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The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of implicit professional identity (IPI) and its relationship with explicit professional identity (EPI) and well-being of pre-service teachers. A total of 81 Chinese female pre-service teacher volunteers participated in the study, in which their IPI, EPI, and well-being were measured using the Single Category Implicit Association Test (SC-IAT), the professional identification scale for pre-service teachers, and the short depression-happiness scale, respectively. The results indicated that (a) pre-service teachers had positive IPI; (b) the correlation between the measures of pre-service teachers' EPI and IPI was not significant; (c) IPI significantly predicted well-being negatively, while EPI positively predicted well-being; and (d) IPI moderated the relationship between EPI and well-being. In the weak IPI group, EPI did not significantly predict well-being; however, in the strong IPI group, EPI significantly predicted well-being positively.

Objective: Unsafe medication practices and medication errors are a major cause of harm in healthcare systems around the world. This study aimed to explore the factors that influence the risk of medication and provide medication risk evaluation model for adults in Shanxi province, China. Methods: The data was obtained from the provincial questionnaire from May to December 2022, relying on the random distribution of questionnaires and online questionnaires by four hospitals in Shanxi Province. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the factors affecting the KAP score of residents. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the independent risk factors, and the nomogram was verified by receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration and decision curve analysis. Results: A total of 3,388 questionnaires were collected, including 3,272 valid questionnaires. The average scores of drugs KAP were 63.2 ± 23.04, 33.05 ± 9.60, 23.67 ± 6.75 and 33.16 ± 10.87, respectively. On the evaluation criteria of the questionnaire, knowledge was scored "fair", attitude and practice were scored "good". Sex, monthly income, place of residence, insurance status, education level, and employment were regarded as independent risk factors for medication and a nomogram was established by them. Conclusion: Males, low-income, and low-educated people are important factors affecting the risk of medication. The application of the model can help residents understand the risk of their own medication behavior and reduce the harm of medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lamasu deposit is the first large copper (Cu) deposit with ~0.6 Mt Cu reserve in the Chinese Western Tianshan Orogen (NW China). The Cu orebodies are mainly hosted in the exoskarn of the Proterozoic Kusongmuqieke Group. Now, the metallogenic mechanism of newly discovered skarn Cu orebodies (0.5 Mt Cu) remains poorly constrained. In this study, we conducted LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb isotope dating, EPMA and LA‐ICP‐MS geochemical analyses on different generations of garnet from Lamasu to elucidate the magmatic hydrothermal evolution and its timing. Garnets from the Lamasu exoskarn can be divided into three types: reddish‐brown coarse‐grained Grt‐I, light brown fine‐grained Grt‐II and yellowish‐green heterogranular Grt‐III, with U–Pb age of 389.1 ± 2.0 Ma, 387.1 ± 1.8 Ma and 387.0 ± 2.3 Ma, respectively. These dates represent the oldest Cu mineralization age in the Chinese Western Tianshan, coeval with the Middle Devonian subduction of the North Tianshan oceanic plate. Grt‐I to Grt‐III particles are mainly andradite with minor grossularite, and they have different REE compositions. The Grt‐I has total REE contents (∑REE) of 101.47 to 262.87 ppm, with steeply right‐inclining REE distribution patterns (LREE/HREE of 3.81 to 68.50) and positive Eu anomaly. The Grt‐II core has ∑REE of 163.49–249.52 ppm, LREE/HREE of 2.00–4.71, and negative Eu anomaly. The Grt‐II rim has ∑REE of 46.34–99.99 ppm, with LREE/HREE of 18.06–177.23, and positive Eu anomaly. The ∑REE of Grt‐III range from 31.71 to 219.02 ppm, with flat REE distribution pattern and positive Eu anomaly, and the LREE/HREE ranges from 2.16 to 9.07. These garnets have similar trace element compositions, featured by LILE‐depletions (e.g., Rb, Ba and Sr) and HFSE enrichments (e.g., Th, U, Nb and Ce). Micro‐texture and geochemical composition of garnets indicate that the Lamasu magmatic hydrothermal system could have changed from an open to a closed environment, and from infiltration metasomatism to diffusive metasomatism, which formed Grt‐I, Grt‐II and Grt‐III successively. These garnets generally formed in a relatively oxidized fluid environment, which inhibited early sulphide precipitation and favoured for Cu enrichment during the ore fluid evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) have been extensively disseminated worldwide, resulting in increased mortality. We performed a retrospective analysis of the epidemiology and risk factors for the outcome of CRKP infection in a general teaching hospital in China. Methods: A molecular and clinical study was conducted for 98 CRKP in a tertiary hospital from January 2013 to December 2016. Carbapenemase gene detection, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were performed. Logistic regression was also used to identify the risk factors associated with 30-day mortality. Results: The production of KPC carbapenemase was the main resistant mechanism, and KPC carbapenemase increased annually with a significant difference. However, the molecular outcome revealed the dominance and diversity in CRKP with 24 sequence types (STs) and 59 PFGE types (PTs). The ST11 CRKP strains, which showed a significant increasing trend year by year, were documented as predominant in our study. Additionally, the predominant ST11 CRKP corresponding to PT10 and PT15 continued to exhibit their characteristic patterns. Importantly, the newly identified PT09 and PT16 strains, corresponding to the ST11 lineage, were only discovered in 2016. Meanwhile, factors affecting 30-day mortality and ST11 proportionality with CRKP infection were assessed, and ST11, appropriate empirical treatment, and hospital stays were found to be independently associated with 30-day mortality. Conclusion: The ST11 CRKP strains played a dominant role in the process; however, the homology of these strains was polymorphic, and the advantage clusters were subject to changes through evolution. Furthermore, in addition to appropriate empirical treatment and hospital stays, ST11 CRKP was independently associated with 30-day mortality. To the best of our knowledge, this association was reported for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Crucian carp (Carassius auratus) is a freshwater fish that is popular due to its high nutritional value and delicious taste. It has become one of the most commonly farmed fish species, particularly in China. With the rapid development of intensive aquaculture, fish are becoming increasingly vulnerable to various pathogens that can cause significant economic losses. To reduce these losses, treatment with effective antibacterials is necessary. Although not approved in China, difloxacin is being used extensively in an extra-label manner to treat infections in aquaculture. However, the dosage guidelines specific to fish have not been established, resulting in the extrapolation of mammalian dosing regimens. Because fish are poikilotherms with unique physiologies and anatomies, dosing regimens intended for mammals may not be appropriate for them. In this research paper, we have employed a sparse sampling method and non-linear mixed effect modeling to develop population pharmacokinetics models. In addition, we have determined the values of the PK/PD parameter (free AUC/MIC) by utilizing previously published MIC data. Based on the free AUC/MIC values calculated herein, the current oral dose of difloxacin (20 mg/kg body weight) might be not enough to treat infections in crucian carp. This study aimed to investigate the population pharmacokinetics of difloxacin in crucian carp (Carassius auratus) orally provided a single dose of 20 mg/kg body weight (BW). To achieve this, fish were sampled at various intervals using a sparse sampling strategy, and plasma samples were analyzed using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Subsequently, naïve average data were analyzed using a non-compartmental method, and a population model was developed based on the nonlinear mixed effects approach. The covariate of BW and the relationship between covariances were sequentially incorporated into the population model. However, it was found that only covariance and not BW affected the population parameters. Therefore, the covariance model was taken as the final population model, which revealed that the typical values of the absorption rate constant (tvKa), apparent volume of distribution per bioavailability (tvV), and clearance rate per bioavailability (tvCl) were 1.18 1/h, 14.18 L/kg, and 0.20 L/h/kg, respectively. Based on the calculated free AUC/MIC values, the current oral dose of difloxacin (20 mg/kg BW) cannot generate adequate plasma concentrations to inhibit pathogens with MIC values above 0.83 μg/mL. Further study should be carried out to