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Objective: Accurately predicting knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is essential for early detection and personalized treatment. We aimed to develop and test a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based joint space (JS) radiomic model (RM) to predict radiographic KOA incidence through neural networks by integrating meniscus and femorotibial cartilage radiomic features. Methods: In the Osteoarthritis Initiative cohort, participants with knees without radiographic KOA at baseline but at high risk for radiographic KOA were included. Patients' knees developed radiographic KOA, whereas control knees did not over four years. We randomly split the participants into development and test cohorts (8:2) and extracted features from baseline three‐dimensional double‐echo steady‐state sequence MRI. Model performance was evaluated using an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity in both cohorts. Nine resident surgeons performed the reader experiment without/with the JS‐RM aid. Results: Our study included 549 knees in the development cohort (275 knees of patients with KOA vs 274 knees of controls) and 137 knees in the test cohort (68 knees of patients with KOA vs 69 knees of controls). In the test cohort, JS‐RM had a favorable accuracy for predicting the radiographic KOA incidence with an AUC of 0.931 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.876–0.963), a sensitivity of 84.4% (95% CI 83.9%–84.9%), and a specificity of 85.6% (95% CI 85.2%–86.0%). The mean specificity and sensitivity of resident surgeons through MRI reading in predicting radiographic KOA incidence were increased from 0.474 (95% CI 0.333–0.614) and 0.586 (95% CI 0.429–0.743) without the assistance of JS‐RM to 0.874 (95% CI 0.847–0.901) and 0.812 (95% CI 0.742–0.881) with JS‐RM assistance, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion: JS‐RM integrating the features of the meniscus and cartilage showed improved predictive values in radiographic KOA incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection is an important factor for the development of cervical cancer. HPV18 is the second most common HR-HPV after HPV16. Methods: In this study, MEGA11 software was used to analyze the variation and phylogenetic tree of HPV18 E6-E7 and L1 genes. The selective pressure to E6, E7 and L1 genes was estimated using pamlX. In addition, the B cell epitopes of L1 amino acid sequences and T cell epitopes of E6-E7 amino acid sequences in HPV18 were predicted by ABCpred server and IEDB website, respectively. Results: A total of 9 single nucleotide variants were found in E6-E7 sequences, of which 2 were nonsynonymous variants and 7 were synonymous variants. Twenty single nucleotide variants were identified in L1 sequence, including 11 nonsynonymous variants and 9 synonymous variants. Phylogenetic analysis showed that E6-E7 and L1 sequences were all distributed in A lineage. In HPV18 E6, E7 and L1 sequences, no positively selected site was found. The nonconservative substitution R545C in L1 affected hypothetical B cell epitope. Two nonconservative substitutions, S82A in E6, and R53Q in E7, impacted multiple hypothetical T cell epitopes. Conclusion: The sequence variation data of HPV18 may lay a foundation for the virus diagnosis, further study of cervical cancer and vaccine design in central China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This research aims to offer a reference point for relevant departments to enhance the allocation of ageing resources and formulate policies accordingly. Design: This study is designed as empirical quantitative research. Methods: Data from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Civil Affairs regarding older adults (aged≥60) from 2000 to 2022 and nursing beds from 1978 to 2022 were analysed. The differential autoregressive integrated moving averages model and Monte Carlo simulation were used to predict the growth of nursing beds per 1000 older people in China for the Years 2023–2025. Results: It is projected that from 2023 to 2025, China will experience a further increase in its ageing population, with an average annual growth rate of 3.1%. By 2025, the number of older people in China is expected to surpass 300 million. Additionally, there will be a rise in the number of nursing beds, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%, leading to a total of 8.79 million nursing beds by 2025. However, due to the rapid growth of the older population, there will be a slight decline in the number of nursing beds per 1000 older people in China, with an average annual growth rate of −1.00%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The efficacy and safety of tenapanor has not been confirmed in Chinese end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with hyperphosphatemia on haemodialysis (HD). Methods This was a randomised, double blind, phase 3 trial conducted at 26 dialysis facilities in China (https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx ; CTR20202588). After a 3-week washout, adults with ESRD on HD with hyperphosphatemia were randomised (1:1) using an interactive web response system to oral tenapanor 30 mg twice a day or placebo for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in mean serum phosphorous level from baseline to the endpoint visit (day 29 or last serum phosphorus measurement). Efficacy was analysed in the intention-to-treat population. Safety was assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of the study drug. Results Between 5 March 2021 and 8 June 2022, 77 patients received tenapanor and 73 received placebo. Tenapanor treatment (n  = 75) resulted in a significantly greater least squares (LS) mean reduction in serum phosphate at the endpoint visit versus placebo (n  = 72): LS mean difference −1.17 mg/dl (95% CI −1.694 to −0.654, P  < .001). More patients receiving tenapanor achieved a serum phosphorous level <5.5 mg/dl at the endpoint visit (44.6% versus 10.1%). The most common treatment-related adverse event was diarrhoea [tenapanor 28.6% (22/77), placebo 2.7% (2/73)], which was mostly mild and led to treatment discontinuation in two patients receiving tenapanor. Conclusions Tenapanor significantly reduced the serum phosphorous level versus placebo in Chinese ESRD patients on HD and was generally well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of cervical cancer is closely related to high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV). Women in Jingzhou had relatively high susceptibility to HPV‐51, whose ratio was 9.61% (456/4743) among HR‐HPV‐positive samples and ranked fifth in all analyzed HR‐HPV types. In this study, variations and phylogenetic trees of HPV‐51 E6−E7 and L1 sequences were analyzed by MEGA‐X. The selective pressure was estimated using PAML. The B‐cell epitope of L1 amino acid sequences and T‐cell epitope of E6 and E7 amino acid sequences were further predicted by ABCpred server and IEDB website, respectively. In the E6−E7 sequences 14 single nucleotide variants occurred, among which 4 were nonsynonymous variants and 10 were synonymous variants. A total of 41 single nucleotide variants were identified in the L1 sequences, including 10 nonsynonymous variants and 31 synonymous variants. All the isolates of both E6−E7 and L1 were classified into the A variant lineage. In HPV‐51 E6−E7 and L1 sequences, no positively selected site was found. Two nonconservative substitutions, H119Y and N176S in L1, affected multiple hypothetical B‐cell epitopes. Three nonconservative substitutions, T86P, S100L in E6, and F29L in E7, affected multiple hypothetical T‐cell epitopes. Elucidation of the HR‐HPV prevalence characteristics and genetic variations of HPV‐51 in central China may contribute to future investigations of diagnostic probes, therapeutic or preventative vaccines with wider coverage. Highlights: This is the first study on the genetic variation of E6, E7, and L1 genes of human papillomavirus 51 in Hubei Province, China.Compared with the results of other geological locations, some new variants of E6, E7, and L1 genes of human papillomavirus 51 are found in this study.Phylogenetic analysis shows E6, E7, and L1 gene sequences of human papillomavirus 51 in central China are mostly distributed in the A lineage.This study provides information for the investigation of human papillomavirus epidemic characteristics. The discovery of new variants of human papillomavirus 51 may lay the basis for the development of the virus diagnosis and further study of cervical cancer in central China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cancer is a common malignant tumor in women, with a high mortality rate, has great harm to women's health. Long-term and persistent infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is the main reason of the occurrence and development of cervical cancer. Methods: The infection rate of HPV-58 is higher in the Jingzhou area. In this study, 172 complete HPV-58 E6-E7 sequences were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the amplified products were sequenced, and the gene variations of HPV-58 E6-E7 were analyzed. A Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic tree was constructed by MEGA 11. The secondary structure of E6 and E7 protein was investigated. PAML X was used to analyze the selective pressure. The B cell epitopes of E6 and E7 proteins in HPV-58 were predicted by ABCpred server. Results: In E6 sequences, 10 single nucleotide variants were observed, including 7 synonymous and 3 non-synonymous variants. In E7 sequences, 12 single nucleotide variants were found, including 3 synonymous variants and 9 non-synonymous variants. There are 5 novel variants. The phylogenetic analysis showed that all the E6-E7 sequences were distributed in A lineage. No positively selected site was found in E6 sequence, but G63 in E7 sequences was identified as positively selected site. Some amino acid substitutions affected multiple B cell epitopes. Conclusion: Various E6 and E7 mutational data may prove useful for development of better diagnostic and vaccines for the region of Jingzhou, Hubei province of central China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compare with preterm formula, donor human milk (DM) is associated with a lower risk of mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. It is thus deemed superior to preterm formula as the sole diet or supplement to own mother's milk (OMM) for