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In recent years, outbreaks of Marek's disease (MD) have been frequently reported in vaccinated chicken flocks in China. Herein, we have demonstrated that four Marek's disease virus (MDV) isolates, HN502, HN302, HN304, and HN101, are all pathogenic and oncogenic to hosts. Outstandingly, the HN302 strain induced 100% MD incidence, 54.84% mortality, and 87.10% tumor incidence, together with extensive atrophy of immune organs. Pathotyping of HN302 was performed in comparison to a standard very virulent (vv) MDV strain Md5. We found that both CVI988 and HVT vaccines significantly reduced morbidity and mortality induced by HN302 or Md5 strains, but the protection indices (PIs) provided by these two vaccines against HN302 were significantly lower (27.03%) or lower (33.33%) than that against Md5, which showed PIs of 59.89% and 54.29%, respectively. These data suggested that HN302 possesses a significant higher virulence than Md5 and at least could be designated as a vvMDV strain. Together with our previous phylogenetic analysis on MDV-1 meq genes, we have presently suggested HN302 to be a typical highly virulent MDV variant belonging to an independent Chinese branch. To our knowledge, this is the first report to provide convincible evidence to identify a pathogenic MDV variant strain with a higher virulence than Md5 in China, which may have emerged and circulating in poultry farms in China for a long time and involved in the recent MD outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonate rock is a critical reservoir for China's onshore oil and gas exploration. Carbonate reservoirs in different regions significantly differ in sedimentary and diagenesis processes and factors affecting their petrophysical and seismic rock physics properties. Therefore, it is critical to analyze the corresponding properties of carbonate rocks in different regions. Based on systematic petrological, rock microstructure, physical property, and seismic elastic characteristic measurements of deep carbonate reservoir samples in the Tarim Basin, the variation laws and influencing factors of the samples' physical and seismic elastic properties are analyzed. Based on these measurements, the variation patterns and influencing factors of petrophysical and seismic rock properties of rock samples are analyzed. The results show that the carbonate pore structure controls the overall variations of petrophysical and seismic rock physical properties of carbonate samples, and it is challenging to build a simple statistical model of porosity—permeability, porosity—velocity, and density—velocity. P- and S-velocities correlate well, and the P-and S-velocity ratio is a good index for rock typing. For tight carbonate samples, apparent velocity dispersion at a seismic exploration frequency band (5–200 Hz) can be observed, and the pore structure controls the velocity dispersion and attenuation features. Carbonate samples with crack-dissolution pores show moderately stronger velocity dispersion than samples with dissolution and microcrack pores. The pore aspect ratio and the frame flexibility factor (γ) calculated from the seismic rock physics model correlate well with pore structure parameters, such as the characteristic ratio surface. The pore aspect ratio and frame flexibility factor can be used to quantitatively characterize the changes in the pore structure of tight carbonate samples, reflecting the pore structure effects on the elastic wave velocity. This study's results can provide a basis for rock-typing carbonate reservoirs, lithology, and hydrocarbon detection of relevant reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and tuberculosis (TB) are major public health and social issues worldwide. The long-term follow-up of COVID-19 with pulmonary TB (PTB) survivors after discharge is unclear. This study aimed to comprehensively describe clinical outcomes, including sequela and recurrence at 3, 12, and 24 months after discharge, among COVID-19 with PTB survivors. From January 22, 2020 to May 6, 2022, with a follow-up by August 26, 2022, a prospective, multicenter follow-up study was conducted on COVID-19 with PTB survivors after discharge in 13 hospitals from four provinces in China. Clinical outcomes, including sequela, recurrence of COVID-19, and PTB survivors, were collected via telephone and face-to-face interviews at 3, 12, and 24 months after discharge. Thirty-two COVID-19 with PTB survivors were included. The median age was 52 (45, 59) years, and 23 (71.9%) were men. Among them, nearly two-thirds (62.5%) of the survivors were moderate, three (9.4%) were severe, and more than half (59.4%) had at least one comorbidity (PTB excluded). The proportion of COVID-19 survivors with at least one sequela symptom decreased from 40.6% at 3 months to 15.8% at 24 months, with anxiety having a higher proportion over a follow-up. Cough and amnesia recovered at the 12-month follow-up, while anxiety, fatigue, and trouble sleeping remained after 24 months. Additionally, one (3.1%) case presented two recurrences of PTB and no re-positive COVID-19 during the follow-up period. The proportion of long symptoms in COVID-19 with PTB survivors decreased over time, while nearly one in six still experience persistent symptoms with a higher proportion of anxiety. The recurrence of PTB and the psychological support of COVID-19 with PTB after discharge require more attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The article profiles Hui Zheng Sheng in China. He is an embryonic stem cell scientist who proposed that a rabbit egg can be reverted to a human cell and be processed to an embryonic state. Her research was published in the Cell Research which gained recognition among science research workers and led to an idea if primate's egg could be reprogrammed too and undergo the same process.

In recent decades, considerable attention has been paid to exploring the population genetic characteristics of Han Chinese, mainly documenting a north-south genetic substructure. However, the central Han Chinese have been largely underrepresented in previous studies. To infer a comprehensive understanding of the homogenisation process and population history of Han Chinese. We collected samples from 122 Han Chinese from seven counties of Hubei province in central China and genotyped 534,000 genome-wide SNPs. We compared Hubei Han with both ancient and present-day Eurasian populations using Principal Component Analysis, ADMIXTURE, f statistics, qpWave and qpAdm. We observed Hubei Han Chinese are at a genetically intermediate position on the north-south Han Chinese cline. We have not detected any significant genetic substructure in the studied groups from seven different counties. Hubei Han show significant evidence of genetic admixture deriving about 63% of ancestry from Tai-Kadai or Austronesian-speaking southern indigenous groups and 37% from Tungusic or Mongolic related northern populations. The formation of Han Chinese has involved