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Temperature is an important environmental factor affecting heading date of rice. Despite its importance, genes responsible for temperature-sensitive heading in rice have remained elusive. Our previous study identified a quantitative trait locus qHd1 which advances heading date under high temperatures. A 9.5-kb insertion was found in the first intron of OsMADS51 in indica variety Zhenshan 97 (ZS97). However, the function of this natural variant in controlling temperature sensitivity has not been verified. In this study, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to knock out the 9.5-kb insertion in ZS97. Experiments conducted under cotrolled conditions in phytotrons confirmed that deletion increased temperature sensitivity and advanced heading by downregulating the expression level of OsMADS51. One-hybrid assays in yeast, ChIP-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, electrophoretic mobility shift, and luciferase-based transient transactivation assays collectively confirmed that OsMADS51 affects heading date by regulation of heading date gene Ehd1. We further determined that the long non-coding RNA HEATINR is generated from the first intron of OsMADS51, offering an explanation for how the 9.5-kb insertion affects temperature sensitivity. We also found that OsMADS51 was strongly selected in early/late-season rice varieties in South China, possibly accounting for their strong temperature sensitivity. These insights not only advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the temperature-responsive regulation of heading date in rice but also provide a valuable genetic target for molecular breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Extreme environments such as prolonged high temperatures and droughts can cause vulnerability of vegetation ecosystems. The dry-hot valleys of Southwestern China, known for their extremely high annual temperature, lack of water, and unique non-zonal "hot island" habitat in the global temperate zone, provide exceptional sites for studying how plant adapts to the prolonged dry and hot environment. However, the specific local biotic-environment relationships in these regions remain incompletely elucidated. The study aims to evaluate how valley-type Savanna vegetation species and their communities adapt to longterm drought and high-temperature stress environments. Methods: The study investigated the changes in species diversity and communities' aboveground biomass of a valley-type Savanna vegetation along an elevation gradient of Yuanmou dry-hot valley in Jinsha River basin, southwest China. Subsequently, a general linear model was utilized to simulate the distribution pattern of species diversities and their constituent biomass along the elevation gradient. Finally, the RDA and VPH mothed were used to evaluate the impacts and contributions of environmental factors or variables on the patterns. Results and discussion: The field survey reveals an altitudinal gradient effect on the valley-type Savanna, with a dominant species of shrubs and herbs plants distribution below an elevation of 1700m, and a significant positive relationship between the SR, Shannon-Wiener, Simpson, and Pielou indices and altitudes. Relatively, the community aboveground biomass did not increase significantly with elevation, which was mainly due to a decreased biomass of herbaceous plants along the elevation. Different regulators of shrub-herbaceous plant species and their functional groups made different elevation patterns of species diversity and aboveground biomass in valley-type Savannas. Herbaceous plants are responsible formaintaining species diversity and ensuring stability in the aboveground biomass of the vegetation. However, the influence of shrubs on aboveground biomass became more pronounced as environmental conditions varied along the altitudinal gradient. Furthermore, species diversity was mainly influenced by soil and climatic environmental factors, whereas community biomass wasmainly regulated by plant species or functional groups. The study demonstrates that the spatial pattern of valley-type Savanna was formed as a result of different environmental responses and the productive capacity of retained plant species or functional groups to climate-soil factors, highlighting the value of the Yuanmou dry-hot Valley as a microcosm for exploring the intricate interactions between vegetation evolution and changes in environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic susceptibility is widely applied in geology, but its use in the study of metamorphic rocks has been limited due to the complex nature of metamorphism. In this study, analyzing a partially retrogressed mafic enclave within Archean TTG gneiss from the Jiaobei Terrane, North China craton, we incorporate magnetic susceptibility with conventional metamorphic (petrographic and major element) proxies in order to investigate profiles of metamorphic retrogression. The magnetic susceptibility results show more complete retrogression in the direction parallel to the tectonic fabric and partial retrogression perpendicular to it. This geophysical observation, which is broadly consistent with the petrological observations and P--T estimates, suggests that the availability of fluids and perhaps even non-lithostatic pressure play roles in the preservation of such differential retrogression. This study thus introduces magnetic susceptibility as a novel proxy in this context, revealing its utility in rapidly and quantitatively identifying variable retrogression gradients consistent with, but with more precision than, measured metamorphic pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION Quitting smoking, the critical path to reach the global targets of reducing tobacco use, can bring major and immediate health benefits to smokers. Exploring factors that help individuals to quit smoking is of great importance. The