preterm infants, especially for those with very low birthweight (VLBW). This historic cohort study investigated the relationship between DM availability, and enteral feeding, body growth of VLBW infants by comparing two cohorts before and after the establishment of a human milk bank. A sub‐analysis was also conducted between small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) and non‐SGA infants in our cohorts. Our results showed that DM availability was associated with earlier initiation and faster advancement of enteral feeding, earlier attainment of full enteral feeding, and a higher proportion of OMM in enteral feeding. DM availability was also associated with earlier regain of birthweight, but not with better body growth. SGA and non‐SGA infants responded differently to DM availability with only the non‐SGA group showing improved enteral feeding associated with DM availability. The poor growth of VLBW infants with fortified DM warrants further investigations on better fortification strategies to further improve body growth. Studies are also needed on long‐term effects of DM feeding on the development of VLBW infants. Key points: Compared with the infants before the introduction of donor human milk (DM), very low birthweight infants after that had improved enteral feeding process, shown as earlier enteral feeding introduction, faster advancement, and earlier attainment of full enteral feeding.DM availability affects body growth to a limited extent, which calls for a better fortification strategy for DM‐fed infants.The setup of a human donor milk bank increased the use of own mother's milk for enteral feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is quickly spreading across China and globally. Pharmacy services are an important pillar in public health to prevent and contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese pharmacists have acted swiftly in the public health response in China, such as drafting professional service guidance to pharmacists and pharmacies, establishing emergency drug formularies, monitoring and resolving drug shortages, establishing remote pharmacy services to prevent human-to-human infections, providing event-driven pharmaceutical care, educating the public on infection prevention and disease management, and participating in clinical trials and drug evaluation. This commentary reviews the unique needs of pharmacy services in the COVID-19 pandemic, and shares our experiences with the international pharmacy community in the response to these needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North Wuyi area is an important metallogenic belt in South China and hosts many Pb–Zn–Ag deposits within the Jurassic–Cretaceous volcanic basins. These deposits are mostly genetically associated with Late Jurassic magmatism. The Cretaceous granitic rocks in the Lizikeng basin, at the eastern part of the North Wuyi area, were investigated for their mineralogical and geochemical characteristics in this study. Three types of granitic rocks, quartz monzonite, granite porphyry, and monzogranite, occur, and zircon U–Pb dating reveals that they all formed during the short period of 133–129 Ma, corresponding to the early Cretaceous volcanic-intrusive activities in South China. The whole-rock geochemistry indicates that all three granitic rocks have I-type affinity. The quartz monzonite and granite porphyry have consistently low whole-rock εNd(t) values of − 10.4 to − 9.6 and zircon εHf(t) values of − 14.2 to − 8.2, and they were likely derived from Proterozoic crustal sources without any significant contribution of mantle-derived material. The monzogranite, which shows also negative but slightly higher εNd(t) and εHf(t) values of − 7.6 to − 7.1 and − 9.3 to − 7.0, respectively, might also be derived from a major Proterozoic crustal source but with some input of mantle magma. The geochemical data show that the monzogranite belongs to tungsten-bearing granite with highly evolved characteristics, and with high Nb and W contents similar to the typical rare-metal and W-bearing granites in South China. A large number of typical hydrothermal rare-metal minerals are identified in the monzogranite, such as W-bearing rutile, niobian rutile, and columbite-group minerals as well as ferberite. The discovery of the early Cretaceous granitic rocks with tungsten mineralization potential indicates that the North Wuyi area is prospective for rare-metal mineralization, which opens a new window for rare-metal prospecting in the volcanic basins, as this type of ore deposit was previously thought to occur in granites from mountain range areas in South China, such as the Nanling Range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking a self-regulatory perspective, we examined the within-person relationships between time spent in job search and search outcomes (i.e., the number of job interviews/offers received), focusing especially on the moderating roles of metacognitive activities and perceived job search progress. Data collection was conducted with 12 semiweekly surveys among a sample of 132 job seekers from a university in Southern China. Our results showed that time spent in job search does not necessarily lead to more interviews, and metacognitive activities moderated this relationship. Specifically, the positive effect of time spent in job search on the number of job interviews was stronger among job seekers with low levels rather than high levels of metacognitive activities. Nevertheless, after including perceived job search progress, the moderating role of metacognitive activities was stronger among seekers with low rather than high-perceived job search progress. We found that when individuals engaged in low levels of metacognitive activities and perceived low levels of job progress, they relied on time spent in job search to obtain job interviews and offers. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the pathological spectrum of glomerular disease in patients with renal insufficiency (RI) from 2008 to 2017. Methods and results: We calculated the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine (CKD-EPI) equation and defined RI as an eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2. A total of 969 RI patients were included in our study. IgA nephropathy (IgAN) was the most common subtype of primary glomerulonephritis (37.2%). The frequencies of IgAN and non-IgA mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis decreased from 27.3% and 9.5% during 2008–2012 to 20.7% and 2.6% during 2013–2017, respectively. However, the frequency of membranous nephropathy increased from 6.8% to 16.2%. Lupus nephritis was the most common subtype of secondary glomerulonephritis (32.1%). The frequencies of both ANCA-associated systemic vasculitis and diabetic nephropathy increased from 3.8% to 7.6% and from 4.3% to 7.6%, respectively. The number of elderly patients (≥60 years) in our study increased sharply, from 15.6% in 2008 to 35.0% in 2017. Membranous nephropathy, minimal change disease, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, lupus nephritis and renal amyloidosis are more frequently observed in the elderly patients than in nonelderly patients (<60 years) (p <.05). Excluding those with acute kidney injury, IgAN was the leading cause of RI (24.9%), followed by membranous nephropathy (13.3%) and lupus nephritis (12.0%). Conclusions: IgAN and lupus nephritis were the most prevalent primary glomerulonephritis and secondary glomerulonephritis in patients with RI, respectively. The frequencies of membranous nephropathy, ANCA-associated systemic vasculitis and diabetic nephropathy increased significantly. The number of elderly patients with RI increased sharply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To identify the epidemiology and pathological types of kidney diseases and their changes during the past decade, in a population from Northeast China. Methods. We retrospectively analysed clinical and renal pathological data from 4910 patients who received renal biopsies in the Second Hospital of Jilin University from 2008 to 2017. Results. Males received more renal biopsies than females (p < 0.001). The average age (p < 0.001) and percentage of elderly patients (p < 0.001) increased over time. The pathological types were primary glomerulonephritis (PGN, 73.2%), secondary glomerulonephritis (SGN, 23.7%), tubular-interstitial nephropathy (TIN, 2.8%), and hereditary nephropathy (HN, 0.3%). The most common forms of PGN were membranous nephropathy (MN, 37.2%) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN, 29.9%). Over time, the prevalence of IgAN decreased, but the prevalence of MN increased. MN was more common in middle-aged and elderly patients, but IgAN was most common in young adults. Analysis of SGN data indicated that lupus nephritis (LN, 34.0%), Henoch-Schönlein purpura glomerulonephritis (HSPN, 17.9%), and diabetic nephropathy (DN, 11.7%) were the most common forms. Over time, the prevalence of DN (p = 0.003), hypertension-associated renal damage (p = 0.005), and systemic vasculitis-associated nephritis (SVARD, p < 0.001) increased, but the prevalence of HSPN (p < 0.001) and hepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN, p = 0.001) decreased. Nephrotic syndrome was the main clinical manifestation of PGN. Conclusion. From 2008 to 2017, renal biopsies were increasingly performed in the elderly. There were notable changes in the epidemiology and pathological types of kidney disease among renal biopsy patients at our centre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental risk assessment (ERA) is a powerful technical tool for analyzing potential and extreme adverse environmental impacts, and has found wide application in supporting decision-making processes over the last two decades. However, to date there has been no interrelated application of ERA to support the processes of strategic decision-making (SDM), especially in coastal areas. In this paper, we attempt to verify the feasibility of the proposed integrated ERA–SDM approach and its methodology by applying it to two case studies (in Xiamen Bay and Luoyuan Bay) of the principal coastal functional zoning (PCFZ, a kind of SDM and similar to the coastal and marine spatial planning in western). The results show that the integrated ERA–SDM approach could integrate ERA into the entire SDM process, directly support the PCFZ, and avoid or mitigate dire environmental risk that can be introduced by SDM