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Secondary distribution of HIV self-testing (HIVST) among individual social networks was an effective approach to expanding HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, understanding the factors associated with first-time HIV testing behaviors in the secondary distribution of HIVST programs is limited. Hence, this study aims to identify factors related to first-time testers in the secondary distribution of HIVST. Participants were recruited from five provinces in southern China through Blued, a geo-social gay networking app in China from January 2021 to December 2021. Eligible consented participants (referred to as "seeds") finished a baseline survey and then applied for up to five HIVST kits. They were encouraged to distribute HIVST kits to other MSM (referred to as "alters") and alters were encouraged to scan a QR code to return their photographed testing results. All alters were invited to finish an online survey. In total, 229 seeds reached 292 alters, among whom 126 (43.2%) were first-time testers whereas 166 (56.8%) were non-first-time testers. Importantly, our results demonstrated that the first-time HIV testers were more likely to self-report as heterosexual (aOR = 4.88, 95% CI 1.01–23.61), disclose sexual orientation and/or SSB (aOR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.01–2.96), and receive HIVST knowledge from the seeds (aOR = 3.25, 95% CI 1.02–10.34). However, those who had sex with male partners in the last three months were less likely to be first-time testers (aOR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.23–0.82). Practical implications and limitations were also discussed to improve future HIV prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary distribution of HIV self-test is promising to increase testing uptake while the facilitators and barriers of secondary distribution remain unclear. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 MSM who had participated in secondary distribution of HIVST in southern China. Data were thematically analyzed to capture participants' motivations, procedures, and challenges when accessing and distributing self-tests. MSM in China are willing to distribute HIVST to members in their social network, but their decision-making is impacted by their ability to broach sexual health conversations, evaluations of the recipients, and perceived trustworthiness of the self-test. Our study suggested that several strategies, including creating a friendly environment for sexual health conversations and establishing nationwide policies related to quality assured self-tests and standardized self-testing protocols, may be helpful to advance this approach in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The HIV epidemic is still expanding among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, but HIV testing rates remain suboptimal. Network-based interventions, such as secondary distribution, have shown promise to expand HIV self-testing (HIVST) among partners of MSM living with HIV (MLWH) but have not been widely implemented. Monetary incentives could enhance the secondary distribution of HIVST in some settings. We will conduct a randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of monetary incentives in expanding the secondary distribution of HIVST among MLWH in China. Methods: We will recruit 200 eligible participants at three antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics in China. Participants are eligible if they are 18 years of age or over, assigned as male at birth, have had anal sex with men, are living with HIV, are willing to apply for the HIVST kit at ART clinics, and are willing to provide personal contact information for follow-up. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to one of two groups: standard secondary distribution group and secondary distribution group with monetary incentives. Participants (defined as "index") will distribute the HIVST kits to members of their social network (defined as "alter") and will be required to complete a baseline survey and a 3-month follow-up survey. All alters will be encouraged to report their testing results by taking photos of used kits and completing an online survey. The primary study outcomes will compare the mean number of alters and newly-tested alters motivated by each index participant in each group. Secondary study outcomes will include the mean number of alters who tested positive, the cost per person tested, and the cost per HIV diagnosed for each group. Discussion: Few studies have evaluated interventions to enhance the implementation of secondary distribution. Our study will provide information on the effectiveness of monetary incentives in expanding HIVST secondary distribution among MLWH. The findings of this trial will contribute to implementing HIVST secondary distribution services among MLWH in China and facilitating HIV case identifications. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200064517; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=177896. Registered on 10th October 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To explore the influence of nine healthy lifestyle factors on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults in Guizhou, China. Methods: Data were obtained from a large population‐based prospective cohort study in Guizhou Province, China. A total of 7,319 participants aged ≥18 years without diabetes at baseline were included in this study and were followed up from 2016 to 2020. A healthy lifestyle score was calculated based on the number of healthy lifestyle factors. Results: During an average of 7.1 person‐years of follow‐up, 764 participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Compared with those of participants who scored 0–3 for a healthy lifestyle, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of those who scored 4, 5, 6, and ≥7 were 0.676 (0.523–0.874), 0.599 (0.464–0.773), 0.512 (0.390–0.673), and 0.393 (0.282–0.550), respectively, showing a gradual downward trend (P for trend <0.01). More importantly, they had lower fasting and 2 h post‐load plasma glucose levels and fewer changes in plasma glucose levels during follow‐up. If ≥7 healthy lifestyle factors were maintained, 33.8% of incident diabetes cases could have been prevented. Never smoking was the strongest protective factor against type 2 diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: A healthy lifestyle can effectively decrease plasma glucose levels and reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults in Guizhou, China. In addition, not smoking may be an effective way to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a database for analyzing COVID-19's impacts on China's regional economies. This database contains various sectoral and regional economic outcomes at the weekly and monthly level. In the context of a general equilibrium trade model, we first formulate a mathematical representation of the Chinese regional economy and calibrate the model with China's multi-regional input-output table. We then utilize the monthly provincial and sectoral value-added and national trade series to estimate COVID-19's province-by-month labor-productivity impacts from February 2020 to September 2020. As a year-on-year comparison, relative to February 2019 levels, we find an average 39.5% decrease in labor productivity (equivalent to around 305 million jobs) and an average 25.9% decrease in welfare. Labor productivity and welfare quickly returned to the recent high-growth trends for China in the latter half of 2020. By September 2020, relative to September 2019, average labor productivity increased by 12.2% (equivalent to around 94 million jobs) and average welfare increased by 8.2%. Highlights: We quantify COVID-19's province-by-month labor productivity and welfare impacts on China's economies. The analysis is based on a new database and a computable general equilibrium (CGE) modeling approach. Labor productivity declined by 39.5% in February 2020 but quickly recovered since April 2020. The recovery patterns are heterogeneous across regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We calibrate the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development International Agricultural Commodity Market model using 2019/20 marketing year crop data and 2020 calendar year livestock and biofuel data to project China's agricultural imports under six plausible policy scenarios focusing on ethanol, corn, and pork from 2021 to 2030. Our baseline projection reflects China's current policy of relaxing the tariff rate quota (TRQ) for corn and imposing ethanol tariff without any ethanol/gasoline blend mandate. Baseline projections show China's ethanol imports grow from 100 million liters in 2020 to 1.21 billion liters in 2030; however, they also show that China's corn and pork imports remain at high levels and peak in the 2022/23 marketing year. Compared with the baseline, adopting the ethanol mandate increases China's corn and pork imports, and resuming the corn TRQ increases China's ethanol and pork imports. Both the ethanol mandate and corn import restrictions shift US and global exports from corn to ethanol and pork products. These projections can serve as benchmark estimates of China's imports of major agricultural commodities in the next decade. [EconLit citations: Q17, Q18, Q11]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, biodiversity conservation and the achievement of common prosperity are important challenges. China bid farewell to "absolute poverty" in 2020 but continues to face challenges, such as relative multidimensional poverty, especially in regions of protected areas (PA). The correlation between poverty and the natural environment leads to further research on the distribution and spatiotemporal evolutionary characteristics of relative poverty regions affected by the restrictive policies of PA. Quantitative research on these regions helps researchers formalize ecological indemnification policies based on the condition of different regions, thereby stabilizing efforts toward poverty alleviation. Through a study on relative poverty areas in 489 county-level administrative regions in China influenced by 477 national nature reserves, this study formulated a multidimensional integrated poverty index model that comprises three systems, namely, natural environment, economy, and society and 13 indicators. Using the comprehensive index, spatial analysis, and cluster analysis to investigate the evolutionary characteristics and driving factors of poverty from 2014 to 2019, the study created a distribution map of relative poverty regions affected by PA. The results indicated the following. (i) Relative poverty regions are mainly concentrated in provinces on the northwest side of the Hu Line with strong spatial correlation between these regions. Among them, the relatively poor areas with persistent deterioration become the keystone to stabilizing poverty alleviation and promoting green development. (ii) Poverty alleviation focuses on the economic dimension, whereas the environmental and social dimensions lack engagement. (iii) Conservation areas overlap with relative poverty regions. However, the increase in PA does not necessarily lead to the aggravation of the poverty in counties. The results offer a valuable reference for decision makers in formulating targeted policies and measures for areas affected by PA to facilitate green development and common prosperity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Digital network-based methods may enhance peer distribution of HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits, but interventions that can optimize this approach are needed. We aimed to assess whether monetary incentives and peer referral could improve a secondary distribution program for HIVST among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China.Methods and Findings: Between October 21, 2019 and September 14, 2020, a 3-arm randomized controlled, single-blinded trial was conducted online among 309 individuals (defined as index participants) who were assigned male at birth, aged 18 years or older, ever had male-to-male sex, willing to order HIVST kits online, and consented to take surveys online. We randomly assigned index participants into one of the 3 arms: (1) standard secondary distribution (control) group (n = 102); (2) secondary distribution with monetary incentives (SD-M) group (n = 103); and (3) secondary distribution with monetary incentives plus peer referral (SD-M-PR) group (n = 104). Index participants in 3 groups were encouraged to order HIVST kits online and distribute to members within their social networks. Members who received kits directly from index participants or through peer referral links from index MSM were defined as alters. Index participants in the 2 intervention groups could receive a fixed incentive ($3 USD) online for the verified test result uploaded to the digital platform by each unique alter. Index participants in the SD-M-PR group could additionally have a personalized peer referral link for alters to order kits online. Both index participants and alters needed to pay a refundable deposit ($15 USD) for ordering a kit. All index participants were assigned an online 3-month follow-up survey after ordering kits. The primary outcomes were the mean number of alters motivated by index participants in each arm and the mean number of newly tested alters motivated by index participants in each arm. These were assessed using zero-inflated negative binomial regression to determine the group differences in the mean number of alters and the mean number of newly tested alters motivated by index participants. Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. We also conducted an economic evaluation using microcosting from a health provider perspective with a 3-month time horizon. The mean number of unique tested alters motivated by index participants was 0.57 ± 0.96 (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) in the control group, compared with 0.98 ± 1.38 in the SD-M group (mean difference [MD] = 0.41),and 1.78 ± 2.05 in the SD-M-PR group (MD = 1.21). The mean number of newly tested alters motivated by index participants was 0.16 ± 0.39 (mean ± SD) in the control group, compared with 0.41 ± 0.73 in the SD-M group (MD = 0.25) and 0.57 ± 0.91 in the SD-M-PR group (MD = 0.41), respectively. Results indicated that index participants in intervention arms were more likely to motivate unique tested alters (control versus SD-M: incidence rate ratio [IRR = 2.98, 95% CI = 1.82 to 4.89, p-value < 0.001; control versus SD-M-PR: IRR = 3.26, 95% CI = 2.29 to 4.63, p-value < 0.001) and newly tested alters (control versus SD-M: IRR = 4.22, 95% CI = 1.93 to 9.23, p-value < 0.001; control versus SD-M-PR: IRR = 3.49, 95% CI = 1.92 to 6.37, p-value < 0.001) to conduct HIVST. The proportion of newly tested testers among alters was 28% in the control group, 42% in the SD-M group, and 32% in the SD-M-PR group. A total of 18 testers (3 index participants and 15 alters) tested as HIV positive, and the HIV reactive rates for alters were similar between the 3 groups. The total costs were $19,485.97 for 794 testers, including 450 index participants and 344 alter testers. Overall, the average cost per tester was $24.54, and the average cost per alter tester was $56.65. Monetary incentives alone (SD-M group) were more cost-effective than monetary incentives with peer referral (SD-M-PR group) on average in terms of alters tested and newly tested alters, despite SD-M-PR having larger effects. Compared to the control group, the cost for one more alter tester in the SD-M group was $14.90 and $16.61 in the SD-M-PR group. For newly tested alters, the cost of one more alter in the SD-M group was $24.65 and $49.07 in the SD-M-PR group. No study-related adverse events were reported during the study. Limitations include the digital network approach might neglect individuals who lack internet access.Conclusions: Monetary incentives alone and the combined intervention of monetary incentives and peer referral can promote the secondary distribution of HIVST among MSM. Monetary incentives can also expand HIV testing by encouraging first-time testing through secondary distribution by MSM. This social network-based digital approach can be expanded to other public health research, especially in the era of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR1900025433. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Social media and secondary distribution (distributing self-testing kits by indexes through their networks) both show strong promise to improve human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) self-testing uptake. We assessed an implementation program in Zhuhai, China, which focused on the secondary distribution of HIV/syphilis self-test kits among men who have sex with men (MSM) via social media. Methods Men aged ≥16 years, born biologically male, and ever had sex with another man were recruited as indexes. Banner ads on a social media platform invited the participants to apply for up to 5 self-test kits every 3 months. Index men paid a deposit of US$15/kit refundable upon submitting a photograph of a completed test result via an online submission system. They were informed that they could distribute the kits to others (referred to as "alters"). Results A total of 371 unique index men applied for 1150 kits (mean age, 28.7 [standard deviation, 6.9] years), of which 1141 test results were returned (99%). Among them, 1099 were valid test results; 810 (74%) were from 331 unique index men, and 289 tests (26%) were from 281 unique alters. Compared to index men, a higher proportion of alters were naive HIV testers (40% vs 21%; P <.001). The total HIV self-test reactivity rate was 3%, with alters having a significantly higher rate than indexes (5% vs 2%; P =.008). A total of 21 people (3%) had a reactive syphilis test result. Conclusions Integrating social media with the secondary distribution of self-test kits may hold promise to increase HIV/syphilis testing coverage and case identification among MSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: HIV self-testing (HIVST), especially the secondary distribution of HIVST (SD-HIVST) initiated by sexual health influencers (SHIs), has been recognized as an effective strategy in promoting HIV testing, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate whether SHIs identified through the ensemble machine learning approach can distribute more HIVST than those who identified by the empiricalscale.Methods: We will recruit eligible adults (≥18 years old) who were assigned male gender at birth, and willing to participate in potential SD-HIVST online. Participants will be assigned randomly to two groups (scale group or machine learning group), followed by a separate process of SHI identification based on the group assignment. After identification, all index participants (defined as identified SHIs who are verbally consented to participate in SD-HIVST or who directly order HIVST kits) will follow the same procedure for SD-HIVST acquisition and distribution. Index participants can order HIVST online and distribute them to members within their social networks (defined as alters) in-person or virtually through a personalized peer referral link. Once a unique alter uploads a photographed test result to the platform, both the alter and the corresponding index participant will receive a fixed incentive of 3 USD. The index MSM can order up to five HIVST in the first three months and ten HIVST in the following three months. Each index participant will need to complete a baseline survey at the first-time ordering and one to two follow-upbased on the times of ordering,, three months after ordering. This trial will be comparing 1) the mean number of alters motivated by each index participant in each group and 2) the mean number of newly-tested alters motivated by each index participant in each group.Discussion: In promoting the efficacy of identifying SHIs for SD-HIVST, our study has the potential to enhance testing coverage, particularly among marginalized individuals and those who are reluctant to for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.Trial Registration: We registered the study on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry website on 4th November 2021, with registration number ChiCTR2000039632 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To validate the agreement among the convolution neural network segmentation algorithm, Tada formula and manual segmentation for subdural/epidural hemorrhage volume. Methods A total of 129 cases with 352 subdural/epidural hemorrhage CT scans were extracted from Chinese Intracranial Hemorrhage Image Database (CICHID) from January 2017 to June 2019. All CT scans were measured by three methods including manual segmentation, algorithm segmentation and Tada formula. The manual segmentation was regarded as the "golden standard" and the agreement test among three methods was performed. We explored the influence factors in different measurement methods, such as the shape or boundary of hematoma. Results Compared with the Tada formula method, the percentage error of segmentation algorithm was small (23.62%), and the agreement between algorithm and the manual reference was strong, which 94.89% (334/352) of the data was within the 95% limits of agreement (95%LoA), however, the 95%LoA was broad. And the performance of segmentation algorithm showed better in asymmetry (P = 0.000) and clear boundary hematoma (P = 0.000). Conclusions The segmentation algorithm based on convolution neural network has a certain application prospect, but need to be validated in large sample research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xiaorequanzi Cu–Zn deposit is in the westernmost part of East Tianshan Terrane in northwestern China. The deposit is unique in the region being a volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit located near a zone (or belt) containing giant late Paleozoic porphyry Cu deposits. Aiming to better understand the genesis of the mineral deposits in the terrane and their tectonic setting, we report our findings of detailed studies on fluid inclusion microthermometry, Re–Os dating of chalcopyrite from the massive ore, and U–Pb dating of zircons from the host volcanic rocks. There are two sulphide stages with early pyrite succeeded by chalcopyrite–sphalerite, which are hydrothermally overprinted and supergene enriched. The hydrothermal overprinting is characterised by quartz–sulphide veins crossed by carbonate-rich quartz veins. Quartz from the chalcopyrite–sphalerite stage is characterised by primary fluid inclusions containing H2O–NaCl(–CO2) and homogenise at 228–392 °C with a salinity of 2.2–13.3 wt.% NaCl equiv. Secondary fluid inclusions related to the hydrothermal overprinting homogenise at 170–205 °C with a salinity of 2.7–12.1 wt.% NaCl equiv. Fluid inclusions in the quartz–sulphide stage of the hydrothermal overprinting contain H2O–NaCl with homogenisation temperatures of 164–281 °C and salinities in ranging from 2.9 to 12.4 wt.% NaCl equiv. Fluid inclusion in the quartz–calcite stage contain H2O–NaCl with homogenisation temperatures of 122–204 °C with salinities of 1.4–12.4 wt.