present study explored influencing factors on smoking cessation, in order to provide comprehensive reference for tobacco control policies. METHODS Ex-smokers and current smokers were recruited online in this crosssectional survey, from 1 October to 31 November 2022, in China. The observational data were collected using a questionnaire to collect information with respect to sociodemographic characteristics of smokers, attitudes towards smoking cessation, details of smoking cessation, and different potential factors related to smoking cessation through open-ended questions. RESULTS A total of 638 smokers from 30 provinces were recruited as eligible respondents, with a mean age of 37.3 ± 11.7 years and a mean smoking history of 15.9 ± 13.7 years. The percentage of males was 92.3%. Of the 638 respondents, only 3.9% had no intention to stop smoking. Among 155 subjects who had quitted smoking successfully, willpower (55.5%) was considered as the most important contributing factor. Among 365 subjects who tried to quit but failed, lack of willpower (28.2%), tobacco dependence (16.2%), influence of surrounding smokers or smoking environments (15.9%), bad moods (9.9%), stress from work or life (7.9%), habits (7.1%), socialization (4.1%), and easy availability of tobacco (2.7%) were considered as the adverse factors leading to failure in quitting smoking. CONCLUSIONS Willpower and support from family members were the vital factors that lead to successful smoking cessation. Future tobacco control policies should also focus on addressing withdrawal symptoms and creating smoke-free environments as well as other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers and one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide, especially in eastern Asia and China. Anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors, Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab, have been approved for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC). Our study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of anti-PD-1-based treatment (monotherapy or combination therapy) in Chinese patients with advanced or metastatic GC/GEJCs in a real-world setting. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, and 54 patients from May 31, 2015, to May 31, 2021, were included in our analysis, including 19 patients treated with anti-PD-1 monotherapy and 35 patients treated with anti- PD-1 combination therapy. Demographic and clinical information were evaluated. Clinical response, survival outcomes, and safety profile were measured and analyzed. Results: Overall, the median overall survival (mOS) was 11.10 months (95% CI, 7.05-15.15), and the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 3.93 months (95% CI, 2.47-5.39). Of the patients, 16.7% achieved a clinical response, and 72.2% achieved disease control. Prolonged overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and increased clinical response were observed in the combination group compared with the monotherapy group, although statistical significance was not reached. In subgroups with live metastases or elevated baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels, combination therapy outperformed anti-PD-1 alone in survival outcomes. Patients treated with anti-PD-1 monotherapy (n = 5, 26.3%) had fewer treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) than those in the combination group (n = 22, 62.9%). There were also fewer patients with TRAEs of grades 3-5 with monotherapy (n = 2, 10.5%) than with combination therapy (n = 7, 20.0%). Pneumonitis in three patients was the only potential immune-related adverse event reported. Conclusions: Anti-PD-1-based monotherapy and combination therapy showed favorable survival outcomes and manageable safety profiles in advanced or metastatic GC/GEJCs. In clinical treatment, immunotherapy should be an indispensable choice in the treatment strategy for GC/GEJC. Patients with a heavy tumor burden and more metastatic sites might benefit more from combination therapy. Elderly patients and patients with more treatment lines or high Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance scores might be more suitable for immune monotherapy, and some clinical benefits have been observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Reliable electrophysiological indicators are urgently needed in the precise evaluation of Parkinson's disease (PD). It is still elusive whether oculomotor performance is impaired or has clinical value in early PD. This study aims to explore oculomotor performance in newly diagnosed, drugnaïve PD and its correlation with clinical phenotype. Methods: Seventy-five patients with de novo PD, 75 patients with essential tremor (ET), and 46 gender-and age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were included in this cross-sectional study. All subjects underwent oculomotor test via videonystagmography. Visually guided saccade latency, saccadic accuracy and gain in smooth pursuit eye movement (SPEM) at three frequencies of the horizontal axis were compared among the three groups. Patients with PD also received detailed motor and non-motor evaluation by serial scales. The association between key oculomotor parameters and clinical phenotypes were explored in PD patients. Results: Both de novo PD and ET patients showed prolonged saccadic latency and decreased saccadic accuracy relative to HCs. SPEM gain in PD was uniformly reduced at each frequency. SPEM gain at 0.4 Hz was also decreased in ET compared with HCs. However, there was no significant difference of oculomotor parameters between de novo PD and ET patients. Furthermore, prolonged saccadic latency was correlated with long disease duration, whereas decreased SPEM gain was associated with severe motor symptoms in de novo PD patients. Conclusion: Ocular movements are impaired in de novo, drug naïve PD patients; these changes could be indicators for disease progression