processes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: Patients with chronic viral hepatitis usually present metabolic abnormalities and hemodynamic changes, which are known factors associated with the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aims to determine the risk factors of incident CAD in these patients.Methods: We identified 193 patients who subsequently developed CAD amongst 37,840 cases diagnosed as chronic viral hepatitis from January 2007 through December 2013.Results: In these patients, 141 had hepatitis B virus infections and 52 had hepatitis C virus infections. There was a male preponderance (65.9%). The median age at the diagnosis of hepatitis was 51 years. In the univariate analysis, patients aged ≥ 51 years had shorter median periods from the diagnosis of hepatitis to the onset of CAD than patients aged < 51 years (50 versus 96 months, p < 0.001), and patients with hypertension had shorter median durations compared to those without hypertension (48 versus 96 months, p < 0.001). Statistical significance also existed between patients with different etiologies (p = 0.004). In the multivariate analysis by Cox regression, age at the diagnosis of hepatitis (p < 0.001; hazard ratio (HR), 1.041; 95% CI, 1.027-1.056) and hypertension (with versus without, p < 0.001; HR, 1.925; 95% CI, 1.419-2.611) were revealed.Conclusions: Age at diagnosis of hepatitis and hypertension appeared to be independent risk factors of incident CAD in these patients. This topic deserves further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luanping basin is one of many small rift basins that developed in northeast China during mid-Cretaceous time. It is filled by alluvial, fan-deltaic and lacustrine strata of the Lower Cretaceous (post 130 Ma) Xiguayuan Formation. Distribution of facies and stacking patterns are controlled by position within the basin with respect to fault-bounded basin margins. Luanping basin is bounded by a normal fault consisting of two segments that are perpendicular to each other in map view; one or both of these faults probably accommodates a component of strike-slip. This geometry gave rise to three distinct depozones within the basin: (1) a region of maximum sediment thickness located near the intersection of these two basin-bounding fault segments; (2) a shallower part of the basin, located near the tip of the normal fault segment bounding the basin to the north; and (3) a low-gradient, north-dipping ramp. The facies found in each of these settings are different. Coarse sublacustrine sediment gravity flows interfinger with profundal black shale near the basin depocentre at the intersection of the two basin-bounding fault segments. Fan delta and shallow lacustrine sedimentation dominated in the shallower part of the basin near the northeastern tip of the master-bounding fault. Fine-grained shallow lacustrine sedimentation predominated along the low-gradient ramp. The facies in Luanping basin are different from those found in basins of similar size elsewhere in the northeastern China extensional tract. Specifically, profundal, organic-rich black shales are found in Luanping basin but are largely lacking in neighbouring basins. We suggest that this is due to higher rates of subsidence along more steeply dipping normal faults in Luanping basin, as opposed to the other basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shallow-lacustrine delta deposits of the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation form the most important petroleum reservoir sandstone units in the Ordos Basin, China. Recent hydrocarbon exploration and outcrop studies demonstrated that shallow-lacustrine sand-rich deltas developed extensively along the gentle flanks and central part of the basin. The vertical succession of facies indicates that the Yanchang Formation records the entire lacustrine life cycle of the Late Triassic Ordos Basin. Four third-order transgressive–regressive cycles and two larger shallow-lacustrine deltaic cycles have been recognized. A process-based depositional model, derived in part from the modern Ganjiang delta in Poyang Lake, China, is used to infer the origins of the sand-rich lacustrine delta deposits. Slow basin subsidence, abundant sediment supply, autocyclic processes and a hydrologically open (overfilled) lake setting were the four main controls on the development of basin-wide sand-rich deltaic sequences. Recognition that inter-connected delta-plain sand bodies lying above the lower sequence boundary of the Yanchang Formation act as important migration pathways for oil, gas and other basin fluids, aids in exploration for stratigraphic and diagenetic traps in the delta plain area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adjustment of primary hydrocarbon reservoirs in marine formations is an important feature of the oil pools in the Tarim Basin. Large-scale hydrocarbon adjustment is related to the strong regional tectonic movements, which is always accompanied by extensive migration of basin fluids including diagenetic and mineralizing fluids. Organic fluid inclusions are well developed in hydrothermal minerals, such as fluorite, which have been found in the dissolution-enlarged fractures or karstification caves in the Ordovician in the central Tarim Basin. Proved by well drilling, the fluorite deposit is good reservoir for oil and gas. So the peculiar accompanied or superimposed relationship between fluorite hydrothermal fluid mineralization and hydrocarbon migration and accumulation exists in the Ordovician in the central Tarim Basin. Considering regional tectonic setting and mineralization condition, through different kinds of analytic methods including electron spin resonance dating, fluid inclusion laser Raman and colonial inclusions hydrocarbon fossil analysis, we proposed that extensive mineralizing fluids and hydrocarbon migration occurred in late Yanshan-Himalayan (110.4-30.8 Ma) period, and Himalayan, especially, is an important period for hydrocarbon accumulation from 34.3 Ma to present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field surplus nitrogen and farm disposal nitrogen (N) are major sources of environmental pollution in farm systems. The purpose of this study was to use nitrogen balances at the field and farm level approaches to estimate the effects of pig production in the Jiulong River watershed, Fujian province, China, on nitrogen losses to the environment on 67 pig farms. The field surplus nitrogen ranged from 6.19 to 18.19 t nitrogen ha -1 , which was caused by high pig density and excessive application of manure. Manure application rates of more than 450 to 510 kg nitrogen ha -1 would increase the potential nitrate concentration to more than 10 to 20 mg l -1 . Therefore, 44 to 48 heads of pig ha -1 was suggested to as the environmental capacity for sustaining optimal nitrogen cycling in pig farms in the Jiulong River watershed. The majority of farms have potential environmental risks because of high farm nitrogen imbalances. With more than a 2:1 ratio of N inputs to outputs, N inputs were 50 percent higher than outputs. Feed was the main input source, while pig production and manure exported were the major managed outputs. Based on the farm nitrogen balance calculation, the management options that would contribute to a more favorable nitrogen balance were also identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd in surface sediments from Minjiang Estuary-Mazu and Xiamen-Jinmen sea areas of China were investigated during 1995-1996. The concentration ranges of Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd in the Minjiang Estuary-Mazu sea area were 16.4-37.2, 33.4-69.6, 92.1-128, 0.087-0.336 mg/kg(dry wt.), respectively; those for Xiamen-Jinmen sea area were 11.0-24.5, 36. 0-80.3, 77.5-161, 0.135-0.285 mg/kg(dry wt.), respectively. The concentrations and distributions of Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd in surface sediments of Minjiang Estuary-Mazu and Xiamen-Jinmen sea areas were analyzed and evaluated. The results showed that the values of Zn and Pb exceeded those of sediment quality criteria. The average concentration of Cu in Minjiang Estuary-Mazu sea area was higher than that in Xiamen-Jinmen sea area. The obviously higher concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd were found at outlets of Minjiang and Jiulong River. From the estuaries to open sea, the concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd had a decreasing trend, and then elevated in the sea areas near Mazu and Jinmen, suggesting that Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd in Minjiang Estuary-Mazu and Xiamen-Jinmen sea areas may come from both the mainland and Taiwan of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hematological medicine is a practical discipline that is difficult to study. Problem-based learning (PBL) is an innovative student-centered teaching method wherein students define their own learning objectives from clinically based problems. Considering that WeChat is the most popular communication app in China, we selected it as a new platform for online PBL to reduce the limitations of traditional PBL in hematology teaching.Objective: This study aims to explore a new pedagogical method called WeChat-PBL, which is based on real micro clinical cases for postgraduates majoring in hematology and to demonstrate its feasibility and acceptability.Methods: A total of 48 hematological postgraduates and 7 tutors participated in this study. We divided the participants into 7 groups where students can learn theoretical knowledge. After each course, the members of each group were required to complete in-class quizzes. Moreover, the students and tutors were required to fill out periodic (after each class) and overall (after each semester) evaluations.Results: A total of 8 micro clinical cases were presented in WeChat-PBL. The average quiz score for acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, acute promyelocytic leukemia, and lymphoma were 89.0%, 86.0%, 83.4%, 88.8%, and 77.5%, respectively. Periodic evaluations showed that both students and tutors were satisfied with the process of WeChat-PBL. The overall evaluation results showed that WeChat-PBL was able to positively impact the learning experiences of hematological postgraduates.Conclusions: Our results indicate the feasibility and acceptability of the WeChat-PBL teaching method for postgraduates majoring in hematology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