% NaCl equiv. These characteristics are like those of the secondary fluid inclusions in the VMS mineralisation. Combining these findings with H–O isotopic data from previous studies, we propose that the primary mineralising fluid is magmatic in origin. Tuff hosting the mineralisation yields a SHRIMP U–Pb zircon age of 352 ± 5 Ma, which is interpreted as the age of the tuff, and a porphyritic felsite dyke intruding the tuff yields a SHRIMP U–Pb zircon date of 345 ± 6 Ma, interpreted as the emplacement age of the dyke. Chalcopyrite from the main orebody at Xiaorequanzi yields a Re–Os isochron age of 336 ± 13 Ma with an initial 187Os/188Os ratio of 0.25 ± 0.55 (MSWD = 12). Given that the VMS deposit is a syngenetic deposit, we regard the upper ca. 349 Ma limit of the Re–Os date as the approximate age of the chalcopyrite. The three dates are the same within error, and the upper limit of the Re–Os date of ca. 349 is taken as the age of the volcanic, dyke, and mineralisation. The volcanic rocks around the Xiaorequanzi deposit have been previously classified as calc–alkaline to high-K calc–alkaline enriched in large-ion lithophile elements and depleted in high-field-strength elements, which are characteristics indicative of a forearc setting. It is suggested that VMS mineralisation formed in a forearc setting related to the north-directed subduction of the Palaeo-Kangguer or North Tianshan oceanic plates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vivax malaria is an important public health problem in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), including the China-Myanmar border. Previous studies have found that Plasmodium vivax has decreased sensitivity to antimalarial drugs in some area of GMS, but the sensitivity of P. vivax to antimalarial drugs is unclear in the China-Myanmar border. Here, we investigate the drug sensitivity profile and genetic variations for two drug resistance related genes, in P. vivax isolates to provide baseline information for future drug studies in the China-Myanmar border. Methodology/Principal findings: A total of 64 P. vivax clinical isolates collected from the China-Myanmar border area were assessed for ex vivo susceptibility to eight antimalarial drugs by the schizont maturation assay. The medians of IC50 (half-maximum inhibitory concentrations) for chloroquine, mefloquine, pyronaridine, piperaquine, quinine, artesunate, artemether, dihydroartemisinin were 84.2 nM, 34.9 nM, 4.0 nM, 22.3 nM, 41.4 nM, 2.8 nM, 2.1 nM and 2.0 nM, respectively. Twelve P. vivax clinical isolates were found over the cut-off IC50 value (220 nM) for chloroquine resistance. In addition, sequence polymorphisms in pvmdr1 (P. vivax multidrug resistance-1), pvcrt-o (P. vivax chloroquine resistance transporter-o), and difference in pvmdr1 copy number were studied. Sequencing of the pvmdr1 gene in 52 samples identified 12 amino acid substitutions, among which two (G698S and T958M) were fixed, M908L were present in 98.1% of the isolates, while Y976F and F1076L were present in 3.8% and 78.8% of the isolates. Amplification of the pvmdr1 gene was only detected in 4.8% of the samples. Sequencing of the pvcrt-o in 59 parasite isolates identified a single lysine insertion at position 10 in 32.2% of the isolates. The pvmdr1 M908L substitutions in pvmdr1 in our samples was associated with reduced sensitivity to and chloroquine, mefloquine, pyronaridine, piperaquine, quinine, artesunate and dihydroartemisinin. Conclusions: Our findings depict a drug sensitivity profile and genetic variations of the P. vivax isolates from the China-Myanmar border area, and suggest possible emergence of chloroquine resistant P. vivax isolates in the region, which demands further efforts for resistance monitoring and mechanism studies. Author summary: Vivax malaria is an important parasitic disease in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Plasmodium vivax, which is less sensitive to chloroquine, has been reported in the region. However, as part of the GMS, the drug sensitivity of P. vivax is unclear in the China-Myanmar border area. In view of the important role of antimalarial drugs in malaria elimination strategies, we investigate the drug sensitivity profile and genetic variations of the P. vivax isolates from the China-Myanmar border. We obtained baseline data of ex vivo sensitivities to eight antimalarial drugs and found that chloroquine-resistant P. vivax was possibly emerging this area. Studies of genetic polymorphisms in two candidate genes of drug resistance (pvmdr1 and pvcrt-o) of the P. vivax isolates from this area and found association between the M908L substitution in pvmdr1 with reduced sensitivities to and chloroquine, mefloquine, pyronaridine, piperaquine, quinine, artesunate and dihydroartemisinin. It is worth noting that the M908L substitution was almost fixed in our samples, which limits the robustness of the conclusion. Our finding suggests that more rigorous in vivo and ex vivo studies are needed to monitor the efficacy of the frontline drugs and discover drug resistance mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleistocene cave deposits usually provide ideal materials for the study of mammals. Karst caves in Chongzuo, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of south China are famous for numerous studies on their abundant mammalian fossils and most importantly, Homo sapiens. Unfortunately, the environmental backgrounds, e.g. vegetation and climate, that governed these faunas, are usually lacking because there is no appropriate proxy. In this work, we analysed the palynological assemblages from seven well-dated karst caves in Chongzuo. The ages of these seven caves (2.0–0.11 Ma) cover almost the entire Pleistocene. Though the number of pollen and spores is comparatively low, as expected, we managed to reconstruct the principle vegetation types. The results show that the individual vegetations were mainly warm temperate to subtropical evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forests. The present study provides important background environmental information on the Pleistocene faunas and Homo sapiens in Guangxi, south China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Five China's interprovincial patent trade networks over the period 2012–2016 are established on the basis of patent transfer information collection, transfer entity identification, and regional mapping. Based on the analysis of patent trade trends and the characteristics of the network structure, endogenous structural effects and exogenous factors affecting the evolution of the trade networks are proposed, and exponential random graph models (ERGMs) constructed to select the most parsimonious model. Based on the variables in the most parsimonious model, temporal ERGM is used to determine the factors of trade networks evolution among provinces. The results provide six key factors affecting network evolution over the period 2012–2016, i.e., reciprocity, eastern output effect, intensity of technological R&D, proximity to economic center, and technology openness. Moreover, analysis reveals that the concentration of technology in provinces is the key factor inhibiting evolution, while differences among provinces on economic levels, technology trade experience, the technology receiving of western provinces, and the geographical proximity of provinces exhibit a weak effect on the evolution process. Finally, suggestions to promote interprovincial patent trade are proposed. Highlights • Five China's interprovincial patent trade networks over the period 2012–2016 are established. • Temporal exponential random graph model is introduced to explore the factors affecting networks evolution. • 6 of the 10 hypotheses regarding network evolution are supported. • The pivotal driving factors and inhibitory factors for network evolution are revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy conservation and emission reduction in China's iron and steel industry are crucial for mitigating its environmental pressures. However, uncertainties raise significant management risks when setting energy conservation and emission reduction pathways. Therefore, this paper explores the energy conservation and emission reduction potential in China's iron and steel industry. A 10,000-time Latin hypercube sampling is conducted to simulate the distribution of five types of uncertain factors. In addition, this study uses a Sobol' sensitivity analysis method to recognize the most sensitive factor, and, in specific, analyzes the cost-effectiveness of the technologies via conservation supply curve. The results show that: (1) The uncertainty factors lead to significant fluctuate to the results. In particular, energy conservation will fluctuate by 18.24–40.77%, carbon mitigation by 28.96–55.34%, and SO 2 , NO x and PM mitigation effects will fluctuate by 48.32–79.53%, 22.12–51.77% and 23.92–50.03%, respectively. (2) Structure and equipment parameters are more the most sensitive to energy conservation and carbon mitigation targets, whose Sobol' indices are beyond 0.45. End-of-pipe treatment technologies are more the most sensitive to SO2 and PM reduction targets with Sobol' indices above 0.9. Penetration rates and equipment parameters are more the most sensitive to economic cost targets above 0.8. (3) In 2035, 33 energy conservation technologies and 34 emission reduction technologies will be cost-effective, and they can achieve 69.05–70.14% of energy conservation and 79.03–81.58% of emission reduction potentials, respectively. Based on these findings, this study proposes policy recommendations such as changing the raw material/product structure, upgrading equipment, cooperating actively, and introducing economic incentives and guidelines for technology application. • We establish the energy conservation and emission reduction measure inventory. • Simulation of possible fluctuations due to uncertainties by Latin Hypercube Sampling. • The sensitivity factors are identified through Sobol approach. • Effective management policies need to consider uncertainty factors and sensitivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and deadly breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options. It is necessary to seek complementary strategies for TNBC management. Taraxacum mongolicum , commonly named as dandelion, is a herb medicine with anti-cancer activity and has been utilized to treat mammary abscess, hyperplasia of mammary glands from ancient time in China, but the scientific evidence and action mechanisms still need to be studied. Aim of the study This study was intended to investigate the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanisms of dandelion extract in TNBC cell line. Methodology Dandelion extract was prepared and purified, and then its chemical composition was determined. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Analysis of cell apoptosis and cell cycle was assessed by flow cytometry. The expression levels of mRNA and proteins were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK and CHOP siRNA were used to confirm the cell apoptosis induced by dandelion extract. Results Dandelion extract significantly decreased MDA-MB-231cell viability, triggered G2/M phase arrest and cell apoptosis. Concurrently, it caused a markedly increase of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP proteins. Caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK abolished the apoptosis triggered by dandelion extract. The three ER stress-related signals were strongly induced after dandelion treatment, including increased mRNA expressions of ATF4, ATF6, XBP1s, GRP78 and CHOP genes, elevated protein levels of phosphorylated PERK, eIF-2α, IRE1, as well as the downstream molecules of CHOP and GRP78. MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with CHOP siRNA significantly reduced apoptosis induced by dandelion extract. The underlying mechanisms at least partially ascribe to the strong activation of PERK/p-eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP axis. Conclusion ER stress related cell apoptosis accounted for the anti-cancer effect of dandelion extract, and these findings support dandelion extract might be a potential therapeutic approach to treat TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary China’s agricultural policy has undergone a fundamental transformation in the four decades since the introduction of market reforms in 1978 and now involves a wide array of policy instruments that range from output and input subsidies to public infrastructure expenditures. This article analyzes the political-economic determinants of China’s agricultural subsidy changes using producer subsidy equivalents (PSEs) drawn from annual