced by the same effect toxicity value for the criteria calculation. It is now required that the tested organisms must be distributed in China's natural fresh waters, and the toxicity data of non-native model species will no longer be used. The list of freshwater invasive species in China that cannot be used as test species was added into the guideline. The acute/chronic ratio (ACR) method for the criteria derivation and the extreme value model were deleted, and the provisions for testing the toxicity data distribution were also deleted. The exposure time of the toxicity test of various tested organisms was refined, and the priority of the toxicity data was clearly specified. This paper introduces the framework and specific technical requirements of HJ 831-2022 in detail, including data collection, pre-processing of toxicity data, criteria derivation, fitting models, and quality control. This introduction is helpful for international peers to understand the latest research progress of China's WQC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) presents with a marked female preponderance, but whether the sex difference in its distribution has any relevance to the presentation and outcome of the disease is unknown. The aim of this study was therefore to compare biochemical indices of hypercortisolism and impaired glucose metabolism between male and female patients with MACS. Method: We enrolled a total of 98 patients with autonomous/possible autonomous cortisol secretion in our study, and indices of hypercortisolism and glucose metabolism were collected and compared between the male and female patients. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between sex and cortisol-secretory ability, as well as between the latter and glucose metabolism. In addition, we conducted further stratified analyses according to the degree of autonomous cortisol secretion and menopausal status. Results: Cortisol levels at 00:00 and 08:00 h after a 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and low-dose DST were significantly higher in female than in male MACS patients, and the inhibition rate of 1-mg DST was lower in the women than in the men. This significant difference still remained after adjusting for age, BMI, and the course of the disease. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between autonomous cortisol secretion and fasting C-peptide, as well as with the C-peptide-to-glucose ratio in females relative to male patients. In addition, stratified analyses indicated that this association was observed only among women with autonomous cortisol secretion and who were premenopausal. Conclusion: The level of autonomic cortisol secretion in female patients with MACS was higher than in male patients, and the association between autonomous cortisol secretory ability and glucose homeostasis was only noted in patients with autonomous cortisol secretion and in premenopausal women. This phenomenon will, however, require closer follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Diabetes is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Paleolithic site of Xibaimaying (XBMY), once considered the youngest flake tool site within the Nihewan Basin, North China, is an ideal archive to study the chronological relationship between flake tool and microblade industries in the Nihewan Basin during the Upper Palaeolithic, but the previous ages obtained for the site remain controversial. From 2015 to 2019, three areas at two archaeological localities (XBMY-I and XBMY-II) of the site were excavated, and well-preserved fossils and flake tools were unearthed. In this study, a total of 26 samples were collected from the three areas for optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating using a single-aliquot regenerative-dose (SAR) protocol on fine-grained quartz. A shared 'Standardized growth curve' (SGC) for a section was constructed to reduce the time required for D e estimation. The long-term weighted average water contents of the samples during their burial period were estimated based on the in-situ water contents of continuous samples from a nearby borehole. All the OSL ages were modelled via Bayesian statistics using the OxCal software, modifying the OSL ages with stratigraphic constraints in each section. The results show that the cultural layer bearing flake tool assemblages falls within the period of 122–36 ka, indicating that the flake tool industry of the Xibaimaying site is comparable to that of the Youfangbei (108–86 ka), Banjingzi (∼86 ka) and Xinmiaozhuang (75–63 ka) sites, rather than the youngest one in the Nihewan basin, which explains why the Xibaimaying site is characterized as pure flake tool culture without any 'advanced' trait. The OSL dating results also shed new light on the study of sedimentary processes in the Xibaimaying site area. The different deposition rates (0.01–1.61 mm/a) for the sediments at the three newly excavated areas imply complex geomorphologic processes in the site area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southwestern Tianshan orogenic belt hosts one of the Earth’s rare occurrences of ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks derived from subducted oceanic crust. To address its poorly constrained and controversial P-T-t evolution, for this study, three representative samples, two paragonite-epidote eclogites (H505-26 and H76-10) and one glaucophane-phengite eclogite (H711-1) are selected, and Sm-Nd geochronology and detailed phase equilibria modeling are combined. Garnet porphyroblasts from the three studied eclogites have well-preserved growth zoning with rim-ward increasing pyrope and decreasing spessartine contents. Phase equilibria modeling reveals that the investigated garnets grew in the lawsonite eclogite facies; in eclogite H505-26 during heating and burial, and in eclogites H76-10 and H711-1 during heating and decompression. Temperatures of 460–590°C derived for the three eclogites are below the closure temperature of the Sm-Nd system, and, thus, the garnet-omphacite-whole rock Sm-Nd isochron ages have the potential to reflect garnet growth, i.e., eclogite facies metamorphism. The three eclogites yield consistent Sm-Nd isochron ages of 309±4.6Ma (H505-26), 306±15Ma (H76-10) and 305±11Ma (H711-1), reflecting HP eclogite facies metamorphism. Based on the new geochronology, detailed investigation of phase equilibria and published data, a clockwise P-T-t path with post-P max heating – decompression, subsequent isothermal decompression and final cooling – decompression is predicted for the eclogites from Chinese southwestern Tianshan. We propose, subduction of the South Tianshan paleo-ocean began before 346Ma, the eclogite facies prograde metamorphism of the subducting oceanic crust occurred at 346–333Ma, peak eclogite facies metamorphism at 320–305Ma, and buoyancy-driven exhumation of the oceanic crust at 296–226Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Inorganic or bulk organic chemical indicators, including organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen, organic nitrogen (ON), fixed ammonium (Nfix), exchangeable ammonium, exchangeable nitrate, organic phosphorus (OP), inorganic phosphorus (IP), and biogenic silica (BSi), were examined in a 3-m core collected in Jiaozhou Bay (JZB) to decipher how the environment has changed during the preceding