sport has been intertwined with government in the People's Republic of China since the Communist Party took power in 1949. It serves best as a subculture, fitting into the scope of socialism. In this paper, the author investigates whether China can become a super sport power in the world. This is done by examining sport ideology, governmental structure, sport history, integrated education, mass sports, and competitive sports from the ascendancy of Mao's leadership to the post-Mao leadership under Den, and to analyze historically and sociologically the interdependence of sport, physical culture, Chinese culture, and politics. In addition, the author's experience in the system for twenty-five years highlights the investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collagen type III is commonly detected in the renal interstitium and vasculature; however, it is absent in healthy glomeruli. Deposition of collagen type III in the glomerular mesangium and capillary basement membranes may arise in two rare diseases, namely collagen type III glomerulopathy (CG) and nail patella syndrome. CG is a rare glomerular disease with no specific treatment, although supportive measures for control of hypertension and edema may help to relieve symptoms. With progression to end-stage renal disease, patients with CG may come to require dialysis and/or renal transplantation. The present study reported on a 59-year-old male who was diagnosed with CG nephrotic syndrome by immunohistochemical and electron microscopic examination of biopsy material. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported in northeastern China. The angiotensin II blocker telmisartan was successfully used to alleviate renal symptoms and a literature review was performed. The present case supports the use of telmisartan as a first choice of treatment for CG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperuricemia is a common metabolic disease with prominent morbidity, it can lead to many adverse effects and complications, such as chronic nephrosis. Fucoidan has been used as natural drug for acute and chronic kidney disease for over 20 years in China, but the precise mechanisms underlying the renal protective function are still indefinable. This study is conducted to explore alleviation of fucoidan (FPS) from Laminaria japonica on urate-induced NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3)-mediated pyroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells HK-2, as well as the mechanism of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway involved. HK-2 cells were treated with FPS, uric acid (UA), and inhibitor of NF-κB signaling pathway. Nitric oxide (NO) content and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity were determined with detection kits. Activation of intercellular NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB signaling pathway, gasdermin D (GSDMD) expression level were evaluated with Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR), and immunofluorescent analysis. Data showed that UA induced cellular inflammatory response demonstrated by elevated NO content, iNOS activity and expression level of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis associated molecules including NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), Caspase-1, interleukin 18 (IL-18) and GSDMD, moreover the NF-κB signaling pathway was activated by UA. However, FPS exposure inhibited efficiently the UA induced adverse effect. It can be concluded that FPS inhibited UA-induced NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in HK-2 cells through repressing NF-κB signaling pathway. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three lamination types are distinguished in the Upper Ediacaran botryoidal dolostones in Western Yangtze Platform. • EPS and filaments are documented in botryoidal laminae which were previously believed to be abiogenic origin. • Different microbial mineralization types are recognized in different botryoidal laminae. Botryoidal dolostones are abundant in the Second Member of the Upper Ediacaran Dengying Formation in the Western Yangtze Platform. Although they have been extensively discussed as important host rocks for giant gas reservoirs, there is no consensus on the microbial impact on mineralization processes in the botryoidal laminations. Typical botryoidal laminations were studied under optical microscopes and scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) to investigate their origin. There are three macroscopic morphological types of botryoidal lamination: stromatoid lamination, cavity-lining lamination, and spherical-encrusting lamination. These three types of lamination are composed of fibrous and bladed crystals growing perpendicular to the botryoidal laminae, which have hitherto been implicitly considered to be from abiogenic chemical precipitation. There are many lines of new evidence that demonstrate microbial activities in the interbedded dark and bright laminae constituting the laminations. In the dark laminae, euhedral dolomite rhombs are observed sticking to linear and tubular filaments, or wrapped in sheets of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) with dolomite crystal sizes of generally <5 μm. The bright laminae are dominated by coarser dolomites and connected by radial sheaths and trichomes with dolomite crystal sizes of primarily around 10 μm. Different species of bacteria, which are closely related to the macroscopic morphology of the laminations, are present in both the bright and dark laminae. The results are useful in understanding the origin and formation mechanisms of the Neoproterozoic botryoidal dolostones. The new findings may also shed new light on the occurrence and evolution of early life on Earth in the Precambrian Era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is a main reason for cervical cancer. The long control region (LCR) of the genome plays a variety of roles in the transcription of the virus. LCR sequences were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and confirmed by DNA sequencing. MEGA 11.0 software and NCBI blast were used to analyze the sequences and construct the Neighbor-Joining tree. In addition, the JASPAR database was used to predict the potential transcription factor binding sites (TFBS). For HPV-52 LCR, 68 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 8 deletions, and 1 insertion were found, 17 of which were novel variations. Most of the variants were clustered in B2 sub-lineage (96.22%). For HPV-58 LCR, 25.43% of samples were prototype. 49 SNPs, 2 deletions, and 1 insertion were observed in the remaining samples. A1 sub-lineage was the most frequent (64.16%). For HPV-16 LCR, 75 SNPs and 2 deletions were identified, 13 of which were newly identified. A total of 55.68% of the variants were distributed in A4 sub-lineage. The JASPAR results suggested that multiple variations occurred in TFBSs, which might affect the function of transcription factors. This study provides experimental data for further studies on the epidemiology and biological function of LCR. Various LCR mutational data may prove useful for exploring the carcinogenic mechanism of HPV. • The genetic variations of LCR gene of HPV-52, −58, and − 16 in Jingzhou area were analyzed. • The phylogenetic trees were constructed to explain the differential prevalence of HPV-52, −58, and − 16 sublineages. • The potential transcription factor binding sites in LCR gene were predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Stromatolite, thrombolite and granular microbialite were TOP three microbial dolostones in Mesoproterozoic system. • The agitated depositional environment is favourable for porosity evolution. • The effective reservoir interval is normally located in the lower part of a peritidal microbial facies succession. There are three main types of microbial dolostones in Mesoproterozoic Wumishan Formation in Jixian, North China. They are stromatolite, thrombolite and granular microbialite. The microbialite lithofacies are intensely environmentally associated. Several kinds of stromatolite can be found in the peritidal environments. Mostly planar or wavy stromatolites show in intertidal and supratidal zones while domy and conic stromatolites occur in subtidal or lower intertidal zones. In more agitated subtidal zone or tidal channels, microbial grains deposited, such as thrombolite, oncolite, and sand- gravel sized microbial-coated grains. The intraclasts related laminite facies mostly deposited in shallow subtidal zone. Representative four outcrop sections of Wumishan Formation in Jixian are measured and documented. The petrophysical and petrological study from the outcrop and well core samples reveals that the reservoir rocks are closely related to lithofacies and their depositional environments. The more agitated the depositional environment is, the better the reservoir quality, even so that after the diagenesis (surface and burial). The dolostone porosity of planar stromatolite in supratidal and intertidal are much worse than the subtidal high-agitated microbialite rocks, whether samples from the outcrops or drilling cores. The effective reservoir interval is normally located in the lower part of a peritidal microbial facies succession, mainly consists of subtidal microbialite, such as thrombolite, thrombo-stromatolite, oncolite, columnar stromatolite and coated intraclastic grainstone and rudstone, commonly deposited in agitated environment. The thickness of reservoir rocks in microbialite para-sequences ranges commonly from 4 to 14 m, deeply related to depositional cycles or sequence stratigraphy in vertical lithofacies texture and their areal extent to the paleogeography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Second International Conference on Environmental Concerns, Innovative Technologies and Management Options, co-organized by United Nations Environmental Program, State Environmental Protection Administration of China and Xiamen Municipality was held in Xiamen, China on October 12 to 15, 2004. The conference provided an opportunity to bring together the representatives in the field of environmental management and decision making, science, and engineering, both at home and abroad. Sustainable solutions for environmental problems were proposed with a variety of topics, including the physical state of the environment, impact on economy and society, and abatements strategies and policy implications.