data from 1984 to 2015 on 16 agricultural commodity sectors that include multiple policy instruments. Empirical results indicate that national factors, such as high rates of economic growth and a lower share of agriculture in the economy, have been the primary drivers of increases in PSEs, and that larger, more geographically concentrated agricultural sectors are more likely to be subsidized at a higher PSE rate. Finally, China’s joining the World Trade Organization in December 2001 led to significant increases in PSEs that were not already explained by internal national or commodity-specific factors. In essence, China’s agricultural subsidy programs and levels increasingly resemble those of developed countries, primarily as a result of economic transformation and the ability to structure agricultural policies within the WTO rules. Moreover, this article predicts that agricultural subsidies will trend slightly upward in the next decade and that the strongest opportunities to export to China will be in animal products or grains that are utilized for feed or processed foods, where the levels of subsidies are predicted to increase but remain lower than for traditional food crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance As folk medicines used in China since 1950s, Dioscorea nipponica Makino (DN), D. panthaica Prain et Burkill (DP), and D. zingiberensis C.H. Wright (DZ) are regarded as having more or less the same traditional therapeutic actions, such as activating blood, relieving pain, and dispersing swelling. It is noteworthy that, of the 49 species of the genus Dioscorea distributed in China, based on such traditional efficacies, only these three have been further developed as effective single-herb medicines for treating cardiovascular diseases by the modern pharmaceutical industry. In our previous study, it was found that the chemical compositions of DN and DP were similar, and both were distinct from that of DZ. Hence, whether their different chemical profiles support their anti-IHD (ischemic heart disease) activity in common still needs to be answered. So far it is still unknown whether the efficacies of these three herbs act via similar mechanism and whether they possess comparable therapeutic efficacy for experimental myocardial ischemia (MI). Aim of the study The present study aimed to further investigate the underlying mechanisms with respect to antioxidative stress activity by which these Dioscorea spp. attenuate MI, and to compare the therapeutic effect of total saponins from these three species on myocardial antioxidant levels and myocardial histology. Material and methods The serum levels of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as myocardial histology, were compared among rat groups administered with total saponins (TS) of DN, DP or DZ (abbreviated as DNTS, DPTS and DZTS, respectively). The rats experienced myocardial ischemia induced by isoprenaline (ISO) injection; the test solutions (DNTS, DPTS, DZTS) were administered either after the ISO injection, or both before and after. Results Compared with the model group (ISO injection only), TS groups exhibited significantly reduced activities of CK, LDH and AST, lowered level of MDA, and increased activities of SOD, CAT, GPx and T-AOC; heart tissues from TS groups revealed less severe histological damage. The cardioprotective efficacy of these three Dioscorea TS for rat MI was closely comparable based on the above observations. Conclusion The findings of the present study provide evidence that the anti-MI effect of DNTS, DPTS and DZTS can be attributed to the increase of myocardial antioxidant levels and decrease of lipid peroxidation formation, and the closely comparable results observed from these three Dioscorea saponins thereby explains the similarity in their clinical efficacy as anti-MI drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traditionally, open reduction and internal fixation is an acceptable choice for treating displaced glenoid articular fracture. Considering some major complications associated with open surgery, however, surgeons have explored a less invasive way to achieve fixation.Purpose: This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the clinical results of arthroscopic-assisted reduction and percutaneous cannulated screw fixation for the treatment of Ideberg type III glenoid fractures.Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods: Twenty-three consecutive patients with Ideberg type III glenoid fractures underwent arthroscopic-assisted reduction and percutaneous cannulated screw fixation. Eighteen patients (78.3%) were available for the final follow-up, at a mean of 37.6 months (range, 24-61 months). There were 12 men and 6 women, with an average age of 41.2 years (range, 22-62 years). Dominant sides were involved in 10 patients. The mean time from injury to surgery was 5.9 ± 2.7 days.Results: The average ranges of motion of the affected shoulders at the final follow-up were 162.8° ± 8.3° in forward elevation, 67.2° ± 4.6° in external rotation at the side, and T8 ± 2 in internal rotation. The average visual analog scale pain score was 0.7 ± 0.9 (range, 0-3), the average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 96.0 ± 5.4 (range, 80-100), the average Constant-Murley score was 96.8 ± 2.9 (range, 90-100), and the average University of California, Los Angeles, score was 34.3 ± 0.9 (range, 33-35). No hardware failure or redisplacement of the fracture occurred, and all fractures healed without any major complication associated with the surgery.Conclusion: Arthroscopic-assisted reduction and percutaneous cannulated screw fixation is a safe and effective method for the treatment of Ideberg type III glenoid fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines mining management in Chenzhou and Guiyang prefectures in eastern Hunan, discussing the conflicts between government officials and merchants as well as provincial and prefectural officials over the rights to manage mines. The essay argues that the government's conception of trade was heavily influenced by ideas of "rent seeking" and it was this objective, rather than the development of the mines, which drove changes in government policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A GRA14-PCR assay was established to detect swine toxoplasmosis in the acute infection period. • The GRA14-PCR assay showed higher sensitivity and specificity than other PCR. • Toxoplasma gondii was most prevalent in some southern and northern areas of China. Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular apicomplexan protozoan parasite, can infect all warm-blooded animals. Infected swine are considered one of the most important sources of T. gondii infection in humans. Rapidly and effectively diagnosing T. gondii infection in swine is essential. PCR-based diagnostic tests have been fully developed, and very sensitive and specific PCR is crucial for the diagnosis of swine toxoplasmosis. In this study, we used the T. gondii dense granule protein 14 (GRA14) gene as a target to design specific primers and established a high-specificity and high-sensitivity PCR detection method for swine toxoplasmosis. Notably, this PCR method could detect T. gondii tachyzoite DNA in the acute infection phase. The GRA14 gene PCR assay detected a minimum of 2.35 tachyzoites of T. gondii and can be used for T. gondii detection in blood, tissue, semen, urine and waste feed specimens. A total of 5462 blood specimens collected from pigs in 5 provinces and autonomous regions in southern China during 2016–2017 were assessed by the newly established GRA14 gene PCR method. The overall T. gondii infection rate was 18.9 % (1033/5462). According to the statistical analysis of different regions in China, the positive rates of swine toxoplasmosis from 2016 to 2017 were highest in the Shaanxi, Fujian and Guangdong areas, at 31.7 % (44/139), 21.9 % (86/391) and 18.8 % (874/4645), respectively. Specimens collected in 2017 had a higher positive rate (19.1 %) than those collected in 2016 (16.1 %). In addition, specimens collected in autumn (39.4 %), spring (22.8 %) and winter (18.2 %) had higher positive rates than those collected in summer (3.8 %). These results indicate that the new PCR method based on the T. gondii GRA14 gene has utility for the diagnosis of swine toxoplasmosis and can facilitate the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in clinical laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Sidingheishan granodiorite, gabbro and monzogranite were emplaced at ca. 426.5 Ma, 406–397 Ma, and 382 Ma, respectively. • The Sidingheishan granodiorite and monzogranite was formed during partial melting of subducted oceanic crust interacting with a mantle wedge. • The Devonian mafic rocks are products of subduction–related magmatism in a continental arc margin setting rather than post-collisional extensional tectonic setting. • The Sidingheishan intrusion and associated with porphyry Cu–Mo mineralisation were generated in an arc setting. The Sidingheishan porphyry Cu–Mo deposit is located in the northeastern margin of the Kanggur–Huangshan Shear Zone of the Eastern Tianshan Terrane (ETT) in the Xinjiang Province of northwestern China. Laser Ablation–Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) zircon U–Pb dating of rocks in the area yielded an emplacement age of 427 ± 3 Ma for the ore-bearing granodiorite, which is intruded by 406 ± 3 to 397 ± 4 Ma gabbro, and a 382 ± 4 Ma monzogranite. These rocks have a tholeiitic to calc–alkaline and metaluminous geochemical affinities, with A/CNK values ranging from 0.65 to 1.14. The Silurian granodiorite and Carboniferous monzogranite are enriched in LREEs and LILEs (i.e. K, Ba, Pb and Sr), depleted in HREEs and HFSEs (i.e. Nb, Ta and Ti), and slightly positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.94–1.39) indicative of crystal fractionation. The granodiorite and monzogranite have elevated MgO assays (0.36–1.85 wt%) and Mg# values (34–52), low (87Sr/86Sr) i ratios of 0.70320–0.70435, high ε Nd (t) values (5.9–6.9), T DM 2 Nd model ages between 687 and 568 Ma, and ε Hf (t) values between + 8.37 and + 17.44. The geochemistry of the Early Devonian gabbro is characterised by its low SiO 2 assays of 47.69–51.34 wt% and high Al 2 O 3 assays of 18.07–22.91 wt% and MgO assays of 2.29–7.09 wt% (with Mg# values of 38–64), ε Nd (t) values of 4.7–6.9, ε Hf (t) of 8.04–17.97, and (87Sr/86Sr) i values of 0.70371–0.70420. The gabbro samples are enriched in LILEs, depleted in HFSEs, and have positive Eu anomalies. Combined with the regional geological history and above mentioned data, we suggest that the Sidingheishan granodiorite and monzogranite were formed during partial melting of subducted oceanic crust interacting with the lithospheric mantle. We also proposed that the Devonian gabbro developed during an extensional tectonic setting involving subduction–related magmatism in a continental arc margin rather than during mantle plume activity in the post–collisional extensional tectonic setting. The Sidingheishan granodiorite and associated porphyry Cu–Mo mineralisation were generated in an arc setting, associated with the N-dipping subduction of the Palaeo–Tianshan oceanic plate beneath the Dananhu–Tousuquan island arc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Rice is the major cereal plant worldwide; the rice processing procedure has produced several rice byproducts that are not for human consumption but are usually used as a feed ingredient for broilers. However, due to the variation of geographic and processing methods, the quality of rice and rice byproducts is merely coincident. Thus, analysis of the chemical composition and evaluation of nutrition digestibility of rice and its byproducts in broilers and establishing the regression equation is vitally important in diet formulation and resource efficiency. Based on the above information, this study examined the differences in the chemical composition of rice, broken rice, and full-fat rice