two centuries of increasing anthropogenic influence in this region. Concentrations of BSi, OC, and OP reveal overall increases to ca.30cm (∼1984), then decreased toward the surface, probably reflecting a decrease in the productivity of overlying waters since 1984. Aquaculture might play an important role in the decrease of nutrient elements in the upper layers recorded in sediments. The decreased molar BSi/OC ratios upcore may be due to a change in dominance from large- to small-sized diatoms, as shown in other research. However, the shift may also be related to changes from heavily-silicified to lightly-silicified diatoms or to non-siliceous forms such as dinoflagellates. ON concentrations increased towards the surface sediment, which is most likely consistent with the increase in fertilizer application and wastewater discharge. Concentrations of IP, total P, and Nfix all decreased conspicuously upcore at 41cm depth (∼1977), and were largely consistent with the decrease in rainfall and freshwater discharge to JZB. Our data suggest that the environment has significantly changed since the1980s. Anthropogenic activities in the watersheds may exert a substantial influence on carbon cycling processes in estuaries and potentially the coastal ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: On the basis of the third evaluation on hydrocarbon resources and the distribution estimation of remaining oil/gas resources, PetroChina puts forward four key exploration domains, which are litho-stratigraphic reservoirs, foreland thrust belts, middle and lower combinations of the superimposed basins, and hydrocarbon-rich depressions or plays in the mature exploration areas. The litho-stratigraphic reservoir has become the main body of the reserves growth; the foreland thrust belts are the important domains for finding significant discoveries, the middle and lower combinations in the superimposed basins have increasingly important status in increasing geological reserves, and the fine exploration in hydrocarbon-rich depressions or plays also have prodigious exploration potential. The remaining hydrocarbon resources are mainly distributed in seven domains, which are large-scale litho-stratigraphic reservoirs, hydrocarbon-rich depressions (plays) in rift-subsidence basins, foreland thrust belts, middle-lower combinations in the superimposed basins, onshore new exploring areas and new basins, south areas of South China Sea, and unconventional resources. Among them, the former four domains have great exploration potential and are the important areas for reserves and production growth, and the latter three domains are the important fields of realizing resources strategic relay for PetroChina in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To understand the evolution and stability of beaches, prediction of the equilibrium beach profile (EBP) is theoretically and practically important. In the present paper, a new equation, h = Ae Bx + C is developed to predict the change in beach profile for sections above the water level and the adjacent nearshore portions. Moreover, fractal analysis is applied to predict types of EBP for the first time using the field data collected from Liao Zuikou and Nanwan beaches, South China. Three types of EBP termed Upward-concave EBP (U-EBP), Downward-concave EBP (D-EBP) and Medium-characteristic EBP (M-EBP), are given for the studied region of South China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Sedentary behavior (SB) is deeply ingrained in the daily lives of community-dwelling older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the specific underlying mechanisms of the determinants associated with SB remain elusive. We aimed to explore the determinants of SB based on the behavior change wheel framework as well as a literature review. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 489 community-dwelling older adults with T2DM in Jinan City, Shandong Province, China. Convenience sampling was used to select participants from relevant communities. This study used the Measure of Older Adults' Sedentary Time-T2DM, the Abbreviated-Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale, the Social Support Rating Scale, the Lubben Social Network Scale 6, the Subjective Social Norms Questionnaire for Sedentary Behavior, the Functional Activities Questionnaire, the Numerical Rating Scale, the Short Physical Performance Battery, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Text to assess the levels of and the determinants of SB. Descriptive statistical analysis and path analysis were conducted to analyze and interpret the data. Results: Pain, cognitive function, social isolation, and social support had direct and indirect effects on SB in community-dwelling older adults with T2DM (total effects: β = 0.426, β = -0.171, β = -0.209, and β = -0.128, respectively), and physical function, walking environment, and social function had direct effects on patients' SB (total effects: β = -0.180, β = -0.163, and β = 0.127, respectively). All the above pathways were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The path analysis showed that the model had acceptable fit indices: RMSEA = 0.014, χ 2/df = 1.100, GFI = 0.999, AGFI = 0.980, NFI = 0.997, RFI = 0.954, IFI = 1.000, TLI = 0.996, CFI = 1.000. Conclusion: Capability (physical function, pain, and cognitive function), opportunity (social isolation, walking environment, and social support), and motivation (social function) were effective predictors of SB in community-dwelling older adults with T2DM. Deeper knowledge regarding these associations may help healthcare providers design targeted intervention strategies to decrease levels of SB in this specific population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leukemia patients undergoing cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) may carry a high risk of disease induction. Measurable residual disease (MRD) in bone marrow is linked to an elevated risk of relapse. It is controversial whether leukemia patients must be allowed to achieve measurable residual disease negative (MRD-negative) status instead of measurable residual disease positive (MRD-positive) status before ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC). Objective: To explore the safety and efficacy of OTT in acute leukemia patients with different MRD status by using xenotransplantation. Method: Cryopreserved ovarian tissue from 19 leukemia patients was thawed and xenotransplanted to ovariectomized BALB/C nude mice (n=36). The mice were divided into 2 groups based on the patient's MRD status before OTC: MRD-negative group (n=18) and MRD-positive group (n=18), additionally, a control group consisted of ovariectomized mice (n=9). Body weight was measured weekly and mortality, emaciation, and other abnormalities were recorded. Twenty-six weeks post-surgery, livers, spleens, uteruses, and ovarian grafts were removed for macroscopic and histological examinations to evaluate the efficacy of xenotransplantation and assess malignant cell contamination in mice. Results: Follicle growth was visible in the ovarian grafts of the MRD-negative and MRD-positive groups. Compared with the ovariectomized group, a significant decrease in body weight (p<0.01) was noted, the uterine volume was notably larger, estradiol (E2) levels were significantly higher (p<0.01), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were significantly lower (p<0.001) in the other two groups. Mice in the MRD-positive group showed a significantly higher incidence of death (p<0.001) and emaciation (p<0.01), compared to the MRD-negative group. Histological observation revealed the presence of malignant cells in the grafts, livers, and spleens of 3 mice in the MRD-positive group. No abnormalities were observed in the mice from the MRD-negative group in both macroscopic and histological observations except one mouse was sacrificed for ascites unrelated to leukemia relapse. Conclusion: For leukemia patients having ovarian tissue preserved in the first and only centralized human ovarian tissue cryobank in China, immunodeficient mice xenotransplantation can be a method to evaluate the safety and efficacy of OTT; the risk of malignant cell reimplantation due to OTT is higher in leukemia patients with MRD-positive status than those with MRD-negative status before OTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonsecretory multiple myeloma (NSMM) is a rare type of multiple myeloma (MM). Few studies have described the clinical features and outcomes of NSMM in novel agents. Additionally, the prognostic characteristics have remained controversial in recent years. Purpose: To investigate the clinical and prognostic features of NSMM and explore the prognostic value of involved free light chain (FLC) levels in NSMM patients in the Chinese population. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 176 newly diagnosed NSMM cases between January 2005 and December 2021 from 19 clinical centers in China. The control group was selected using a 1:4 propensity score matching technique of newly diagnosed secretory MM, with age, sex and diagnosis time as the matching variables. Results: The median age of NSMM patients was 60 years, and 22.6% of patients were classified as ISS stage 3. The ORR of the NSMM patients was 87.4%, and the CR was 65.8%. Compared to the matched secretory MM patients, more NSMM patients achieved CR after first-line treatment (65.8% vs. 36%, p = 0.000). The ORR of first-line treatment was not significantly different between NSMM and secretory MM (89.45% vs. 84.7%, p = 0.196). The first-line PFS was 27.5 m and 23 m (p = 0.063), and the median OS was 81 m and 70 months (p = 0.401). However, for CR-achieved NSMM and CR-not-achieved NSMM patients, the median PFS was 37 m vs. 16 m (p = 0.021), while the median OS showed no difference (107 m vs. 87 m, p = 0.290). In multivariate analysis, the significant factors for PFS were age ≥ 65 and ISS-3. ISS-3 was the only independent prognostic factor of OS. The iFLC ≥ 50 mg/L group had a high ORR of 97.3%, and the median PFS and OS were 48 m and NR, respectively. Compared to the matched secretory MM, the iFLC ≥ 50 mg/L group also showed more CR and longer OS (NR vs. 70 m, p = 0.006) and PFS (48 m vs. 23 m, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Our results revealed that Chinese NSMM patients are younger and have a higher CR but not superior survival. The subgroup of NSMM patients with iFLC ≥ 50 mg/L had better outcomes than secretory MM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most variations in the human genome refer to single-nucleotide variation (SNV), small fragment insertions and deletions, and genomic copy number variation (CNV). Many human diseases including genetic disorders are associated with variations in the genome. These disorders are often difficult to be diagnosed because of their complex clinical conditions, therefore, an effective detection method is needed to facilitate clinical diagnosis and prevent birth defects. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology, the method of targeted sequence capture chip has been extensively used owing to its high throughput, high accuracy, fast speed, and low cost. In this study, we designed a chip that potentially captured the coding region of 3043 genes associated with 4013 monogenic diseases, with an addition of 148 chromosomal abnormalities that can be identified by targeting specific regions. To assess the efficiency, a strategy of combining the BGISEQ500 sequencing platform with the designed chip was utilized to screen variants in 63 patients. Eventually, 67 disease-associated variants were found, 31 of which were novel. The results of the evaluation test also show that this combined strategy complies with the requirements of clinical testing and has proper clinical application value. Genetic testing: One-step targeted sequencing helps diagnose genetic disorders A new DNA screening method potentially offers a one-step solution to the challenge of diagnosing genetic diseases. A team from China led by Xiaoming Wei from BGI Genomics in Shenzhen and Yang Wan from the Fuyang People's Hospital has designed a DNA chip that captures the coding regions of 4,013 disease-causing genes plus another 148 common chromosomal abnormalities. The targeted next-generation sequencing strategy can detect a variety of genomic alterations including single-letter mutations as well as chromosomal abnormalities including insertions, deletions and duplications of larger pieces of DNA. The researchers ran the test on blood samples from 63 patients with genetic disorders. In 52 of these individuals, they found a total of 67 different disease-related variants, including 31 novel variants, demonstrating the clinical utility of the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is limited information about the efficacy of ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) in children. In the present study, we report eight patients with rare diseases who underwent OTC in China's first and largest ovarian tissue cryobank. Procedure: Data from girls with rare diseases who underwent OTC between September 2020 and November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. We also compared the number of cryopreserved cortex pieces, follicle number, and AMH in those with rare diseases and age-matched children with non-rare diseases who also underwent OTC in our cryobank. Results: The median age of the children was 5.88 ± 3.52 (range 2-13) years old. Unilateral oophorectomy was undertaken via laparoscopy in all of the children. The diseases in the 8 patients were: 4 mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS I two cases, IVA two cases), 1 Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA), 1 Fanconi anemia (FA), 1 hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (HIES), 1 Niemann-Pick disease. The number of cryopreserved cortex pieces was 17.13 ± 6.36, and the follicle count per 2 mm biopsy was 447.38 ± 524.35. No significant difference in age, the count of cryopreserved cortex pieces, follicle number per 2 mm biopsy, and AMH level was seen between the 20 children with non-rare diseases and those with rare diseases. Conclusions: The reports help practitioners counsel girls with rare diseases about fertility preservation. The demand for OTC in pediatrics will likely grow as a standard of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pueraria lobata (known as Gegen) is an edible and medicinal herb that is a nutritious medicine food homology plant in China. Previous studies indicated that P. lobata plays an essential role in controlling cytokines. However, the exact mechanism of the