extensive admixture with Tai-Kadai or Austronesian-speaking populations in the south and Tungusic or Mongolic speaking populations in the north. The convenient transportation and central location of Hubei make it the key region for the homogenisation of Han Chinese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) results of 36,913 cases in Jiangxi province of central China and explore its application value in prenatal screening and diagnosis. Methods: This retrospective analysis included 36,913 singleton pregnant women who underwent NIPT because of moderate-/high-risk pregnancy or voluntary requirements between January 2017 and December 2019 in our hospital. Chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomies 21, 18, and 13 (T21, T18, T13) and sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) were judged by standard Z-score analysis. Positive NIPT results were confirmed by amniocentesis and karyotyping. Pregnancy outcomes were followed up via telephone interview. Results: A total of 1.01% (371/36,913) positive cases were detected by NIPT, comprising 137, 46, 31, and 157 cases of T21, T18, T13, and SCAs, respectively. A total of 116 of T21, 27 of T18, 13 of T13, and 51 of SCAs were confirmed to be true positive; all normal cases that had been followed up were verified to be true negative. The NIPT sensitivity in T21, T18, T13, and SCAs was 100.00% individually, whereas the specificity was 99.94% (36,488/36,509), 99.95% (36,579/36,598), 99.95% (36,594/36,612), and 99.72% (36,472/36,574), respectively. Furthermore, the negative predictive values of T21, T18, T13, and SCAs were all 100%, while the positive predictive values were 84.67%, 58.70%, 41.94%, and 33.33%, respectively. Conclusion: NIPT is highly sensitive and has a low false positive rate in testing clinically significant fetal aneuploidies of general reproductive women. However, this technique cannot substitute for amniocentesis and karyotyping, and detailed genetic counseling is also essential for the high-risk group of NIPT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the relationship between physical exercise (PE), self-control (SC), physical exercise atmosphere (PEA), and mobile phone addiction tendency (MPAT) among Chinese university students. Through the quota sampling, 1,433 students complied with the requirements were surveyed from 10 universities in China. PE, SC, PEA, and MPAT were assessed using standard scales. For data analysis, common method deviation test, mean number, standard deviation, correlation analysis and structural equation model analysis were carried out in turn. The results showed PE and MPAT were negatively related (r = –0.158, p < 0.05); PE significantly positively predicted SC (β = 0.082, t = 3.748, p < 0.01), and SC significantly negatively predicted MPAT (β = –0.743, t = –19.929, p < 0.01). Bootstrap method was used to test the mediating effect of SC. The results showed that 95% confidence interval did not include 0. After adding the mediating variable of SC, PE did not significantly negatively predict the tendency of MPAT (β = –0.027, t = –1.257, p > 0.05). The interaction item PEA and SC could significantly positively predict the tendency of MPAT (β = 0.165, t = 2.545, p < 0.05). In the high PEA group, SC had a significant negative predictive effect on the tendency of MPAT (β = –0.665, t = –14.408, p < 0.01); However, in the low PEA group, the negative predictive effect was stronger (β = –0.834, t = –15.015, p < 0.01). The present study shows that PE significantly negatively predicted the tendency of MPAT, and SC played a complete mediating role in the relationship between PE and MPAT; The second half of the indirect effect of PE and MPAT was regulated by the PEA. The PEA will enhance the influence of SC on MPAT, but the high PEA will increase the level of MPAT of individuals at a very high level of SC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to contribute to understanding the mechanisms underlying the association between empowering motivational climate in physical education and social responsibility among high school students, and have important implications for interventions aimed at improving social responsibility among high school students. Methods: Through the quota sampling, 802 students (average age = 17 years, SD = 0.97 years) that complied with the requirements were surveyed from Anhui Province in China. Empowering motivational climate in physical education, social responsibility, interpersonal disturbance, and general self-efficacy were assessed using standard scales. For data analysis, Pearson's correlation analysis, structural equation model test, and bias-corrected percentile Bootstrap method were carried out in turn. Results: (1) Common method biases can be accepted in this study, and the correlation among empowering motivational climate in physical education, social responsibility, interpersonal disturbance, and general self-efficacy are all significant; (2)Empowering motivational climate in physical education, interpersonal disturbance and general self-efficacy can all predict social responsibility significantly; (3) Structural equation modeling indicates good fit: χ2/ df = 2.86, RMESA = 0.068, CFI = 0.92, NNFI = 0.91, NFI = 0.90, GFI = 0.93. It indicates that interpersonal disturbance and general self-efficacy can play mediating roles between empowering motivational climate in physical education and social responsibility, respectively. After that, interpersonal disturbance as well as general self-efficacy in turn plays the chain mediating effect in the relationship between empowering motivational climate in physical education and social responsibility. The effect size of the mediating effect of interpersonal disturbance and general self-efficacy in the relationship between empowering motivational climate in physical education and social responsibility is 0.048 and 0.148, respectively, and the effect size of the chain mediating effect is 0.031. Conclusion: Empowering motivational climate in physical education not only has a direct effect on social responsibility among high school students, but also influences social responsibility by the chain mediating effect of interpersonal disturbance and general self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke has always been a major threat worldwide but is most severe in China, with 2.5 million new stroke cases each year and 7.5 million stroke survivors, placing a heavy burden on the social and national health care systems. Zhishi Rhubarb Soup (ZRS) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been used clinically for many years in China. To explore the potential mechanism of ZRS in the treatment of stroke, liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was performed. Methods: In this study, a quantitative proteomic method with LC–MS was used to analyse the proteomic differences between MACO samples treated with ZRS and those without ZRS treatment. Results: Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis led to the identification of 35,006 peptides, with 5160.0 proteins identified and 4094.0 quantified. Significantly differentially expressed proteins were identified through data analysis, and the difference was found to be more than 1.2 times (P < 0.05). The Gene Ontology (GO) analysis provided a summary of the dysregulated protein expression in the biological process (BP), cell component (CC), and molecular function (MF) categories. Proteins related to brain repair, including BDNF, IL-10, IL-6, and TGF-β, were found to change significantly, partially demonstrating the effectiveness of ZRS to attenuate tissue injury. Conclusion: In this study, LC–MS/MS was performed to assess the effects of ZRS on differentially expressed proteins in rats with cerebral infarction. These promising results could help to improve the understanding of the effects of drugs on stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bai and Yi people are two Tibeto-Burman speaking ethnic groups in Yunnan, southwest China. The genetic structure and history of these two groups are largely unknown due to a lack of available genetic data. Aim: To investigate the paternal genetic structure and population relationship of the Yi and Bai people. Subjects and methods: We collected samples from 278 Bai individuals and 283 Yi individuals from Yunnan and subsequently genotyped 43 phylogenetically relevant Y-SNPs in those samples. We estimated haplogroup frequencies and merged our data with a reference database including 46 representative worldwide populations to infer genetic relationships. Results: Y chromosomal haplogroup O-M175 is the dominant lineage in both Bai and Yi people. The Bai and Yi show a close genetic relationship with other Tibeto-Burman–speaking populations with high frequencies of haplogroup O2a2b1a1-Page23, which is also confirmed by PCA. The frequencies of the Tai-Kadai specific lineage O1a-M119, the southern China widespread lineage O1b-P31 and the eastern China enriched lineage O2a1b-002611, are also relatively high in our studied populations. Conclusions: The paternal Y chromosomal affinity of the Bai and Yi with Tibeto-Burman groups is consistent with the language classification. During the formation of the Bai and Yi populations, there were multiple large-scale admixtures, including the expansion of Neolithic farming populations from northern China, the assimilation of Tai-Kadai–speaking populations in southwest China, the demographic expansion driven by Neolithic agricultural revolution from southern China, and the admixture with populations of military immigration from northern and eastern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prostate cancer is the second most common diagnosed cancer in men. Due to the low specificity of current diagnosis methods for detecting prostate cancer, identification of new biomarkers is highly desirable. The study was conducted to determine the clinical utility of the prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) assay to predict biopsy-detected cancers in Chinese men.Methods: The study included men who had a biopsy at The Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University from January 2013 to December 2013. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were used to test PCA3 and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) mRNA. The diagnostic accuracy of the PCA3 score for predicting a positive biopsy outcome was studied using sensitivity and specificity, and it was compared with PSA.Results: The probability of a positive biopsy increased with increasing PCA3 scores. The mean PCA3 score was significantly higher in men with prostate cancer (198.03, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 74.79-321.27) vs benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (84.31, 95 % CI 6.47-162.15, P < 0.01). The PCA3 score (cutoff 35) had a sensitivity of 85.7 % and specificity of 62.5 %. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed higher areas under the ROC curve for the PCA3 score vs PSA, but without statistical significance.Conclusions: Increased PCA3 in biopsy tissue correlated with prostate cancer and the PCA3 assay may improve the diagnosis efficacy as the PCA3 score being independent of PSA level. The diagnostic significance of urinary PCA3 testing should be explored in future study to determine the prediction value in guiding biopsy decision as the clinical relevance of current study was limited for PCA3 testing based on biopsy tissue in a limited number of Chinese men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Analytical method for tetrodotoxin in bivalve mollusks was developed by HILIC-MS/MS. • High recovery for tetrodotoxin were obtained by the optimized MCX clean-up. • The levels of tetrodotoxin in bivalve mollusks from local market was characterized. • Temporal and tissue distributions of tetrodotoxin in samples were studied. A method was established for determining tetrodotoxin (TTX) in bivalve mollusks by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) using kasugamycin as the internal standard for quantification. Samples were subjected to ultrasonic extraction with methanol–water (1:1, v/v) containing 0.5% acetic acid, protein precipitation with acetonitrile, clean-up using a cation exchange solid phase extraction cartridge, elution with acetonitrile:water (1:1, v/v) containing 0.3% hydrochloric acid, neutralization with ammonia before HILIC-MS/MS analysis. The average recovery of the samples spiked at 3 levels ranged in 84.6%-98.1% with the relative standard deviation less than 7.2%. Using this method, the contamination of TTX in 429 bivalve mollusk samples collected in the local markets during 2018 and 2020 was investigated. The detection rates were 12.0–18.8%, following the order of oyster > mussel > clam > scallop. High contaminated oysters and mussels with TTX were found in July to August. Moreover, TTX analogs found in bivalve mollusks included 4-epiTTX, 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX, 4,9-anhydroTTX, and 5-deoxyTTX/11-deoxyTTX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Considerable interest has been focused on angiogenic factors and angiogenic imbalance in the field of pre-eclampsia (PE), owing to its gaining role in the development of PE. This study was addressed to investigate the associations of sFlt-1-to-PlGF plasma ratios with oxidative stress assessed by the level of 8-isoprostane, and inflammation measured by the level of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and adipocytokines. Methods: A total of 83 patients with PE including 47 mild PE (MPE) and 36 severe PE (SPE) and 50 age-matched normotensive subjects in the third trimester of pregnancy were examined. Measurements included body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) levels, plasma concentrations of hs-CRP, 8-isoprostane, adiponectin, and leptin. Results: Subjects with PE had higher levels of sFlt-1/PlGF (P < 0.01), hs-CRP (P < 0.01), 8-isoprostane and leptin (both P < 0.01) and lower adiponectin (P < 0.01) than did normotensive control subjects. Significant positive correlations were found between plasma sFlt-1/PlGF and hs-CRP (r = 0.437, P < 0.01) or leptin (r = 0.656, P < 0.01). A weak inverse correlation emerged between sFlt-1/PlGF and adiponectin (r = -0.306, P < 0.01). When a multiple regression analysis was performed, with sFlt-1/PlGF as a dependent variable and all the other parameters as independent variables, sFlt-1/PlGF maintain a significant relationship with leptin (beta = 0.219, P < 0.05) and with hs-CRP (beta = 0.295, P < 0.01) as well as with systolic BP(beta = 0.446, P < 0.05). Conclusions: In Chinese preeclamptic women, plasma sFlt-1-to-PlGF ratio is correlated with inflammatory and adipocytokines but not with oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous studies suggested that insulin resistance (IR) may be a significant causal risk factor for cardiovascular events and depression independent of other risk factors. In this prospective, we assess the value of Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) at admission to predict post-stroke depression (PSD) later developed at 3 months follow-up.Methods: This prospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted from January 2015 through December 2016 in China. Clinical information and HOMA-IR was assessed at admission. Neurological and neuropsychological evaluations were conducted at the 3-month follow-up.Results: In the study population, 56.6% were male and the median age was 59 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 51-69). One hundred and eighty-six patients (26.6%) showed depression at 3 months after admission and in 53 patients (28.5%) this depression was classified as severe. For each 1-unit increase of HOMA-IR, the unadjusted and adjusted risk of PSD increased by 63% (odds ratios [OR]: 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.44-1.85; P < 0.001) and 27% (1.27; 1.13-1.39; P = 0.002). In a multivariate model using the fourth quartiles of HOMA-IR vs. quartiles 1 through 3 together with the clinical variables, the marker displayed prognostic information (PSD: OR for fourth quartile, 2.76 [95% CI, 1.66-3.73; P = 0.003]).Conclusions: The data suggests that the HOMA-IR may be of potential clinical relevance in identifying stroke patients at risk of developing depression, independent of the well-established predictors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paphiopedilum emersonii is an endemic terrestrial orchid in China. In this study, the chloroplast genome of P. emersonii was determined from BGISEQ-500 sequencing data. The total chloroplast genome was 162,590 bp in length, consisting of a large single-copy region (LSC, 87,852 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC, 870 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (IRA and IRB, 36,934 bp, each). The complete chloroplast genome contains 131 genes, including 81 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis indicates that P. emersonii was sister to Paphiopedilum micranthum. The chloroplast genome will contribute to the research and conservation of P. emersonii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantities and composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) are important factors in the planning and management of MSW. Daily human activities were classified into three groups: maintenance activities (meeting the basic needs of food, housing and personal care, MA); subsistence activities (providing the financial support requirements, SA); and leisure activities (social and recreational pursuits, LA). A model, based on the interrelationships of expenditure on consumer goods, time distribution, daily activities, residents groups, and waste generation, was employed to estimate MSW generation by different activities and resident groups in five provinces (Zhejiang, Guangdong, Hebei, Henan and Sichuan) of China. These five provinces were chosen for this study and the distribution patterns of MSW generated by different activities and resident groups were revealed. The results show that waste generation in SA and LA fluctuated slightly from 2003 to 2008. For general waste generation in the five provinces, MA accounts for more than 70% of total MSW, SA approximately 10%, and LA between 10% and 16% by urban residents in 2008. Females produced more daily MSW than males in MA. Males produced more daily MSW than females in SA and LA. The wastes produced at weekends in MA and LA were far greater than on weekdays, but less than on weekdays for SA wastes. Furthermore, one of the model parameters (the waste generation per unit of consumer expenditure) is inversely proportional to per-capita disposable income of urban residents. A significant correlation between gross domestic product (GDP) and waste generation by SA was observed with a high coefficient of determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wax deposition is an important factor that influences oil production for high-wax crude oilfield. There are few studies on the formation damage by wax deposition, especially cold damage to the shallow low-temperature reservoir. With laboratory tests conducted on reservoir oil and cores of Changchunling Oilfield, this study aims to experimentally investigate the influence of temperature variations on characteristics of oil–water percolation and cold damage mechanisms, as well as the relative permeability of high-wax reservoirs. Experimental results show that seepage flow of high-wax crude is significantly sensitive to temperature-wax deposition evidently increases, whereas the cold damage such as the pore-throat radius and relative permeability sharply decrease with the decline in formation temperature. The research results can be applied to enhance oil recovery of high-viscosity or high-wax oilfields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The study explores the characteristics of China''s independent research articles published from 1980 to 2011, based on the database of Science Citation Index Expanded. The publication outputs of seven major industrialized countries including Canada, France, Japan, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the USA were compared with China. Annual production, field performance, research emphases and trends, top articles, as well as main institutional and individual contributors by its top cited articles were analyzed. Some newly developed indicators related to words in title, author keywords, KeyWords Plus, first author, corresponding author, and Y-index were employed to provide in-depth information on topic and author contributions. Results showed that China has been closing the gap with the USA with the greatest growth, and has stood the second since 2006. Most top cited articles were published in 2000s, made up approximately seven tenths of total articles. Pronounced activities were found in chemistry and physics related categories. The core categories included multidisciplinary chemistry, physical