bran from the different major production areas of China, evaluated the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy and standardized ileal amino acid digestibility in broilers by nitrogen-free diet method, established a regression equation based on partial correlation assay, and provided novel information in the diet formulation of rice, broken rice, and full-fat rice bran in broilers. Rice, broken rice (BR), and full-fat rice bran (FFRB) from six different origins were analyzed for their chemical composition, nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolized energy (AMEn), and standardized amino acid digestibility (SIAAD) in 14-day-old and 28-day-old Arbor Acres broilers. Results showed broilers fed with rice and BR had a similar AMEn regardless of the rice and BR having different CP, EE, NDF, ADF, and ash content. FFRB containing significantly different CP, EE, NDF, ADFm and starch presented variable AMEn (p < 0.05), suggesting that starch content in rice and its byproducts contributed most to the AMEn of broilers. The regression equation of AMEn = 14.312 − (0.198 × NDF) and AMEn = 6.491 + (0.103 × Starch) were feasible to integrally predict AMEn of broilers fed to rice and its byproducts. Moreover, 28-day-old broilers had higher SIAAD than 14-day-old ones. The SIAAD of rice were higher than BR and FFRB except for Met, Cys, Thr, and Tyr in 14-day-old broilers (p < 0.05), and the SIAAD of His, Asp, and Ser in BR were higher than FFRB (p < 0.05). In 28-day-old broilers, the SIAAD of Leu, Trp, Asp, Gly, and Pro of rice were still higher than BR and FFRB (p < 0.05), but BR and FFRB had no significant differences (p > 0.05). The regression equations to estimate the SIAAD of Thr, Lys, and Met were: Met = 81.46 + (0.578 × CP), Thr = 0.863 + (6.311 × CP), and Trp = 102.883 − (1.77 × CP), indicating that CP content in rice and its byproducts was likely a major factor for prediction of SIAAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social network-based strategies can expand HIV/syphilis self-tests among men who have sex with men (MSM). Sexual health influencers are individuals who are particularly capable of spreading information about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) within their social networks. However, it remains unknown whether a sexual health influencer can encourage their peers to self-test for HIV/syphilis.Objective: The aims of this study were to examine the impact of MSM sexual health influencers on improving HIV/syphilis self-test uptake within their social networks compared to that of nonsexual health influencers.Methods: In Zhuhai, China, men 16 years or older, born biologically male, who reported ever having had sex with a man, and applying for HIV/syphilis self-tests were enrolled online as indexes and encouraged to distribute self-tests to individuals (alters) in their social network. Indexes scoring >3 on a sexual health influencer scale were considered to be sexual health influencers (Cronbach α=.87). The primary outcome was the mean number of alters encouraged to test per index for sexual health influencers compared with the number encouraged by noninfluencers.Results: Participants included 371 indexes and 278 alters. Among indexes, 77 (20.8%) were sexual health influencers and 294 (79.2%) were noninfluencers. On average, each sexual health influencer successfully encouraged 1.66 alters to self-test compared to 0.51 alters encouraged by each noninfluencer (adjusted rate ratio 2.07, 95% CI 1.59-2.69). More sexual health influencers disclosed their sexual orientation (80.5% vs 67.3%, P=.02) and were community-based organization volunteers (18.2% vs 2.7%, P<.001) than noninfluencers. More alters of sexual health influencers came from a rural area (45.5% vs 23.8%, P<.001), had below-college education (57.7% vs 37.1%, P<.001), and had multiple casual male sexual partners in the past 6 months (25.2% vs 11.9%, P<.001).Conclusions: Being a sexual health influencer was associated with encouraging more alters with less testing access to self-test for HIV/syphilis. Sexual health influencers can be engaged as seeds to expand HIV/syphilis testing coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The browning of white adipose tissue can change the body's energy distribution and improve the disorder of energy metabolism through the expression of the iconic protein UCP1 to achieve beneficial effects on the body. As a natural plant functional component, polyphenols have been found to induce the browning of white adipose tissue, such as resveratrol and catechin. Honokiol is one of the main components in Magnolia officinalis, a traditional Chinese medicine in China. Modern pharmacological tests have proven that, like many plant functional components, honokiol has broad-spectrum antibacterial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidation effects. However, the effect of honokiol on inducing the browning of white adipose tissue and improving energy metabolism disorder has not been reported. In this study, a high-fat diet-induced obese model was established, and proteomic analysis was performed. It was found that honokiol could promote the browning of white adipose tissue in high-fat fed mice. The AMPK-ACC-CPT1A and C/EBPα-SOAT1 pathways may be the important molecular mechanisms of the browning induced by honokiol. Honokiol (HON) is one of the main biological active components of the traditional Chinese medicine Magnolia officinalis and has many health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate whether HON could alleviate obesity in mice by inhibiting adipogenesis and promoting the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT). C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups and fed with a normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD supplemented with 200 (H200), 400 (H400), or 800 (H800) mg/kg BW HON for 8 weeks. The results showed that the mice fed HFD plus HON had lower body fat ratios (BFRs) and smaller adipocyte diameters in the epididymal WAT compared with those of the HFD group. With a proteomics analysis, the HON group upregulated 30 proteins and downregulated 98 proteins in the epididymal WAT of mice, and the steroid O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1) was screened as a key protein. The HON supplement prevented HFD-induced adipogenesis by reduced the mRNA and protein expression of SOAT1 and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBPα), suggesting that SOAT1 might play an important role in regulating adipogenesis. Moreover, HON treatment increased the expression of proteins related to the classical pathways of energy and lipid metabolism, such as AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and promoted the browning of epididymal WAT by upregulation of the protein expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in the HFD mice. In conclusion, these results suggest that HON supplements could prevent increases in body fat for HFD mice by suppressing adipogenesis and promoting WAT browning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zhijiang duck (ZJ) is one of the famous indigenous breed of Hunan province in China. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence plays an important role in the accurate determination of phylogenetic relationships among metazoans. It is the first time that the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the ZJ was reported. The total length of the mtDNA is 16,604 bp. It contains the typical structure, including 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, and 1 non-coding control region (D-loop region). The overall composition of the mtDNA was estimated to be 29.22% for A, 22.20% for T, 32.82% for C, and 15.77% for G. Phylogenetic analyses using N-J computational algorithms showed that the analyzed 20 Anseriform species are divided into four major clades: Anatinae, Anserinae, Dendrocygninae, and Anseranatidae. In addition, our work confirmed that ZJ and Anas poecilorhyncha have a close genetic relationship with fellow tribal members Linwu duck and Youxian duck. Meanwhile, we also found that ZJ and A. poecilorhyncha have highly similar genetic relationship. This work will provides an important data set for the study in the genetic mechanism of duck in Hunan province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss the development of joint replacement therapies in China, highlights that the Chinese Joint Surgery Association has grown as an organization. They discuss several challenges facing this technology, including differences between patients in urban and rural areas, insufficient number of surgeons and prolonged hospital stay. It highlights the need of national joint replacement registers, better fitting prostheses for Chinese people and a systematic program to tackle these issues.

To obtain high-quality human resources and to gain advantages in the context of global competition, countries are constantly promoting the development of higher education. Enormous human and financial resources were invested in this "battle". However, the "inputs" consumed by universities are largely ignored. A major issue, evaluating how well a country's universities make use of input resources in their output path, is of economic and social significance. The focus of this study is to embed the concept of capacity utilization in education and to assess the university's performance. We construct an attainable output-oriented capacity utilization measurement model by taking into account the heterogeneity of the region. According to the usage of the input, we divide the decision making units into four areas and identify the causes of inefficiency. Thus, the methodology proposed in this study provides policymakers an applicable tool on differences in educational inputs across regions. To illustrate the method, we conduct an empirical analysis using data from 54 universities directly under the Ministry of Education in China. • By embedding the concept of CU in the education sector, we propose a conceptual theoretical framework and assessing the utilization of university inputs. • We construct an attainable output-oriented CU measurement model by taking into account the attainability of variable inputs. • By dividing decision making units into four types according to the causes of inefficiencies, this paper proposes an CU analysis paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • It firstly investigates the WTH and WTP of polluted area, urban and rural residents for WMPs. • Only 9.4% respondents are satisfied with current government's management. • Demographic variables, cognition and attitude are important factors on WTH and WTP. • Residents' WTH and WTP in e-waste polluted area are higher. • If owning higher WTH, the residents will trend to higher WTP. Currently, China has the largest generation volume of waste mobile phones (WMPs), but the recycling rate is still negligible. How to improve the willingness to hand (WTH) over to formal recycling channels and willingness to pay (WTP) have become the most core problems in the e-waste recycling industry. As the important link between WMPs generation and collection, the residents' role and function are attracting more and more attention. Thus, this study is designed to identify the determinants of the residents' WTH and WTP for WMPs through the contingent valuation method (CVM). At the same time, it will explore the current existing gaps from the urban and rural residents. Especially, this study also considers Guiyu Town as one special rural region for understanding the differences with other regions. The results show that the respondents generally have the relatively lower knowledge and cognition on WMPs recycling. Only 9.4% respondents are satisfied with the current government's management of WMPs. Personal information leakage is an important reason for low WTH. The WTH of Guiyu, urban and rural respondents were 51.3%, 45.9% and 41.2%, respectively; while their WTP were 46.80%, 31.70% and 37.80%, respectively. Finally, it is estimated that their WTP values were 18.75 ($2.81), 16.14 ($2.42) and 15.85 ($2.38) RMB per unit, respectively. The demographic variables, cognition and attitude are important factors on all residents' WTH and WTP. Meanwhile, it is indicated that if owning higher WTH, the residents will trend to higher WTP. Especially, the WTH and WTP of Guiyu residents are higher than other residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China, being a major agricultural nation, employs aerobic composting as an efficient approach to handle agricultural solid waste. Nevertheless, the composting process is often accompanied by greenhouse gas emissions, which are known contributors to global warming. Therefore, it is urgent to control the formation and emission of greenhouse gases from composting. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms underlying the production of nitrous oxide, methane, and carbon dioxide during the composting process of agricultural wastes. Additionally, it proposes an overview of the variables that affect greenhouse gas emissions, including the types of agricultural wastes (straw, livestock manure), the specifications for compost (pile size, aeration). The key factors of greenhouse gas emissions during composting process like physicochemical parameters, additives, and specific composting techniques (reuse of mature compost products, ultra-high-temperature composting, and electric-field-assisted composting) are summarized. Finally, it suggests directions and perspectives for future research. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for achieving carbon neutrality and promoting environmentally-friendly composting practices. [Display omitted] • GHG emissions are related to the type of material composted. • Compost size and turning frequency affect compost oxygen content. • Physicochemical properties are important factors influencing GHG emissions. • Aerobic composting under different strategies helps reduce GHG emissions. • Exogenous amendments affect GHG emission through their own characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Rhodiola algida, Saussurea involucrata, and other herbs grown in Qinghai-Tibetan plateau have long been used to prevent and treat acute mountain sickness. Aim of the study: To screen and identify the anti-hypoxic constituents in the herbs grown in Qinghai-Tibetan plateau of Northwestern China. Materials and methods: The anti-hypoxic activities of 20 selected plateau herbs were examined against two positive controls, Rhodiola algida and acetazolamide, using the normobaric hypoxia model of mice. The herb with the highest activity was successively extracted with 70% ethanol, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The extract with the highest activity was identified by comparing the survival time of mice under normobaric hypoxia condition after being subjected to different extracts. The identified extract was further tested by simulating high altitudes through an acute decompression model and a chronic decompression model for mice. Results: The herb found to have the highest anti-hypoxic activity was Saussurea involucrate (Kar. et Kir.) Sch.-Bip, and the most effective fraction was in the petroleum ether extract. Administration of petroleum ether extract of Saussurea involucrata (PESI) to mice at 50mg/kg significantly decreased the mortality of animals under acute decompression conditions. Changes in biochemical indicators for glycometabolism and energy metabolism, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity in brain and cardiac muscle, lactic acid (LAC) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in blood and cardiac muscles, blood sugar, and glycogen content in liver and skeletal muscle were reversed under chronic decompression conditions. Conclusions: Saussurea involucrata (Kar. et Kir.) Sch.-Bip exhibits high anti-hypoxic activity that may be effective in preventing acute mountain sickness, and the active constituents are mainly in the petroleum ether extract. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To analyse annual trends of the under-five mortality rate (U5MR) and main cause-specific U5MR in China from 1996 to 2020 and to assess the potential correlation of the healthcare system and health expenditure with the U5MR in China., Design: A retrospective observational study using national data from 1996 to 2020. Joinpoint regression was employed to model U5MR trends and Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between healthcare system factors, health expenditure and U5MR., Setting: Nationwide study covering both rural and urban populations across China over a 25-year period., Results: The U5MR in China experienced a three-stage decline from 1996 to 2020 with an average annual percentage rate change (AAPC) of -7.27 (p<0.001). The AAPC of the rural U5MR (-7.07, p<0.001) was higher than that in urban areas (-5.57, p<0.001). Among the five main causes, the decrease in pneumonia-caused U5MR was the fastest while the decreases in congenital heart disease and accidental asphyxia were relatively slow. The rates of hospital delivery (r=-0.981, p<0.001), neonatal visits (r=-0.848, p<0.001) and systematic health management (r=-0.893, p<0.001) correlated negatively with U5MR. The proportion of government health expenditure in the total health expenditure (THE) correlated negatively with the national U5MR (r=-0.892, p<0.001) while the proportion of out-of-pocket health expenditure in THE correlated positively (r=0.902, p<0.001)., Conclusion: China made significant advances in reducing U5MR from 1996 to 2020. The rural-urban gap in U5MR has narrowed, though rural areas remain a key concern. To further reduce U5MR, China should focus on rural areas, pay more attention to congenital heart disease and accidental asphyxia, further improve its health policies, and continue to increase the government health expenditure., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Pigeon coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. is an important veterinary disease with a significant economic impact on the pigeon industry. Preventive measures for Eimeria columbarum in pigeons have been hampered by the lack of extensive genetic, morphological, and biological data on the oocysts. In this study, we examined the prevalence and identity of Eimeria spp. in domestic pigeons from seven cities in Guangdong Province, China. Data show that coccidiosis was prevalent in domestic pigeons in Guangdong Province, with an overall Eimeria spp. detection rate of 73.4%. Five Eimeria species were identified, including E. columbarum (73.4%), Eimeria kapotei (25.6%), Eimeria labbeana (19.6%), Eimeria duculai (19.6%), and Eimeria tropicalis (6.7%). We obtained single oocyst-derived lines of the dominant E. columbarum from fecal specimens. E. columbarum oocysts measured 20.06 ± 0.69 μm × 18.63 ± 1.03 μm, and sporocysts measured 10.29 ± 0.82 μm × 85.38 ± 0.46 μm. In infection experiment using obtained E. columbarum isolates, 60-day-old coccidia-free pigeons exhibited a prepatent period of 105 h and patent period of 9-10 days followed by severe diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and emaciation. Endogenous development of the parasite was observed mainly in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and rectum. Two generations of meronts developed on days 3 and 4 after infection, respectively, while gamont and gamete developed on day 5 after infection. The morphological, genetic, and biological data are expected to be useful in elucidating the biological characterization of pigeon coccidiosis to develop measures against the treatment and containment of this disease.

Guangdong, China, has experienced several dengue epidemics involving thousands of confirmed cases in recent decades, and elderly individuals suffered severe dengue (SD) most seriously. However, the clinical characteristics and risk factors for SD among elderly patients in Guangdong have not been investigated. Patients older than 65 years were recruited and divided into a dengue fever (DF) group and an SD group according to the 2009 Dengue Guidelines of the WHO. We analyzed the clinical manifestations of the elderly patients with dengue and then assessed the risk factors for SD. Of a total of 1,027 patients, 868 patients were diagnosed as having DF and 159 as having SD. Of the 159 elderly patients with SD, 129 (81%) had comorbidities, with hypertension being the most common. Severe organ impairment (SOI) (115, 54%) was the most common presentation in SD patients, followed by severe plasma leakage (52, 24.4%) and severe hemorrhage (46, 21.6%). The most common symptom of SOI was kidney injury, followed by heart injury and central nervous system injury. Furthermore, multivariate regression revealed that the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lower red blood cell (RBC) count (≤3.5 × 1012/L; odds ratio [OR], 0.35; 95% CI, 0.17-0.55; P <0.001), lower serum albumin (ALB) (≤35 U/L; OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.09-0.32; P <0.001), and hyperpyrexia (body temperature ≥39°C; OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.6, P <0.001) were risk factors for SD. Severe organ impairment was the predominant manifestation in elderly individuals with SD characterized by kidney injury. The potential risk factors of SD such as presence of COPD and hyperpyrexia and lower RBC and ALB levels might help clinicians identify patients with SD early.

We report the molecular and hematological identifications of two novel δ-globin gene mutations found in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Capillary electrophoresis of the proband showed 1.3% Hb A 2 , accompanied by a minor unknown peak (0.7%) within the Z1 zone. High-performance liquid chromatography also revealed the presence of 1.5% Hb A 2 and a 0.6% unknown peak. Routine genetic testing (Gap-PCR and reverse dot-blot hybridization) for common α-thalassemia was performed, and no mutations were observed. Sanger sequencing identified a heterozygous mutation for GAC > AAC at codon 79 ( HBD :c.238G > A) and G > A at polyA + 70 ( HBD :c.*200G > A) of the δ-globin gene. This variant was named Hb A 2 -Guangxi [δ79 (EF3) Asp→Asn, HBD :c.238G > A] after the geographic origin of the proband.

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) face significant risks of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection. Nevertheless, only limited studies have looked into the site-specific infection and clearance of CT/NG. In order to prevent transmission, it is essential to understand the underlying factors that drive infection and spontaneous clearance., Methods: A 12-week cohort study examined the association between CT/NG infection, self-clearance, and sexual behaviors among MSM. The Willingness Service recruited participants who completed weekly questionnaires and provided urine, throat, and rectal swab samples., Results: The study involved 151 men, in which 51 (33.8%) were diagnosed with CT/NG infection during the study period. HIV (OR = 11.31), kissing (OR = 1.59), receptive oral sex (OR = 36.64), and insertive anal sex (OR = 19.73) constituted significant risk factors. 100% condom use (OR = 5.78) and antibiotic (OR = 7.53) were more likely to cause spontaneous clearance., Discussion: MSM may engage in riskier sexual behaviors due to insufficient knowledge and awareness of STI prevention, leading to increased susceptibility to NG/CT. It is crucial to concentrate on enhancing health education for MSM., Conclusion: This study found that the rectum was the most prevalent site of CT/NG and sexual behavior can influence the infection. Additionally, the appropriate use of antibiotics and consistent condom use may contribute to clear spontaneously., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The reviewer PZ declared a shared affiliation with the author WT to the handling editor at the time of review., (Copyright © 2024 Lyu, Tang, Feng, Hu, Wang, Zhou, Huang, Li, Zhu, He, Tang, Zhou and Zhang.)