in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reaching optimal vaccination rates is an essential public health strategy to control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to simulate the optimal vaccination strategy to control the disease by developing an age-specific model based on the current transmission patterns of COVID-19 in Wuhan City, China. Methods: We collected two indicators of COVID-19, including illness onset data and age of confirmed case in Wuhan City, from December 2, 2019, to March 16, 2020. The reported cases were divided into four age groups: group 1, ≤ 14 years old; group 2, 15 to 44 years old; group 3, 44 to 64 years old; and group 4, ≥ 65 years old. An age-specific susceptible-exposed-symptomatic-asymptomatic-recovered/removed model was developed to estimate the transmissibility and simulate the optimal vaccination strategy. The effective reproduction number (Reff) was used to estimate the transmission interaction in different age groups. Results: A total of 47 722 new cases were reported in Wuhan City from December 2, 2019, to March 16, 2020. Before the travel ban of Wuhan City, the highest transmissibility was observed among age group 2 (Reff = 4.28), followed by group 2 to 3 (Reff = 2.61), and group 2 to 4 (Reff = 1.69). China should vaccinate at least 85% of the total population to interrupt transmission. The priority for controlling transmission should be to vaccinate 5% to 8% of individuals in age group 2 per day (ultimately vaccinated 90% of age group 2), followed by 10% of age group 3 per day (ultimately vaccinated 90% age group 3). However, the optimal vaccination strategy for reducing the disease severity identified individuals ≥ 65 years old as a priority group, followed by those 45–64 years old. Conclusions: Approximately 85% of the total population (nearly 1.2 billion people) should be vaccinated to build an immune barrier in China to safely consider removing border restrictions. Based on these results, we concluded that 90% of adults aged 15–64 years should first be vaccinated to prevent transmission in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Live poultry markets (LPMs) are a source of avian influenza A(H5N6) virus in China. • A mass of A(H5N6) viruses can be detected in the LPMs in Changsha, China. • More stringent measures are required to prevent spread of H5N6 from LPMs. To understand the transmission mechanisms of the avian influenza A(H5N6) virus. This study explored the live poultry feeding and trading network (LPFTN) around Changsha city, China. Field epidemiological investigations were performed in Changsha to investigate the LPFTN with the environmental samples systematically collected during 2014–2015 to monitor and analyze the spread of the A(H5N6) virus. Two surveillance systems were also applied to find possible human cases of A(H5N6) infection. The information of all the 665 live poultry farming sites, five wholesale markets, and 223 retail markets in Changsha was collected to investigate the LPFTN. Moreover, about 840 environmental samples were systematically collected from the LPFTN during 2014–2015 to monitor the spread of the A(H5N6) virus, with 8.45% (71/840) positive for the N6 subtype. Furthermore, the full genome sequences of 10 A(H5N6) viruses detected from the environmental samples were obtained, which were then characterized and phylogenetically analyzed with the corresponding gene segments of the A(H5N6) virus obtained from GenBank, to determine the source of human infection. It was demonstrated that the LPFTN provided a platform for the H5N6 transmission, and formed an infectious pool for the spread of the virus to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a global infectious disease; particularly, it has a high disease burden in China. This study was aimed to explore the temporal and spatial distribution of the disease by analyzing its epidemiological characteristics, and to calculate the early warning signals of HFMD by using a logistic differential equation (LDE) model. Methods: This study included datasets of HFMD cases reported in seven regions in Mainland China. The early warning time (week) was calculated using the LDE model with the key parameters estimated by fitting with the data. Two key time points, "epidemic acceleration week (EAW)" and "recommended warning week (RWW)", were calculated to show the early warning time. Results: The mean annual incidence of HFMD cases per 100,000 per year was 218, 360, 223, 124, and 359 in Hunan Province, Shenzhen City, Xiamen City, Chuxiong Prefecture, Yunxiao County across the southern regions, respectively and 60 and 34 in Jilin Province and Longde County across the northern regions, respectively. The LDE model fitted well with the reported data (R2 > 0.65, P < 0.001). Distinct temporal patterns were found across geographical regions: two early warning signals emerged in spring and autumn every year across southern regions while one early warning signals in summer every year across northern regions. Conclusions: The disease burden of HFMD in China is still high, with more cases occurring in the southern regions. The early warning of HFMD across the seven regions is heterogeneous. In the northern regions, it has a high incidence during summer and peaks in June every year; in the southern regions, it has two waves every year with the first wave during spring spreading faster than the second wave during autumn. Our findings can help predict and prepare for active periods of HFMD. Author summary: Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), a global infectious disease, has a high disease burden in China. This study aimed to explore the temporal and spatial distribution of the disease by analyzing its epidemiological characteristics and to calculate the early warning signals of HFMD by using a logistic differential equation (LDE) model. Our findings showed that 1) the HFMD disease burden in China remained high and HFMD