collect the pathogens from crucian carp and determine the MIC data of difloxacin against them. Pharmacodynamic experiments must also be further carried out to determine the optimal therapeutic dose for the treatment of Aeromonas hydrophila infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have found that subjective well-being is associated with social trust, self-compassion, and social empathy. Based on online fieldwork with 662 first-generation college students (54.7% male) in China, this study aimed to investigate the serial mediation effects of self-compassion and social empathy on the relationship between social trust and subjective well-being. The results showed that subjective well-being was significantly positively correlated with social trust, trust in people, self-compassion, and social empathy. Both selfcompassion and social empathy partially mediated the relationship between social trust and subjective well-being, and fully mediated the association between trust in people and subjective well-being. We used a serial mediation model to estimate the effect of general social trust, including trust in people, on subjective well-being. The findings that self-compassion and social empathy mediated the relationship between trusting attitudes toward society, especially people, and subjective well-being expand the literature on social trust and the mechanism of social trust on subjective well-being. The results also highlight the significance of improving mental health education and intervention among first-generation college students in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Western studies have explored bariatric surgeons concerning their views on bariatric surgery (BS) and reproductive health, but Asian data were lacking. The aim of this study was to explore the perception and practice of bariatric surgeons on the reproductive health of female patients who underwent BS in China to better guide clinical practice and improve clinical outcomes. Method: An online questionnaire of 31 questions developed by bariatric surgeons was collected by sending to one online communication group (WeChat group) whose members are Chinese bariatric surgeons. Result: A total of 87 bariatric surgeons from mainland China were surveyed. Almost all (97.7%, 85/87) surgeons considered the reproductive health conversation for women who underwent BS to be important or very important. Only 1/4 of surgeons routinely discuss reproductive health–related issues with patients, and only 56% of doctors always ask patients for postoperative contraception. Less than 20% of bariatric surgeons have full knowledge of postoperative contraception, and nearly 40% of them believe that gynecologists should be responsible for providing contraception. More than 35% of bariatric surgeons have never been involved in the co-management of pregnancy in patients with a history of BS. Conclusion: Although most bariatric surgeons are aware of the importance of female reproductive health, there is a large gap in the perception and clinical practice of bariatric surgeons in terms of reproductive health. It is necessary to further strengthen the education of bariatric surgeons and enhance multidisciplinary cooperation with gynecology, obstetrics, and other disciplines to bring better clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer is more common among young women in China than in developed countries. This study analyzes the clinicopathological features and prognosis of young women with breast cancer in southwest China. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 406 breast cancer patients = 35 years old from 2008 to 2017 in southwest China, investigating their biological characteristics and prognosis. Results: In southwest China, 8.77% of breast cancer patients were young women. Although the number of breast cancer cases increased over time, the proportion of young women declined. Patients in stages III and IV accounted for 32% of cases. Young women with breast cancer often experienced local and regional recurrence and had a poor prognosis (5-year disease-free survival rate of 54.9% and 5-year overall survival rate of 71.3%). T and N stages were significantly related to disease-free survival and overall survival. Hormone receptor status was associated with overall survival. Conclusions: In southwest China, young women with breast cancer tend to present with late-stage clinical features, and the prognosis remains poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of brain tumors, especially the malignant brain tumors, has entered in the bottleneck period at present. It is difficult for traditional molecular biology, cell and animal experiments to make a major breakthrough in the treatment of brain tumors, so researchers have turned their attention to the anatomy and pathology of human whole brain tissue. However, the human whole brain tissue which is available for research is extremely deficient. It is of great significance to encourage brain tumors patients to donate organs and establish a standard human brain tissue resource bank of brain tumors (shortened to brain bank) for the research of brain science and providing new treatment ideas for brain tumors, while the construction of brain bank in China started late, with a relatively small scale and relatively slow development. This paper intends to provide guidance for the construction and improvement of brain bank and specific brain tumors related brain bank in China by drawing on the relevant experience of the construction of brain bank in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prediction model of postoperative survival for single large and huge hepatocellular carcinoma (SLH-HCC, diameter > 5.0 cm) without portal vein tumour thrombus has not been well established. This study aimed to develop novel nomograms to predict postoperative recurrence and survival of these patients. Data from 2469 patients with SLH-HCC who underwent curative resection from January 2005 to December 2015 in China were retrospectively collected. Specifically, nomograms of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) using data from a training cohort were developed with the Cox regression model (n = 1012). The modes were verified in an internal validation cohort (n = 338) and an external cohort comprising four tertiary institutions (n = 1119). The nomograms of RFS and OS based on tumour clinicopathologic features (diameter, differentiation, microvascular invasion, α-fetoprotein), operative factors (preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation therapy, scope of liver resection and intraoperative blood transfusion), underlying liver function (albumin-bilirubin grade) and systemic inflammatory or immune status (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio) achieved high C-indexes of 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79–0.91) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.79–0.93) in the training cohort, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the five conventional HCC staging systems (0.62–0.73 for RFS, 0.63–0.75 for OS). The nomograms were validated in the internal cohort (0.83 for RFS, 0.84 for OS) and external cohort (0.87 for RFS, 0.88 for OS) and had well-fitted calibration curves. Our nomograms accurately stratified patients with SLH-HCC into low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups of postsurgical recurrence and mortality. The two nomograms achieved optimal prediction for postsurgical recurrence and OS for patients with SLH-HCC after curative resection. • Nomograms for single large and huge hepatocellular carcinoma were generated. • The nomograms full coverage of recurrence- and survival-related risk factors. • An internal cohort and an external cohort were used to validate these results. • The nomograms have a higher predictive value than conventional staging systems. • Nomograms to predict recurrence and survival may help in treatment allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana streak virus (BSV) belongs to the members of the genus Badnavirus, family Caulimoviridae. At present, BSV contains nine species in the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) classification report (2018b release). Previous study indicated that the viral particles of Banana streak virus Acuminata Yunnan (BSV-Acum) were purified from banana (Cavendish Musa AAA group) leaves in Yunnan Province, China, and its complete genome was obtained. To further determine whether this sample infecting with Banana streak GF virus (BSGFV), the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cloning and complete genome analysis of the Banana streak GF virus Yunnan isolate (BSGFV-YN) isolate were carried out in this study. The result showed that BSGFV-YN infecting Cavendish Musa AAA group was co-infecting this sample. Its genome contains a total of 7,325 bp in length with 42% GC content. This complete genome sequence was deposited in GenBank under accession number MN296502. Sequence analysis showed that the complete genome of BSGFV-YN was 98.14% sequence similarity to BSGFV Goldfinger, while it was 49.10-57.09% to other BSV species. Two phylogenetic trees based on the complete genome and ORFIII polyprotein indicated that BSGFV-YN and other BSV species clustered into a group, while it was the highest homology with BSGFV Goldfinger. Although BSGFV-YN and BSGFV Goldfinger were