Cohort evidence that links long-term exposures to air pollution and mortality comes largely from the United States and European countries. We investigated the relationship between long-term exposures to particulate matter < 10 μm in diameter (PM 10 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and mortality of lung cancer in Northern China. A cohort of 39,054 participants were followed during 1998–2009. Annual average concentrations for PM 10 , NO 2, and SO 2 were determined based on data collected from central monitoring stations. Lung cancer deaths (n = 140) were obtained from death certificates, and hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for age, gender, BMI, education, marital status, smoking status, passive smoking, occupation, alcohol consumption, etc. Each 10 mg/m 3 increase in PM 10 concentrations was associated with a 3.4%–6.0% increase in lung cancer mortality in the time-varying exposure model and a 4.0%–13.6% increase in the baseline exposure model. In multi-pollutant models, the magnitude of associations was attenuated, most strongly for PM 10 . The association was different in men and women, also varying across age categories and different smoking status. Substantial differences exist in the risk estimates for participants based on assignment method for air pollution exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limestone marl alternations (LMAs) usually contain abundant amounts of clay minerals. A set of Permian LMA source rock gas reservoirs controlled by clay transformations has been found in South China. Apart from the common detrital clay minerals that are rich in LMAs of other regions, Mg-phyllosilicates widely occur in South China. The dilution cycle of detrital clays, sedimentary and diagenetic conditions of authigenic clays, and paleoclimatologic indicators all provide references for understanding the diagenesis and periodic deposition of LMAs. To further understand the formation of the Middle Permian LMAs in South China, in addition to petrological and mineralogical methods, which included field investigations, core and thin section observations, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental (major element, trace element and rare earth element) analyses were used to determine the genesis and proportions of clay minerals. Next, a discussion is provided regarding the formation of LMAs in view of the above findings. Based on wavelet matching the GR logs, the original sedimentary and diagenetic differences and rhythmic alterations of LMAs are clarified. The clay minerals in the study area consist mainly of detrital smectite, I/S and illite and authigenic talc and Mg-smectite that transformed from sepiolite, in which Mg originated from high-Mg2+ parent calcites and Si was due to seawater mixing with <∼5% terrigenous and <∼0.05% hydrothermal contributions. Compared with limestone beds, marl beds contain more quartz, detrital or authigenic clay minerals (with authigenic clays being present in higher proportions). Although the dominant detrital clay minerals consist of I/S and illite in both limestones and marls, smectite accounts for a higher proportion in marl layers. By referring to the geochemical analyses, it is certain that the higher smectite contents in the marls indicate a more humid climate. The coordinated variations in quartz or talc contents and paleoclimates match the periods of the wavelets, showing that short eccentricity (Milankovitch cycle) forced intensive weathering and increased rainfall and runoff during the deposition of marl beds, which formed a silica-rich environment and increased the introduction of high Mg2+ calcites, aragonite and detrital clay minerals (smectite) into marl layers. Due to the preferential dissolution of aragonite and stronger pressure dissolution during diagenesis, the greater amount of Mg2+ that was produced promoted the formation of Mg-phyllosilicates. • The types and individual proportions of authigenic and terrigenous clay minerals in the LMAs of South China were determined. • The different siliceous and detrital supplies and differential diagenesis resulted in the clay mineral variations in LMAs. • Seawater dominated the mixed Si sources of quartz and talc, while the original signs were replaced during the transformation. • Short eccentricity forced the primary depositional differences, the rhythmic occurrence of paleoclimate and Si supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by particulate matter (PM), of which •OH is the most active free radical, have adverse health effects; however, PM-induced generation of ROS and •OH has not been quantified and studied in northwest China, which suffers from severe dust storms. In this study, ambient PM 10 and PM 2.5 collected from the urban area of Hotan in the Uygur Autonomous Region of China, during dust and non-sand periods in 2020. ROS and •OH were quantified and examined using the dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH) assay and fluorescent probe method. The results showed that the oxidation potential (OP) of PM in the non-dust period (PM 2.5 : 7.77 ± 0.29 nmol H 2 O 2 m−3; PM 10 : 8.9 ± 0.38 nmol H 2 O 2 m−3) was higher than in the dust period (PM 2.5 : 1.14 ± 0.71 nmol H 2 O 2 m−3; PM 10 : 1.85 ± 0.77 nmol H 2 O 2 m−3). Compared to PM 10 , PM 2.5 with larger specific surface area is more likely to adsorb the components contributing to ROS generation, so the induction amount of ROS and •OH per unit volume in the environment will increase with increasing PM 2.5 concentration. There was a weak correlation between O 3 and ROS concentrations in the PM during the day, suggesting that photochemical reactions were a moderating factor in the formation of daytime ROS. In PM 2.5 , ROS showed a weak correlation with Pb, Cu, and Fe during the dust period. During the non-dust period, significantly correlated with Fe, Cu, and Cd (P < 0.01; P < 0.05). In PM 10 , ROS correlated significantly with As (P < 0.05) but weakly with Fe and Pb during the dust period. During the non-dust period, significantly correlated with As and Cd (P < 0.01; P < 0.05) and weakly correlated with Ni, Cu, and Fe. This indicates that increasing trace metal levels can increase the OP of atmospheric PM. • The oxidation potential in the non-sand period was higher than that in the dust period. • Oxidation potential per unit volume: PM 10 >PM 2.5 • Photochemical reactions were a moderating factor in the formation of daytime ROS. • The metals in the particles were beneficial for increasing the oxidation potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Early Cretaceous Tieshan intrusive suite, in northeastern Jiangxi Province along the northern margin of the Eastern Cathaysia Block, is composed of diabase porphyrites, monzodiorites, syenite porphyries, quartz monzonites, monzogranites and granite porphyries. LA–ICPMS zircon U–Pb isotopic analyses reveal that this intrusive complex was emplaced between 142Ma and 117Ma. The ~135Ma diabase porphyrites, monzodiorites, and syenite porphyries are characterized by low to moderate SiO2 and MgO contents, with high K2O and total alkaline contents. These rocks exhibit slightly to strongly fractionated REE patterns and upper crust-like multi-element patterns with depletions of Nb, Ta and Ti, and show strongly negative εHf (t) values of −9.0 to −11.8. All these patterns are identical to those of the Caiyuan syenites, Huangtuling gabbros in the east, and Lengshuikeng trachyandesites and quartz syenites in the west. These geochemical and zircon Lu–Hf isotopic features indicate that their magmatic precursors were generated by 0.2%–2% partial melting of a phlogopite-bearing enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle source that was metasomatized by sediments. The ~117Ma quartz monzonite has slightly higher εHf (t) values (−5.6 to −8.7) like those of the Honggong syenites, indicating an interaction between the asthenosphere and the lithosphere. The ~142–134Ma granite porphyries and monzogranites are characterized by high SiO2 levels but low concentrations of refractory elements, and show enrichment of LREEs and LILEs, with variable negative anomalies of Nb, Ta, Ti, Sr, P and Ba in multi-element diagrams normalized by primitive mantle. The monzogranite exhibits strongly negative εHf (t) values of −10.5 to −13.3 and TDM2 (Hf) values of 1849–2023Ma, and the granite porphyries display relatively wide εHf (t) values of −7.2 to −13.4 and TDM2 (Hf) values of 1645–2043Ma, indicating that these monzogranites and granite porphyries are highly fractionated granites derived from partial melting of the Paleoproterozoic basement with involvement of enriched mantle-derived magmas or juvenile components, and the primary magma experienced fractionation of K-feldspar, plagioclase, monazite, allanite and zircon during magma ascent and emplacement. The Tieshan intrusive suite, together with the Caiyuan syenites, Huangtuling gabbros, and Lengshuikeng trachyandesites and quartz syenites, forms a highly enriched shoshonitic rock belt in the northeastern margin of the Cathaysia Block. Integrating with previously published data, we propose that the subducted Paleo-Pacific plate extended into the central South China Block in the Middle Jurassic, and experienced slab rollback during the Early Cretaceous. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aims: To date, case-control studies on the association between C677T polymorphism in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and diabetes mellitus (DM) or diabetic nephropathy (DN) in different populations have provided inconclusive results. To clarify the effect of the C677T polymorphism on the risk of both DM and DN in a Chinese population, a meta-analysis was performed. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to collect data from all case-control observational studies that investigated association of C677T polymorphism in MTHFR gene with DM or DN in a Chinese population. Results: Overall, 12 studies in a Chinese population published up to 2011 were combined, and the heterogeneity among them varied from none to moderate. The 677T allele showed significant association with DN (OR = 1.97, 95% CI [1.71, 2.28], p <0.00001), but no relationship with DM (OR = 1.03, 95% CI [0.89, 1.18], p = 0.70) compared with the 677C allele in a Chinese population. Similarly, evidence of significant association with DN was detected in the additive model, the recessive model and the dominant model for allele T (additive model: OR = 3.26, 95% CI [2.46, 4.31], p <0.00001; recessive model: OR = 2.32, 95% CI [1.81, 2.97], p <0.00001; dominant model: OR = 2.35, 95% CI [1.89, 2.91], p <0.00001); however, no relationship with DM was found (additive model: OR = 1.01, 95% CI [0.76, 1.35], p = 0.94; recessive model: OR = 0.98, 95% CI [0.76, 1.26], p = 0.87; dominant model: OR = 1.23, 95% CI [0.91, 1.65], p = 0.18). There were no sources of bias in the selected studies, and the sensitivity analysis (exclusion of studies not in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium) suggested stability of this meta-analysis. Conclusions: C677T polymorphism in MTHFR gene may be a risk factor for DN, but not for DM, in a Chinese population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A micro X-ray fluorescence (Micro-XRF) spectrometer based on a polycapillary focusing X-ray lens (PFXRL) and a laboratory X-ray source was designed to carry out the XRF analysis of single aerosol particles. The minimum detection limit (MDL) of this Micro-XRF spectrometer was 9ppm for the Fe-Kα. The percentage of the particles of vehicle exhaust among aerosol particles was studied in Beijing, Chinese capital, during the test of odd–even driving restrictions for Beijing 2008 Olympics Games. This Micro-XRF spectrometer had potential applications in the analysis of single aerosol particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With acceleration of "oil exploration near the source" in the petroleum industry, black shales (BS) play an increasingly important role in oil and gas exploration. Meso-Neoproterozoic BS are well developed in the North China Craton (NCC), China, many of which are identified as potential hydrocarbon source rocks. Although BS from the Mesoproterozoic Era has been widely investigated, few studies were focused on the Neoproterozoic BS so far. Based on petrology and geochemistry analysis, the sedimentary environment, provenance and organic matter accumulation of two BS layers in the Tonian Baishugou Formation from Sujiacun section, Luonan Area, southern NCC were investigated. It suggests that the lower BS (LB) was deposited in a shallow and non-stratified cratonic-interior sea environment with unstable dysoxic or suboxic conditions. The seawater salinity increased from brackish to marine facies conditions due to the decrease of runoff caused by climate cooling. The Upper BS (UB) was deposited in an open paleomarine environment with stable suboxic conditions and brackish salinity in continuously humid and hot paleoclimate. Both BS were derived from granitoids formed by the ca.2.5 Ga collisional-thermal events in the NCC. The OM accumulation rate of UB is higher than that of UB while LB records lower OM loss rate. On these bases, two developmental modes for the BS from the Baishugou Formation were established. • Two black shale (BS) layers dated to Tonian from North China Craton are studied. • The paleoclimate and paleoredox condition for two BS layers are very different. • The ca. 2.5 Ga felsic rock is the main source rock for the two BS. • Proxies based on Ba bio indicate higher accumulation rate for organic matter of UB. • Stable suboxic condition for UB resulted in higher primary productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To understand the nutritional components of common cooked foods in Hubei Province., Methods: Forty-nine common cooked foods consumed by residents in Hubei Province were collected, and their edible parts were homogenized and tested for various nutrient contents according to the national standard method. The nutrient-rich foods index(NRF)model was used to calculate the NRF index(NRF 9.3) of various cooked foods, and the nutritional value of common cooked foods in Hubei Province was evaluated., Results: The result of the nutrient-rich food index model showed that the NRF 9.3 index of all cooked dishes ranged from-176.9 to 224.4, the NRF 9.3 index ranking of all types of cooked food was mainly related to cooking method. The NRF 9.3 index of cold mixed vegetable dishes was generally higher than the 75th percentile value(66.9) of the monitoring result, indicating higher nutritional value. The mean NRF 9.3 index of fish and shrimp cooked foods(72.4)monitored in this study was higher than that of meat cooked foods(21.5). The sodium content of pickled vegetables and some pre-packaged cooked foods was relatively high, RESULTS: ing in negative NRF 9.3 index and lower nutritional value. The NRF 9.3 index of Xiangyang beef noodles(33.1)and tofu noodles(37.1)was higher than that of beef offal noodles(5.1)., Conclusion: Vegetables and fish and shrimp are better sources of nutrition, and "cold and dressed with sauce" are a better way to cook. Pickled vegetables contain too many restricted nutrients, and their consumption frequency and amount should be reduced.

Aims: Population-based evidence regarding circulating advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is conflicting and insufficient. We aimed to examine the association of plasma AGEs and plasma soluble receptors for AGEs (sRAGE) with T2D., Materials and Methods: We conducted a hospital-based case-control study including 1072 pairs (53.9 ± 9.7 years, 56.0% male) of newly diagnosed T2D and age- and sex-matched controls. We further performed a nested case-control study within an ongoing prospective cohort consisting of 127 incident T2D cases and 381 well-matched controls (62.2 ± 5.1 years, 71.7% male). Plasma AGEs were detected using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and plasma sRAGE was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of plasma AGEs and sRAGE concentrations with T2D., Results: Higher plasma AGEs and lower sRAGE concentrations were associated with higher odds of T2D. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios of T2D comparing the highest with the lowest quartile levels were 3.28 (95% CI: 2.14, 5.02) for plasma AGEs and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.16, 0.39) for plasma sRAGE. Participants in the highest quartile of plasma AGEs and the lowest quartile of sRAGE concentrations had the greatest odds of T2D. The positive association of AGEs and inverse association of sRAGE with T2D risk was confirmed in the replication-nested case-control study., Conclusions: Increased circulating AGEs and decreased sRAGE concentrations were associated with elevated T2D risk. Our findings may have implications for the strategies of T2D prevention and management., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

In China, coal provides about 56.8% of the energy. Most of China's coal mines are shaft mines, which cause the surface to collapse and crack during the mining process. The soil near the cracks changes its physicochemical properties due to the altered stress conditions. This will affect the distribution of PTEs in the soil. We collected 18 samples from a selected crack in the abandoned land. The pH, Eh, and PTE and their fractions of the samples were determined. With the test results, we understand the distribution characteristics of pH, Eh, PTEs, and their fractions at the cracks. Meanwhile, we explored the key factors that contribute to this distribution. It was determined that crack decreases surface soil pH while increasing Eh. The total amount of 7 PTEs is higher in the bottom soil of the main crack and 2 m away from the main crack. The content of reducible fractions of PTEs increases with the increase of soil Eh. The oxidizable and residual fractions of PTEs adsorbed to the clay particles migrate to and enrich the deeper layers of the main crack. This study emphasizes the effect of crack generation on the distribution of PTEs in soil. It provides insights to describe the distribution of PTE throughout the full life cycle of crack., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Introduction: Hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is positively associated with mortality. Ferric citrate is a potent phosphorus binder that lowers serum phosphorus level and improves iron metabolism. We compared its efficacy and safety with active drugs in Chinese CKD patients with hemodialysis., Methods: Chinese patients undergoing hemodialysis were randomized into two treatment groups in a 1:1 ratio, receiving either ferric citrate or sevelamer carbonate, respectively, for 12 weeks. Serum phosphorus levels, calcium concentration, and iron metabolism parameters were evaluated every 2 weeks. Frequency and severity of adverse events were recorded., Results: 217 (90.4%) patients completed the study with balanced demographic and baseline characteristics between two groups. Ferric citrate decreased the serum phosphorus level to 0.59 ± 0.54 mmol/L, comparable to 0.56 ± 0.62 mmol/L by sevelamer carbonate. There was no significant difference between two groups (p &gt; 0.05) in the proportion of patients with serum phosphorus levels reaching the target range, the response rate to the study drug, and the changes of corrected serum calcium concentrations, and intact-PTH levels at the end of treatment. The change of iron metabolism indicators in the ferric citrate group was significantly higher than those in the sevelamer carbonate group. There are 47 (40.5%) patients in the ferric citrate group, and 26 (21.3%) patients in the sevelamer carbonate group experienced drug-related treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs); most were mild and tolerable. Common drug-related TEAEs were gastrointestinal disorders, including diarrhea (12.9 vs. 2.5%), fecal discoloration (14.7 vs. 0%), and constipation (1.7 vs. 7.4%) in ferric citrate and sevelamer carbonate group., Conclusion: Ferric citrate capsules have good efficacy and safety in the control of hyperphosphatemia in adult patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis. Efficacy is not inferior to sevelamer carbonate. The TEAEs were mostly mild and tolerated by the patients., (© 2023 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Purpose: Urgent start peritoneal dialysis (USPD) is an effective therapeutic method for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, whether it is safe to initiate peritoneal dialysis (PD) within 24 h unclear. We examined the short-term outcomes of a break-in period (BI) of 24 h for patients undergoing USPD., Methods: This real-world, multicenter, retrospective cohort study evaluated USPD patients from five centers from January 2013 to August 2020. Patients were divided into BI ≤ 24 h or BI > 24 h groups. The Primary outcomes included incidence of mechanical and infectious complications. The secondary outcome was technique failure. Moreover, we presented a subgroup analysis for patients who did not receive temporary hemodialysis (HD)., Results: A total of 871 USPD patients were included: 470 in the BI ≤ 24 h and 401 in the BI > 24 h groups. Mechanical and infectious complications did not differ between the two groups across the follow-up timepoints (2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months) ( p  > 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that BI ≤ 24 h was not an independent risk factor for mechanical complications, catheter migration, or infectious complications ( p  > 0.05). A BI ≤ 24 h was not an independent significant risk factor for technique failure by multivariate Cox regression analysis ( p  > 0.05). The subgroup analysis of patients who did not receive temporary HD returned the same results., Conclusion: Initiating PD within 24 h of catheter insertion was not associated with increased mechanical complications, infectious complications, or technique failures.