incidence in the southern region was higher than that in the northern region; and 2) the HFMD early warnings times across China were heterogeneous. One high incidence period occurred in the northern regions during summer, peaking in June every year, while in the southern regions two waves emerged every year. Over the southern regions, the disease appeared to spread faster in the spring wave than in the autumn wave. These results provide important information for public health authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staff to predict and prepare for the onset of the high active periods of HFMD, especially by indicating the heterogeneous warning times of HFMD outbreak across different geographical regions in Mainland China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tsutsugamushi disease (TD) is an acute infectious disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological features of TD, investigate chigger mites and their hosts, and investigate the meteorological factors affecting TD incidence and the host of O. tsutsugamushi in Xiamen city, China. Data on reported TD cases were collected from 2006 to 2018. Spearman's correlation test were used for identifying the relationship between meteorological factors and TD incidence and whether meteorological factors affect the host of O. tsutsugamushi. The incidence of reported TD increased gradually from 2006, reached a peak of 4.59 per 100,000 persons in 2014, and then decreased gradually. The TD incidence was seasonal, with epidemic periods occurred mainly in summer and autumn. Patients aged 40–60 years had the highest proportion of cases, accounting for 44.44% of the total cases. Farmers had the largest number of cases among all occupational groups. Rattus Norvegicus was the most common host, accounting for the largest proportion of cases (73.00%), and the highest rat density was observed in March and October every year. There were significant positive correlations between the number of reported cases and average temperature, sunshine duration, and rainfall as well as between rat density and average temperature. On phylogenetic analysis, 7 sequences of hosts and human TD cases obtained from health records demonstrated the highest similarities to the Kato, Karp, and Gilliam strains. No correlations were observed between rat density, and sunshine duration and rainfall. The transmission of TD in Xiamen city, China, was seasonal, and its incidence was affected by several meteorological factors including average temperature, sunshine duration, and rainfall. However, the host of O. tsutsugamushi was only affected by average temperature. Author summary: Tsutsugamushi disease (TD) is a natural focal disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, which is widespread in some areas. The incidence of TD is greatly influenced by meteorological factors. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the epidemiological features of TD, investigate chigger mites and their hosts, and explore the relationship between meteorological factors and TD incidence and whether meteorological factors affect the host of O. tsutsugamushi in Xiamen city, China. The results showed significant positive correlations between the number of reported cases and average temperature, sunshine duration, and rainfall. A positive correlation between rat density and average temperature. No correlations were observed between the rat density and sunshine duration and rainfall. We believe our findings may provide scientific basis for studies or health strategies conducted in areas that are meteorologically similar in characteristics with Xiamen city, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's mobility turn has created the world's largest public rail system, contributing extensively to citizens' economic, social, and spatial mobility. Concurrently, this technological transformation has introduced many opportunities for individuation, which could potentially challenge the social, collectivistic, and Confucian foundations of China's sociocultural and political ideology. While the notion that 'mobility produces culture' is readily accepted, research on train mobility in China is rare. In this study, we use Albert Bandura's Model of Triadic Reciprocal Causation to conceptualize mobility as agency. We employ Hermeneutic Content Analysis, a mixed methods framework, to study how this rapidly evolving mobility environment connects to the lives of 31 regular train users living in Beijing. Studying agency in China enables us to systematize the sociocultural models within which mobility practices are embedded and how they manifest. We find that our interviewees embed agentive practices in a cultural model that is intertwined with collectivistic aspirations of the country. Technological developments are thus integrated into existing sociocultural models and political expectations, contradicting existing debates on the fracturing impact of disruptive technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To study the initiation and expansion of the interlayer gap of the China Railway Track System Type II (CRTS-II) ballastless slab track structure under the action of repeated thermal loading as well as the influence of the interlayer gap on the displacement, strain and stiffness of the track structure, a 1/4 scale three-span ballastless slab track simply supported bridge structural system specimen was developed and 18 cycles of extremely thermal loading tests were carried out. Static loading tests were carried out before and after the repeated thermal loading test and the effects of the repeated temperature loading on the mechanical properties of the structural system were analyzed. The test results show that under repeated temperature loading, there is a gap between the track slab and cement emulsified asphalt (CA) mortar near the fixed end section of the beam (close to the shear slots). The interlayer gap gradually