highly homologous, their cultivating bananas are different. The former cultivating banana was from Cavendish Musa AAA group, while the latter cultivating banana was from Goldfinger Musa AAAB group. Compared with BSGFV Goldfinger, the genome of BSGFV-YN has an extra multiple repetitive sequences in the intergenetic region between ORFIII and ORFI, suggesting that this region might be related to host selection. In summary, a BSGFV-YN distant from BSV-Acum was identified from the same sample, and its complete genome sequence was determined and analyzed. The study extends the polymorphism of BSVs in China and provides scientific clue for the evolutionary relationship with host selection of badnaviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the mediating effects of future social expectations and interpersonal distrust on the relationship between individual relative deprivation and intention to rebel. Data were gathered from 807 people from multiple occupational backgrounds in a municipality in southwest China. Structural equation modelling showed that individual relative deprivation predicted intention to rebel directly and also that it predicted intention to rebel indirectly via negative future social expectations, interpersonal distrust, and a chain mediating effect of negative future social expectations and interpersonal distrust. These results highlight the importance of the associations between future social expectations and interpersonal distrust with intention to rebel in people who report relative deprivation. The findings also indicate that prevention and intervention programs related to relative deprivation and intention to rebel in China are worthy of further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machilus pauhoi Kanehira is an important timber species in China. A provenance trial was recently set up to evaluate the growth performance of trees from different localities, with the aim of designing seed transfer guidelines. Here, we tested twelve nuclear microsatellite markers derived from other species of the Lauraceae family and investigated population genetic structure in M. pauhoi. Both the number of observed alleles per locus (Na) and the polymorphic information content (PIC) significantly decreased against the latitude, but showed an insignificant decrease against the longitude. Heterozygosity (Ho) and gene diversity (h) exhibited a weak correlation with geographic location. Private alleles were present in multiple populations, and a moderate level of population genetic differentiation was detected (Gst = 0.1691). The joint pattern of genetic diversity (Na, PIC, Ho, and h) suggests that general northeastward dispersal led to the current distribution of M. pauhoi. Significant but weak effects of isolation-by-distance (IBD) occurred, implicating the mountain ranges as the major barrier to gene flow. Both STRUCTURE and hierarchical clustering analyses showed three distinct groups of populations related to the physical connectivity among mountain ranges. A priority in designing genetic conservation should be given to the populations at the southwest side of the species’ distribution. This conservation strategy can also be combined with the pattern of adaptive genetic variation from the provenance trial for comprehensive genetic resource management of native M. pauhoi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence of fosfomycin resistance and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes is a serious threat to public health and a new challenge in shigellosis treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify fosfomycin resistance and characterize β-lactamase genes in fos-carrying isolates of Shigella flexneri from patients in China. Methods: A total of 263 S. flexneri isolates were collected from 34 hospitals in the Anhui Province of China during September 2012-September 2015 and screened for fosA3, fosA, and fosC2 by PCR amplification and sequencing. The fos-carrying isolates were then screened for β-lactamase genes. The clonal relationships between fosA3-carrying isolates, the transmissibility of fosfomycin resistance, replicon types of plasmids carrying fosfomycin resistance genes and other associated resistance genes were investigated. Results: Twenty-five of the 263 isolates (9.5%) showed resistance to fosfomycin, and 18 (6.8%) were positive for fosA3. None of the isolates was positive for fosA or fosC2. Seventeen of the isolates carrying fosA3 (94%) were CTX-M producers (seven CTX-M-55, five CTX-M-14, and five CTX-M-123), while three (16.7%) were TEM producers (TEM-1).Sixteen (88.9%) fosA3-carrying isolates exhibited multi-drug resistance. The replicon types of the 13 fosA3-carrying plasmids were IncF (n=13), IncHI2 (n=3), IncIl-Ir (n=2), and IncN (n=1). Conclusions: Our results indicated that fosA3 could spread through plasmids in S. flexneri isolates, along with the blaCTX-M and blaTEM, which facilitate its quick dispersal. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of CTX-M-123-type ESBLs in S. flexneri isolates from patients in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Sanhe represents the initial phase of Mesozoic Pb–Zn–Ag mineralization at Argun Massif. • Incursion of unusually metal-rich fluid was critical to the Sanhe ore formation. • The deposit belongs to intermediate sulfidation (IS)-epithermal type. • Fluid mixing was likely the main trigger for mineralization. The Sanhe is a typical medium-size Pb–Zn–Ag deposit in the Argun Massif, NE China. Its Pb–Zn–Ag orebodies are mainly hosted in the Jurassic Tamulangou Formation volcanic rocks. The orebodies occur as quartz vein clusters. The ore-forming quartz porphyry is LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dated to be 165.2 ± 1.2 Ma, and the ore sphalerite yielded a Rb–Sr age of 162.5 ± 4.3 Ma. These ages indicate that the Sanhe represents the oldest Pb–Zn–Ag mineralization in the Argun Massif. Combined with published age data, the Pb–Zn–Ag mineralization of the Argun Massif occurred in three phases at ca. 160 Ma, 140 Ma and 130 Ma. The quartz porphyry shows right-inclining REE ((La/Yb) N = 22.92–40.69) patterns and negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.68–0.81), together with enrichments in K, La, Ce, Nd, Zr and Hf but depletions in Ba, Ta, Nb, Sr, P and Ti. Whole-rock geochemistry and Hf isotopes suggest that the quartz porphyry was derived from partial melting of juvenile lower crustal materials during the post–collision extension of the Mongol–Okhotsk orogenic belt. Sulfide S–Pb isotope compositions indicate that the ore-forming materials were derived from the deep magma, whilst He isotopes indicate that the ore fluids were dominantly crustal-derived. Fluid chemical compositions obtained from LA–ICP–MS single fluid inclusion analyses support that mixing of magmatic fluids with meteoric water was an important mineralization trigger at Sanhe. Our new data show that the involvement of unusually metal-rich fluids is a prerequisite to form abundant Pb–Zn–Ag mineralization at Sanhe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the changes in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol in heroin addicts given Jitai tablet treatment during abstinence. Design: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Settings/Location: Drug Rehabilitation Bureau of Shanghai Police, China. Participants: 99 volunteers, including 69 heroin addicts and 30 healthy volunteers. Interventions: 69 heroin addicts randomly divided into two groups: the Jitai tablet group, which comprised 34 heroin addicts given Jitai tablet treatment during abstinence, and the placebo group, which comprised 35 heroin addicts given placebo. A control group consisted of 30 sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers. Outcome Measures: ACTH and cortisol in plasma were measured in all groups at baseline and in the Jitai tablet and placebo groups on the third, seventh, and 14th days of abstinence. Results: Levels of both ACTH ( p<.01) and cortisol ( p<.001) were significantly higher in heroin addicts at baseline than in the healthy volunteers. Jitai tablet treatment restored plasma cortisol levels to normal more rapidly than did placebo treatment ( p<.05), but not ACTH levels. A positive correlation between ACTH and cortisol values at baseline ( p<.01) was also found with withdrawal symptom scores and daily dosages of heroin. Conclusions: Heroin addicts could respond to Jitai tablets through changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purge gas in flare systems is used to avoid burnback in the flare stack. We have used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods to calculate the purge gas flow rate in a flare stack with a velocity seal. We constructed a simulation model of the purging process for different purge rates. As the results show, the baffle size has a significant effect on the oxygen distribution in the flare. When the first baffle/seal diameter ratio is d/ D = 0.92 and hydrocarbons are discharged in the flare, the minimum safe purge gas flow rate is 0.05 m/s. However, when the hydrogen content in the discharge gas is high, the minimum safe purge rate is higher: 0.1 m/s. But if the purge rate is maintained at the level recommended by API 521-2007 (0.012 m/s when discharging hydrocarbon gases), the ratio d/ D should not be greater than 0.75. In this case, when discharging gas with high hydrogen