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To investigate the independent impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences (PCEs) on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Chinese adolescents, and to explore the potential moderating role of PCEs in the association between ACEs and HRQOL. This was a cross-sectional study. We surveyed 6982 students aged 11–20 in Guangzhou, China, from November to December 2021. Adolescents self-reported their ACEs, PCEs, and HRQOL by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form, the Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire, the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale, and the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4.0, respectively. Multivariable linear regressions were performed to examine the associations between ACEs, PCEs, and HRQOL controlled for adolescents' age, gender, single-child status, boarding school attendance, primary caregivers, as well as parental age and occupational status. Likelihood-ratio tests were further applied to explore the moderating role of PCEs. In the models that considered both ACEs and PCEs, ACEs were significantly associated with lower HRQOL scores in all dimensions, summary scales, and total scale (β = −13.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −14.82, −12.94 for total scale). Conversely, exposure to an above-average number of PCEs was associated with higher HRQOL scores in all measured aspects (β = 7.20, 95%CI: 6.57, 7.84 for total scale). PCEs significantly moderated the association between ACEs and all HRQOL dimensions, summary scales, and total scale, except school functioning. ACEs and PCEs exert independent and opposite impacts on adolescents' HRQOL. PCEs could mitigate the negative impacts of ACEs. Enhancing resilience, like PCEs, may contribute to improving the HRQOL among adolescents who have exposed to ACEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PM2.5 sampling was performed at two coke plants in an industrial city (Jiexiu city) in Shanxi of northern China to reveal morphology and chemical composition of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) discharged from coke chemical industry. The samples were collected from three sites including wet electronic dust collector, flue gas of coke pushing and enterprise boundary. Total mass concentration, chemical components of PM2.5 were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, ion chromatograph, thermooptic carbon analyzer, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and X-ray fluorescence. Results showed that PM2.5 mass concentrations and total carbon from flue gas of coke pushing were significantly higher than those from enterprise boundary and wet electronic dust collector, indicating that wet electric dust collector technology should be strongly recommended in existing and new facilities. The dominant inorganic elements identified from PM2.5 contain Si, Ca, K, Al, and Fe. The dominant water-soluble ions identified from PM2.5 contain Ca2+, SO42− and NO3−. The main polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons identified from PM2.5 contain BbFA, BghiP, CHR, and BeP. Higher volume concentrations of PM2.5 have larger sizes, while larger superficial areas and higher number concentrations of PM2.5 have smaller sizes. PM2.5 mass concentration from flue gas of coke pushing during 80% working condition was within the standard of pollutants for existing facilities, China. In conclusion, the results provide instructive and suggestive reference for the establishment of PM2.5 discharge characteristics standard for coke chemical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facing strict control of natural shoreline retention and the urgent need for mitigation of oceanic hazards, amid climate change, challenges persist in the spatial allocation of nature-based and concrete-based measures in China's coastal protection and restoration plans. This study explores the feasibility of "Operational Landscape Units" (OLUs) and their impact on peak-water-levels (PWL) and tides on the western Yellow Sea inner shelf (WYS), considering the newly published "China Coastal Ecological Zoning on Land and Seas" in 2023. Numerical experiments with a single OLU of county-size operated along the WYS indicate the largest reduction of 10% (0.23m) in PWL on the coast happens when an OLU is set on the section closest to the tidal amphidrome and the shoreline is parallel to the tidal propagation direction. Furthermore, as the restoration section extends on both sides, the spatial scale of the changed PWL expands. Further investigation reveals that OLUs positioned upstream of the tidal propagational direction can more effectively mitigate coastal inundation risks. This is because local tidal damping through bottom friction inside the OLUs overweighs the tidal damping on the inner shelf outside the OLUs. Overall, this study provides insights into high-tidal-flooding mitigation through OLUs in China's coastal zones, offering references for future coastal plans and flood control deployments. [Display omitted] • PWL in the offshore regime decrease the most when an OLU is implemented on Sheyang coast of WYS. • OLUs are more effective on PWL damping if set upstream of an open coast, where tide propagates parallel to shore. • OLUs are classified into three types for PWL damping: Far-reaching Impact, Tidal Energy Absorption, and Local Reduction. • Internal friction of OLUs adjust local PWL, and external friction of OLUs affects overall energy absorption. Although many efforts have been made in recent years for ecological restoration in China, many challenges, such as the lack of effective legal constraints and the absence of nationwide criteria, remain for the coastal regime. For example, little is known about how to spatially implement natural shoreline restoration and whether the 'green' shoreline policy can meet the needs for preventing coastal floods. It is well known that coastal flood risks are highly dependent on local landscapes. In this study, a concept of "Operational Landscape Units" (OLUs), based on a county scale and first implemented in San Francisco Bay, is introduced to China's east coast and investigated for its influence on high tidal levels on the western Yellow Sea inner shelf (WYS). Our findings indicate that strategically placing OLUs upstream in the direction of tidal propagation enhances their effectiveness in mitigating coastal inundation risks. This research sheds light on the potential of OLUs for high-tidal-flooding mitigation in China's coastal zones, providing references for forthcoming coastal plans and the implementation of flood control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to compare the competitive advantage of two chickpea nodulating rhizobia strains (an indigenous strain Mesorhizobium muleiense CCBAU 83963T and an introduced strain Mesorhizobium ciceri USDA 3378) in different soils originated from new chickpea cultivation areas of China. The results showed that USDA 3378 had a significant competitive advantage in nodulation, with nodulation occupation rates ranging from 84·6% to 100% in all the sampled soils. According to the efficiency of symbiosis under single inoculation, chickpea plants inoculated with USDA 3378 showed better symbiotic performance based on the plant dry weight, leaf chlorophyll content and nodule numbers. The chickpea plants inoculated with USDA 3378 formed nodules about 2 days earlier than those inoculated with CCBAU 83963T. The higher growth in media and the stronger adsorption on chickpea roots of USDA 3378 when mixed with CCBAU 83963T may explain why USDA 3378 shows a competitive advantage. The results from this study will contribute towards the development of effective chickpea rhizobial inoculants for soil conditioning and more environmentally friendly production of chickpeas in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-path (or multi-mode) entanglement has been proved to be a useful resource for sub-shot-noise sensitivity of phase estimation, which has aroused much research interest inquantum metrology recently. Various schemes of multi-path interferometers based on optical systems have been put forward. Here, we study a multi-state interferometer with multi-level atoms by projective measurements. Specifically, we investigate its ultimate sensitivity described by quantum Fisher information theory and find that the Cramerâ€"Rao bound can be achieved. In particular, we investigate a specific scheme to improve the sensitivityof magnetometery with a three-state interferometry delivered by a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center of diamond with tailor pulses. The impacts of imperfections of the atomic beam-splitter, described by the three-level quantum Fourier transform, on the sensitivity of phase estimation is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endophytes of plants are receiving increased attention since they have important functions for improving plant growth and fitness, especially in more challenging environmental conditions. The adaptation of cycads, an ancient gymnosperm taxon, to arid and nutrient-limited habitats is thought to be dependent on their symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing Cyanobacteria. We investigated the endophytic community in seeds, taproots, and young and mature coralloid roots of Cycas dolichophylla using 16S rRNA metabarcoding. Geographically distinct populations were studied in China and Vietnam. Higher endophyte diversity was found in Vietnamese populations than in Chinese ones. A significant difference in the bacterial endophytic community was identified between populations of mature coralloid roots from Chinese and Vietnamese samples, with the predominance of Alpha-, Gamma-, and Beta-Proteobacteria in the Vietnamese samples. Moreover, five core endophytic families, Nostocaceae, Burkholderiaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Rhizobiaceae were revealed among all the samples. This study offers a robust knowledge of cycad microbial ecology and lends guidelines to the investigation of the adaptation mechanism of cycads in arid and nutrient-poor environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On January 3, 2019, the Chang'e-4 (CE-4) probe successfully landed in the Von Kármán crater inside the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin. With the support of a relay communication satellite "Queqiao" launched in 2018 and located at the Earth-Moon L2 liberation point, the lander and the Yutu-2 rover carried out in-situ exploration