inflammation response is still unknown. In this study, we observed the uptake of P. lobata-derived exosomes (Exos) in isolated mouse macrophages. Our results show that P. lobata-derived Exos shift M1 macrophages toward the M2. These data present that P. lobata and puerarin might exert and enhance anti-inflammatory effects through the activation of exosomes and shifts in macrophage polarization, providing strong evidence for the application of P. lobata as novel an anti-inflammatory therapeutic biomaterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although it cannot be predicted accurately which young females will develop premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) following chemotherapy or irradiation, patients at high risk of POI should be offered ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC). Our ovarian tissue cryobank is the first center in China. OTC was firstly performed on a 3-year-old girl with mosaic Turner syndrome (TS) in China. We report this case and present a literature review about TS girls' fertility preservation (FP). Case presentation: Karyotype analysis of umbilical cord blood showed that the girl was diagnosed with TS, 45,X [19]/46,XX [81]. The girl was a 3-year-old girl when her parents would like OTC to preserve fertility. No abnormality was found in the reproductive system, abdominal and cardiac ultrasound, spinal X-ray, and bone age. She was treated with growth hormone (GH) one year ago because of her short stature. GH has been discontinued now. Because of the high risk of POI, OTC was planned. The hormone level before OTC was FSH 4.27 IU/L, LH 0.00 IU/L, E2 < 11.80 pg/ml, AMH 1.06 ng/ml. Pelvic ultrasound showed that the size of the bilateral ovaries was 1.6 cmx0.7-0.8 cm, no enlarged follicles were found, and the maximum diameter of follicles was 0.2-0.37 cm. Ovarian tissue for OTC was taken from the whole right ovary by laparoscopic surgery, and the antral follicles could be seen in ovarian tissue preparation. Sixteen ovarian cortical slices were cryopreserved by slow freezing, with an average of 1380 follicles in round cortical tissue with a diameter of 2 mm, and the follicular density was about 440/mm³. The ovarian tissue from 10 children with non-TS was cryopreserved in our center, the median age was 5 (range 2-8) years old, and the median number of follicles was 766 (range 163-2250) per 2 mm biopsy. The follicles number in this girl were within normal range. Conclusion: TS patients should be evaluated early in childhood to benefit from FP. For highly selected young females with mosaic TS, if the endocrine evaluation does not indicate POI and other health problems do not rule out future pregnancy, it seems reasonable to consider OTC as an FP option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's economic development has shifted from high-speed to high-quality. The fundamental of promoting the high-quality development of the real economy lies in real enterprises. Therefore, it is urgent to measure the high-quality development of real enterprises scientifically and reasonably. Herein, we construct a comprehensive evaluation index system for the high-quality development of real enterprises based on the existing research and combined with the characteristics of real enterprises. Then, the high-quality development index for real enterprises is created using factor analysis and AHP. Moreover, we measure and analyze the high-quality development of real enterprises in 2020. The results show that the high-quality development level of Chinese real enterprises remains to be further upgraded. Meanwhile, there are obvious contrasts in the high-quality development index of real enterprises in industries and regions. Finally, we put forward some related policy recommendations, such as enhancing policy relevance, insisting on innovative development, and increasing financial sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the development of social Darwinism in China from the mid-1890s to 1930 vis-à-vis its ties with social Darwinism in the West, employing a comparative analysis of Spencer, Huxley, and Yan Fu. A form of evolutionism that envisioned a cosmological order based upon strength was transformed into a component of power politics in Republican China, despite unsuccessful political endeavors that illustrated both the triumphs and social malfunctions of evolutionary ideas. From the late 1910s, a new variety of social Darwinism arose alongside the scientific one, reflecting the influence of Kropotkin and de Vries, as Chinese thinkers incorporated non-Anglophone texts. The theories that emerged made sense of the changing Chinese adaptations of evolutionary thinking by contextualizing and modifying them within the intellectual and political dynamics inside China and also in China's evolving relationship with capitalism and imperialism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Authenticity Studies: International Journal of Archaeology & Art is the property of Padova University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Trace element LA–ICPMS analyses of rutile from eclogites and veins from southwestern Tianshan, China, are carried out for testing the validity of Zr-in-rutile thermometry in low-T/UHP eclogites. Mineral inclusions in rutile and time-resolved mass spectrometer data are carefully examined to identify and reject contaminated data. The Zr contents vary between individual grains from the same sample; rutile inclusions in garnet, amphibole, and paragonite have a narrower range of Zr contents than matrix rutiles that always show the highest Zr contents, which reflects the progressive rutile growth in the eclogites. Average Zr concentrations in rutile from all six investigated eclogite samples statistically belong to one well-defined population (34±5ppm; 33±11ppm; 26±7ppm; 36±17ppm; 22±6ppm; 40±17ppm), while average Zr concentration in rutile from the three veins belong to a second well-defined population (55±7ppm; 66±6ppm; 55±5ppm). The peak temperature of eclogite can be estimated as 535–570°C at a pressure of 2.7GPa inverted from the discovery of well preserved coesite in an increasing number of rocks from southwestern Tianshan. The mineral assemblage of the veins suggests their retrograde formation in the epidote–amphibolite facies; the growth temperature of vein rutile is 530–540°C at ∼1.0GPa. A robust P–T path constructed by Zr-in-rutile thermometry in eclogites and veins indicates that the rocks underwent a rapid uplift involving an early isothermal decompression from eclogite to epidote–amphibolite facies. Zr in rutile from eclogites and veins can serve as a pressure indicator in study area that suggests the pressure has a significant effect to the Zr-in-rutile thermometry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: In rural China, children's vision problems are very common, with many who would benefit from refractive correction not getting the care they need. This study examines whether a health information campaign that involves vision health education and a free trial of health product with free eyeglasses is effective at raising students' awareness of myopia and promoting students' eyeglasses usage. Methods: We conducted an in-the-field randomized controlled experiment of a program providing vision health education and subsidized free eyeglasses to myopic