content, the minimum safe purge rate is 0.02 m/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relative effects of individual and combined risk factor trends on future cardiovascular disease in China have not been quantified in detail.Methods and Results: Future risk factor trends in China were projected based on prior trends. Cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease and stroke) in adults ages 35 to 84 years was projected from 2010 to 2030 using the Coronary Heart Disease Policy Model-China, a Markov computer simulation model. With risk factor levels held constant, projected annual cardiovascular events increased by >50% between 2010 and 2030 based on population aging and growth alone. Projected trends in blood pressure, total cholesterol, diabetes (increases), and active smoking (decline) would increase annual cardiovascular disease events by an additional 23%, an increase of approximately 21.3 million cardiovascular events and 7.7 million cardiovascular deaths over 2010 to 2030. Aggressively reducing active smoking in Chinese men to 20% prevalence in 2020 and 10% prevalence in 2030 or reducing mean systolic blood pressure by 3.8 mm Hg in men and women would counteract adverse trends in other risk factors by preventing cardiovascular events and 2.9 to 5.7 million total deaths over 2 decades.Conclusions: Aging and population growth will increase cardiovascular disease by more than a half over the coming 20 years, and projected unfavorable trends in blood pressure, total cholesterol, diabetes, and body mass index may accelerate the epidemic. National policy aimed at controlling blood pressure, smoking, and other risk factors would counteract the expected future cardiovascular disease epidemic in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • One high-εHf and two low-εHf domains in the Argun massif indicate the Neoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic crustal zones, respectively. • Transition of magma source from the juvenile crust to ancient crust from south to north during the Mesozoic. • The composition and structure of the crust control the metal associations, deposit types, and localization of ore deposits. The Argun massif is an important micro-continent in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt and hosts a wide variety of Mesozoic hydrothermal Cu(–Mo), Pb–Zn–Ag, and Au deposits such as Wunugetushan Cu(-Mo) and Jiawula Pb–Zn–Ag deposits. In this paper, we integrate geological and zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic data from Mesozoic Argun igneous rocks to elucidate the crustal architecture, and any spatial–temporal and genetic links with the regional metallogeny. Our results indicate that the porphyry Cu–Mo deposits in the massif were mainly developed in the zones with high-εHf(t) values and Neoproterozoic T DM c ages, representing juvenile lower crustal components. The epithermal Pb–Zn–Ag deposits were mostly developed in zones with variable εHf(t) and Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic T DM c values, representing magma source with reworked ancient or juvenile lower crustal components. In contrast, the major mesothermal and epithermal Au deposits are associated with magmatic rocks emplaced in low-εHf(t) and high-T DM c domains, representing reworked Mesoproterozoic ancient crustal components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent, dramatic increases in coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality in China can be mostly explained by adverse changes in major cardiovascular risk factors. Our study aimed to assess the potential impact of subsequent changes in risk factors and population ageing on CHD deaths in Beijing between 1999 and 2010. Methods: The previously validated IMPACT model was used to estimate the CHD deaths expected in 2010, with treatment uptakes being held constant at levels measured in 1999, comparing three scenarios: a) taking into account the ageing of the population but assuming no further changes in major risk factor levels from 1999 or, b) if recent risk factor trends continued until 2010 or, c) if there was a 0.5% annual reduction in each risk factor. Results: Population ageing alone would result in approximately 1990 additional deaths in 2010 compared with 1999, representing an increase of 27%. Continuation of current risk factor trends would result in approximately 3,015 extra deaths in 2010, [a 40% increase]; three quarters of this increase would be attributable to rises in total cholesterol levels. Thus, demographic changes and worsening risk factors would together result in a 67% increase in CHD deaths. Conversely, assumed 0.5% annual reductions in risk factors (a mean population level decline of 0.3 mmol/L for total cholesterol in both genders, and smoking prevalence declining by 3.0% for men and 4.1% for women, body mass index by 1.3 kg/m² for men and 1.4 kg/m² for women, diabetes prevalence by 0.4% in both genders, and diastolic blood pressure by 4.7 mmHg for men and 4.4 mmHg for women) would result in some 3,730 fewer deaths, representing a 23% decrease overall. These findings remained consistent in sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: CHD death rates are continuing to rise in Beijing. This reflects worsening risk factor levels, compounded by demographic trends. However, the adverse impact of population ageing on CHD burden could be completely offset by eminently feasible improvements in diet and smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: China will experience an overall growth and aging of its adult population in coming decades. We used a computer model to forecast the future impact of these demographic changes on coronary heart disease (CHD) in China. Methods: The CHD Policy Model is a validated state-transition, computer simulation of CHD on a national scale. Chinaspecific CHD risk factor, incidence, case-fatality, and prevalence data were incorporated, and a CHD prediction model was generated from a Chinese cohort study and calibrated to age-specific Chinese mortality rates. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to CHD were calculated using standard methods. The projected population of China aged 35-84 years was entered, and CHD events, deaths, and DALYs were simulated over 2000-2029. CHD risk factors other than age and case-fatality were held at year 2000 levels. Sensitivity analyses tested uncertainty regarding CHD mortality coding, the proportion of total deaths attributable to CHD, and case-fatality. Results: We predicted 7.8 million excess CHD events (a 69% increase) and 3.4 million excess CHD deaths (a 64% increase) in the decade 2020-2029 compared with 2000-2009. For 2030, we predicted 71% of almost one million annual CHD deaths will occur in persons ≥65 years old, while 67% of the growing annual burden of CHD death and disability will weigh on adults <65 years old. Substituting alternate CHD mortality assumptions led to 17-20% more predicted CHD deaths over 2000-2029, though the pattern of increases in CHD events and deaths over time remained. Conclusion: We forecast that absolute numbers of CHD events and deaths will increase dramatically in China over 2010-2029, due to a growing and aging population alone. Recent data suggest CHD risk factor levels are increasing, so our projections may underestimate the extent of the potential CHD epidemic in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the relationship between G1958A gene polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD) and occurrence of congenital heart disease (CHD) in North China. Methods One hundred and ninety-two CHD patients and their parents were included in this study as case group in Liaoning Province by birth defect registration cards, and 124 healthy subjects (age and gender matched) and their parents were simultaneously selected from the same geographic area as control. Theft gene polymorphism of MTHFD G1958A locus was examined with PCR-RFLP, and serum folic acid and homocysteine (Hcy) levels were tested with radio-immunoassay and fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). Results There existed gene polymorphism at MTHFD G1958A locus in healthy subjects living in North China. The percentages of GG, GA, and AA genotype were 57.98%, 35.57%, and 6.45% respectively, and the A allele frequency was 24.23%, which was significantly different from Western population. No difference was observed when comparing genotype distribution and allele frequency between the case and control groups, so was the result from the comparison between genders. The A allele frequency of arterial septal defect patients' mothers (10.87%) was significantly lower than that of controls (28.15%) (P=0.014), with OR=0.31 (95% CI: 0.09-0.84), and no difference in the other subgroups. The percentage of at least one parent carrying A allele in arterial septal defect subgroup (43.48%) was significantly lower than that in controls (69.64%) (P=0.017), with OR=0.34 (95% CI: 0.12-0.92). The analysis of genetic transmission indicated that there was no transmission disequilibrium in CHD nuclear families. Theft serum folic acid level was significantly higher than that of controls (P=0.000), and Hcy level of the former was higher than that of the latter with no statistical significance (P>0.05). Serum Hcy and folic acid levels of mothers with gene mutation were lower than those of mothers with no