Background: Obesity is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We aimed to elucidate the research status and explore research trends and future directions of research on obesity and PCOS., Methods: A bibliometric analysis of the published papers in the field of obesity and PCOS between 2012 and 2022 was conducted on the basis of the Web of Science Core Collection database. The collaboration networks, research trends, literature sources, citation analysis, co-citation analysis, and keywords analysis were statistically analyzed and visualized using the VOSviewer software., Results: We retrieved 2843 records from 681 journals by 12307 authors from 2942 institutes in 99 countries. The number of published papers and citations had a roughly increasing trend annually. The United States and China contributed the majority of the records. Monash University, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Karolinska Institute, University of São Paulo, and Tehran University of Medical Sciences were the biggest nodes in their cluster of the collaboration network map, and Moran LJ, Teede HJ, Joham AE, Escobar-Morreale HF, and Macut D were prolific authors. Research trends and hotspots were identified and visualized in the field of obesity and PCOS. Research hotspots in this field focused on insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome, metformin, and inflammation. Bariatric surgery, mitochondrial dysfunction, binding globulins, and comorbidities may be the frontiers of future research., Conclusions: We concluded the research status and trends in the field of obesity and PCOS. A better understanding of collaboration patterns, research hotspots, and frontiers may be useful for researchers., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Luo, Li, Li, Wang, Li, Song, Sun, Fu, Zhou, Yi, Zhu and Zhu.)

The role of diet in the development of childhood metabolic syndrome (MetS) has not been clearly elucidated. This study aims to investigate the association between the adherence to the Chinese Dietary Guidelines (CDG) 2016 and the presence of MetS and its components in Chinese children aged 6-14 years. This study is a cross-sectional study using data from the 2017 and 2019 Nutrition and Health Surveillance in Primary and Secondary school students of Beijing (NHSPSB). MetS was diagnosed using the recommended criteria for Chinese children. Diet was assessed using 3 consecutive days of 24-hour dietary recalls in addition to weighing household cooking oils and condiments. The Chinese Healthy Eating Index (CHEI) score was calculated based on the CDG 2016. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to estimate the correlation between the CHEI score and the likelihood of MetS and its components. A total of 2092 records (1048 in 2017 and 1044 in 2019), derived from 1835 children, were included. A higher CHEI score, which reflects better adherence to the CDG 2016, was correlated with a lower presence of MetS (per 5-point increment: OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.75-0.97) and low HDL-C (per 5-point increment: OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80-0.99). Regarding the CHEI components, higher scores in dark vegetables and cooking oils were also associated with reduced likelihood of MetS (per 1-point increment: OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.67-0.93 for dark vegetables; OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86-0.96 for cooking oils). This study suggests that better adherence to the CDG 2016 may reduce the risk of MetS in Chinese children aged 6-14 years.

Amomum villosum, serving as an important medicinal material, is complex in the genetic background of germplasm resources. Exploring the genetic diversity and genetic relationship of germplasm resources is conducive to clarifying the germplasm source and genetic background of A. villosum, so as to improve the efficiency of parent selection and variety breeding of A. villosum. Seventy-one pairs of SSR primers were used for PCR amplification of 84 A. villosum samples by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Fifty-four pairs of SSR primers with high polymorphism were screened out for the analysis of genetic diversity. The results showed that 293 alleles were detected from 84 germplasm resources by 54 pairs of SSR primers, with an average of 5.32 alleles for each pair of primers, and a variation range of 3-8, and the primer AVL12 marked the highest number of alleles. The PIC value of each locus varied from 0.068 7 to 0.828 9, with an average of 0.529 9, and the highest was marked by AVL24. The genetic diversity of A. villosum was the highest in Yunnan, followed by Guangxi, and the lowest was found in Guangdong. The population structure analysis and cluster analysis showed that the samples were classified into two groups. In terms of origin, samples from Yunnan and Guangxi had a close genetic relationship, and there was no obvious differentiation of A, villosum resources from different origins. In this study, 54 pairs of SSR markers were used to analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of 84 germplasm resources, which can reflect the genetic relationship between A. villosum samples from different germplasm sources and different populations, thus providing a theoretical basis for the collection, research, and breeding of A. villosum resources.

Background and objectives: Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are characterized by a low body mass index (BMI), and significant insulin resistance (IR). The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index has not been studied as a means of assessing IR in Chinese T2DM patients with a BMI < 35 kg/m2. Materials and Methods: An open-label cross-sectional study recruited 102 Chinese T2DM patients with a BMI < 35 kg/m2. The hyper-insulinemic euglycemic clamp, homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR), and TyG index were used to determine the level of IR. Based on Pearson’s correlations, glucose disposal rate (GDR), TyG index, and HOMA-IR were analyzed. HOMA-IR and TyG index for IR were evaluated using multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression analyses. On the basis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cut-off value of HOMA-IR and the TyG index were determined. Results: The mean values of GDR, HOMA-IR, and TyG index were 4.25 ± 1.81, 8.05 ± 7.98, and 8.12 ± 0.86 mg/kg/min, respectively. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was −0.418 between GDR and TyG index and −0.324 between GDR and HOMA-IR. ROC curve analysis showed that, among both sexes, the TyG index was a better discriminator of IR than HOMA-IR. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the TyG index (0.785, 0.691−0.879) was higher than that of HOMA-IR (0.73, 0.588−0.873) in all genders. The optimal cut-off values of the TyG index and HOMA-IR were 7.99 and 3.39, respectively. Conclusions: The TyG index showed more effectiveness in identifying IR in Chinese T2DM patients with a BMI < 35 kg/m2 compared to HOMA-IR.

Objective: To explore the genetic basis for a Chinese pedigree affected with X-linked retinoschisis., Methods: Clinical data of the pedigree was collected. Following DNA extraction, PCR and Sanger sequencing were carried out to detect potential variant in the RS1 gene. The result was verified by using PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism assay., Results: All male patients were found to harbor a c.458T>G (p.Val153Gly) variant of the RS1 gene, for which Their mothers were heterozygous carriers. The same variant was not detected among unaffected members of the pedigree as well as 100 healthy controls. Bioinformatic analysis suggested the variant to be pathogenic., Conclusion: The c.458T>G (p.Val153Gly) variant of the RS1 gene probably underlay the X-linked retinoschisis in this pedigree.