expands to the mid-span section in a "stepped" shape in three stages: initiation, expansion and stabilization. Under the same temperature load, the camber of the concrete box beam decreases gradually while that of the track structure increases gradually with the increase of the interlayer gap length. During the three stages of interlayer gap development, the track structure stiffness degrades gradually, and the fastest reduction rate during the expansion stage. At the end of the 18th cycle of thermal loading, a degradation of 14.96% and 2.52% is observed in the stiffness of the track structure and that of the ballastless track-bridge structural system, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is a major periodontal pathogen. This research was aimed at investigating the prevalence of A actinomycetemcomitans in Chinese chronic periodontitis patients and periodontally healthy adults. Method and Materials: A total of 116 chronic periodontitis patients and 111 periodontally healthy adults were included. In each periodontitis patient, subgingival plaque samples were collected from 2 molar sites with the deepest pockets and 1 periodontally healthy site. The samples of periodontally healthy adults were obtained from the mesiobuccal site of 1 maxillary first molar. A actinomycetemcomitans was detected by 16S rRNA polymerase chain action. Pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing of the sampled sites were recorded. Results: A actinomycetemcomitans was detected in only 1 site (0.90%) of periodontally healthy subjects. For chronic periodontitis patients, the prevalence of periodontitis sites (33.62%) was significantly higher than that of healthy sites (0.90%) (P < .05); the occurrence showed a decreasing trend as patient age increased: highest in the 20- to 35-year-old group (44.12%), followed by the 36- to 55-year-old group (36.36%) and 56- to 75-year-old group (22.73%) (P < .05). A actinomycetemcomitans was most frequently detected in sites with pocket depth 7 mm or more and clinical attachment loss 6 mm or more (P < .05) and more often detected in sites that exhibited bleeding on probing (37.07%) than those that did not (7.41%) (P < .05). Conclusions: A actinmycetemcomitans was more frequently detected in periodontitis sites than in periodontally healthy sites. For chronic periodontitis patients, a higher prevalence was associated with the severe sites than moderate and mild sites. A actinomycetemcomitans is considered to be a major pathogen in the etiology of chronic periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Hepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ALCF) is a complicated syndrome with extremely high short-term mortality. -e artificial liver support system (ALSS) may improve the liver function for patients with HBV-ACLF, but the data on its short-term outcomes are insufficient in China. Methods. We recruited HBV-ACLF patients in this nationwide, multicenter, retrospective study. Patients with HBV-ACLF were diagnosed by the COSSH-ACLF criteria. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to generate compared pairs. -e short-term (28/90 days) survival rates between the standard medical therapy (SMT) group and ALSS group were calculated using a Kaplan-Meier graph. Result. In total, 790 patients with HBV-ACLF were included in this retrospective study; 412 patients received SMT only (SMT group), and 378 patients received SMTand ALSS treatment (ALSS group). PSM generated 310 pairs and eliminated the baseline differences between the two groups (p > 0.05 for all baseline variables). -e probabilities of survival on day 28 were 65.2% (205/310) in the ALSS group and 59.0% (185/310) in the SMTgroup; on day 90, they were 51.0% (163/310) and 42.3% (136/310). -e short-term (28/90 days) survival rates of the ALSS group were significantly higher than those of the SMTgroup (p = 0.0452 and p = 0.0187, respectively). Compared to receiving SMTalone, treatment with ALSS was associated with a significant reduction in serum bilirubin levels and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores at day 7 and day 28. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age, high total bilirubin (T-Bil), low albumin, high ALT, high MELD scores, and high COSSH-ACLF grade were independent baseline factors associated with poor prognosis. Conclusions. -is retrospective study found that compared to SMT, the ALSS improved the short-term (28/90 days) survival rates and laboratory parameters in HBV-ACLF patients. -e ALSS had a better therapeutic effect than SMT for patients with HBV-ACLF in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lonicera japonica Thunb. is a typical medicinal and edible plant in China. It has antibacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-endotoxin, and anti-inflammatory effects, etc. Its pharmacological action is closely related to its active components. Based on the results of previous studies, this paper summarized the effects of variety, origin, cultivation conditions, pruning, harvesting period and processing methods on the active components of L. japonica, in the hope of providing theoretical guidance for high-yield and high-quality cultivation of L. japonica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fengyun-4 (FY-4) satellite series is the new generation of geostationary meteorological satellite of China. Thenewly adopted three-axis stabilized attitude control platform can increase observation efficiency and flexibility, while bringing great challenge to image navigation as well as integrated observation mode design. Considering the requirements of the earth observation, navigation and calibration besides observation flexibility, instrument observation strategies are proposed, including the earth, the moon, stars, cold space, blackbody, diffuser observations, on which the instruments' in-orbit daily observations must be based. The most complicated part is star observation strategy, while