children from 168 primary schools in rural Northwestern China in 2012. Results: A total of 2189 students, mean age 10.5 years (49.3% male), participated in the baseline survey. At the baseline, the average correct response rate for visual knowledge among the sample students was 30.1%, and only 15% who needed eyeglasses used them. Seven months after intervention, the average correct response rate for vision knowledge were 48.5% and 48.3% in the education group and the education plus free eyeglasses group respectively, significantly higher than that of the control group. The rate of eyeglasses usage was 36% and 43% in the free eyeglasses group and the education plus free eyeglasses group respectively, significantly higher than that of the control group. The rate of eyeglasses compliance in the free eyeglasses group and the education plus free eyeglasses group was 19% and 26%, which also were significantly higher than the control group. Conclusion: The information campaign combined with subsidized eyeglasses had a better effect both on vision knowledge and eyeglasses usage. The information campaign improved knowledge by providing the right information, and free eyeglasses changed the perceived utility and experience by the students using the product and getting benefits. Information and the free eyeglasses (subsidized) are complements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology and ontogeny of the trilobite Changaspis elongata based on 216 specimens collected from the Lazizhai section of the Balang Formation (Stage 4, Series 2 of the Cambrian) in Guizhou Province, South China are described. The relatively continuous ontogenetic series reveals morphological changes, and shows that the species has seventeen thoracic segments in the holaspid period, instead of the sixteen as previously suggested. The development of the pygidial segments shows that their number gradually decreases during ontogeny. A new dataset of well-preserved specimens offers a unique opportunity to investigate developmental traits after segment addition is completed. The ontogenetic size progressions for the lengths of cephalon and trunk show overall compliance with Dyar's rule. As a result of different average growth rates for the lengths of cephalon, trunk and pygidium, the length of the thorax relative to the body shows a gradually increasing trend; however, the cephalon and pygidium follow the opposite trend. Morphometric analysis across fourteen post-embryonic stages reveals growth gradients with increasing values for each thoracic segment from anterior to posterior. The reconstruction of the development traits shows visualization of the changes in relative growth and segmentation for the different body parts. The new dataset and growth gradient of the trunk suggest that the thoracic segment growth dynamics of early Cambrian to Silurian trilobites follow the same general continuous, steady-state growth gradient decreasing from posterior to anterior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates Indonesian diplomats' perceptions of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Personal interviews were conducted with Indonesian diplomats who have dealt either directly or indirectly with China-related issues. The image theory in international relations was then applied to analyse their perceptions of the initiative. The responses reflected a prevailing perception that China presents a moderate level of threat to Indonesia. This view was manifested primarily in concerns that Indonesia could be economically exploited by taking part in the initiative. However, the diplomats in this sample also displayed a sophisticated approach, combining a tendency to portray Chinese intentions negatively with a favourable opinion of the initiative and a belief that Indonesia could still benefit from it. Their comments suggest that if Jakarta maintains its present perceptions, Indonesia is highly likely to maintain its engagement with the BRI. Nevertheless, the diplomats' mixed feelings could place some constraints on how intensive the Indonesian- Chinese bilateral economic exchanges related to the BRI will become, as well as on how explicitly Indonesia will demonstrate its support for China by promoting the initiative globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology and trunk development of the trilobite Arthricocephalus chauveaui described herein are based on 216 articulated specimens collected from the Lazizhai section of the Balang Formation (Stage 4, Series 2 of the Cambrian) in Jianhe County, Guizhou Province, South China. The new specimens exhibit a relatively complete ontogenetic sequence ranging from the protaspid to holaspid periods and reveal more morphological changes of the species in detail. For example, from degrees 0 to 4, the facial sutures are proparian and then gradually move backward from degree 5, until in the holaspid period, the suture becomes gonatoparian. Based on both linear measurements, we investigate here the morphological variation of some cranial traits throughout ontogeny. Our results demonstrate that the allometric growth pattern shows continuous variations, some of which are related to trunk development. By exploring the trunk segmentation in A.chauveaui, the developmental mode shows that somitogenesis and tagmosis may have developed independently at each meraspid degree beyond degree 0. The holaspid period is consistent with the beginning of the epimorphic phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the clinical features of septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) cases and prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality in China.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of SPE patients hospitalized between January 2007 and June 2018 in the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University.Results: A total of 98 patients with SPE were identified. All patients had bilateral multiple peripheral nodules on chest computed tomography. The most common pathogen found in blood culture was Staphylococcus aureus (10/33, 30.3%). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 39 patients and 20 showed vegetations. Bronchoscopy was performed in 24 patients. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained from 15 patients (62.5%) and showed predominantly polymorphonuclear cell infiltration (52%, range of 48%~ 63%). Four patients received transbronchial lung biopsy, and histopathological examinations revealed suppurative pneumonia and organizing pneumonia. The in-hospital mortality rate was 19.4%. Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.100; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.035-1.169), hypotension (OR 7.260; 95% CI 1.126-46.804) and ineffective or delay of empirical antimicrobial therapy (OR 7.341; 95% CI 1.145-47.045) were found to be independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality, whereas drainage treatment was found to be a protective factor (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.002-0.677).Conclusions: SPE cases presented with nonspecific clinical manifestations and radiologic features. Blood cultures and bronchoscopy are important measures for early diagnosis and differential diagnosis. There is relationship between primary infection sites and the type of pathogen. Maintaining normal blood pressure and providing timely and appropriate initial antimicrobial therapy for effective control of the infection could improve prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphorus pesticides are effective, cheap, and used extensively but can harm aquatic organism and human health. Here, water quality criteria (WQCs) for dichlorvos (DDVP) and malathion (MAL) were derived. Nine aquatic organisms native to China were used in toxicity tests. Published toxicity data for aquatic organisms native and non-native to China were also analyzed. DDVP and MAL WQCs were derived using (log-normal model) species sensitivity distributions. Species sensitivity distribution curves indicated native and non-native species have different sensitivities to DDVP. The sensitivities of native and non-native species to MAL were not different because non-native species data for fewer than eight genera were available, so further research is required. The results indicated that native species need to be considered when deriving WQCs. The criteria maximum concentration (CMC) and criteria continuous concentration (CCC) were 1.33 and 0.132 μg/L, respectively, for DDVP, and 0.100 and 0.008 μg/L, respectively, for MAL. The CMCs for DDVP and MAL derived using ETX 2.0 software and species sensitivity ranks were different from the CMCs obtained using the SSD method because of parameter uncertainties. The DDVP and MAL WQCs were significantly lower than Chinese surface water quality standard thresholds. The results provide basic data for revising these thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology and ontogeny of the trilobite Changaspis elongata based on 216 specimens collected from the Lazizhai section of the Balang Formation (Stage 4, Series 2 of the Cambrian) in Guizhou Province, South China are described. The relatively continuous ontogenetic series reveals morphological changes, and shows that the species has seventeen thoracic segments in the holaspid period, instead of the sixteen as previously suggested. The development of the pygidial segments shows that their number gradually decreases during ontogeny. A new dataset of well-preserved specimens offers a unique opportunity to investigate developmental traits after segment addition is completed. The ontogenetic size progressions for the lengths of cephalon and trunk show overall compliance with Dyar's rule. As a result of different average growth rates for the lengths of cephalon, trunk and pygidium, the length of the thorax relative to the body shows a gradually increasing trend; however, the cephalon and pygidium follow the opposite trend. Morphometric analysis across fourteen post-embryonic stages reveals growth gradients with increasing values for each thoracic segment from anterior to posterior. The reconstruction of the development traits shows visualization of the changes in relative growth and segmentation for the different body parts. The new dataset and growth gradient of the trunk suggest that the thoracic segment growth dynamics of early Cambrian to Silurian trilobites follow the same general continuous, steady-state growth gradient decreasing from posterior to anterior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, single young women and married couples migrating from mainland China have constituted a prominent group engaging in ministry careers among Chinese Christian communities in the UK. By investigating how they construct meaning out of their career choices that were entangled in the binaries and contradictions of the past/present, home/diaspora, public/private, men/women and family/self, this study explores the complexity of gender, Christianity and space in a (late) socialist Chinese case, thereby revealing the paradoxical subjectivities of these Chinese ministers. The idea is advanced that apart from a structural demand for clergies from mainland China, the complex interaction between traditional, (late) socialist and Christian gender ideologies has also affected their choices. The interaction works as a ‘transformative mechanism’ which creates a new moral order in terms of gender relations, family relations and work ethics. The new order incurs a patriarchal backlash against women in this group as well as empowering them. This research explores an interesting relationship between feminism, socialism and Christianity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Intraventricular fibrinolysis (IVF) through bilateral external ventricular drains (EVD) may provide better access of the thrombolytic agent to the intraventricular clot, potentially leading to faster clot clearance. Objective: To compare the feasibility and safety between single and bilateral EVD groups. Methods: Patients with spontaneous intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) (Graeb score ≥ 5) were treated with IVF. The selection for placement of one or two EVDs was randomized. The average daily CSF drainage volume, the indwelling EVD time, the time for monitoring in intensive care unit (ICU), intracranial re-haemorrhage and intracranial infection, Glasgow coma score (GCS), Graeb score and the reserved IVH volume have been analysed for patients with one (group I, n = 22) or two EVDs (group II, n = 25). Results: Significant difference was found in the average daily CSF drainage volume between the two groups (85.2 (SD = 13.7) vs. 108.5 (15.9) ml). No difference was found in the indwelling EVD time, the time for monitoring in the ICU. Through repeated measurements of the variance analysis, the test for a difference in IVH volume over time was statistically significant ( F = 466.981, p = 0.000) and the test for the interaction between treatment and time was also significant ( F = 5.033, p = 0.002), indicating that the IVH volume decreased over time in both groups, with a sharper decrease in Group II. Intracranial re-haemorrhage and infection was not found in this study. Conclusion: The results provide some evidence to support the use of bilateral EVDs for IVF in patients with severe IVH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite increasing institutional and financial support, certain public health issues are still neglected by the Chinese Government. The present paper examines the soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection and reinfection rates by conducting a survey on 1724 children in Guizhou Province, China. Our results indicate that 37.5 percent of children had been infected with one or more of the three types of tested STH. However, only 50.4 percent of children reported having taken deworming medicine during the 18-month period before the survey. Of those who reported being dewormed, 34.6 percent tested positive for STH infections. Poverty and number of siblings are significantly and positively correlated with infection and reinfection, and parental education is significantly and negatively correlated with infection and reinfection. Given the ineffectiveness of treatment in these areas to date, for anthelminthic campaigns to actually succeed, China must pay more attention to local-level incentives to improve children's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quaternary deposit of Shanghai is composed of an alternated multi-aquifer-aquitard system (MAAS) consisting of a sequence of aquitards laid over aquifers one by one. In the MAAS, any drawdown of groundwater head