chemistry, multidisciplinary materials science, and applied physics. Moreover, China''s performance of nanotechnology and science, especially carbon nanotubes, nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanostructures showed dramatic growth. Six top articles with at least 1000 citations were examined, and were observed to concern medicine, nanotube, and adsorption. In addition, main contributing institutions and authors were also revealed and evaluated. Chinese Academy of Sciences played a dominant role, and Tsinghua University, Peking University and five universities in Hong Kong showed good scientific performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Current-use insecticides including organophosphate (OPs) and synthetic pyrethroid (SPs) insecticides were analyzed in 35 sediment samples collected from Chaohu Lake in China, where a transition from a traditional agricultural to a modern urbanized society is ongoing. Total concentrations of five OPs and eight SPs ranged from 0.029 to 0.681 ng/g dry weight and 0.016–301 ng/g dry weight, respectively. Toxic unit analysis showed that 13% of the sediment samples likely produced over 50% of the mortality for benthic invertebrates. Analysis also showed that cypermethrin was the principal contributor to the toxicity. Spatial distribution evaluation implied that OPs were mainly from non-point sources associated with agricultural activities. Conversely, SPs may have been derived from runoff of inflowing rivers through urban regions, as their concentrations were well-correlated with concentrations of other urban-oriented contaminants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The scientific performance of National Taiwan University (NTU) and Peking University (PKU) were compared by two indicators, namely citations per publication and h-index, based on the data extracted from the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-Expanded), Social Science Citation Index (SSCI), and Arts & Humanities Citation Index (A&HCI) Web of Science from 2000 to 2009. Analyzed aspects covered publication outputs, publication patterns, and international and inter-institutional collaborations of the two universities. The two universities were in the same scale based on the number of publications. Articles from electrical and electronic engineering dominated the other articles in NTU while PKU researchers published a great number of articles in the basic science fields. Material science was the new field for these two universities. The USA had the greatest number of collaborated articles accounting for 15% and 12% of total articles with NTU and PKU respectively. Article impact followed a decreasing order of international collaboration, inter-institutional collaboration, and independent articles for both universities. PKU articles had higher visibility. In addition, the Essential Science Indicators were applied to investigate the research activities of NTU and PKU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Reliable and accurate determinations of the quantities and composition of wastes is required for the planning of municipal solid waste (MSW) management systems. A model, based on the interrelationships of expenditure on consumer goods, time distribution, daily activities, residents groups, and waste generation, was developed and employed to estimate MSW generation by different activities and resident groups in Beijing. The principle is that MSW is produced by consumption of consumer goods by residents in their daily activities: ‘Maintenance’ (meeting the basic needs of food, housing and personal care), ‘Subsistence’ (providing the financial requirements) and ‘Leisure’ (social and recreational pursuits) activities. Three series of important parameters – waste generation per unit of consumer expenditure, consumer expenditure distribution to activities in unit time, and time assignment to activities by different resident groups – were determined using a statistical analysis, a sampling survey and the Analytic Hierarchy Process, respectively. Data for analysis were obtained from the Beijing Statistical Yearbook (2004–2008) and questionnaire survey. The results reveal that ‘Maintenance’ activity produced the most MSW, distantly followed by ‘Leisure’ and ‘Subsistence’ activities. In 2008, in descending order of MSW generation the different resident groups were floating population, non-civil servants, retired people, civil servants, college students (including both undergraduates and graduates), primary and secondary students, and preschoolers. The new estimation model, which was successful in fitting waste generation by different activities and resident groups over the investigated years, was amenable to MSW prediction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Jinan, China, is famous for its springs. However, societal and economic development over the past decades has detrimentally altered the natural water cycle in the spring area. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is an effective measure to ensure the normal gushing of springs. Balancing water resource utilisation, ecological effects, and water quality risks is not always easy to implement. This study focused on the potential effects of MAR projects that divert water from multiple local surface water sites, e.g., the Yellow River and South-to-North Water Diversion (SNWD) Project. A numerical simulation model for the entire spring area was built using MODFLOW and MT3DMS. The SNWD Project diverts water with relatively high total dissolved solids (TDS) to the Yufu River, which consequently recharges groundwater and poses a potential risk to the downstream karst water in the Jinan Spring area. Different simulation scenarios were set, and the results showed that the 90% recovery ratio scheme yields the highest TDS reduction efficiency as well as the largest karst water extraction volume. In addition, the water table remains stable as a whole. The benefits of the designed scheme are multifold, including improving water quality up to Standard III groundwater quality and meeting the water needs of the economy. The study provides a novel method of addressing the groundwater quality risks posed by artificial recharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved heavy metals (DHMs) contamination has raised global concern for ecological and human health development. Weathering of sulfide-bearing ore metals can produce acidic, sulfate-rich solutions in the presence of water and oxygen (O 2), and DHMs are released to deprave the river water quality. Sulfur and oxygen isotope signatures (δ 34S SO4 and δ 18O SO4) could identify this pyrite-derived sulfate; however, it is yet not well known whether the δ 34S SO4 and δ 18O SO4 values could limit the DHMs sources and illustrate anthropogenic impacts on DHMs along the river corridor. We tried to solve this problem through field works in the Luohe River and Yihe River, two tributaries of the Yellow River, China, where metal sulfide mine