and patrol surveys, respectively, and were able to make a series of important scientific discoveries. Owing to the complexity and unpredictability of the lunar surface, teleoperation has become the most important control method for the operation of the rover. Computer vision is an important technology to support the teleoperation of the rover. During the powered descent stage and lunar surface exploration, teleoperation based on computer vision can effectively overcome many technical challenges, such as fast positioning of the landing point, high-resolution seamless mapping of the landing site, localization of the rover in the complex environment on the lunar surface, terrain reconstruction, and path planning. All these processes helped achieve the first soft landing, roving, and in-situ exploration on the lunar farside. This paper presents a high-precision positioning technology and positioning results of the landing point based on multi-source data, including orbital images and CE-4 descent images. The method and its results have been successfully applied in an actual engineering mission for the first time in China, providing important support for the topographical analysis of the landing site and mission planning for subsequent teleoperations. After landing, a 0.03 m resolution DOM was generated using the descent images and was used as one of the base maps for the overall rover path planning. Before each movement, the Yutu-2 rover controlled its hazard avoidance cameras (Hazcam), navigation cameras (Navcam), and panoramic cameras (Pancam) to capture stereo images of the lunar surface at different angles. Local digital elevation models (DEMs) with a 0.02 m resolution were routinely produced at each waypoint using the Navcam and Hazcam images. These DEMs were then used to design an obstacle recognition method and establish a model for calculating the slope, aspect, roughness, and visibility. Finally, in combination with the Yutu-2 rover mobility characteristics, a comprehensive cost map for path search was generated.By the end of the first 12 lunar days, the Yutu-2 rover has been working on the lunar farside for more than 300 days, greatly exceeding the projected service life. The rover was able to overcome the complex terrain on the lunar farside, and travelled a total distance of more than 300 m, achieving the "double three hundred" breakthrough. In future manned lunar landing and exploration of Mars by China, computer vision will play an integral role to support science target selection and scientific investigations, and will become an extremely important core technology for various engineering tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dwarf musk deer, or Chinese forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) is an endangered artiodactyl species native to a narrow region in southern and central China as well as northernmost Vietnam. This species is well known for the habit of male musk deer to secrete musk from the musk gland. Unmated male forest musk deer secrete a greater amount of musk than mated males, which probably allows them to attract a greater number of females. However, transcriptome data for this species are deficient, and the potential transcriptional pathways of musk production remain unknown. In this study, we used RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) to perform an in-depth survey of transcriptome data from musk gland and to compare the transcriptome differences between mated- and unmated sexually mature Chinese forest musk deer. There were 13,009 and 12,995 genes were expressed in unmated and mated musk glands tissue. In addition to analyzing these genes, we analyzed the differentially expressed genes in musk gland tissue between mated and unmated Chinese forest musk deer males. One hundred and thirty seven genes were found differentially expressed. We found that some genes in "PPAR signaling pathway", "PI3K-Akt signaling pathway" and "Thyroid hormone synthesis" pathways may be associated with musk production and the secretion of the musk deer. The annotated genes and differentially expressed genes in this study can be applied in conservation or utilization study of musk deer in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on CALIOP data, spatial and temporal distribution of cloud height and thickness over China as well as the adjacent areas have been analysed in this paper. The results show significant regional differences. The heights of clouds that lie to the south of 27.6°N are greater than those to the north of 27.6°N. The highest and thickest clouds are located above the Bay of Bengal and the Western Pacific, while the lowest values distribute in the northwest of the Tibetan Plateau and Sichuan Basin. The clouds ranging from 0.3 km to 0.6 km thickness account for a large proportion of total clouds. And the probability of occurrence of clouds decreases as cloud thickness increases. Overall, within the area under study, the thick clouds are higher than the thin clouds. Besides, low and thin clouds occur more frequently than high and thick clouds. As for their seasonal variation, the height of clouds peaks in summer. In addition, the mean of cloud thickness to the south of 27.6°N is 2.4 km thicker in summer than in any other season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As China's first unmanned spacecraft to collect lunar surface samples and return them to Earth, the Chang'E-5 detector is a crucial probe that will complete lunar surface sampling in China's lunar exploration project. This lunar sampling will be the first successful lunar surface sampling return mission in China. Sampling decisions needs to be made based on topographical analysis results and characteristics of the area to be explored. Due to the unknown extraterrestrial terrain and uncertainty of sampled objects, we propose a sampling feasibility estimation for safely implementing lunar surface sampling.Our strategy took into account the influence of factors that may interfere with the sampling process, and provided quantitative assessment of the sampling feasibility for the area to be explored. We combined the three-dimensional topography of the lunar surface with five parameters of the sampling area, flatness, slope, slope aspect, accessibility of the mechanical arm distal end, and safety of sampling conditions. The first three values were calculated based on a digital elevation model (DEM) of the landing area generated using stereo images. The other values were computed based on the mechanical properties of the arm and kinematic analysis of its articulated joints. Based on the above-mentioned quantitative parameters, they were weighed to obtain an evaluation value for the sampling feasibility of each DEM pixel. Meanwhile, a multichannel sampling area analysis graph was generated that combined all the above indicators as well as the sampling feasibility values, which provides a visualization for determining detection targets in the Chang'E-5 sampling mission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using an age-structured process-based simulation model for diamondback moth (DBM), we model the population dynamics of this major Brassica pest using the cropping practices and climate of Guangdong, China. The model simulates two interacting sub-populations (demes), each representing a short season crop. The simulated DBM abundance, and hence pest problems, depend on planting regime, crop hygiene and biological control. A continuous supply of hosts, a low proportion of crop harvested and long residue times between harvest and replanting each exacerbate pest levels. Biological control provided by a larval parasitoid can reduce pest problems, but not eliminate them when climate is suitable for DBM and under certain planting practices. The classic Integrated Pest Management (IPM) method of insecticide application, when pest threshold is reached, proved effective and halved the number of insecticide sprays when compared with the typical practice of weekly insecticide application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on large-scale data measured in quadrats, and using remote sensing images, the author analyzed the spatial differentiation characteristics of carbon storage and carbon density of forest vegetation in the north foot of the Qinling Mountains in China, by combining an allometric growth model with spatial analysis using a Geographic Information System. The results showed that the average carbon density of forest vegetation in the main urban area in Xi'an occurred in the order: cultural and educational green space > scenic-area green space > road green space > industrial green space > residential green space. The average carbon density of arbor forest was 6.308 kg/m². The carbon storage capacity varied in the order: green land in cultural and educational districts > scenic-area green space > road green space > residential green space > industrial green space. The total amount of carbon storage in the arbor forest was 519,180 t C. The spatial distribution pattern of carbon density in the arbor layer in the Xi'an administrative region was not balanced, showing high value in a southern suburb and low value in a northern suburb. Increasing forest vegetation, improving the quality of the forest structure, and increasing the three-dimensional green quantity of urban forest are effective ways to improve urban environments and to enhance carbon sequestration by forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a generally accepted view that there is an obvious distinction between proto‐porcelain and stamped stoneware. However, some early shards unearthed from the Dongtiaoxi region (northern Zhejiang) inspire people to rediscuss the relationship between them, because it is difficult to identify them as proto‐porcelain or stamped stoneware. In this work, we have collected samples from three of the earliest kiln sites (Piaoshan, Beijiashan and Nanshan) in the Dongtiaoxi region. We have analysed the chemical composition, firing temperature and phase composition of the samples. Comparing samples from the three kiln sites, we find that, from Piaoshan and Beijiashan to Nanshan, there has been progression in the manufacturing technology. The Shang proto‐porcelain and the stamped stoneware from Nanshan have similar raw materials, firing temperatures and body phase compositions—and they have obviously different decorative appearances, such as glazing or stamping. For ceramics from Piaoshan and Beijiashan, there is no clear distinction between glazed and unglazed samples. We believe that in the Dongtiaoxi