mutation. Conclusion No significant difference of genotype distribution and allele frequency existed between CHD patients and healthy population. MTHFD G1958A mutation in parents (particularly in mother) can decrease the risk of arterial septal defect in offspring. The possible mechanism of protection might be mutation, which can increase MTHFD enzyme activity, folic acid metabolism and homocysteine remethylation, and decrease Hcy level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aliphatic hydrocarbons have been used to assess total oil concentrations, petroleum sources, and petroleum degradation. In this study, surface soil, groundwater, surface water, and vegetables were collected from the outskirts of Xi'an, the largest city in northwestern China, and the samples were analyzed for aliphatic hydrocarbon contents. The concentrations of n-alkanes were 1.06–4.01μg/g in the soil. The concentrations and the geochemical characteristics of n-alkanes showed that the low carbon number hydrocarbons were mainly from petroleum sources, whereas the high carbon number hydrocarbons received more hydrocarbons from herbaceous plants. The concentrations of n-alkanes were 9.20–93.44μg/L and 23.74–118.27μg/L in the groundwater and the surface water, respectively. The water had characteristics of petroleum and submerged/floating macrophytes and was found in concentrations that would cause chronic disruption of sensitive organisms. The concentrations and geochemical characteristics of n-alkanes in Brassica chinensis L. and Apium graveolens were different, but both were contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons. The results from principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the sorption of n-alkanes to soil particles could not be described by linear models. The distributions of n-alkanes in vegetables were positively correlated with those in soil, and the correlation coefficient was up to 0.9310 using the constructed vectors. Therefore, the researchers should pay close attention to the effect of soil contamination on vegetables. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Subduction and exhumation processes, interacting with each other, play a key role in crustal recycling. Downgoing oceanic lithosphere constitutes the dominant input at subduction margins, but subduction erosion, the removal of crustal material from the overriding plate, may add additional ingredients and complexity to the subduction factory. Different exhumation models have been proposed to explain how subducted materials are exhumed and therefore contribute to crustal recycling, e.g., exhumation up the subduction channel versus diapiric rise through the mantle wedge that overlies the subducted plate. The recently discovered Baqing eclogite- bearing high-pressure metamorphic complex, central Tibet, China, provides an excellent opportunity to decode the exhumation process, the origin of subduction-related magmatism, and the crustal structure of the North Qiangtang block, in addition to elucidating processes of crustal recycling. Pressure-temperature-time (P-T-t) paths and zircon U-Pb ages and trace-element compositions for Baqing high-pressure rocks were used to evaluate exhumation processes and to determine the geochemical and tectonic affinity of the Baqing metamorphic complex. The Baqing metamorphic complex is mainly composed of eclogite, gneiss, and schist. It is located between two geologically distinct terranes--the South Qiangtang block, which has early Paleozoic basement, and the North Qiangtang block, which has Proterozoic basement. In the schist, zircon cores with steep heavy rare earth element (HREE) slopes and oscillatory zoning yielded inherited ages that are similar to detrital zircon ages for the South Qiangtang block schist; in contrast, zircon rims with flat HREE slopes yielded metamorphic ages of 224 Ma that are similar to the metamorphic ages obtained for the Baqing eclogite. In contrast, zircons from the gneiss yielded an upper-intercept age of 1033 ± 32 Ma (interpreted as the crystallization age) and a lower-intercept metamorphic age of 198 ± 4 Ma. Field relations indicate that gneiss and eclogite/amphibolite were exhumed together, so the ~20 m.y. gap between the gneiss and the metabasite metamorphism may indicate a long exhumation duration. In the region, Proterozoic ages of ca. 1000 Ma are known only from the North Qiangtang block; we thus propose that the Baqing gneiss originated from North Qiangtang block Proterozoic basement, which, along with North Qiangtang block Triassic arc magmatic rocks and the discrepancies between ancient and current arc-trench distances, results in estimates of ~20-170 km of Triassic subduction erosion. Results of P-T analyses show that most eclogite, amphibolite, and schist shared a similar clockwise P-T path, different from that of the gneiss, which records a higher geothermal gradient. The clockwise P-T trajectory, long exhumation duration, lack of significant heating during exhumation, and the South Qiangtang block affinity of the schist (host rock of the Baqing eclogite) are consistent with subduction-channel exhumation rather than diapiric rise through the mantle wedge. Geochemical similarities between the North Qiangtang block Triassic subductionrelated rocks and the Baqing gneiss may signal the involvement of unexhumed Baqing metamorphic complex in the recycling of the Qiangtang crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: A retrospective study of 257 normal children at a single center from July 2016 to November 2018 was performed.Objective: To evaluate the spinopelvic parameters in a population of normal children and adolescents in mainland China.Summary Of Background Data: Values for sagittal parameters of the spine vary significantly by ages and different population. No study has yet quantified the normal measures for children and adolescents in China, or how these measures compare with other populations.Methods: Pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope, pelvic tilt, thoracic kyphosis (TK, T5-T12), lumbar lordosis (LL, L1-S1), and sagittal vertical axis were measured and evaluated by whole spine AP&lateral X-ray images.Results: A total of 257 subjects, including 116 boys (45%) and 141 girls (55%) aged 3 to 12 years, were enrolled. Correlation matrix analysis demonstrated that sagittal balance is strongly correlated with age and Risser sign, including PI, a reported fixed parameter. Further investigation showed that PI could be expressed by the equation PI = 26.243+1.153×age.Conclusion: PI was not a fixed but a dynamic parameter in the population under 12-year old. Indeed, PI increases with age and bone maturity in childhood. We also found lower PI, pelvic tilt, and sacral slope compared with published studies of adolescents in other countries. These results may aid in the treatment of patients with spinal deformity, to help them achieve a certain degree of sagittal spinopelvic balance.Level Of Evidence: 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Lamasu-Saibo deposit represent the initial Devonian Cu mineralization in the Chinese Western Tianshan. • Ore-related magma was of "wetter" and more oxidized. • Reductant input from the wall rocks and the consequent redox change represents main trigger for Cu mineralization. There are abundant porphyry/skarn Cu deposits in the Chinese Western Tianshan (NW China). However, the differences between the fertile and barren granitoids, and the metal enrichment mechanism remain controversial. The Lamasu–Saibo deposit (0.6 Mt Cu @ 0.3–6.3 %) is the first large-scale Cu discovery in the Chinese Western Tianshan. The Cu orebodies are mainly hosted in the exoskarn of the Proterozoic Kusongmuqieke Group. Here, we present a geochemical comparison study of the fertile and barren granitoids in the Lamasu–Saibo deposit. The fertile granodiorite porphyry and barren granite porphyry have zircon U–Pb (LA–ICPMS) ages of 381 ± 2 Ma and 379 ± 2 Ma, respectively. Chalcopyrite from skarn ore yielded a Re–Os age of 379 ± 14 Ma. Hence, the Lamasu–Saibo deposit is suggested to be the oldest Cu mineralization in the Chinese Western Tianshan. The granodiorite porphyry and granite porphyry have similar LREE enriched and HREE depleted patterns, typical of average continental crust. The I Sr values are calculated to range from 0.707852 to 0.708105 for granite porphyry, 0.708841 to 0.710817 for granodiorite porphyry, respectively. The ε Nd (t) values of granite porphyry and granodiorite porphyry range from –4.71 to –4.22 and –4.55 to –3.87, respectively. The granite porphyry has 206Pb/204Pb = 18.522 to 18.798, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.552 to 15.569, and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.472 to 38.639; whilst the granodiorite porphyry has 206Pb/204Pb = 18.598 to 18.960, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.544 to 15.566, and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.130 to 38.306. Whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes suggest that these granitoids were derived from partial melting of Proterozoic lower crust, and that the parental magma could be metasomatized by subduction-related sediments. The fertile granodiorite porphyry has relatively higher zircon Ce N /Ce N * ratio (34 – 202, avg. 111), Ce4+/Ce3+ ratio (88–374, avg. 221), Ce/Nd ratio (7 – 23, avg. 15), log ƒ O2 (–16.8 to –13.7, avg. –15.6) and