navigation precision is dependent on in-orbit star observations. Flexible, effective, stable and automatic star observation strategy directly influences obtaining star data and navigation precision. According to the requirement of navigation, two specific star observation strategies for the two main instruments onboard FY-4 were proposed to be used in the operational ground system. The strategies have been successfully used in FY-4 in-orbit test for more than a year. Both the simulation results and in-orbit application results are given, including instrument observation strategies, star observation strategies and moon tasks, to demonstrate the validity of the proposed observation strategies, which lay important foundations for the instruments' daily operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the mechanical parameters of a rock mass is a difficult but crucial matter in studies pertaining to stability. In this study, the Hoek-Brown criterion is used to derive the shear strength parameters of a rock mass; the parameters are subsequently optimized through reliability analyses, including the nonlinear Mohr-Coulomb envelope, optimized slopes, and least square variance methods. Further, through a case study of the Jianshan open pit mine, the c and φ values of the orebody were comparatively studied using the proposed method. The nonlinear Mohr-Coulomb envelope method and the optimized slopes method can attain reliability values exceeding 80%, as required by Chinese standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This retrospective study investigated the association between the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score and the survival of patients with stage IIIB-IV (advanced, non-resectable) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who also did not have gene mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK).Methods: The records of 165 patients (28-80 y, median 61 y) who met the above criteria and were admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital Capital Medical University from 1 May 2010 to 1 October 2014were reviewed. Associations between baseline variables and the CCI score were assessed via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Overall survival was defined as the time from the first clinic visit to death from any cause, or to the end of follow-up. Survival curves were estimated via the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test.Results: Logistic regression analyses indicated that smoking and performance status were independently associated with the CCI score. Smoking was associated with an increased risk of mortality (odds ratio (OR) 4.12 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.92-8.84) compared to non-smokers), as was performance status 2 (ambulatory, capable of self-care, unable to perform any work activities; active for >50% of waking hours) (OR 2.22 (95% CI, 1.14-4.33) compared to performance status 1). Univariate Cox's regression analyses showed that the hazard ratios were significantly associated with the CCI score (P = 0.009), smoking (P = 0.042), and male gender (P = 0.021).Conclusion: The CCI score is an important prognostic factor for the prediction of overall survival in patients with stage IIIB-IV NSCLC who are negative for EGFR and ALK gene mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms of community assembly are a central focus in the field of microbial ecology. However, to what extent these mechanisms differ in importance by traits of groups is poorly understood. Here we quantified the importance of neutral and niche processes in community assembly for bacteria, habitat specialists and generalists in 21 plateau lakes of China. Results showed that both neutral and niche processes played a critical role in the assembly of entire bacterial communities, shaping a unique biogeographical pattern. A few habitat generalists and many specialists were identified. Interestingly, habitat specialists were only governed by niche process, with seven significant environmental variables--salinity, dissolved oxygen, water transparency, total phosphorus, ammonium-nitrogen, temperature and total nitrogen--independently explaining 40.3% of the biological variation. By contrast, habitat generalists were strongly driven by neutral process, with 50.9% of the variation of detection frequency explained in neutral community model. Only three environmental variables--salinity, total nitrogen and dissolved oxygen--significantly affected the distribution of habitat generalists, independently explaining 13.6% of the variation. Governed by different assembly mechanisms, habitat specialists and generalists presented disparate biogeographical patterns. Our result emphasizes the importance of investigating the bacterial community assembly at more refined levels than entire communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicic, mafic and alkali intra-seam tonsteins have been known from SW China for a number of years. This paper reports on the geochemical compositions of coals and tonsteins from three seam sections of the Songzao Coalfield, SW China, and evaluates the geological factors responsible for the chemical characteristics of the coal seams, with emphasis on the influence from different types of volcanic ashes. The roof and floor samples of the Songzao coal seams mostly have high TiO2 contents, consistent with a high TiO2 content in the detrital sediment input from the source region, namely mafic basalts from the Kangdian Upland on the western margin of the coal basin. The coals from the Songzao Coalfield generally have high ash yields and are highly enriched in trace elements including Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, rare earth elements (REE), Y, Hg and Se; some variation occurs among different seam sections due to input of geochemically different volcanic ash materials. The geochemistry of the Songzao coals has also been affected