region, the difference in the decoration between proto‐porcelain and stoneware became obvious up to the time of the Nanshan production but that, subsequently, two different paths for the development of high‐fired ceramics began to diverge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of celadon were collected from the Altar Guan Kiln in Hangzhou, and from the Xiaomeizhen and Xikou Kilns, two subordinate kilns of the Longquan Kiln producing black‐body celadon called Literature Ge. Both the elemental contents in the sample bodies and the glaze were measured. The results reveal that the sample bodies contain fingerprint information for provenance, while this was lost in the glaze during the production process. The TiO2, MnO and Rb2O contained in the bodies are fingerprints to distinguish between celadons from the Xiaomeizhen and Xikou Kilns. In the Altar Guan Kiln, some low‐TiO2 samples were found and their body colour is much lighter than some others, but they do not differ with regard to iron content. This indicates that both titanium and iron are indispensable for the blackness of the bodies: they may react to form some black minerals during the firing process. Ultimately, samples from the Literature Ge and Altar Guan Kilns differ in their body constituents. Principal component analysis reveals that the samples can be divided into two groups, corresponding to the two different areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The treatment of haemophilia varies across countries and across regions within some countries. Similar variation has been observed in health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL). Relatively little is known about the HR‐QoL of boys with haemophilia in China. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the HR‐QoL of boys with haemophilia in China using the Canadian Haemophilia Outcomes‐Kids Life Assessment Tool (CHO‐KLAT). Methods: Boys (4‐18 years of age) with haemophilia and their parents were enroled in a cross‐sectional study. All parents/guardians of study subjects were requested to complete a CHO‐KLAT questionnaire during a clinic visit, and report on several other clinical and socioeconomic factors in the past year. Boys who were > 7 years also completed the CHO‐KLAT. Results: A total of 269 parents of boys with haemophilia, from 13 hospitals in 12 provinces, were enroled during 2014. The boys ranged from 4.0 to 17.9 years of age; 91% had haemophilia A, most had moderate (52%) or severe (36%) disease, and most were receiving sub‐optimal on‐demand therapy or low‐dose prophylactic therapy. Child self‐report CHO‐KLAT scores were available for 171 boys ≥7 years of age and ranged from 24.2 to 85.3 with a mean of 57.6 (n = 171). Parent proxy‐reported CHO‐KLAT scores ranged from 25.0 to 88.7 with a mean of 55.1 (n = 269). Conclusion: HR‐QoL scores in boys with haemophilia in China were substantially lower than reported from Canadian and European boys with haemophilia. Longer term prospective studies are required to examine the factors impacting the HR‐QoL for boys with haemophilia in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) isolates resistant to the second-line antituberculosis drugs (SLDs) and its association with resistant-related gene mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) isolates from Southwest of China. There were 81 isolates resistant to at least one of the SLDs among 156 MDR-TB isolates (81/156, 51.9%). The rates of general resistance to each of the drugs were as follows: OFX (66/156, 42.3%), KAN (26/156, 16.7%), CAP (13/156, 8.3%), PTO (11/156, 7.1%), PAS (22/156, 14.1%), and AMK (20/156, 12.8%). Therefore, the most predominant pattern was resistant to OFX compared with other SLDs (P<0.001). The results of sequencing showed that 80.2% OFX-resistant MDR-TB isolates contained gyrA mutation and 88.5% KAN-resistant isolates had rrs mutations with the most frequent mutation being A1401G. These results suggest that improper use of SLDs especially OFX is a real threat to effective MDR-TB treatment not only in China but also in the whole world. Furthermore the tuberculosis control agencies should carry out SLDs susceptibility testing and rapid screening in a broader population of TB patients immediately and the SLDs should be strictly regulated by the administration in order to maintain their efficacy to treat MDR-TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To observe changes in atrial natriuretic peptide levels after treatment with sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Methods A total of 28 patients with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes and HbA1c levels of 58 -91 mmol/mol (7.5-10.5%) were randomly selected to receive sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor treatment ( n = 18) or placebo ( n = 10) for 24 weeks. We analysed atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, sodium and HbA1c levels were measured at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks and blood lipid levels and insulin sensitivities at baseline and 24 weeks. Results Compared with patients treated with placebo, patients who received sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor treatment exhibited lower atrial natriuretic peptide levels (36.74 vs 56.90 pg/ml in the placebo group; P < 0.05) and higher sodium levels (144.3 vs 141.4 mmol/l in the placebo group; P < 0.01) at 24 weeks, after adjusting for baseline values. HbA1c levels were lower after sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor treatment compared with placebo (51 vs 60 mmol/mol; P < 0.01). No correlation was found between atrial natriuretic peptide and HbA1c levels. Homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function values and lipid profiles were generally similar after 24 weeks of treatment with placebo or sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor. Conclusions This study shows the ability of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors to lower atrial natriuretic peptide levels and improve glycaemic control, which may benefit the cardiovascular system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nationwide survey of hepatitis B virus ( HBV)-associated economic burden has not previously been performed in China. The purpose of this study was to examine the direct, indirect, and intangible costs of HBV-related diseases within the span of one year. A random sample was taken from specialty and general hospitals across 12 cities in six provinces of China. Intangible costs were estimated based on willingness to pay or open-ended answers provided by patients. The results showed that 27 hospitals were enrolled, with a sample population of 4726 patients (77.7% response rate). The average annual costs were $4454.0 (direct), $924.3 (indirect), and $6611.10 (intangible), corresponding to 37.3%, 7.7%, and 55.1% of the total costs, respectively. The direct medical fees were substantially greater than the non-medical fees. Annual indirect costs were divided into outpatient ($112.9) and inpatient ($811.40) loss of income. The intangible costs of chronic HBV were notably higher than either the direct or indirect costs, consistent with the social stigma in China. The comparison amongst individual cities for the average ratio of direct to indirect costs revealed that the sizes of ratios were negatively correlated with the socioeconomic status of the regions. This study suggested that as a whole in China, the HBV-related diseases caused a heavy financial burden which was positively associated with disease severity. Although the intangible costs coincided with a high prevalence of discrimination against CHB patients in Chinese society, our study may serve as future reference for detailed exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundSuicide in China has declined since the 1990s. However, there has been limited investigation of the potential spatiotemporal variation and social determinants of suicide during subsequent periods.MethodAnnual suicide counts from 2006 to 2012 stratified by county, 5-year age group (⩾15 years) and gender were obtained from the Chinese Disease Surveillance Points system. Trends and geographic differentials were examined using multilevel negative binomial regression models to explore spatiotemporal variation in suicide, and the role of key sociodemographic factors associated with suicide.ResultsThe suicide rate (per 100 000) in China decreased from 14.7 to 9.1, 2006–2012. Rates of suicide were higher in males than females and increased substantially with age. Suicide rates were higher in rural areas compared with urban areas; however, urban–rural disparities reduced over time with a faster decline for rural areas. Within both urban and rural areas, higher rates of suicide were evident in areas with lower socio-economic circumstances (SEC) [rate ratio (RR) 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.31–2.62]. Suicide rates varied more than twofold (median RR 2.06) across counties, and were highest in central and southwest regions of China. A high proportion of the divorced population, especially for younger females, was associated with lower suicide rates (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.46–0.79).ConclusionsGeographic variations for suicide should be taken into account in policy making, particularly for older males living in rural areas and urban areas with low SEC. Measures to reduce disparities in socio-economic level and alleviate family relation stress are current priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background and Objective Dyslipidemia is associated with aggressive periodontitis, a condition characterized by the rapid destruction of the periodontium. Apolipoprotein E ( APOE) and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 ( LRP5) are involved in immunomodulation and inflammatory activity. We evaluated the association of LRP5 and APOE polymorphisms with serum lipid concentrations and generalized aggressive periodontitis within a Chinese population. Material and Methods Mean serum lipid concentrations were compared across LRP5 and APOE polymorphisms, among cases ( n = 185) and controls ( n = 138). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the independent and combined associations of LRP5 and APOE polymorphisms with generalized aggressive periodontitis. Results Compared with controls, individuals with generalized aggressive periodontitis exhibited significantly lower serum total cholesterol ( TC) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-c). Individuals with LRP5 polymorphisms (rs682429- AA or rs312016- GG) exhibited higher TC, higher HDL-c and decreased odds for generalized aggressive periodontitis. Haplotype ( A- G), determined by rs682429 and rs312016, was also associated with decreased odds for generalized aggressive periodontitis. Furthermore, individuals with the combined polymorphisms ( LRP5-rs682429- AA and APOE-rs429358- CC/ CT) had higher levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, higher levels of TC and decreased odds for generalized aggressive periodontitis. Conclusion Independently or combined with APOE, LRP5 polymorphisms may lead to dyslipidemia and are associated with generalized aggressive periodontitis. Dyslipidemia may be a risk indicator for generalized aggressive periodontitis in the Chinese population. Furthermore, two LRP5 polymorphisms (rs682429 and rs312016) might be useful for identifying subjects at higher risk of generalized aggressive periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correlation analyses between atmospheric mercury (Hg) and other trace gases are useful for identification of sources and constraining regional Hg emissions. Emissions of Hg in Asia contribute significantly to the global budget of atmospheric Hg. However, due to the lack of reliable data on the source strength, large uncertainties remain in the emission inventories of Hg in Asia. In the present study, we calculated the correlation slopes of GEM/CO, GEM/CO2, and GEM/CH4 for mainland China, South Asia, the Indochinese Peninsula, and Central Asia using the ground-based observations at three remote sites in northwestern and southwestern China, and applied these values to estimate GEM emissions in the four source regions. The geometric mean GEM/CO correlation slopes for mainland China, South Asia, the Indochinese Peninsula, and Central Asia were 7.3 ± 4.3, 7.8 ± 6.4, 7.8 ± 5.0, and 13.4 ± 9.5 pgm-3 ppb-1, respectively, and values in the same source regions were 33.3 ± 30.4, 27.4 ± 31.0, 23.5 ± 15.3, and 20.5 ± 10.0 pgm-3 ppb-1 for the GEM/CH4 correlation slopes, respectively. The geometric means of GEM/CO2 correlation slopes for mainland China, South Asia, and Central Asia were 240 ± 119, 278 ± 164, 315 ± 289 pg m-3 ppm-1, respectively. These values were the first reported correlation slopes of GEM/CO, GEM/CO2, and GEM/CH4 in four important source regions of Asia, not including the GEM/CO ratios in mainland China. The correlation slopes of GEM/CO, GEM/CO2, and GEM/CH4 in Asia were relatively higher than those observed in Europe, North America, and South Africa, which may highlight GEM emissions from nonferrous smelting, large-scale and artisanal mercury and gold production, natural sources, and historically deposited mercury (re-emission) in Asia. Using the observed GEM/CO and GEM/CO2 slopes, and the recently reported emission inventories of CO and CO2, the annual GEM emissions in mainland China, South Asia, the Indochinese Peninsula, and Central Asia were estimated to be in the ranges of 1071-1187, 340-470, 125, and 54-901, respectively. The estimated quantity of GEM emissions from the GEM/CH4 correlation slopes is significantly larger, which may be due to the larger uncertainties in CH4 emissions in Asia as well as insufficient observations of GEM/CH4 correlation slopes, therefore leading to an overestimate of GEM emissions. Our estimates of GEM emissions in the four Asian regions were significantly higher (3-4 times) than the anthropogenic GEM emissions reported in recent studies. This discrepancy could come from a combination of reasons including underestimates of anthropogenic and natural GEM emissions; large uncertainties related to CO, CO2, and CH4 emission inventories; and inherent limitations of the correlation slope method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective Short chain fatty acids ( SCFAs) play important roles in periodontal diseases. However, the concentrations of SCFAs in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with aggressive periodontitis are not known. The aim of this intervention study was to investigate the influences of non-surgical periodontal therapy on levels of SCFAs in the gingival crevicular fluid of patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis ( G- Ag P), and analyze the concentrations of SCFAs in sites with or without the detected putative periodontal pathogens. Material and Methods Eighty gingival crevicular fluid samples (four per subject) were collected on filter paper strips from patients with G- Ag P ( n = 20; mean age 24.5 years), before and at 2 wk, 2, 4 and 6 mo after non-surgical periodontal treatment. Eighty gingival crevicular fluid samples (four per subject) were collected from periodontally healthy controls ( n = 20; mean age 26.2 years). Concentrations of formic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and isovaleric acid from the supernatant of gingival crevicular fluid samples were measured by high performance capillary electrophoresis. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia and Fusobacterium nucleatum from the precipitate of the same pretreatment samples of gingival crevicular fluids were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction amplification. Results The clinical parameters of patients with G- Ag P during the 6 mo after non-surgical periodontal treatment were improved remarkably. The formic acid concentration increased significantly after treatment; the level of formic acid was lower in the P. gingivalis-, T. denticola-, P. intermedia- or F. nucleatum-positive sites compared with the negative sites. The concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid reduced significantly after treatment and reached the lowest level at 2 wk post-treatment, although showed a tendency to increase after 2 mo post-treatment, and the three SCFA levels were significantly higher in P. gingivalis-, T. denticola-, P. intermedia- or F. nucleatum-positive sites compared with those in the negative sites. Conclusion Non-surgical periodontal treatment resulted in a significant decrease of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid levels and increase of formic acid level in gingival crevicular fluids in patients with G- Ag P, accompanied by improvement in clinical parameters. A marked lower level of formic acid, as well as higher levels of acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with G- Ag P was consistent with periodontal pathogen infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) is a multifunctional and highly expressed plasma protein. Among its diverse roles, including those in the immune and inflammatory responses, it is the primary carrier of vitamin D, which has been implicated in periodontitis. We hypothesized that there is a correlation between systemic DBP levels and generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP). Material and Methods: Forty-four patients with GAgP and 32 healthy controls were recruited. Clinical parameters were examined, including the mean bleeding index, probing depth, attachment loss and percentage of severely affected sites. Blood chemistry analyses were performed for each subject. Plasma levels of DBP, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and procalcitonin (PCT) were measured using ELISAs, and plasma levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) were detected using a radioimmunoassay. Results: Significantly higher levels of plasma DBP, IL-6, PCT and 25(OH)D3, as well as leukocyte counts, neutrophil counts and neutrophil percentages were found in patients with GAgP compared with healthy controls ( p < 0.05 for all). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the plasma DBP levels were significantly correlated with GAgP, plasma PCT levels and smoking status ( p < 0.05 for all). In the GAgP group, the plasma DBP levels in smokers were significantly higher than those in nonsmokers ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: Elevated plasma vitamin DBP levels are associated with GAgP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently showed in a single centre trial that low-dose secondary prophylaxis in severe/moderate haemophilia patients with arthropathy is feasible and beneficial. However, this regimen has not been validated in a multicentre setting and what obstacles are there to prophylaxis remain unclear. (i) Benefit study: to confirm the benefits of similar prophylaxis protocol in severe/moderate haemophilia A ( HA) in a multicentre setting in China. (ii) Follow-up obstacle study: to investigate obstacles in compliance to prophylaxis treatment. (i) Benefit study: severe/moderate HA children with arthropathy from 15 centres were enrolled to undergo an 8-week on-demand treatment, followed by 6 to 12-week low-dose secondary prophylaxis. Outcomes compared in the two periods include joint and severe bleeding, daily activities and factor consumption. (ii) Obstacle study: questionnaires to investigators to collect data on patient and centre factors contributing to inability to comply with prophylaxis. We enrolled 191 patients from 15 centres. Sixty-six (34.6%) from three centres completed the prophylaxis protocol, and they had significantly decreased bleeding (78.8% haemarthrosis and 68.9% severe bleedings) and improved daily activities with no increase in factor consumption over that in the on-demand therapy period. The remaining 125 patients from 12 centres were not compliant to the prophylaxis protocol; questionnaire data indicated that the major obstacles were inability of patients/parents to accept (41.7%) or to adhere (33.3%) to the prophylaxis protocol, mostly because of failure to understand the benefits and to accept the frequent injections. Non-availability of a centre comprehensive care team was another important determinant. Short-term low-dose secondary prophylactic therapy is beneficial without increasing factors consumption for severe/moderate HA with arthropathy in a multi-centre setting in China. Obstacles to overcome must include improvement in comprehensive care and in education to patient/parents and healthcare personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general relationships between vegetation and water yield under different climatic regimes are well established at a small watershed scale in the past century. However, applications of these basic theories to evaluate the regional effects of land cover change on water resources remain challenging due to the complex interactions of vegetation and climatic variability and hydrologic processes at the large scale. The objective of this study was to explore ways to examine the spatial and temporal effects of a large ecological