in an aquifer may cause consolidation of the overburden aquitard. When underground structures penetrate those aquifers, groundwater seepage path changes and drawdown occurs at the side characterized by the lower hydraulic potential along the flow direction (hereafter refers as to the lower side). This drawdown may cause additional subsidence at the lower side and unbalanced load between the two sides of the underground structure. In order to evaluate the cutoff effect of an underground structure on groundwater seepage in a MAAS representative of the underground of the city of Shanghai, a numerical analysis based on a groundwater flow model has been carried out. The simulated results have shown that underground structures which cut off groundwater flow locally change both magnitude and direction of the flow velocity field. The induced changes in the groundwater field are highly sensitive to the penetration depth and width of the underground structure. Design recommendations for underground structures in aquifers belonging to a MAAS are also presented, which has not yet been considered in the engineering practice of Shanghai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to investigate cancer department nurses' attitudes and practices in response to pelvic radiation patients' sexual issues in Sichuan, China. A self-made questionnaire survey was conducted with 150 registered nurses of six hospitals in China. Nurses were asked about their experiences regarding consultation about sexual issues and attitudes toward the sex-related statements of pelvic radiation patients. We analyzed the correlation factors for the attitudes about dealing with patients' sexual issues by using the ff-test. Of the survey sample, 128 nurses (85.33%) responded. Of the respondents, 46.88% had been consulted about sexual issues by patients or families. In addition, 87.5% of the nurses believed that 'reliable information on sexual in pelvic radiotherapy is lacking', and 77.34% reported having 'an inter-est in undertaking education of knowledge about pelvic radiation patients' sexual issues'; yet only 4.69% had completed professional sexual education about pelvic radiation patients. The hospital type and bed number as well as nurse age and seniority also affected the responses. This study shows that discussing sexuality is still repressed in the patient-nurse rela-tionship, and most nurses' in Chinese cancer departments lack knowledge about pelvic radiation patients' sextial problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After evolutionary theory was introduced in China, Herbert Spencer's interpretation of it in the form of social Darwinism persuaded the Chinese that if they wanted to strengthen their nation, they would have to accept the brutal truth of natural selection, in which the principle of survival of the fittest rules. This version of evolutionary theory, when combined with the pragmatic thrust of Confucianism and the realpolitik of legalism from China's indigenous tradition, started a storm of materialism and utilitarianism in modern China. In the process, the traditional social order based on the rule of propriety (li) was completely subverted and replaced by a new order predicated on the rule of competition and power. This development produced a new mental outlook that privileged power over everything else, seriously undermined the rules of ethics and caused serious political consequences in the late Qing and early Republican period. This intellectual development may have contributed to ending the dynastic rule in China, but it was also responsible for ruining the newborn Republican China. The Chinese intellectuals of the May Fourth era critically reflected on this problematic legacy. While still believing in the notion of progress, they abandoned social Darwinism and embraced the idea of evolution through mutual assistance. Thus began a historical shift in modern China from focusing on wealth and power to focusing on civilization as China's salvation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Modern Chinese nationalism arose in the early twentieth century, and its intellectual sources included traditional Chinese nationalism and modern Western nationalism. Since its emergence in the early twentieth century, modern Chinese nationalism underwent three stages: formation, evolvement and climax. The relevant theory of modern Chinese nationalism underwent a similar process of construction. During the period of the late Qing and early Republic, the nationalist theory revolved around the issue of building what kind of nation–state: the revolutionaries represented by Sun Yat-sen advocated “excluding Manchu” and establishing a single-nation state of the Han; while the Constitutionalists represented by Liang Qichao called for “incorporating Manchu” and building a multi-nation state. After a series of heated debates, the two parties reached a consensus about establishing an independent, democratic and unified multinational country. During the May Fourth period, the theorization of nationalism focused on national self-determination and the interconnection between anti-feudalism and anti-imperialism, and between nationalism and cosmopolitanism, under the influence of the national independence movement after WWI and Lenin's theory of national self-determination. Early Chinese Marxists such as Li Dazhao and Chen Duxiu, as well as Chinese Nationalists such as Sun Yat-sen all contributed to it. After the Mukden Incident of 1931, the theorization of nationalism showed new changes with the stimulation of the pernicious national crisis. This was manifested in the idea of national revival which provoked intensive discussions among the intelligentsia. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: A combined study of zircon U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf isotopes, whole-rock elements and Sr–Nd isotopes was carried out for two granitic intrusions at Changawuzi and Alasan in Muzhaerte River of Southwest Tianshan (NW China). SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating gave two 206Pb/238U ages of 333±3Ma and 326±3Ma for the Changawuzi pluton. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating yielded two 206Pb/238U ages of 293±3Ma and 294±2.2Ma for the Alasan pluton. The two groups of ages predate and postdate the UHP metamorphic event at 320–305Ma in this region, respectively, registering to syn-subduction and post-collisional magmatism. The Changawuzi pluton is composed of gneissic porphyritic tonalite and garnet-bearing gneissic granitoids, having SiO2 of 55.1–64.5wt.%, K2O+Na2O of 2.58–5.07wt.%, MgO of 2.07–4.32wt.%, and Al2O3 of 17.4–19.9wt.% with A/CNK ratios of 0.99 to 1.27. They show arc-like geochemical affinity, with enrichment of LILE (K, Rb, Sr and Ba) and depletion of HFSE (Nb, Ta and Ti) and P, and moderate initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7062–0.7071 and neutral εNd(t) values of −1.5 to 1.6. Except for one zircon with a negative εHf(t) value of −3.5, the others have positive εHf(t) values of 2.5–11.4 and single-stage Hf model ages of 509 to 869Ma. The Changawuzi pluton would be formed by partial melting of possible juvenile arc-derived rocks with minor involvement of ancient continental rocks during subduction of the paleo-South Tianshan oceanic crust and subsequent arc–continent collision. The Alasan pluton consists of medium-grained and porphyritic granitoids. The medium-grained granitoids are composed of granodiorite, quartz monzodiorite and quartz monzonite, displaying SiO2 of 59.37–65.49wt.