by the adjacent tonstein/K-bentonite bands. The relatively immobile elements that are enriched in the altered volcanic ashes also tend to be enriched in the adjacent coal plies, possibly due to leaching by groundwaters. The coals near the alkali tonstein bands in the Tonghua and Yuyang sections of the Songzao Coalfield are mostly high in Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, Th, U, REE and Y. Coal samples overlying the mafic K-bentonite in the Tonghua section are high in V, Cr, Zn and Cu. The Datong coal, which has neither visible tonstein layers nor obvious volcanogenic minerals, has high TiO2, V, Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn concentrations in the intervals between the coal plies affected by mafic and alkaline volcanic ashes. This is consistent with the suggestion that a common source material was supplied to the coal basin, derived from the erosion of mafic basaltic rocks of the Kangdian Upland. Although the Songzao coal is generally a high-sulfur coal, most of the chalcophile trace elements show either poor or negative correlations with total iron sulfide contents. The absence of traditional pyrite-metal associations may reflect wide variations in the concentrations of these elements in individual pyrite/marcasite components, or simply poor retention of these elements in the pyrite/marcasite of the relevant coals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Currently, there is no cure for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD/BMD). However, clinical trials with new therapeutic strategies are being conducted or considered. A comprehensive database is critical for patient recruitment and efficacy evaluation. China has the largest population, yet, no comprehensive database for DMD/BMD is available. Our study registered the data of the DMD/BMD patients in East China. Methods A modified registry form of Remudy (http://www.remudy.jp/) was applied to Chinese DMD/BMD patients through the outpatient clinic at Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai during the period of August 2011 to December 2013. The data included geographic distribution of patients, age at diagnosis, clinical manifestation, genetic analysis and treatment status. Results 194 DMD and 35 BMD patients were registered. Most patients lived in East China, namely Jiangsu province, Anhui province, Zhejiang province, Shanghai, Jiangxi province, Fujian province and Shandong province. All individuals aged less than 18 years (age limit to a children's hospital). Diagnosis was made for a majority of patients during the age of 3-4 (16.6%) and 7-8 (14.8%) years old. Exon deletion was the most frequent genetic mutations (65.5% and 74.3%) followed by point mutations (14.4% and 11.4%), duplications (9.8% and 8.6%) and small insertion/deletion (9.3% and 2.9%) for DMD and BMD, respectively. 82.5% of DMD registrants were ambulatory, and all the BMD registrants were able to walk. 26.3% of DMD registrants have been treated with steroids. Cardiac functions were examined for 46.4% DMD boys and 45.7% BMD boys and respiratory functions were examined for 18.6% DMD boys and 14.3% BMD boys. Four boys with abnormal cardiac function were prescribed for treatment with cardiac medicine. 33.2% of DMD patients are eligible for exon skipping therapy, and among them 9.2% and 4.3% patients are eligible for skipping exon 51 and 53, respectively. Conclusions The database is the first linking accurate genetic diagnosis with clinical manifestation and treatment status of dystrophinopathy patients in East China. It provides comprehensive information essential for further patient management, especially for promotion of international cooperation in developing experimental therapies such as exon skipping and read-through of nonsense mutations targeting a subgroup of DMD patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to overcome the defects of stronger subjectivity of common assessment methods of marine ecological environmental assessment, the entropy weight model was introduced. In the comprehensive assessment, because of different influence degrees of each index to the comprehensive assessment results, different improved measures can be adopted to increase policy ability. As Shannon information entropy has the advantages of objectivity and adaptability in determining weight value, it was applied to determine the weight value of each index in the comprehensive assessment model. Then the optimal and worst indexes were selected based on a double base point model. Through comparing the distance between the scheme point and double base points, the result of comprehensive assessment can be obtained. Then the model was employed to assess the ecological environment of a bay of China. Application results show the efficiency of this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore an effective method to deal with the uncertainty of the assessment of project investment environment analysis, a new model based on multi-level grey theory was set up after the analysis of the research status of the investment environment assessment in China and abroad. After the establishment of the assessment index system, the model was employed to the field of construction project investment assessment combining with AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process). The results of engineering practice showed the rationality and feasibility of the method. This study provides a promising approach for the assessment of investment environment and it has significance in theory and practice for the decision-making of investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity has been shown to be a prognostic indicator of type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, the power of different obesity indicators in the detection of T2D remains controversial. This study evaluates the detecting power of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHTR) for