Background: Sexual health influencers (SHIs) are individuals actively sharing sexual health information with their peers, and they play an important role in promoting HIV care services, including the secondary distribution of HIV self-testing (SD-HIVST). Previous studies used a 6-item empirical leadership scale to identify SHIs. However, this approach may be biased as it does not consider individuals' social networks., Objective: This study used a quasi-experimental study design to evaluate how well a newly developed machine learning (ML) model identifies SHIs in promoting SD-HIVST compared to SHIs identified by a scale whose validity had been tested before., Methods: We recruited participants from BlueD, the largest social networking app for gay men in China. Based on their responses to the baseline survey, the ML model and scale were used to identify SHIs, respectively. This study consisted of 2 rounds, differing in the upper limit of the number of HIVST kits and peer-referral links that SHIs could order and distribute (first round ≤5 and second round ≤10). Consented SHIs could order multiple HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits and generate personalized peer-referral links through a web-based platform managed by a partnered gay-friendly community-based organization. SHIs were encouraged to share additional kits and peer-referral links with their social contacts (defined as "alters"). SHIs would receive US $3 incentives when their corresponding alters uploaded valid photographic testing results to the same platform. Our primary outcomes included (1) the number of alters who conducted HIVST in each group and (2) the number of newly tested alters who conducted HIVST in each. We used negative binomial regression to examine group differences during the first round (February-June 2021), the second round (June-November 2021), and the combined first and second rounds, respectively., Results: In January 2021, a total of 1828 men who have sex with men (MSM) completed the survey. Overall, 393 SHIs (scale=195 and ML model=198) agreed to participate in SD-HIVST. Among them, 229 SHIs (scale=116 and ML model=113) ordered HIVST on the web. Compared with the scale group, SHIs in the ML model group motivated more alters to conduct HIVST (mean difference [MD] 0.88, 95% CI 0.02-2.22; adjusted incidence risk ratio [aIRR] 1.77, 95% CI 1.07-2.95) when we combined the first and second rounds. Although the mean number of newly tested alters was slightly higher in the ML model group than in the scale group, the group difference was insignificant (MD 0.35, 95% CI -0.17 to -0.99; aIRR 1.49, 95% CI 0.74-3.02)., Conclusions: Among Chinese MSM, SHIs identified by the ML model can motivate more individuals to conduct HIVST than those identified by the scale. Future research can focus on how to adapt the ML model to encourage newly tested individuals to conduct HIVST., Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR2000039632; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojEN.html?proj=63068., International Registered Report Identifier (irrid): RR2-10.1186/s12889-021-11817-2., (©Yuxin Ni, Ying Lu, Fengshi Jing, Qianyun Wang, Yewei Xie, Xi He, Dan Wu, Rayner Kay Jin Tan, Joseph D Tucker, Xumeng Yan, Jason J Ong, Qingpeng Zhang, Hongbo Jiang, Wencan Dai, Liqun Huang, Wenhua Mei, Yi Zhou, Weiming Tang. Originally published in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance (https://publichealth.jmir.org), 24.04.2024.)

The actual DOM in Chaohu Lake was used to feed cyanobacterial to explore the changes of microbial communities, fluorescence spectral characteristics and molecular composition of DOM during the degradation of cyanobacteria. It is found that cyanobacterial grow periodically depending on the concentration of nutrients with the decreasing concentration of nutrient salts. Both Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria have strong correlation with algae growth. Bacteroidetes has a positive correlation with algae growth, relationship on the contrary, Actinobacteria has a negative relationship. The humus-like components in the four groups are similar, but the protein-like component (C3) shows periodic changes with the life process of cyanobacteria. The average molecular weight of each sample detected by Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometer increases slightly and the DOM increase aromaticity in the end. In this study, the molecule of Carboxyl-Rich Alicyclic Molecules (CRAM) is difficult to be done by photodegradation and biodegradation in the early periods, but some molecules of CRAM are selectively degraded by microorganisms in the final period. The growth of cyanobacterial lead to increasing the concentration of protein-like and carbohydrate-like molecule of DOM in the water. In the final stage, the molecule group of CHO disappear significantly and the molecule group of heteroatomic group increase.

Clinical Relevance: Identification of individuals with a higher risk of developing refractive error under specific gene and environmental backgrounds, especially myopia, could enable more personalized myopic control advice for patients., Background: Refractive error is a common disease that affects visual quality and ocular health worldwide. Its mechanisms have not been elaborated, although both genes and the environment are known to contribute to the process. Interactions between genes and the environment have been shown to exert effects on the onset of refractive error, especially myopia. Axial length elongation is the main characteristic of myopia development and could indicate the severity of myopia. Thus, the purpose of the study was to investigate the interaction between environmental factors and genetic markers of VIPR2 and their impact on spherical equivalence and axial length in a population of Han Chinese children., Methods: A total of 1825 children aged 13~15 years in the Anyang Childhood Eye Study (ACES) were measured for cycloplegic autorefraction, axial length, and height. Saliva DNA was extracted for genotyping three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the candidate gene (VIPR2). The median outdoor time (2 h/day) was used to categorize children into high and low exposure groups, respectively. Genetic quality control and linear and logistic regressions were performed. Generalized multifactor dimensional reduction (GMDR) was used to investigate gene-environment interactions., Results: There were 1391 children who passed genetic quality control. Rs2071623 of VIPR2 was associated with axial length (T allele, β=-0.11 se=0.04 p=0.006), while SNP nominally interacted with outdoor time (T allele, β=-0.17 se=0.08 p=0.029). Rs2071623 in children with high outdoor exposure had a significant interaction effect on axial length (p=0.0007, β=-0.19 se=0.056) compared to children with low outdoor exposure. GMDR further suggested the existence of an interaction effect between outdoor time and rs2071623., Conclusions: Rs2071623 within VIPR2 could interact with outdoor time in Han Chinese children. More outdoor exposure could enhance the protective effect of the T allele on axial elongation., (Copyright © 2023 Molecular Vision.)

The interrelationship between tourism urbanization (TU) and the ecological environment is extremely complex. Some studies have analyzed the interaction between them but ignored the ecosystem services. Therefore, exploring the coupling coordination relationship between TU and ecosystem services value (ESV) is significant. In this research, we established a coupling coordination degree (CCD) model between TU and ESV and used exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), spatial variogram model, and obstacle degree model to evaluate the evolution characteristics of CCD and its obstacle factors in the Wuling Mountain area of Hunan Province (WMAHP). The results are as follows: (1) the comprehensive TU level shows an upward trend, and TU levels in the west are generally higher than in the east. The total ESV shows a fluctuating upward trend, and the average ESV is relatively low in the west and southeast. (2) The comprehensive CCD shows an increasing trend, and the coupling coordination relationship has changed from uncoordinated to coordinated in most counties. Spatially, the global spatial autocorrelation and spatial variation degree of CCD are insignificant. Wulingyuan and Yongding are uplift areas, and a subsidence area is in the southeast. It is worth noting that the problem of TU lag generally exists. (3) For the whole area, TU and economy are always the primary obstacle factors in the system and category layer, respectively, but the obstacle degree of the population has gradually increased. At the county level, TU restricts the CCD improvement in most counties, and the proportion of counties where the economy is the primary obstacle in the criterion layer exceeds 60%. Policymakers need to formulate targeted promotion strategies based on the coupling coordination and relative development level between TU and ESV for different counties. This paper provides valuable references for achieving coordinated development between TU and ESV in ecologically fragile areas worldwide., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Dental calculus is a potential material that can be used for assessing chronic exposure to trace heavy metals in oral cavity as it is a long-term reservoir. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between dental calculus copper levels and risk of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) due to chewing dried areca-nut quids in Mainland China. This study included 34 OSF (grade 1) sufferers with dried areca-nut quids chewing as the patient group and 23 healthy individuals without areca-nut chewing as the control group. The dental calculus sample was obtained from all 57 participants and evaluated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for dental calculus level of copper. This work revealed that the mean copper level of dental calculus was significantly higher in OSF (grade 1) sufferers with areca-nut chewing than those in healthy individuals without areca-nut chewing (p < 0.001). This work provided an evidence to support that there may be a positive correlation between elevated levels of copper in dental calculus caused by chewing dried areca-nut quids and an increased risk of developing OSF in Mainland China., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Understanding the processes determining the composition of alluvial pollen assemblages and its relationship with watershed vegetation is a prerequisite for alluvial palynological study. Palynological analysis of a total of 45 river water samples collected from the middle reaches of the Yellow River and its major tributaries, identifies the distribution patterns, possible sources of pollen and relationship with the catchment vegetation. The results reveal that the pollen assemblages in the middle reaches of the Yellow River is dominated by herbaceous taxa, and the pollen is mainly derived from fluvial sources. Higher concentrations of the pollen tend to occur in the southern part of the study area. The Luo River is the main source of tree pollen in the Wei River Basin, while the Sanchuan River and Xinshui River are the main sources of tree pollen in the mainstream of the Yellow River. Herbaceous pollen mainly originates from the flood plain, and from channel bars and point bars, and there is no obvious relationship between herbaceous pollen and tributary inputs. The relative proportions of the various land use classes in the middle reaches of the Yellow River can be ordered as follows: grassland (GL) > cultivated land (CL) > forest (FO) > shrubland (SH) > water (WA). The herbaceous pollen of the Huangfuchuan River and Kuye River are closely related to the coverage of GL; cereal pollen is not fully representative of the CL coverage in the watershed; and the pollen of woody plants is extremely over-represented compared to the coverage of FO and SH in the watershed. Our results provide basic information about the sources of fluvial pollen and its indicative significance in the lower Yellow River and they are also potentially applicable to other major river basins., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: HIV self-testing (HIVST) is effective in improving the uptake of HIV testing among key populations. Complementary data on the economic evaluation of HIVST is critical for planning and scaling up HIVST. This study aimed to evaluate the cost of a community-based organisation (CBO)-led HIVST model implemented in China., Methods: An economic evaluation was conducted by comparing a CBO-led HIVST model with a CBO-led facility-based HIV rapid diagnostics testing (HIV-RDT) model. The full economic cost, including fixed and variable cost, from a health provider perspective using a micro costing approach was estimated. We determined the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of these two HIV testing models over a 2-yeartime horizon (i.e. duration of the programs), and reported costs using US dollars (2021)., Results: From January 2017 to December 2018, a total of 4633 men were tested in the HIVST model, and 1780 men were tested in the HIV-RDT model. The total number of new diagnoses was 155 for HIVST and 126 for the HIV-RDT model; the HIV test positivity was 3.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.8-3.9) for the HIVST model and 7.1% (95% CI: 5.9-8.4) for the HIV-RDT model. The mean cost per person tested was USD10.38 for HIVST and USD41.45 for HIV-RDT. The mean cost per diagnosed person was USD310.12 for HIVST compared with USD585.58 for HIV-RDT., Conclusion: Compared to facility-based HIV-RDT, a CBO-led HIVST program is cheaper and more effective among MSM living in China.