The composition of atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) is complex and exhibits strong regional differences. Free silica (α-SiO 2 ) in atmospheric particulate matter is carcinogenic and is an important component of respirable particulate matter in urban areas. Measurements determined that the concentration of silicon dioxide (α-SiO 2 ) in PM 2.5 in the urban area of Hotan City, China, was 8.02 μg·m -3 during the dust period and exceeded 1.77 μg·m -3 during the non-dust period. The proportion of α-SiO 2 in PM 2.5 was 8.07% during the dust period and 2.25% during the non-dust period. Atmospheric visibility during the dust period was mainly influenced by the content of atmospheric floating dust. Analysis of α-SiO 2 pollution sources during the dust period showed that the air masses containing sand and dust originated from the desert hinterland. Following passage through oasis areas, the air mass was effectively reduced in the concentration of α-SiO 2 in PM 2.5 . During the dusty period, α-SiO 2 and PM 2.5 originated from the same source in Hotan City. Moreover, wind speed was the main influencing factor for the α-SiO 2 concentration. During the non-dust period, α-SiO 2 and PM 2.5 were not from the same source of pollution., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of lupus nephritis (LN) patients with serositis and analyse the relationship between serositis and hyperuricemia (HUA) in LN patients in northeast China., Methods: The data of patients with LN diagnosed by renal biopsy in our hospital from April 2013 to May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The differences between the non-serositis and serositis groups were compared by t tests and Chi-square test. Factors with P < 0.05 in the univariate analyses were investigated further using binary logistic regression analysis to investigate the independent risk factors of serositis in patients with LN., Results: LN patients with serositis were more likely to have fever, hypertension, neuropsychiatric and hematological involvement than those without serositis (P < 0.05). Compared with the non-serositis group, LN patients with serositis were prone to have HUA, high D-dimer, high triglycerides, and had significant differences in the levels of plasma albumin (Alb), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, complement C3, 24-h urinary protein, pathological types, pathological score and SLEDAI score. Logistic regression analysis showed that HUA was one of risk factors for serositis in LN patients. The rate of complete remission in LN patients with serositis was significantly lower (P < 0.05) and the rate of no remission and mortality were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than LN patients without serositis., Conclusion: LN patients with serositis had more severe clinical and pathological manifestations, higher systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) activity and worse prognosis. Hyperuricemia is associated with serositis in LN patients., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Introduction: In 2018, a renal risk score of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis (AAGN) based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), normal glomeruli, and tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (TA/IF) was proposed to predict renal outcomes. We aimed to evaluate this renal risk score in a myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA predominant population in Northeast China., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathologic data of 65 patients biopsy-proven from a Chinese medical center. Each patient was assessed by eGFR, normal glomeruli, and TA/IF, and the renal outcome was evaluated using the renal risk score., Results: In our study, 95.4% of patients were ANCA positive (78.5% MPO-ANCA positive and 16.9% proteinase 3-ANCA positive). The average follow-up period was 14.3 months. Thirty-four patients (52.3%) reached end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Based on the renal risk score, 8 (12.3%), 31 (47.7%), and 26 (40%) patients were divided into the low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk groups, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed the high-risk group had worse renal outcomes than the low-risk group (p<0.01) and the medium-risk group (p<0.01), but the renal outcome did not differ between the low-risk and medium-risk groups (p>0.017). Similar results were obtained by the competitive survival analysis. The AUC for 3-year overall ESRD predictions was 0.845. In the regression analysis, the renal risk score was a favorable predictor for the development of ESRD (HR 3.13, 95%CI 1.58-6.19, p=0.001)., Conclusion: The renal risk score is a preferred index that can predict ESRD in Chinese AAGN patients, especially in the high-risk group with worse renal outcomes. Key Points • The eGFR and percentage of normal glomeruli were valuable predictors of renal outcome, whereas TA/IF was not. • We confirmed the renal risk score is a preferred index that can predict ESRD in Chinese AAGN patients. • Based on the renal risk score, the high-risk group had worse renal outcomes than the low-risk group and the medium-risk group., (© 2021. International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR).)

Purpose: To identify the clinical characteristics, histopathological features, and prognosis of kidney disease in a large cohort of elderly patients from Northeast China., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the renal disease spectrum in 7,122 patients who underwent renal biopsies at the Second Hospital of Jilin University from 2006 to 2020. Patients were grouped according to age: below 60 years (non-elderly group, n  = 5923) and at least 60 years (elderly group, n  = 1199). The clinical and pathological characteristics of renal biopsy patients in the groups were analyzed using the t -test and chi-square test., Results: Compared with the non-elderly group, the elderly group had significantly fewer patients with primary glomerulonephritis, but more patients with tubulointerstitial disorders ( p  < .05). The incidence of IgA nephropathy, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, and lupus nephritis was significantly lower in elderly patients than in non-elderly patients. The incidence of membranous nephropathy, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephropathy, systemic vasculitis-associated renal damage, and amyloid nephropathy was significantly higher in elderly patients than in non-elderly patients ( p  < .05). The incidence of perinephric hematoma (≥4 cm 2 ) in elderly patients with renal biopsy was lower than that in non-elderly patients. We noted that 79.9% of primary glomerulonephritis patients who received immunosuppressive therapy showed a remission rate of 83.5%., Conclusion: The spectrum of kidney disease in the elderly is different from that in the younger population.

Background: Shenyankangfu Tablet (SYKFT) is a Chinese patent medicine that has been used widely to decrease proteinuria and the progression of chronic kidney disease., Objective: This trial compared the efficacy and safety of SYKFT, for the control of proteinuria in primary glomerulonephritis patients, against the standard drug, losartan potassium., Design, Setting, Participants and Intervention: This was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Primary glomerulonephritis patients, aged 18-70 years, with blood pressure ≤ 140/90 mmHg, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 45 mL/min per 1.73 m 2 , and 24-hour proteinuria level of 0.5-3.0 g, were recruited in 41 hospitals across 19 provinces in China and were randomly divided into five groups: SYKFT, losartan potassium 50 mg or 100 mg, SYKFT plus losartan potassium 50 mg or 100 mg., Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome was change in the 24-hour proteinuria level, after 48 weeks of treatment., Results: A total of 735 participants were enrolled. The percent decline of urine protein quantification in the SYKFT group after 48 weeks was 8.78% ± 2.56% (P = 0.006) more than that in the losartan 50 mg group, which was 0.51% ± 2.54% (P = 1.000) less than that in the losartan 100 mg group. Compared with the losartan potassium 50 mg group, the SYKFT plus losartan potassium 50 mg group had a 13.39% ± 2.49% (P < 0.001) greater reduction in urine protein level. Compared with the losartan potassium 100 mg group, the SYKFT plus losartan potassium 100 mg group had a 9.77% ± 2.52% (P = 0.001) greater reduction in urine protein. With a superiority threshold of 15%, neither was statistically significant. eGFR, serum creatinine and serum albumin from the baseline did not change statistically significant. The average change in TCM syndrome score between the patients who took SYKFT (-3.00 [-6.00, -2.00]) and who did not take SYKFT (-2.00 [-5.00, 0]) was statistically significant (P = 0.003). No obvious adverse reactions were observed in any group., Conclusion: SYKFT decreased the proteinuria and improved the TCM syndrome scores of primary glomerulonephritis patients, with no change in the rate of decrease in the eGFR. SYKFT plus losartan potassium therapy decreased proteinuria more than losartan potassium therapy alone., Trial Registration Number: NCT02063100 on ClinicalTrials.gov., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2021 Shanghai Changhai Hospital. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Ambient fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) exposure has been linked to decreased semen quality, but the associations between PM 2.5 constituent exposures and semen quality remain unknown. We enrolled 1081 men whose partners underwent assisted reproductive technology procedures in Wuhan, China in 2014-2015, and examined their semen quality. Daily average concentrations of PM 2.5 constituents including 10 metals/metalloid elements and 4 water-soluble ions were continuously determined for 1 week per month at 2 fixed monitoring stations. Linear mixed models were used to examine the associations of exposures to PM 2.5 and its constituents with semen quality. Each interquartile range (36.5 μg/m 3 ) increase in PM 2.5 exposure was significantly associated with 8.5% (95% CI: 2.3%, 14.4%) and 8.1% (95% CI: 0.7%, 15.0%) decrease in sperm concentration and total sperm number, respectively. Antimony, cadmium, lead, manganese, and nickel exposures were significantly associated with decreased sperm concentration, whereas manganese exposure was also significantly associated with decreased total motility. Nonsmokers were more susceptible to PM 2.5 constituent exposures, especially for antimony and cadmium (all P for effect modification <0.05). These findings suggest that PM 2.5 and certain constituents may adversely affect semen quality, especially sperm concentration, and provide new evidence to formulate pollution abatement strategies for male reproductive health.