restoration project on water yield across the Loess Plateau region in northern China. We estimated annual water yield as the difference between precipitation input and modelled actual evapotranspiration (ET) output. We constructed a monthly ET model using published ET data derived from eddy flux measurements and watershed streamflow data. We validated the ET models at a watershed and regional levels. The model was then applied to examine regional water yield under land cover change and climatic variability during the implementation of the Grain-for-Green (GFG) project during 1999-2007. We found that water yield in 38% of the Loess Plateau area might have decreased (1-48mm per year) as a result of land cover change alone. However, combined with climatic variability, 37% of the study area might have seen a decrease in water yield with a range of 1-54mm per year, and 35% of the study area might have seen an increase with a range of 1-10mm per year. Across the study region, climate variability masked or strengthened the water yield response to vegetation restoration. The absolute annual water yield change due to vegetation restoration varied with precipitation regimes with the highest in wet years, but the relative water yield changes were most pronounced in dry years. We concluded that the effects of land cover change associated with ecological restoration varied greatly over time and space and were strongly influenced by climatic variability in the arid region. The current regional vegetation restoration projects have variable effects on local water resources across the region. Land management planning must consider the influences of spatial climate variability and long-term climate change on water yield to be more effective for achieving environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The legacy of long-term mining activities in Wan-shan mercury (Hg) mining area (WMMA), Guizhou, China including a series of environmental issues related to Hg pollution. The spatial distribution of gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0) concentrations in ambient air were monitored using a mobile RA-915+ Zeeman Mercury Analyzer during daytime and night time in May 2010. The data imply that calcines and mine wastes piles located at Dashuixi and on-going artisanal Hg mining activities at Supeng were major sources of atmospheric mercury in WMMA. For a full year (May 2010 to May 2011), sampling of precipitation and through fall were conducted on a weekly basis at three sites (Shen-chong, Dashuixi, and Supeng) within WMMA. Hg in deposition was characterized by analysis of total Hg (THg) and dissolved Hg (DHg) concentrations. The corresponding data exhibit a high degree of variability, both temporarily and spatially. The volume-weighted mean THg concentrations in precipitation and through fall samples were 502.6 ng l-1 and 977.8 ng ll-1 at Shenchong, 814.1 ng ll-1 and 3392.1 ng ll-1 at Dashuixi, 7490.1 ng ll-1 and 9641.5 ng ll-1 at Supeng, respectively. THg was enhanced in through fall compared to wet deposition samples by up to a factor of 7. The annual wet Hg deposition fluxes were 29.1, 68.8 and 593.1 µgml-2 yrl-1 at Shenchong, Dashuixi and Supeng, respectively, while the annual dry Hg deposition fluxes were estimated to be 378.9, 2613.6 and 6178 µgml-2 yrl-1 at these sites, respectively. Dry deposition played a dominant role in total atmospheric Hg deposition in WMMA since the dry deposition fluxes were 10.4-37.9 times higher than the wet deposition fluxes during the whole sample period. Our data showed that air deposition was still an important pathway of Hg contamination to the local environment in WMMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zhu XL, Meng HX, Zhang L, Xu L, Chen ZB, Shi D, Feng XH, Zhang X. Association analysis between the −2518MCP-1(A/G) polymorphism and generalized aggressive periodontitis in a Chinese population. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 286-292. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: It has been suggested that aggressive periodontitis has a genetic basis. Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) plays a critical role in the recruitment of monocytes and the development of periodontitis. The −2518MCP-1(A/G) polymorphism has been implicated as a risk or susceptibility factor for a variety of autoimmune conditions and inflammatory diseases. The intent of this investigation was to study whether the −2518MCP-1(A/G) polymorphism is associated with generalized aggressive periodontitis in the Chinese population. Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty-four patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis and 94 healthy subjects were included in this case-control study. Genomic DNA was isolated from a peripheral blood sample obtained from each subject. Gene polymorphisms of −2518MCP-1(A/G) were analyzed by a standard polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. A logistic regression analysis was performed to test the association between the −2518MCP-1(A/G) genotype (alleles) and generalized aggressive periodontitis with adjustment of the major covariates (gender, age and smoking status). Results: There was no significant association of the −2518MCP-1(A/G) polymorphism with generalized aggressive periodontitis in the unstratified subjects. However, when patients were stratified by gender, the frequency of the G+ genotype was significantly lower in female patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis compared with female controls ( p = 0.036, adjusted odds ratio = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.9). In female patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis, the probing pocket depth was larger in subjects with the AA genotype than in subjects with the G+ genotype (5.07 mm vs. 4.30 mm; Z = −2.470, p = 0.014). Conclusion: The polymorphisms of −2518MCP-1 may play an important role in determining generalized aggressive periodontitis susceptibility in this cohort of Chinese women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total gaseous mercury (TGM) was continuously monitored at a remote site (CBS) in Mt. Changbai area, Northeastern China from 24 October 2008 to 31 October 2010. The overall mean TGM concentration was 1.60±0.51 ngm-3, which is lower than those reported from remote sites in Eastern, Southwestern, and Western China, indicating a relatively lower regional anthropogenic mercury (Hg) emission intensity in Northeastern China. Measurements at a site in the vicinity (∼1.2 km) of CBS station from August 2005 to July 2006 showed a significantly higher mean TGM concentration of 3.58±1.78 ngm-3. The divergent result was partially attributed to fluctuations in the relatively frequencies of surface winds during the two study periods and moreover an effect of local emission sources. The temporal variation of TGM at CBS was influenced by regional sources as well as long-range transported Hg. Regional sources frequently contributing to episodical high TGM concentrations were pin-pointed as a large iron mining district in Northern North Korea and two large power plants and urban areas to the southwest of the sampling site. Source areas in Beijing, Tianjin, southern Liaoning, Hebei, northwestern Shanxi, and northwestern Shandong were found to contribute to elevated TGM observations at CBS via longrange transport. Diurnal pattern of TGM at CBS was mainly controlled by regional sources, likely as well as intrusion of air masses from the free troposphere during summer season. There are no consistent seasonal pattern of TGM at CBS, and the monthly TGM variations showed links with the patterns of regional air movements and long-range transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Dentine hypersensitivity is a common oral problem. This study investigated the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in the adult population of Shanghai, China. A multi-stage, stratified, random sampling method was used to investigate the study population. A total of 2120 subjects were examined at 10 investigation points in Shanghai City. Subjects were divided into age groups (10 years per age group) and included the same number of male and female subjects in each group. Participants completed a dentine hypersensitivity questionnaire and underwent clinical examination. The diagnosis of dentine hypersensitivity was confirmed clinically as a sharp well-localised pain in response to administration of a blast of cold air from a triple syringe. Gingival recession of sensitive teeth was measured by a Williams periodontal probe. Among 2120 participants, 723 were diagnosed as having dentine hypersensitivity, indicating a prevalence of 34·1%. The male to female ratio of dentine hypersensitivity was 1:1·5. The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity was highest in the 40- to 49-year age group at 43·9%. The number of teeth with dentine hypersensitivity was 3·2 per patient. Dentine hypersensitivity occurred predominantly in the premolars (49·6%), followed by the anterior teeth (30·5%). A total of 84·3% of dentine hypersensitive patients had gingival recession. The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in Shanghai adults was 34·1%, indicating that it is a common condition. Therefore, public education about the condition and effective treatment of dentine hypersensitivity are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of speciated atmospheric mercury were conducted at a remote mountain-top station (Waliguan (WLG) Baseline Observatory) at the edge of northeastern part of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, Western China. Mean concentrations of total gaseous mercury (TGM), particulate bound mercury (PBM), and gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) during the whole sampling campaign were 1.98± 0.98 ngm-3, 19.4±18.1 pgm-3, and 7.4±4.8 pgm-3, respectively. Levels of speciated Hg at WLG were slightly higher than those reported from remote areas of North America and Europe. Both regional sources and long-rang transport played important roles in the distribution of atmospheric TGM and PBM at WLG, whereas GOM showed major links to the regional sources, likely as well as the in-situ productions via photochemical processes. Regional sources for speciated Hg were mostly located to the east of WLG, which is the most industrial and urbanized areas of Qinghai province. Potential source contribution function (PSCF) results showed that eastern Gansu, western Ningxia and Shanxi Province were likely the potential source regions of WLG, with good accordance with locations of