%, K2O+Na2O of 6.24–8.2wt.% and MgO of 1.45–3.06wt.%, with A/CNK ratios of 0.87–1.04. They have relatively high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7082–0.7103, negative εNd(t) values of −5.9 to −5.6 and negative εHf(t) values of −4.5 to −1.1. The porphyritic granitoids consist of granite, granodiorite and quartz monzonite, with relatively high SiO2 (65.94–75.27wt.%) and K2O+Na2O (7.55–9.13wt.%), low MgO (0.18–1.22wt.%), and A/CNK ratios of 0.82–1.11. They also have relatively high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7073–0.7103, negative εNd(t) values of −6.0 to −0.5 and neutral εHf(t) values of −1.4 to 2.8. Both of them also display arc-like patterns of REE and trace element distribution. They belong to post-collisional granitoids and were produced by partial melting of the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic crust of obducted Central Tianshan block with minor involvement of juvenile crust. The geological occurrences of both the syn-subduction and post-collisional granitoids in this region suggest differential tectonic processes during the Late Paleozoic collision between the Tarim and Yili-Central Tianshan Blocks. It is inferred that slab breakoff occurred subsequent to the UHP metamorphism, resulting in partial melting of the subducted upper crust and the overlying lower crust and thus formation of voluminous granitoids like the Alasan pluton. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article traces the first generation of writers of songs and drama in Nanjing who emerged from the anonymous context of early Ming court entertainment and established their name and reputation in the second half of the fifteenth century. These writers--Shi Zhong (1437-after 1516), Chen Duo (1454?-1507?), and Xu Lin (1462-1538)--represented a different mode of writing songs and drama. For them it was no longer a professional occupation, as in the case of the court performers, but became part of their cultural and social life. The extent to which our knowledge of these first-generation qu writers depends on local sources and on acts of remembrance by later Nanjing authors is also examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new naphthalene derivative, 1-methyl-2,3-methylenedioxy-6-naphthalenecarboxylic acid methyl ester (1), and a new alkaloid, ( ± )-1-phenyl-2-imido-1-propanol (2), together with the four known compounds, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, N-methylephedrine, and 6-methoxykynurenic acid, have been isolated from the stems of Ephedra sinica, a famous traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by spectroscopic methods, including 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments as well as HR-EI-MS analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faults are important oil and gas reservoir spaces and seepage channels, and faults are hotspots in oil and gas geological research. A series of NE-trending strike-slip faults develop in the Tarim Basin. The structural evolution and formation mechanism of these faults need to be studied further. Based on the 3D seismic data in the Xiaotangnan area of the northern slope of Tazhong, the strike-slip fault structure characteristics, formation evolution and mechanism analysis were accomplished. The results are that: (1) Two sets of fault systems, namely deep strike-slip faults and shallow tensile torsional faults, are developed in the Xiaotangnan area. The deep strikeslip fault profile is a high-steep upright or regular flower-like structure, and on the plane, most of them show linear extensions and some branch faults develop at the intersection and the bend. The shallow transtensional faults have a negative flower-like structure on the cross section, and they are divided into three groups of faults: NW20°, NE10°, and NE30°. (2)The faults in the study area experienced two phases of activities: Late Ordovician strike-slip faults, and Early Carboniferous transtensional faults. The Late Ordovician strike-slip faults are transpressional strike-slip faults which are generated by horizontal displacement along the NE-preserved basement weak belts with the strong compression of the southwestern margin of the basin. The Early Carboniferous transtensional faults are syn-shear faults, tensile t-fractures and branch faults caused by block rotation which are generated by reactivation of deep strike-slip faults that are closely related to the oblique compression from the Algin tectonic domain in the southeastern margin of the basin. The result has certain guiding significance for the exploration of Ordovician fracture⁃ cavity oil and gas reservoirs in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Looks at the issue of globalization and transnational human capital in China. Internationalization of the country's education and employment system; Benefits that China gets from foreign capital invested in the cohort of returnees; Historical , global and domestic context of the overseas students; Changes in Chinese government policy; Role of foreign organizations and foreign funding in moving talent out of China.

The sources about the Ming dynasty in China cited within this issue are presented including "Mingchu fengjian zhi de zai qianghua" (The Restrengthening of the Feudal System in the Early Ming) by Chao Zhongcheng, "Wan Ming de shangwu jingshen" (Militarism in the Late Ming)" by Chen Baoliang, and "Mingchu fazhiai jiaoyu shuping" (On Legal Education in the Early Ming)" by Chen Lianying.

Background: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a refractory disease which frequently occurs in young and middle‐aged people. Recent studies indicated that MMP‐14 played an important role in the development of chondrocytes, metabolism of osteoblasts as well as fate decision of hypertrophic chondrocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between polymorphisms of MMP‐14 and steroid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in the Chinese population. Methods: We selected 7 SNPs (rs3751488, rs1003349, rs1042703, rs2236302, rs1042704, rs2236303, and rs2236304) on gene MMP‐14. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the chi‐squared test, genetic model analysis, haplotype analysis, and stratification analysis. Results: We discovered that the genotype "G/G" of rs2236302 was associated with ONFH risk in the MMP‐14 in the codominant model (OR = 8.62, 95% CI = 1.07–69.46, p = 0.038) and recessive model (OR = 8.86, 95% CI = 1.10–71.31, p = 0.013). Conclusions: We have confirmed that the susceptive SNPs (rs2236302) of MMP‐14 from the MMPs/TIMPs system exhibit a significant association with increased risk of steroid‐induced ONFH in the population of northern China. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between polymorphisms of MMP‐14 and steroid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in the Chinese population. We have confirmed that the susceptive SNPs (rs2236302) of MMP‐14 from the MMPs/TIMPs system exhibit a significant association with increased risk of steroid‐induced ONFH in the population of northern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]