activities mostly occurred upstream, but agricultural and domestic behaviors concentrated in the lower plain reaches. In the Luohe River upper areas, δ 34S SO4 values had negative correlations with concentrations of cadmium (Cd) (p < 0.01), nickel (Ni) (p < 0.05), molybdenum (Mo) (p < 0.01), uranium (U) (p < 0.01), and SO 4 2− (p < 0.01). However, as the δ 34S SO4 values increased downstream in the Luohe River, concentrations of copper (Cu) (p < 0.05), mercury (Hg) (p < 0.05), Ni (p < 0.05), and SO 4 2− (p < 0.01) simultaneously elevated. The Bayesian Isotope Mixing Model (BIMM) results via δ 34S SO4 values demonstrated 64.3%–65.3% of SO 4 2− from acid mine drainage (AMD) in the Luohe River's upper reaches and 63.5%–67.7% in the Yihe River's upper reaches, and about 33% from sewage and industrial effluents in the Luohe River's lower reaches and 27% in Yihe River's lower reaches. Our results confirmed the different anthropogenic impacts on the DHMs concentrations in Luohe River and Yihe River and provided a robust method for DHMs sources appointment and pollution management in river systems. [Display omitted] • Mo and SO 4 2− concentrations had negative relations with δ 34S SO4 values in the upstream. • Sulfide mine drainage contributed 64% to 68% of upstream riverine SO 4 2−. • Sewage and industrial effluents exported 27%–33% of downstream riverine SO 4 2−. • δ 34S SO4 and δ18O SO4 values could be used to distinguish different anthropogenic metal inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The traditional medicinal formulation, Qifu-yin (QFY), has been widely prescribed for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment in China, yet the comprehensive mechanisms through which QFY mitigates AD pathology remain to be fully delineated. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic implications of QFY on the synaptic injury and oxidative stress in the hippocampus of APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice, with a concerted effort to elucidate the molecular mechanisms related to synaptic preservation and memory improvement. The components of QFY were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The neuroprotective effects of QFY was evaluated using six-month-old male APP/PS1 mice. Subsequent to a 15 days of QFY regimen, spatial memory was assessed utilizing the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation was detected via immunostaining, while the quantification of Aβ 1-40 and Aβ 1-42 was achieved through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to investigate the synaptic structure and mitochondrial morphology. Golgi staining was applied to examine dendritic spine density. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and 4-hydroxy-nonenal (4-HNE) assays were employed to assess oxidative stress. The expression profiles of Aβ metabolism-associated enzymes and the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway were determined by Western blot. A total of 20 principal compounds in QFY were identified. QFY mitigated memory deficits of APP/PS1 mice, including reducing escape latency and search distance and increasing the time and distance spent in the target quadrant. In addition, QFY increased platform crossings of APP/PS1 mice in the probe trial of MWM tests. TEM analysis showed that QFY increased synapse number in the CA1 region of APP/PS1 mice. Further studies indicated that QFY elevated the expression levels of Post synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin, and mitigated the loss of dendritic spine density in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. QFY has been shown to ameliorated the structural abnormalities of mitochondria, including mitochondrial dissolution and degradation, up-regulate ATP synthesis and membrane potential in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, QFY activated the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice, which might contribute to the neuroprotective effects of QFY. QFY activates the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling, and protects against synaptic and mitochondrial dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice, proposing a potential alternative therapeutic strategy for AD management. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The purpose of this paper is to examine how social environment affects women's STEM choices as early as high school. Using administrative data from China, we find that exposure to high-performing female peers in mathematics increases the likelihood that women choose a science track during high school, while exposure to more high-performing males decrease this likelihood. We also find that peer quality has persistent effects on college outcomes. Overall, there is little evidence of peer effects for boys. Our results suggest that girls doing well in mathematics provide an affirmation effect that encourages female classmates to pursue a STEM track. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The land is both a cornerstone of socio-economic growth and an integral member of the ecological system since it is a resource essential to human life and development. Based on land use change, land ecological sensitivity, and socio-economic impact elements, we provide a comprehensive urban land ecological security (ULES) assessment system. Land use types, topography, and ecological sensitivity of the study area were analyzed first using remote sensing data and geographic information system (GIS) technology, followed by the development of a DPSIRM model framework to evaluate indicators using an entropy-variable-weight integrated weighting method for the analysis of land ecological security (LES) in Hefei. Among the study's findings are the following: (1) Between 2000 and 2020, Hefei City's land use changed dramatically, with an increase in the amount of construction land, most of which came from cultivated land, woods, and water bodies. (2) According to the ecological sensitivity study, Hefei's land ecology level is largely moderately sensitive and lowly sensitive. (3) Human activity factors have a greater impact on land ecology than natural variables. In order to increase the ecological safety coefficient of the land, it is necessary to limit human activities that cause anthropogenic disturbances. The study's findings may serve as a guide for the evaluation., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Liver injury is a common pathological process characterized by massive degeneration and abnormal death of liver cells. With increase in dead cells and necrosis, liver injury eventually leads to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatic fibrosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Consequently, it is necessary to treat liver injury and to prevent its progression. The drug Bicylol is widely employed in China to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and has therapeutic potential for liver injury. It is the derivative