urban areas and industrial centers. Moreover, we found that Northern India may be a significant source region for WLG during the sampling campaign, and this is the first published evidence suggesting long-range transport of atmospheric Hg from India to the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau. Seasonal and diurnal variations of TGM were in contrast to most of the previous studies in China, with relatively higher levels in warm seasons and night, respectively. The temporal trend of TGM also highlighted the impact of long-range transport on the distribution of TGM in ambient air at WLG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological situation of the Tarim River basin in China seriously declined since the early 1950s, mainly due to a strong increase in water abstraction for irrigation purposes. To restore the ecological system and support sustainable development of the Tarim River basin region in China, more hydrological studies are demanded to properly understand the processes of the watershed and efficiently manage the water resources. Such studies are, however, complicated due to the limited data availability, especially in the mountainous headwater regions of the Tarim River basin. This study investigated the usefulness of remote sensing (RS) data to overcome that lack of data in the spatially distributed hydrological modelling of the basin. Complementary to the conventional station-based (SB) data, the RS products that are directly used in this study include precipitation, evapotranspiration and leaf area index. They are derived from raw image data of the Chinese Fengyun meteorological satellite and from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The MODIS land surface temperature was used to calculate the atmospheric temperature lapse rate to describe the temperature dependency on topographical variations. Moreover, MODIS-based snow cover images were used to obtain model initial conditions and as validation reference for the snow model component. Comparison of model results based on RS input versus conventional SB input exhibited similar results in terms of high and low river runoff extremes, cumulative runoff volumes in both runoff and snow melting seasons and spatial and temporal variability of snow cover. During summer time, when the snow cover shrinks in the permanent glacier region, it was found that the model resolution influences the model results dramatically, hence, showing the importance of detailed (RS based) spatially distributed input data. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease. There have been few detailed reports of the clinical evaluation of Chinese patients with AD. Objectives To give a profile of the clinical features of Chinese AD patients in a university hospital setting. Methods A total of 1008 cases met Hanifin and Rajka diagnostic criteria of AD were recruited at Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, China. Results In our survey, 22.7% patients were mild, 66.6% were moderate and 10.7% were severe according to the SCORAD index. Both the frequency and severity of the male patients were slightly higher. The frequency of asthma among the AD patients was 16.7% and it was increased with the age ( χ2 = 205.20, P = 0.000). The frequencies of objective minor signs were demonstrated with age-related changes. Besides, three localized variants including eyelid eczema (49.8%), scalp dermatitis (49.7%), infra-auricular and retroauricular fissuring (44.8%) were commonly observed, especially in the infantile phase ( P < 0.01). It was showed significant differences in serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels of different age groups. The positive rate of Phadiatop was raised after 3 years old and that of the common food allergens were decreased after 6 years old. Conclusions More males than females had ongoing AD in our survey. Most AD debuted in the first year of the cases. High incidence of the three clinical signs: eyelid eczema, scalp dermatitis and infra-auricular and retroauricular fissuring among the patients suggests it can be a potential valuable diagnostic clue to AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The length is one of the key parameters for a cylindrical acoustic resonator used for measurement of the Boltzmann constant. A research project has been conducted in the National Institute of Metrology (NIM), China, for the re-determination of the Boltzmann constant with a fixed-path cylindrical acoustic resonator. This paper describes the procedure for the length determination. The excess fraction method was applied to accurately obtain the length of the resonator. This method is performed in a two-step procedure. First, the length is coarsely determined as L with an uncertainty of 1.5 μm in the length division of NIM. Second, the result of the coarse measurement is further interpolated by the dual wavelength laser interferometer with a resolution of 1 nm, which is composed of a 633 nm He-Ne laser and a 657 nm semiconductor laser. A Michelson wavemeter has been constructed for calibration of the wavelength of the semiconductor laser. The length variation of the resonator has to be measured from room temperature to the triple point of water (TPW). As a result, the laser interferometer can be also used as a precise dilatometer. The result and the measurement uncertainty of the length measurement are given in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sun X, Meng H, Shi D, Xu L, Zhang L, Chen Z, Feng X, Lu R. Analysis of plasma calprotectin and polymorphisms of S100A8 in patients with aggressive periodontitis. J Periodont Res 2011; 46: 354-360. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S Calprotectin is an important proinflammatory mediator in various inflammatory diseases and is composed of two subunits (S100A8 and S100A9). However, the level of calprotectin in plasma of patients with aggressive periodontitis and its relationship with gene polymorphisms of S100A8 are unclear. The plasma concentrations of calprotectin were measured, using an enzyme immunoassay, in 139 patients with aggressive periodontitis and in 88 periodontally healthy control subjects. These patients were genotyped for the rs3795391 and rs3806232 polymorphisms of S100A8. The plasma concentration of calprotectin in patients with aggressive periodontitis was significantly higher than in controls (2.17 mg/L vs. 1.72 mg/L, respectively, p = 0.001). The percentage of the AA genotype of S100A8 rs3795391 was significantly higher in patients than in controls (82% vs. 69.3%, respectively, p = 0.027), while the frequency of the allele G was decreased among patients compared with controls (9.6% vs. 16.1%, respectively, p = 0.036), which was especially apparent in men (rs3795391 genotype, p = 0.005; rs3795391 allele, p = 0.015). The mean probing depth in patients carrying the AA genotype was significantly higher than that of patients carrying the GA + GG genotype of two polymorphisms of S100A8 (rs3795391, p = 0.035; rs3806232, p = 0.040), whereas the levels of calprotectin between different genotypes were not significantly different (rs3795391, p = 0.11; rs3806232, p = 0.15). These findings indicate that aggressive periodontitis is associated with elevated levels of plasma calprotectin and that gene polymorphisms of S100A8 may influence the susceptibility and severity of aggressive periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Please cite this paper as: Feng X, Zhu J, Zhang L, Song L, Hipgrave D, Guo S, Ronsmans C, Guo Y, Yang Q. Socio-economic disparities in maternal mortality in China between 1996 and 2006. BJOG 2010;117:1527-1536. Objective China's economic reforms have raised concerns over rising inequalities in maternal mortality, but it is not known whether the gap across socio-economic regions has increased over time. Design A population-based, longitudinal, ecological correlation study. Setting China. Sample Records from the National Maternal and Child Mortality Surveillance System between 1996 and 2006. Methods We report levels, causes and timing of maternal deaths, and examine crude and adjusted time trends in the overall and cause-specific maternal mortality ratio in five socio-economic regions (using Poisson regression). We examine whether socio-economic disparities have widened over time using concentration curves. Main outcome measures All-causes and cause-specific maternal mortality ratios. Results Maternal mortality (MMR) declined by 6% per year (yearly rate ratio, RR, 0.94; 95% CI 0.93-0.96). The decline was most pronounced in the wealthiest rural type-I counties (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.85-0.93), and in the poorest rural type-IV counties (RR 0.90; 95% CI 0.82-1.00). There were declines in almost all causes of maternal death. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) was by far the leading cause of maternal death (32%, 997/3164). The decline in MMR was largely explained by the increased uptake of institutional births. Concentration curves suggest that wealth-related regional inequalities did not increase over time. Conclusions China's extraordinary economic growth has not adversely affected disparities in MMR across socio-economic regions over time, but poor rural women remain at disproportionate risk. Other emerging economies can learn from China's focus on the supply and quality of maternity services along with more general health systems strengthening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 12 May 2008, the MW 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake ruptured two northeast-striking imbricated reverse faults and one northwest-striking reverse fault along the middle Longmen Shan thrust belt, at the eastern margin of the Tibetan plateau. The morphology of the coseismic scarp varies drastically along strike. We distinguish eight different categories: (1) simple thrust scarp, (2) hanging-wall collapse scarp, (3) simple pressure ridge, (4) dextral pressure ridge, (5) fault-related fold scarp, (6) backthrust pressure ridge, (7) local normal fault scarp, and (8) pavement suprathrust scarp. The coseismic surface ruptures confirm that the Wenchuan earthquake is dominated by reverse faulting with some right-lateral component that varies from site to site. The surface rupture can be divided into two parts, the Yingxiu segment and the Beichuan segment. When the earthquake is split into two subevents accordingly, they correspond to an MW 7.8 event and an MW 7.6 event, respectively. These two segments can in turn be divided into four second-order subsegments, which are equivalent to four