ΔFMQ values (–1.0 to + 1.5, avg. 0.3) than those of the barren granite porphyry (zircon Ce N /Ce N * ratio: 5 – 54 (avg. 34); Ce4+/Ce3+ ratio: 14–123 (avg. 73); Ce/Nd ratio: 2 – 10 (avg. 6); logƒ O2 value: –17.4 to –14.5 (avg. –16.3); ΔFMQ value: –3.2 to + 0.5 (avg. –1.0). The fertile granodiorite porphyry has higher apatite Cl content (0.25 to 0.62 wt%, avg. 0.38 wt%) and lower F/Cl ratio (2.8 to 9.9, avg. 6.7) than those of the barren granite porphyry (apatite Cl content: 0.08 to 0.24 wt%, avg. 0.15 wt%; F/Cl ratio: 9.3 to 29.4, avg. 16.4). This suggests that the fertile granodioritic magma was "wetter" and higher oxidized. Sulfide S–Pb isotope compositions indicate that the ore-forming materials were derived from the granitoids, whilst He isotopes indicate that the ore fluids were dominantly crustal-derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FUZHENGHUAYU Tablets have been widely used in the treatment of liver fibrosis in China. Here, we investigate the apoptotic effect of FUZHENGHUAYU Tablet in rat liver stellate cell line HSC-T6. HSC-T6 cells were incubated with control serum or drug serum from rats fed with 0.9% NaCl or FUZHENGHUAYU Tablet, respectively. Cells exposed to drug serum showed higher proportions of early and late apoptotic cells than controls. The mRNA levels of collagens I and III, TGF-β1 and α-SMA were reduced by drug serum compared to control serum. Differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs were analyzed by microarray and sequencing, respectively. We identified 334 differentially expressed mRNAs and also 60 GOs and two pathways related to the mRNAs. Seventy-five differentially expressed miRNAs were down-regulated by drug serum and 1963 target genes were predicted. 134 GOs up-regulated in drug serum group were linked to miRNA targets, and drug serum also regulated 43 miRNA signal transduction pathways. Protein levels were evaluated by Western blot. Drug serum down-regulated (phospho-SAPK/JNK)/(SAPK/JNK) and up-regulated phospho-p38/p38 ratios. The study showed that FUZHENGHUAYU Tablet induced apoptosis in rat HSC-T6 cells possibly in part by activating p38 and inhibiting SAPK/JNK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Paleozoic and Cenozoic deformation events responding to the continental growth in the southern Eurasian margin since the Paleozoic have been well documented in surface and subsurface geology; in contrast, Mesozoic deformation remains poorly known. Based on interpretation of numerous seismic profiles carried out for oil and gas exploration, a Mesozoic transpressional linked fault system has been identified in the NE Tarim, which is composed of (1) the NW–SE-trending Longkou, Ying-S, Ying-N, and Tienan strike-slip faults to the west, (2) the NE–SW-trending and NW-dipping Ying-E 1 and Ying-E 2 thrust faults as well as their branches to the southeast, and (3) to the north, the Weimak fault which can be divided into NW–SE-trending dextral strike-slip segments and NE–SW-trending, SE-verging segments. The unconformity and growth strata related to activity of these faults occurred from the Jurassic to the Cretaceous. This transpressional linked fault system in the NE Tarim block is a kind of intracontinental deformation, attributed to the collisions of the Qiangtang and Lhasa blocks to the southern Eurasian margin from the Jurassic through the Cretaceous. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: HBV is still a worldwide health problem. Annually about 0.5-1.2 million patients die of HBV-related diseases such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Lamivudine (LAM) is the first nucleoside analog used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. As LAM has been clinically used for a long time, increasing clinical experience has been achieved showing that the resistance mutation rate is relatively high. Numerous studies have also focused on the predictive factors of long-term efficacy of LAM treatment. Objectives: To determine the optimal cutoff values of baseline hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels as predictors for the long-term efficacy of LAM treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Patients and Methods: A total of 163 HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients receiving LAM treatment were recruited into the present study. Logistic regression analysis was performed to find out the independent predictors of 2-year on-treatment virological response among the baseline parameters. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the optimal cutoff values of these independent predictors. The accuracy of the prediction was assessed using the area under curve (AUC)and optimal cutoff values were determined through maximizing the Youden's index. Results: After 2 years of LAM treatment, undetectable HBV DNA was maintained in 114 (69.9%) patients. LAM-related resistance mutation (YMDD mutation) was detected in 45 (27.6%) patients. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the baseline ALT and HBV DNA levels were the independent predictors of the efficacy. ROC curve analysis suggested the integration parameter derived from the baseline ALT and HBV DNA levels had the maximal predictive value for a 2-year on-treatment virological response. The optimal cutoff values of ALT and HBV DNA were 220 IU/L and 8.2 log10 copies/mL, respectively. Conclusions: The incidence of LAM-resistant mutations in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients may be significantly reduced and long-term efficacy improved when the baseline ALT was greater than 220 IU/L and HBV DNA was less than 8.2 log10 copies/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Natural surface coating samples (NSCSs) from the surface of shingles and surficial sediments (SSs) in the Songhua River, China were employed to investigate the relationship between NSCSs and SSs in fractions of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd) using the modified sequential extraction procedure (MSEP). The results show that the differences between NSCSs and SSs in Fe fractions were insignificant and Fe was dominantly present as residual phase (76.22% for NSCSs and 80.88% for SSs) and Fe-oxides phase (20.33% for NSCSs and 16.15% for SSs). Significant variation of Mn distribution patterns between NSCSs and SSs was observed with Mn in NSCSs mainly present in Mn-oxides phase (48.27%) and that in SSs present as residual phase (45.44%). Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd were found dominantly in residual fractions (>48%), and next in solid oxides/hydroxides for Zn, Pb and Cd and in easily oxidizable solids/compounds form for Cu, respectively. The heavy metal distribution patterns implied that Fe/Mn oxides both in NSCSs and SSs were more important sinks for binding and adsorption of Zn, Pb and Cd than organic matter (OM), and inversely, higher affinity of Cu to OM than Fe/Mn oxides in NSCSs and SSs was obtained. Meanwhile, it was found that the distributions of heavy metals in NSCSs and SSs were similar to each other and the pseudo-total concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd in NSCSs were greater than those in SSs, highlighting the more importance for NSCSs than SSs in controlling behaviours of heavy metals in aquatic environments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: This study aimed at investigating the relationship between the weekend catch-up outdoor duration (WCOD) and prevalence of myopia among students in China., Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited participants in 107 schools (six cities, 30 districts) from China from May to June 2021. Demographic characteristics (age, grade, sex, ethnicity, BMI, resident, and parents' myopia), optically habits (bad writing habits, working/studying time per day, continuous working/studying time per day, and screen time per day) and outdoor duration (weekday and weekend) were obtained from questionnaire. WCOD was defined as outdoor time 1 h longer on weekends than on weekdays. Spherical equivalent (SE) of refractive error were measured with non-cycloplegic refraction. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between WCOD and prevalence of myopia., Results: Students with myopia had shorter WCOD compared with those without myopia (P < 0.001). Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analyses showed negative associations between WCOD and prevalence of myopia in Chinese students, especially in students with WCOD of 2-3 h (OR = 0.577, P < 0.001) and 3-4 h (OR = 0.571, P = 0.004) when the weekday outdoor duration was 0.5-1 h, as well as students with WCOD of 2-3 h (OR = 0.614, P = 0.003) when the weekday outdoor duration was 1-2 h. Similar results were observed in students with high myopia. Students with high myopia had shorter WCOD compared with those without high myopia (P = 0.001). Negative associations between WCOD and prevalence of high myopia were significant in students with WCOD of 1-2 h when the weekday outdoor duration was < 0.5 h (OR = 0.585, P = 0.007) and 0.5-1 h (OR = 0.537, P = 0.018)., Conclusion: Our study, for the first time, reported that a WCOD have a potential to reduce the prevalence of myopia and high myopia in Chinese students., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world, and liver fibrosis has been proven to be associated with liver disease related events and total mortality. Several noninvasive methods have been developed, but whether those methods are suitable for the detection of fibrosis in Chinese patients with obesity and NAFLD has not been completely elucidated. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI), modified aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (m-APRI), BARD (BARD (BMI (body mass index) > 28 = 1 point, AAR (aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase) > 0.8 = 2 points, DM (diabetes mellitus) = 1 point)), NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), and shear wave elastography (SWE) in the evaluation of the degree of liver fibrosis in Chinese patients with obesity and NAFLD., Materials and Methods: A retrospective study consisted of 100 patients. The accuracy of FIB-4, APRI, m-APRI, BARD, NFS, and SWE in the assessment of significant or advanced liver fibrosis in Chinese patients with obesity and NAFLD was compared., Results: Weight and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were independent risk factors for liver fibrosis. SWE, APRI, and m-APRI had significant efficiency in the diagnosis of significant fibrosis in patients with obesity and NAFLD. APRI and SWE were superior to the other methods in the diagnosis of significant and advanced liver fibrosis in patients with obesity and NAFLD. APRI and SWE showed no statistically significant difference in diagnostic efficiency., Conclusions: Weight and ALT are independent risk factors for liver fibrosis progression in NAFLD patients. SWE and APRI have predictive value for significant and advanced fibrosis of NAFLD in Chinese patients with obesity., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Many seed plants produce winged diaspores that use wind to disperse their seeds. The morphology of these diaspores is directly related to the seed dispersal potential. The majority of winged diaspores have flat wings and only seeds; however, some angiosperms, such as Firmiana produce winged fruit with a different morphology, whose seed dispersal mechanisms are not yet fully understood. In this study, we observed the fruit development of F. simplex and determined the morphological characteristics of mature fruit and their effects on the flight performance of the fruit., Results: We found that the pericarp of F. simplex dehisced early and continued to unfold and expand during fruit development until ripening, finally formed a spoon-shaped wing with multiple alternate seeds on each edge. The wing caused mature fruit to spin stably during descent to provide a low terminal velocity, which was correlated with the wing loading and the distribution of seeds on the pericarp. When the curvature distribution of the pericarp surface substantially changed, the aerodynamic characteristics of fruit during descent altered, resulting in the inability of the fruit to spin., Conclusions: Our results suggest that the curved shape and alternate seed distribution are necessary for the winged diaspore of F. simplex to stabilize spinning during wind dispersal. These unique morphological characteristics are related to the early cracking of fruits during development, which may be an adaptation for the wind dispersal of seeds., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Based on the typical HPLC-UV-MS profiles and characteristic 1 H NMR signals, twelve new phloroglucinol-derived lipids (1-12), featuring a long linear aliphatic side chain, together with three known ones (13-15) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the leaves of Syzygium cumini. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive NMR spectroscopic analyses and mass spectrometric data. Compounds 1-5 characterize an enolizable β,β'-tricarbonyl motif with a cyclohexa-3,5-dien-1-one core that is hitherto undescribed in phloroglucinol-derived lipids. Compounds 4 and 10-12 are novel phloroglucinol-derived lipids containing an uncommon methylene interrupted trans double bond in their polyunsaturated aliphatic side chains. A polyketide biogenetic pathway for those phloroglucinol-derived lipids was also proposed. In addition, the isolates were evaluated for their neuroprotective activities against oxygen-glucose deprivation and re‑oxygenation (OGD/R)-induced Neuro-2a cell injury. Notably, compounds 1, 5, and 10-12 significantly improved viability of Neuro-2a cells after OGD/R damage., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Reading comprehension is closely associated with word recognition, particularly at the early stage of reading development. This association is reflected in children with reading difficulties (RD) who demonstrate poor reading comprehension along with delayed word recognition or reduced recognition accuracy. Although the neural mechanisms underlying reading comprehension and word recognition are well studied, few has investigated the white matter (WM) structures that the two processes potentially share., Methods: To explore the issue, behavioral scores (word recognition & reading comprehension) and diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) were acquired from Chinese-speaking children with RD and their age-matched typically developing children. WM structures were measured with generalized fractional anisotropy and normalized quantitative anisotropy to optimize fiber tracking precision., Results: The children with RD performed significantly poorer than the typically developing children in both behavioral tasks. Between group differences of WM structure were found in the right superior temporal gyrus, the left medial frontal gyrus, the left medial frontal gyrus, and the left caudate body. A significant association between reading comprehension and Chinese character recognition and the DSI indices were found in the corpus callosum. The findings demonstrated the microstructural difference between children with and without reading difficulties go beyond the well-established reading network. Further, the association between the WM integrity of the corpus callosum and the behavioral scores reveals the involvement of the WM structure in both tasks., Conclusion: It suggests the two reading-related skills have partially overlapped neural mechanism. Associating the corpus callosum with the reading skills leads to the reconsideration of the right hemisphere role in the typical reading process and, potentially, how it compensates for children with reading difficulties., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

The matching of root system is a key factor driving the resistance of plant community to soil erosion. In this study, Amoeba graphical method was used to establish a root framework erosion resistance index (ERI rf , %) from three dimensions of root morphology, quantity and spatial concerns to quantify the effective of root erosion resistance by plant community. We analyzed root growth characteristics of plant community from abandoned land, Caragana korshinskii and Robinia pseudoacacia communities in loess hilly area. The results showed that the parameters of constructing the root framework erosion resistance index included the acting coefficient of root framework ( α ), root density ( R b , kg·m -3 ), root framework degree ( S ), soil bulk density ( ρ , g·cm -3 ), and soil and water conservation coefficient ( φ ). The equation could be expressed as ERI rf = α×R d × S×φρ ×100%. This root framework erosion resistance index well represented the erosion resistance effects of plant root system. Logarithmic function could better fit the relationship between soil erosion resis-tance ability and root framework erosion resistance index. Our findings would provide scientific reference for the construction of anti-erosion vegetation community and assessment of ecological construction.

The phytochemical study of the aerial part of Mesona chinensis led to the isolation of five new caffeic acid oligomers (1-5), as well as four known analogues (6-9). The structures of the new compounds including their absolute configurations were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, chemical method, and quantum-chemical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. Among the isolates, compound 7 showed significant in vitro antiviral activity on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

OBJECTIVE To explore the association of brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) polymorphism with the latent cognitive endophenotype of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after major natural disasters in Hainan Province, China. METHODS A total of 300 patients with PTSD and 150 healthy controls (HC) were surveyed by psychoanalysis scale to assess their cognitive functions. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) were used to detect the BDNF gene polymorphism. RESULTS In terms of the cognitive function, the scores in the PTSD group were worse than those of the HC group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). There was a significant difference in the distribution of BDNF genotype and allele frequency between the two groups (P < 0.05). PTSD endophenotypes were significantly different among the BDNF genotypes in the PTSD group (P ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION There is a statistically significant difference in the polymorphism of BDNF gene between PTSD and HC groups, and the alleles are associated with the incidence of PTSD. Thus, it may be a risk factor for PTSD.