of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans extracted from Schisandra chinensis (SC). The Schisandraceae family is a rich source of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, which possesses potential liver protective activity. This study aimed to comprehensively summarize the phytochemistry, structure-activity relationship and molecular mechanisms underlying the liver protective activities of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from the Schisandraceae family. Here, we had discussed the analysis of absorption or permeation properties of 358 compounds based on Lipinski's rule of five. So far, 358 dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans have been reported, with 37 of them exhibited hepatoprotective effects. The molecular mechanism of the active compounds mainly involves antioxidative stress, anti-inflammation and autophagy through Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Keap1/Nrf2/ARE), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-кB), and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/Smad 2/3 signaling pathways. This review is expected to provide scientific ideas for future research related to developing and utilizing the dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from Schisandraceae family. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case reports are valuable clinical evidence in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the general reporting quality is suboptimal. A working group comprising 20 members was set up to develop systematic recommendations on case report in Chinese medicine (CARC). The working group (CARC group) developed a primary checklist based on reviewing the general reporting quality of case reports in TCM and thorough internal discussion. Two-round consensus process had been carried out among clinical experts, evidence-based medicine methodologists, medical journal editors and clinical practitioners with designated questionnaire embedded with the primary checklist. In total, 118 participants from 17 provinces of China and Korea completed the questionnaires. Their feedback was analyzed and discussed by the CARC group. The checklist was amended accordingly, and the final version, comprising 16-item, is presented here. Under the framework of CARC recommendations, the reporting quality of case reports in TCM can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Europeans and Americans are gradually accepting the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) threshold of 6.5% for diagnosing diabetes proposed by the American Diabetes Association, but the cutoff of HbA1c for the Chinese population is unclear. We evaluated the diagnostic efficiency of HbA1c for diagnosing newly diagnosed diabetes and prediabetes in community-based Chinese adults 40 years of age or older. Subjects and Methods: In this study 8,239 subjects (5,496 women) 40-90 years of age underwent HbA1c and oral glucose tolerance test measurement after an overnight fast. Diabetes and prediabetes were defined by the World Health Organization criteria. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of HbA1c, and the optimal cutoff was defined as the point on the receiver operating characteristic curve with the largest Youden index. Spearman correlation was used for correlation analysis. Results: The prevalence of newly diagnosed diabetes and prediabetes was 10.7% (880/8,239) and 19.0% (1,564/8,239), respectively. Fasting plasma glucose and postprandial plasma glucose were positively correlated with HbA1c level ( r=0.725 and r=0.673, both P<0.001, respectively). For diagnosing diabetes, the AUC was 0.857 (95% confidence interval, 0.841-0.873), and the optimal cutoff for HbA1c was 6.3%, with the largest Youden index being 0.581. For diagnosing prediabetes, the AUC was 0.681 (95% confidence interval, 0.666-0.697), and the optimal cutoff for HbA1c was 5.9%, with the largest Youden index being 0.280. Conclusions: An HbA1c threshold of 6.3% was highly valuable for diagnosing newly diagnosed diabetes, and a value of 5.9% was weakly valuable for diagnosing prediabetes in community-based Chinese adults 40 years of age or older. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article features the Department of Physics at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China. Topics discussed include the history of the department, the profile of the department's faculty staff and the research institutes under the physics department. Also discussed are the research works conducted under the department, including studies on condensed matter physics, optics and particle physics.

El Niño Modoki, similar to but different from canonical El Niño, has been observed since the late 1970s. In this paper, using HadISST and NCEP/NCAR wind data, we analyze the relationship between El Niño Modoki and Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in the offshore area of China and its adjacent waters for different seasons. Our results show a significant negative correlation between El Niño Modoki in summer and SST in autumn in the offshore area of China and its adjacent waters, particularly for regions located in the east of the Kuroshio. It is also found that during El Niño Modoki period, anomalous northerlies prevail over the regions from the northern part of the Philippines to the offshore area of China, indicating that the northerlies are unfavorable for the transport of warm water from the western tropical Pacific to the mid-latitude area. Consequently, El Niño Modoki in summer may play a substantial role in cold SST anomalies in the offshore area of China and its adjacent waters in autumn through the influence of the Kuroshio, with a lagged response of the ocean to the atmospheric wind field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bibliometric analysis was performed to assess historical and recent research trends regarding e-waste studies from 1998 to 2018. Documents related to e-waste were identified from the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science© (WoS) database, and a total of 3311 academic articles was retrieved. The analysis was performed from four main aspects: (1) publication activity by year, by WoS category, and by geographic distribution; (2) journals; (3) most-cited papers; and (4) top 10 countries and author keyword analysis. The number of publications concerning e-waste issues has increased substantially over the last 20 years, especially in the environmental science category, and more than a third of the publications were produced in China (1181 records). Waste Management and Environmental Science & Technology were the most sought-after journals for disseminating the results. Studies related to "e-waste flow analysis," "recycling," "recovery of precious metals," and "risk assessment of recycling areas" have been the most common for several years. The analysis of keywords suggested that there are many topics on electronic waste and that each country has presented a different focus of research. Overall, the bibliometric analysis proved to be an efficient tool with which to monitor historical and current research trends and to evaluate the sheer volume of currently existing scientific literature on e-waste topics.