subevents of MW 7.5, MW 7.7, MW 7.0, and MW 7.5, respectively. The segmentation of the rupture is consistent with a cascading-rupture pattern, responsible for the total 110 s of the earthquake rupture. In addition to surface ruptures, the focal mechanisms determined for the aftershocks recorded by the local seismic network are used to constrain the fault geometry of the subsegments. They show that the dip of the fault responsible for the earthquake varies along strike, and the fault tends to flatten at depth. In addition, the fault plane gets steeper northward, enabling the fault to accommodate a larger strike-slip component along a lateral ramp. This major earthquake confirms that crustal shortening could be the main driving force for the growth of high topography along the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and that lower crustal flow is not required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at examining the association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the protein tyrosine phosphatase gene ( PTPN22) with the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a Chinese population. A total of 200 RA patients and age and gender-matched healthy controls were recruited. Their genotypes and allelic frequency were determined by the TaqMan-MGB probe-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The frequencies of the CC genotype and C allele in RA patient group were significantly higher than that of controls ( P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) with an odds ratio of 1.67, respectively. These data suggest, the CC genotype and C allele of the -1123G > C in the PTPN22 gene are associated with an increased risk for RA in Chinese population. Therefore, the CC genotype and C allele of the -1123G > C in the PTPN22 gene may be used as a genetic marker for the predisposition of RA in Chinese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study which examines the distribution of mercury (Hg) and the characteristics of its methylation in Wujiangdu (WJD) and Yinzidu (YZD) reservoirs in Guizhou province, China. It indicates that increased methylmercury concentrations in water samples from groundwater and surface water sediment interface have demonstrated an active net Hg methylation in WJD but not in YZD. The study implies that high primary productivity ensued from cage aquaculture activities in WJD can significantly control Hg methylation in the reservoir while increasing the MeHg concentrations in the Wujiang River basin in China.

China disposes of bulk Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) by landfilling, resulting in a large quantity of mercury that enters landfills through waste. A detailed study on atmospheric mercury emissions from MSW landfills in China is necessary to understand mercury behavior from this source. Between 2003 and 2006, mercury airborne emissions through different pathways, as well as mercury speciation in Landfill Gas (LFG) were measured at 5MSW landfills in Guiyang and Wuhan, China. The results showed that mercury content in the substrate increased the magnitude of mercury emissions, with the highest emission rate measured at the working face and in uncovered waste areas, and the lowest measured near soil covers and vegetated areas. Meteorological parameters, especially solar radiation, influenced the diurnal pattern of mercury surface-air emissions. Total Gaseous Mercury (TGM) in LFG varied from 2.0 to 1406.0 ngm-3, Monomethyl Mercury (MMHg) and Dimethyl Mercury (DMHg) in LFG averaged at 1.93 and 9.21 ngm-3, and accounted for 0.51% and 1.79% of the TGM in the LFG, respectively. Total mercury emitted from the five landfills ranged from 17 to 3300 g yr-1, with the highest from the working face, then soil covering, and finally the vent pipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is regarded as the largest contributor of mercury (Hg) to the global atmospheric Hg budget. However, concentration levels and depositions of atmospheric Hg in China are poorly known. Continuous measurements of atmospheric gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) were carried out from May 2008 to May 2009 at the summit of Mt. Leigong in south China. Simultaneously, deposition fluxes of THg and MeHg in precipitation, throughfall and litterfall were also studied. Atmospheric GEM concentrations averaged 2.80±1.51 ngm-3, which was highly elevated compared to global background values but much lower than semirural and industrial/urban areas in China. Sources identification indicates that both regional industrial emissions and long range transport of Hg from central, south and southwest China were corresponded to the elevated GEM level. Seasonal and diurnal variations of GEM were observed, which reflected variations in source intensity, deposition processes and meteorological factors. Precipitation and throughfall deposition fluxes of THg and MeHg in Mt. Leigong were comparable or lower compared to those reported in Europe and North America, whereas litterfall deposition fluxes of THg and MeHg were higher compared to Europe and North America. This highlights the importance of vegetation to Hg atmospheric cycling. In th remote forest ecosystem of China, deposition of GEM via uptake of foliage followed by litterfall was very important for the depletion of atmospheric Hg. Elevated GEM level in ambient air may accelerate the foliar uptake of Hg through air which may partly explain the elevated litterfall deposition fluxes of Hg observed in Mt. Leigong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carotid body tumors (CBT) are rare neoplasms arising from the small chemoreceptor organ in the adventitia of the common carotid bifurcation. A retrospective survey was conducted in 33 patients, treated by curative resection of the neoplasm, from 1980 to 2005, to investigate clinical features, preoperative treatment and surgical approach, and determine the optimum management for CBT. The demographic characteristics, clinical features, surgical approach and complications were documented and analyzed. Accurate diagnosis and effective preoperative training were associated with a good surgical outcome. Carotid arteriography accurately diagnoses and evaluates the brain''s collateral circulation in the circle of Willis. Ultrasonography is useful. Carotid blood flow obstruction (Matas’ training) is effective. Complete excision of the carotid system without a vascular replacement is possible only after reliable Matas’ training and objective observation of the establishment of circulation in the circle of Willis. Correct treatment of the internal and common carotid artery is important to reduce postoperative complications. The continuity of the common and internal carotid artery should be retained if possible, and carotid artery repair is recommended. Minor complications occurred in five (15%) patients and one patient died from a cause not related to the CBT at follow-up. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Understanding regional variations of soil heavy metals and their anthropogenic influence are very important for environmental planning. In this study, 286 surface soil samples were collected in Fuyang county, and the ‘total’ metals for copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) were measured in 2005. Statistic analysis showed that Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd had been added by exterior factors, and Ni was mainly controlled by natural factors. The combination of multivariate statistical and geostatistical analysis successfully grouped three groups (Cu, Zn and Pb; Cd; and Ni) of heavy metals from different sources. Through pollution evaluation, it was found that 15.76% of the study area for Cu, Zn and Pb, and 46.14% for Cd suffered from moderate or severe pollution. Further spatial analysis identified the limestone mining activities, paper mills, cement factory and metallurgic activities were the main sources for the concentration of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd in soils, and soil Ni was mainly determined by the parent materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative contributions of C3 and C4 plants to vegetation at a given locality may be estimated by means of δ13C of soil organic matter. This approach holds a great potential for paleoecological reconstruction using paleosols. However, two main uncertainties exist, which limits the accuracy of this application. One is 13C-enrichment as the plant carbon becomes incorporated into soil organic matter. The other is due to environmental influences on δ13C of plants. Two types of data were collected and analyzed with an objective of narrowing the error of paleovegetation reconstruction. First, we investigated δ13C variations of 557 C3 and 136C4 plants along a precipitation gradient in North China. A strong negative correlation is found between the δ13C value of C3 plants averaged for each site and the annual precipitation with a coefficient of -0.40‰/100mm, while no significant coefficients were found for C4 plants. Second, we measured δ13C of soil organic matters for 14 soil profiles at three sites. The isotopic difference between vegetation and soil organic matter are evaluated to be 1.8‰ for the surface soil and 2.8‰ for the soil at the bottom of soil profiles. We conducted a sample reconstruction of paleovegetation at the central Chinese Loess Plateau during the Holocene and the Last Glacial (LG), and conclude that, without corrections for 13C-enrichment by decomposition, the C4 abundance would be overestimated. The importance and uncertainties of other corrections are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The terrestrial carbon cycle is one of the foci in global climate change research. Simulating net primary productivity (NPP) of terrestrial ecosystems is important for carbon cycle research. In this study, China''s terrestrial NPP was simulated using the Boreal Ecosystem Productivity Simulator (BEPS), a carbon-water coupled process model based on remote sensing inputs. For these purposes, a national-wide database (including leaf area index, land cover, meteorology, vegetation and soil) at a 1km resolution and a validation database were established. Using these databases and BEPS, daily maps of NPP for the entire China''s landmass in 2001 were produced, and gross primary productivity (GPP) and autotrophic respiration (RA) were estimated. Using the simulated results, we explore temporal–spatial patterns of China''s terrestrial NPP and the mechanisms of its responses to various environmental factors. The total NPP and mean NPP of China''s