Procambarus clarkii was introduced into China as an important aquatic product in early 20th century. It has characteristics of high fertility, rapid growth, adaptability and digging burrows, which could cause damage of crops, cropland and facilities, decrease local biodiversity and thus threaten local ecosystem. Thus, predicting the potential distribution of P. clarkii in response to climate change was essential for preventing and monitoring this species. Based on the distribution of P. clarkii, the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) and genetic algorithm for rule-set production (GARP) models were used to predict its distribution in China under current climate and four climate scenarios (RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, RCP 6.0, RCP 8.5) in two periods, 2041-2060 and 2061-2080. Then, the modeling results were tested by ROC curves. The results showed that under current climate, the highly suitable region for distribution predicted by the MaxEnt and GARP models were Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui along the Yangtze River. The main environmental variables affecting its distribution were mean temperature of the coldest quarter, minimum temperature of the warmest month, and temperature seasonality, maximum temperature of the warmest month, precipitation of the driest month. Under the future climate scenarios, the suitable area of P. clarkii distribution varied in 2061-2080. The total suitable area of P. clarkii would increase under RCP2.6 and RCP 4.5, whereas under RCP 8.5 the suitable area of P. clarkii would increase, and then decrease. In RCP 6.0, there was no change. The suitable areas of P. clarkii would disperse to different latitude areas and migrate toward high altitude.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that plagues trauma survivors. Evidence shows that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may be involved in the occurrence and development of PTSD. Here we tried to demonstrate whether BDNF gene polymorphisms are correlated with neurocognitive function following PTSD in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study included 102 patients with HCC complicated with PTSD, 146 HCC patients, and 152 healthy volunteers. Initially, we evaluated the neurocognitive function of the study subjects. Next, we measured BDNF G11757C and rs6265 polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The correlation of BDNF polymorphisms and BDNF level with HCC complicated with PTSD was evaluated. The results revealed that HCC complicated with PTSD showed decreased serum BDNF level and Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score. Serum BDNF level of HCC and HCC complicated with PTSD was positively correlated with MMSE score. GA + AA allele and A allele of rs6265 increased the risk of PTSD among patients with HCC. GA and AA genotypes of rs6265 were correlated with the decreased MMSE score of HCC complicated with PTSD. Haplotype GA of rs6265 and G11757C increased the risk of PTSD for HCC, while haplotype CG decreased this risk. Lastly, the logistic regression analysis suggested that low BDNF level was a contributor to HCC complicated with PTSD, while GG genotype of rs6265 served as a protective factor. Collectively, this study defines the GG genotype of BDNF rs6265 polymorphism as a protector to HCC complicated with PTSD. In addition, these results provided a promising target for PTSD prevention in patients with HCC., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Purpose: We attempt to assess the impact of hepatis-B virus (HBV) status on the prognosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) using a Chinese case cohort., Methods: Five hundred and one consecutive newly diagnosed subjects with CLL were enrolled in this case cohort. HBV infection was defined as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive or hepatitis-B core antibody (HBcAb) positive. Univariate and stepwise multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to screen the prognostic risk factors associated with the end point of time-to-treatment (TTT) or overall survival (OS). Bootstrap re-sampling method was used to evaluate the model's internal validity. The discriminative ability of the models was evaluated using time-dependent receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves and corresponding areas under the curve (AUC)., Results: One hundred and twenty-one subjects (24%) among 501 patients were HBV positive. HBV infection was an independent predictor for the prognosis of TTT (HR = 1.37; 95% CI 1.04-1.80) or OS (HR =2.85; 95% CI 1.80-4.52). The AUCs for HBV infection were 0.62 (95% CI 0.58-0.66) for TTT and 0.69 (95% CI 0.66-0.72) for OS, respectively. When we combined HBV infection with the traditional clinical and biological factors, significant improvements for model's discrimination were observed for TTT [AUC: 0.81 (95% CI: 0.77-0.85) vs. 0.78 (95% CI: 0.74-0.82), P < 0.001] and OS [AUC: 0.81 (95% CI 0.76-0.86) vs. 0.76 (95% CI 0.71-0.82), P < 0.001). Further bootstrap re-sampling method revealed good internal consistence for the final optimal models (Average AUC: 0.78 for TTT and 0.79 for OS based on 1000 bootstraps)., Conclusions: Our results indicated that HBV infection should be served as an important risk predictor for prognosis of CLL (TTT and OS).

Objective: To explore the characteristics of metabolic changes in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder through 1H-MRS in neuroanatomical circuit comparing with age-matches controls., Methods: Fifty patients with post-traumatic stress disorder and 50 gender-and age-matched normal controls were involved. The neurochemical abnormalities including the levels of choline (Cho)/creatine(Cr) and N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/Cr were measured respectively in hippocampus and the anterior cingulate gyrus with three-dimension 1H-proton spectroscopy(3D 1H-MRS)., Results: The values of NAA/Cr ratios in hippocampus and the anterior cingulate gyrus were significant lower in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder(1.71±0.32, left 1.58±0.29, right 1.55±0.31) than that in controls(2.24±0.41, left 1.98±0.27, right 2.02±0.36)(P<0.05), but the values of Cho/Cr in hippocampus(left 1.64±0.23, right 1.66±0.34) were no significant with that of controls (left 1.48±0.29, right 1.54±0.38). Values of Cho/Cr in cingulate gyrus were significant higher in post-traumatic stress disorder patients (1.88±0.44) than that in controls (1.37.±0.32) (P<0.05)., Conclusions: The results indicate some special neurochemical and histological structure changes in post-traumatic stress disorder patients, which might occurre earlier in anterior cingulate gyrusthe than in hippocampus., (Copyright © 2012 Hainan Medical College. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aim: Functional constipation is a common functional bowel disorder for which there is no reliable medical treatment. This study was designed to determine the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the Yun-chang capsule, a Chinese herbal formula, in the treatment of patients with functional constipation., Methods: In our multi-center, prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation trial, patients with functional constipation received 70 mg of Yun-chang capsule plus 35 mg placebo (group A), 105 mg of Yun-chang capsule (group B), or 105 mg placebo (group C), three times daily for 2 weeks. The primary end-points were the changes in main symptom score and cumulative symptom score 2 weeks after the treatment. The secondary end-points were adverse events., Results: A total of 140 patients were recruited and 132 met the inclusion criteria; 44 patients constituted each of the three treatment groups. Compared with patients in group C, patients in groups A and B had significant improvement in the main symptom score, cumulative symptom score, the change from baseline of the main symptom score, and the change from baseline of the cumulative symptom score at week 1 and week 2. The scores showed slight superiority of group B over group A at week 1 and week 2, although these differences were not statistically significant. There were no differences in adverse events., Conclusions: The Yun-chang capsule is efficacious and safe for the treatment of patients with functional constipation. Larger and longer-term trials are required to fully assess the benefits and safety of this treatment for functional constipation.

Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital in Hangzhou, China spent five years preparing for a Joint Commission International accreditation survey. In March 2007 it became the first public hospital on the Chinese mainland to attain international accreditation. The Health Information Department, managed according to Western standards, played an integral role in preparing the hospital for the survey.

High temperature-induced rice sterility at anthesis is characterized by its organ-specific, high severity, and low predictability of occurrence. This paper summarized the research advances in rice sterility at anthesis under high temperature, including occurrence period, injury temperature regime, differences in responses among varieties, damage mechanisms, evaluation methods, genetics of tolerance traits, and molecular biology of anther dehiscence and pollen abortion, etc. Based on the relevant researches in Japan as well as the studies in Jianghan Plain, China on the climate conditions under which high temperature-induced damage on middle-season rice hybrids occurred, some key points and main options for the further research were suggested.

Objective: To reveal malocclusion of primary dentition in the suburb of Chengdu., Methods: Cross-section survey and malocclusion rate calculation were performed., Results: There are 491 children with malocclusion from total 1 279 children; the rate of malocclusion is 38.38%. The most important malocclusion in primary dentition are over bite (III degrees), anterior cross bite, edge to edge bite, early loss of deciduous teeth, fused teeth., Conclusion: The rate of malocclusion of primary dentition in the suburb of Chengdu is a little bit light. Much work should be done to prevent or treat the malocclusion of primary dentition.