Improving the resolution of the current widely used Y-chromosomal short tandem repeat (Y-STR) dataset is of great importance for forensic investigators, and the current approach is limited, except for the addition of more Y-STR loci. In this research, a regional Y-DNA database was investigated to improve the Y-STR haplotype resolution utilizing a Y-SNP Pedigree Tagging System that includes 24 Y-chromosomal single nucleotide polymorphism (Y-SNP) loci. This pilot study was conducted in the Chinese Yunnan Zhaoyang Han population, and 3473 unrelated male individuals were enrolled. Based on data on the male haplogroups under different panels, the matched or near-matching (NM) Y-STR haplotype pairs from different haplogroups indicated the critical roles of haplogroups in improving the regional Y-STR haplotype resolution. A classic median-joining network analysis was performed using Y-STR or Y-STR/Y-SNP data to reconstruct population substructures, which revealed the ability of Y-SNPs to correct misclassifications from Y-STRs. Additionally, population substructures were reconstructed using multiple unsupervised or supervised dimensionality reduction methods, which indicated the potential of Y-STR haplotypes in predicting Y-SNP haplogroups. Haplogroup prediction models were built based on nine publicly accessible machine-learning (ML) approaches. The results showed that the best prediction accuracy score could reach 99.71% for major haplogroups and 98.54% for detailed haplogroups. Potential influences on prediction accuracy were assessed by adjusting the Y-STR locus numbers, selecting Y-STR loci with various mutabilities, and performing data processing. ML-based predictors generally presented a better prediction accuracy than two available predictors (Nevgen and EA-YPredictor). Three tree models were developed based on the Yfiler Plus panel with unprocessed input data, which showed their strong generalization ability in classifying various Chinese Han subgroups (validation dataset). In conclusion, this study revealed the significance and application prospects of Y-SNP haplogroups in improving regional Y-STR databases. Y-SNP haplogroups can be used to discriminate NM Y-STR haplotype pairs, and it is important for forensic Y-STR databases to develop haplogroup prediction tools to improve the accuracy of biogeographic ancestry inferences., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To explore the relationship of color vision deficiency with myopia progression and axial elongation in Chinese primary school children during a five-year cohort study., Methods: A total of 2849 grade 1 students (aged 7.1 ± 0.4 years) from 11 primary schools were enrolled and followed up for five years. Cycloplegic autorefraction and axial length were measured annually. Color vision testing was performed using Ishihara's test and the City University color vision test., Results: The prevalence of color vision deficiency was 1.68%, with 2.81% in boys and 0.16% in girls. Color-deficient cases consisted of 91.6% deutan and 8.3% protan. Over the five years, the cumulative incidence of myopia was 35.4% (17/48) in the color-vision deficiency group, which was lower than the 56.7% (1017/1794) in the color normal group (P = 0.004). Over the five-year study period, the change in spherical equivalent refraction in the color vision-deficiency group (-1.81 D) was also significantly lower than that in the color normal group (-2.41 D) (P = 0.002)., Conclusions: The lower incidence and slower progression of myopia in children with color-vision deficiency over the five-year follow-up period suggest that color-deficient individuals are less susceptible to myopia onset and development.

A continuous observation campaign was carried out with the Syntech Spectras GC955 volatile organics online monitoring system from December 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 during the COVID-19 period in Hangzhou. Composition characteristics, diurnal variation, and atmospheric chemical reactivity of VOCs were analyzed. The results showed that φ (total VOCs) were the highest before the COVID-19 pandemic in different sites and the lowest during the first response period. The φ (total VOCs) at night was higher than that during the day. The daily variation in Wolongqiao φ (total VOCs) was less than that in Xiasha. The daily variation in φ (total VOCs) during the first level response period was less than that during the other three periods. The diurnal variation in the φ (total VOCs) in Xiasha showed a "V" shape, and that in Wolongqiao showed a typical bimodal structure. The OFP in Xiasha was higher than that in Wolongqiao. The OFP were the highest at the two sites before the COVID-19 pandemic. The OFP was the lowest during the first response period in Xiasha and the lowest during the second response period in Wolongqiao. The OFP of aromatics and olefins was higher, and the OFP of alkynes was the lowest in Xiasha. The OFP of olefin in Wolongqiao was much higher than that of the other three components, followed by alkane and alkyne.

Background: Irisin is a novel myokine associated with obesity, which is a traditional cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF). The present study aimed to investigate the association between serum irisin and a single CVRF as well as the clustering of CVRFs among Chinese overweight/obese population., Methods: A total of 98 overweight and 93 obese subjects without clinical treatments were enrolled in this study. Subjects were then divided into two groups, based on the serum irisin level: a low irisin group (1.10-13.44 ng/ml) and a high irisin group (13.49-29.9 ng/ml). The clustering of CVRFs, smoking, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and hypertension, was classified as 0, 1, 2 and ≥ 3 CVRFs. The demographic and baseline clinical characteristics of all participants were collected and serum irisin was measured., Results: The high serum irisin group had significantly higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol but lower fasting plasma glucose than the low serum irisin group. Additionally, the high serum irisin group had a significantly lower prevalence of smoking, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia than the low serum irisin group. Increased serum irisin was significantly associated with a reduced risk of smoking and dyslipidemia in both the unadjusted and adjusted models. Furthermore, high serum irisin significantly reduced the risk of the prevalence of 1, 2 and ≥ 3 CVRFs., Conclusions: among the Chinese overweight/obese populations, high serum irisin is negatively associated with smoking, dyslipidemia and the clustering of CVRFs. Thus, high serum irisin is potentially associated with a low risk of cardiovascular diseases in the Chinese overweight/obese population., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Imported malaria and recurrent infections are becoming an emerging issue in many malaria non-endemic countries. This study aimed to determine the molecular patterns of the imported malaria infections and recurrence. Blood samples were collected from patients with imported malaria infections during 2016-2018 in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Next-generation amplicon deep-sequencing approaches were used to assess parasite genetic diversity, multiplexity of infection, relapse, recrudescence, and antimalarial drug resistance. A total of 44 imported malaria cases were examined during the study, of which 35 (79.5%) had recurrent malaria infections within 1 year. The majority (91.4%) had one recurrent malaria episode, whereas two patients had two recurrences and one patient had three recurrences. A total of 19 recurrence patterns (the species responsible for primary and successive clinical episodes) were found in patients returning from malaria epidemic countries. Four parasite species were detected with a higher than usual proportion (46.2%) of non-falciparum infections or mixed-species infections. An increasing trend of recurrence infections and reduced drug treatment efficacy were observed among the cases of imported malaria. The high recurrence rate and complex patterns of imported malaria from Africa to non-endemic countries have the potential to initiate local transmission, thereby undermining efforts to eliminate locally acquired malaria. Our findings highlight the power of amplicon deep-sequencing applications in molecular epidemiological studies of the imported malaria recurrences., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 He, Zhong, Zou, Pi, Zhao, Qin, Pan, Wang, Zeng, Xiang, Chen, Wu, Si, Cui, Huang, Yan and Yang.)

Aims/introduction: To explore the potential role of irisin in the outcomes of newly diagnosed prediabetes., Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from the Guiyang subcenter of the Risk Evaluation of cAncers in Chinese diabeTic Individuals: a lONgitudinal (REACTION) study. A total of 2,530 participants had newly diagnosed prediabetes at baseline and completed follow up. The nested 1:1 case-control study included 161 participants who developed diabetes mellitus at follow up, and 161 age- and sex-matched controls. The follow-up study included 86 matched case-control pairs. Fasting serum irisin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay., Results: Baseline serum irisin levels were higher in the cases than in the controls (P = 0.002); high baseline serum irisin levels were an independent risk factor for the development of diabetes (odds ratio 1.235, 95% confidence interval 1.025-1.488). After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), smoking, exercise, and family history of diabetes, subjects in the highest quartile of irisin levels had a higher risk of diabetes than those in the lowest quartile (odds ratio 3.065, 95% confidence interval 1.511-6.218). The extent of decrease in irisin levels during follow-up was greater in the cases than in the controls (P < 0.001). Baseline serum irisin levels were positively correlated with the extent of decrease in irisin during follow-up (r = 0.773, P < 0.001). After adjustment for confounding factors, subjects with a decrease of irisin above the median had much higher risk for diabetes (odds ratio 5.077, 95% confidence interval 2.112-12.206)., Conclusions: Irisin might play an important role in the outcomes of newly diagnosed prediabetes in adults in Guiyang, and can predict the risk for developing diabetes in these individuals., (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Diabetes Investigation published by Asian Association for the Study of Diabetes (AASD) and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)