landmass were 2.235GtC and 235.2gCm−2 yr−1, respectively; the total GPP and mean GPP were 4.418GtC and 465gCm−2 yr−1; and the total RA and mean RA were 2.227GtC and 234gCm−2 yr−1, respectively. On average, NPP was 50.6% of GPP. In addition, statistical analysis of NPP of different land cover types was conducted, and spatiotemporal patterns of NPP were investigated. The response of NPP to changes in some key factors such as LAI, precipitation, temperature, solar radiation, VPD and AWC are evaluated and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A study was conducted to investigate the muscle amino acid profiles of five species of marine fish, Pseudosciaena crocea (large yellow), Lateolabrax japonicus (common sea perch), Pagrosomus major (red seabream), Seriola dumerili (Dumeril's amberjack) and Hapalogenys nitens (black grunt). These carnivorous fishes, all of which belong to the Perciforms, were sampled from Xiamen Bay. Chemical analysis shows significant difference ( P < 0.01) among the five species in the muscle total amino acids (TAA). Lateolabrax japonicus has the highest level of TAA in muscle tissues. Significant difference in muscle total essential amino acid (TEAA) and total non-essential amino acid (TNEAA) were also found among the five species. Lateolabrax japonicus has the highest TEAA level, and H. nitens has the highest level of TNEAA level. Significant difference ( P < 0.01) existed in specific EAA except for lysine ( P > 0.05). The significant difference ( P < 0.05) of the A/E ratios [(each essential amino acid content/total essential amino acid content including cystine and tyrosine) ×1000] based on the essential amino acid composition of muscle tissue from the five species were found in lysine, histidine, methionine, cystine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, and arginine, except for threonine, phenylalanine and tyrosine. These differences indicate that the amino acids profile is species specific for the five species and their essential amino acid requirements are greatly different although they were fed similar feed. In contrast to the reference amino acid profile recommended by FAO/WHO, muscle proteins of each fish were all rich in lysine, the S-containing amino acids and threonine, but histidine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine and tyrosine were deficient for children's diets. The first limiting amino acid was histidine for P. crocea and L. japonicus, valine for P. major and H. nitens, leucine for S. dumerili. The amino acid score was 66.8, 76.7, 78.4, 84.0 and 95.7 for P. crocea, L. japonicus, P. major, H. nitens and S. dumerili, respectively. In the adult human diet the muscle protein of the five species of marine fish can almost fulfil the requirements of all essential amino acids except for the histidine of P. crocea and L. japonicus and thus can serve as supplemental source of protein in cereal-based adults diets if we reinforce the histidine correspondingly. Therefore, increasing the proportion of marine fish in the diet of the people in the area where paddy rice and wheat are the main protein sources is an effective way to enhance the nutrition value of food and improve the nutrition status of the developing countries. Moreover, all of five marine fish species contained a comparatively high content of glutamic acid and arginine, which are beneficial to the patients under such conditions as trauma, burn injury, massive small-bowel resection and renal failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mobility of 10 potentially toxic trace elements (PTTE), As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, and Zn from 32 coals of the Longtan Group formed in Permian Period in Guizhou Province, China was investigated using sequential extraction procedures. The results demonstrate that PTTEs such as Hg, As, Se, Cd, Cu, and Pb have the highest mobility at surface conditions, and the average extractable fractions of them are 86%, 95%, 79%, 76%, 69%, and 69% of the total amount in coal, respectively. The elements in coal with the lowest leachability include Tl, Cr, and Ni, and the average extractable fractions of them are 30%, 20%, and 29% of the total amount in coal respectively. Zinc has an intermediate behavior, and the average leachable fraction of it accounts for 46% of the total amount in coal. The results demonstrate that mobility of PTTE in coal depends on the speciation of these elements. The elements associated with sulfates, carbonates, sulfides and some organic matter in coal show the highest extraction rates during the weathering process, while elements with silicate affinities are inert at surface conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salt substitutes with reduced sodium levels and increased potassium levels have been shown to lower blood pressure, but their effects on cardiovascular and safety outcomes are uncertain.Methods: We conducted an open-label, cluster-randomized trial involving persons from 600 villages in rural China. The participants had a history of stroke or were 60 years of age or older and had high blood pressure. The villages were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention group, in which the participants used a salt substitute (75% sodium chloride and 25% potassium chloride by mass), or to the control group, in which the participants continued to use regular salt (100% sodium chloride). The primary outcome was stroke, the secondary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events and death from any cause, and the safety outcome was clinical hyperkalemia.Results: A total of 20,995 persons were enrolled in the trial. The mean age of the participants was 65.4 years, and 49.5% were female, 72.6% had a history of stroke, and 88.4% a history of hypertension. The mean duration of follow-up was 4.74 years. The rate of stroke was lower with the salt substitute than with regular salt (29.14 events vs. 33.65 events per 1000 person-years; rate ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77 to 0.96; P = 0.006), as were the rates of major cardiovascular events (49.09 events vs. 56.29 events per 1000 person-years; rate ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.80 to 0.94; P<0.001) and death (39.28 events vs. 44.61 events per 1000 person-years; rate ratio, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.95; P<0.001). The rate of serious adverse events attributed to hyperkalemia was not significantly higher with the salt substitute than with regular salt (3.35 events vs. 3.30 events per 1000 person-years; rate ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.37; P = 0.76).Conclusions: Among persons who had a history of stroke or were 60 years of age or older and had high blood pressure, the rates of stroke, major cardiovascular events, and death from any cause were lower with the salt substitute than with regular salt. (Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia; SSaSS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02092090.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background At the population level, it is useful to estimate the liver cancer risk based on lifestyle factors and regular biomarkers to encourage high-risk people to be screened. Therefore, we conducted the current study to develop a prediction model for the stratification of liver cancer risk among the general population in China. Methods 112 440 subjects aged 20-80 years from Kailuan Cohort were included in the current study. A total of 326 incident primary liver cancer occurred during 913 078.51 person-years of follow-up. We used the Cox proportional hazards regression model to obtain coefficients for each predictor in the 8-year prediction models among a random two thirds of participants. The prediction models were validated in the remaining one third of participants. Hosmer-Lemeshow's statistic and Harrell's C-index were used to evaluate calibration and discrimination, respectively. Results A full prediction model that comprised of nine predictors, including age, sex, smoking pack-years, alcohol drinking, tea consumption, diabetes and fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, total cholesterol (TC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), was derived. The model showed good calibration (χ2=3.57, P = 0.89) and discrimination (Harrell's C-index=0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81, 0.88) in the validation data set. Conclusions A practical liver prediction model based on accessible indicators combined with lifestyle factors, regular blood biomarkers, and hepatitis virus status was developed, which allows to stratify the risk of liver cancer among the general population. Because the factors in this model are able to be acquired from questionnaire and blood detection, it has great potential to be translated into practical use for public health. Legal entity responsible for the study The authors. Funding National Key R& D Program. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct harvest of maize grain achieves high working efficiencies and low harvest costs; thus, direct harvest will become increasingly common for harvesting maize in the future. To investigate the loss percentage of maize grain (LPOMG) and the impurity percentage of maize grain (IPOMG) for harvesting in the northeast reclamation area in China, field tests were completed with various moisture contents of maize grain (MCOMGs), maize varieties, types of cleaning screens, and travel speeds of the harvesters. The results showed that the LPOMG of Xianda 205 maize with an MCOMG of 30.49% was the lowest at 0.37% and the IPOMG of Xianda 205 maize with an MCOMG of 22.62% was the lowest at 0.14% when the maize mixture was cleaned with the common scale screen in the S660 harvester. The LPOMG of Hayu 189 maize was the lowest at 0.19% when using the S660 harvester at a travel speed of 1.0 m s-1, and the IPOMG of Xianda 205 maize was the lowest at 0.28% when using the S660 harvester at a travel speed of 2.0 m s-1; the different varieties of maize mixtures were cleaned with the common scale screen. The LPOMG of Xianda 205 maize cleaned with the stepped woven screen was the lowest at 0.25% when using the GK100 harvester at a travel speed of 1.0 m s-1, and the IPOMG of Xianda 205 maize cleaned with the long-toothed scale screen was the lowest at 0.10% when using the 7088 harvester at a travel speed of 2.0 m s-1. This study provides a reference for selecting a suitable maize variety, type of screen, and the earliest harvest time for direct harvesting of maize grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]