The genus Tinissa Walker is reviewed for China. Seven species are recognized, of which T. apicimaculata sp. n., T. conchata sp. n., T. connata sp. n., T. leguminella sp. n. and T. spirella sp. n. are described as new; and T. insularia Robinson, 1976 is newly recorded from China. Photographs of the adults and illustrations of the genitalia are given. A key to all the known Chinese species and a distribution map of Tinissa in China are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new species of the genus Endotricha Zeller are described from China: Endotricha dentiprocessa sp. n., E. unicolor sp. n., E. shafferi sp. n., E. convexa sp. n. and E. whalleyi sp. n. Females of three species are described for the first time: E. hoenei Whalley, 1963, E. luteogrisalis Hampson, 1896 and E. simipunicea Wang & Li, 2005. Photographs of the adults and both male and female genitalia are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Helcystogramma Zeller from China is reviewed. Of the 20 species treated in this paper, nine are described as new: H. imagibicuneum sp. nov., H. flavifuscum sp. nov., H. brevinodium sp. nov., H. albilepidotum sp. nov., H. angustum sp. nov., H. flavistictum sp. nov., H. furvimaculare sp. nov., H. imagitrijunctum sp. nov. and H. rectangulum sp. nov.; six are newly recorded for this country: H. flavilineolella Ponomarenko, H. bicuneum (Meyrick), H. epicentra (Meyrick), H. perelegans (Omelko et Omelko), H. fuscomarginatum Ueda and H. lutatella (Herrich-Schaffer); the previously unknown females of H. epicentra (Meyrick) and H. hassenzanensis Park et Hodges are described for the first time; H. bicuneum (Meyrick) and H. epicentra (Meyrick) are redescribed; and the misidentification of H. trijunctum (Meyrick) is clarified. These species are arranged into five species groups based on the forewing patterns and the genital characters: the flavilineolella group, the hibisci group, the perelegans group, the triannulella group and the trijunctum group. Images of the adults and the illustrations of the male and female genitalia are provided. A key to distinguish the Chinese species and three maps to show the localities of these species are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the EU has sought to gain both profit and “soft power” from increased cooperation with China in the field of clean energy, not much of this expectation has materialised. China is unwilling to recognise the European Union as the world's clean energy champion, and is itself trying to secure a larger part of the international market through green power. In this highly competitive sector, Europe should give up its soft power aspiration and should resort to a realist but constructive policy. On the one hand, it should impose more ambitious curbs on its emissions and use this as an incentive to boost its own green technologies. On the other hand, it should develop a two-track approach for its international cooperation: limited aid-based synergies with the least developed countries alongside pragmatic economic bartering with all emerging countries, not just China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of the global biomedicine economy has been matched by an expansion of the governance knowledge required to facilitate its development. As part of that process, and in response to the governance needs generated by cultural conflict, bioethics has emerged as the political means for the creation of a global moral economy where the trading and exchange of values is normalised and legitimated. However, as a novel form of governance, bioethics cannot assume that it has automatic legitimacy within the jurisdiction of states, such as China, who are new entrants to the bioeconomy. Taking the case of basic stem cell science, this paper explores how far bioethics in China has evolved as an epistemic community capable of drawing on global bioethics networks to produce governance knowledge that is both compatible with traditional Chinese values and able to be translated into a legal/bureaucratic form that can be employed in policy agenda setting, formation and implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around the turn of the seventeenth century, the prolific writer-editor Deng Zhimo produced three illustrated books narrating the lives of Lü Dongbin (The Flying Sword), Xu Xun (The Iron Tree), and Sa Shoujian (The Enchanted Date). This article focuses on the textual hybridity of Deng Zhimo's hagiographic Saints Trilogy and argues that it offers encyclopedic, practical, and entertaining guidebooks for worshipping the three immortals and pursuing Daoist attainment. The cultic lore woven into the fabric of Deng's Saints Trilogy reflects the important contribution of authors and publishers to popular reverence, highlighting the close interplay between "literature" and "religion" in late-imperial China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: To evaluate the mass measles vaccination campaign of 2009 in Guangdong Province, China. Methods: Data on the campaign implementation, measles surveillance, and serological surveillance were reviewed and analyzed by statistical methods. Results: Rapid coverage surveys showed that 98.09% of children were vaccinated during the campaign. The coverage of migrant children increased significantly from 67.10% to 97.32% (p <0.01). From May to December 2009, after the campaign, the number of measles cases was reduced by 93.04% compared with the same period of 2008. The antibody positive rate in children aged less than 15 years reached above 95%. More than 1 million migrant children were identified and vaccinated during the campaign. Flyers, notices of information from doctors, and television programs were the best methods to inform parents of the campaign. Awareness of the campaign by residents increased significantly from 91.86% to 97.10% (p <0.01) through the use of social mobilization materials. Conclusions: A massive vaccination campaign approach for controlling measles in a developing region like Guangdong Province with a vast migrant population has proved effective. Comprehensive mobilization, communication with the mass media, and support from government departments were critical to the success of the campaign. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article reflects on the challenges and difficulties that the Chinese scientists have to face including sustainability, accountability and credibility. The kind of facilities which Chinese scientists might have encountered in other countries might not be as advanced as the ones they use when they go back to China, is one of the things that will hamper the research sustainability. High expectations on the outcome of the research and the efforts to excel are among things to consider of a Chinese researcher.