the presence of T2D in undiagnosed diabetics among the Chinese population. Methods: Individuals were selected from an ongoing large-scale population-based Beijing Community Pre-Diabetes (BCPD) study cohort. The oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed to diagnose diabetes. A total of 220 new cases of T2D and 1,868 normal blood glucose subjects were analyzed. ROC curve analyses were used to compare the association of different obesity indicators with T2D and determine the optimal cut-off points of the best predictor for identifying T2D in men and women. Results: All indicators positively correlated with presence of T2D in both men and women. In women, WC, WHR and WHTR were similar, but were better in identifying T2D when compared to BMI (P < 0.0001, P=0.0016 and P=0.0001, respectively). In men, WC, WHTR and BMI were similar, but WC and WHTR were better than WHR (P=0.0234, P=0.0101, respectively). For women, 86 cm was the optimal WC cut-off point, and its sensitivity and specificity were 0.714 and 0.616; for men, the optimal cut-off point was 90 cm, and its sensitivity and specificity were 0.722 and 0.571. Conclusion: Compared with BMI, WHR and WHTR, WC is a simple and accurate measure for predicting T2D in the Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exotic species Spartina anglica, introduced from Europe in 1963, has been experiencing a decline in the past decade in coastal China, but the reasons for the decline are still not clear. It is hypothesized that competition with the native species Scirpus triqueter may have played an important role in the decline due to niche overlap in the field. We measured biomass, leaf number and area, asexual reproduction and relative neighborhood effect (RNE) of the two species in both monoculture and mixture under three nitrogen levels (control, low and high). S. anglica showed significantly lower biomass accumulation, leaf number and asexual reproduction in mixture than in monoculture. The inter- and intra-specific RNE of S. anglica were all positive, and the inter-specific RNE was significantly higher than the intra-specific RNE in the control. For S. triqueter, interand intra-specific RNE were negative at the high nitrogen level but positive in the control and at the low nitrogen level. This indicates that S. triqueter exerted an asymmetric competitive advantage over S. anglica in the control and low nitrogen conditions; however, S. anglica facilitated growth of S. triqueter in high nitrogen conditions. Nitrogen level changed the interactions between the two species because S. triqueter better tolerated low nitrogen. Since S. anglica is increasingly confined to upper, more nitrogen-limited marsh areas in coastal China, increased competition from S. triqueter may help explain its decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building a harmonious world featuring sustained peace and common prosperity has become a lynchpin of China's international strategy. In order to implement it, the government has developed a series of key operational sub-strategies, including a global peace engagement strategy. The main theme of this approach is that China will strive for peace and promote development by means of peace missions mainly consisting of UN peacekeeping operations (PKOs) and international peacebuilding operations (IPBOs). The article argues that this strategy is based on two cornerstones, peace and development. In practice, China takes different stances towards PKOs and IPBOs: it is a far more cautious contributor in IPBOs, because China's understanding of peacebuilding pays particular attention to development, and Western states are suspicious of China's growing power and intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on previous studies of kimberlite xenoliths and diamond inclusions in this region, macrocrystal garnet was analyzed with the electric microprobe technique (EPMA). The garnet is collected from the Shengli No.1 kimberlite pipe in the Mengyin area of Shandong Province, China. The results indicate that the garnet contains two kinds of multiphase inclusions: one is K-, B-, and Cl-bearing oxygen-free phase, K- and Cl-bearing oxygen-free phase, and volatile-bearing garnet inclusions (in1 and in3); and the other is chlorite, phlogopite, apatite and calcite (in2). It is suggested that the formation of garnet and its inclusions is associated with strongly reduced mantle fluid. Such a fluid was transformed from ultra-deep high-reduction oxygen-free fluid into low-reduction alkaline fluid, and finally into oxidized fluid with low oxygen fugacity. This result confirms that the Mengyin area underwent metamorphism of slightly active deep fluid, and provides evidence for searching diamond by means of indicative minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake Dianchi is a large lake, which is listed in the ‘Three Important Lakes Restoration Act in China’. The water quality has deteriorated from class II in the 1970s to class V today, with an attendant increase in the frequency and intensity of the formation of blue algae blooms. From 2003 to 2006, a water quality monitoring programme was implemented for eight regional zones in Lake Dianchi. It monitored the following substances: carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), sulphur (S), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), potassium (K), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and chlorine (Cl), together with water temperature, pH, total hardness and total salt content. Data were analysed using regression models to determine the impacts of these substances and conditions for the formation of blue algae bloom, and to assess their relationship with chlorophyll a. The results showed a significant relationship between chlorophyll a and C, P, N, Cl, Fe, Mg, water temperature, pH, total hardness and total salt. There was no significant relationship between chlorophyll a and total manganese (TMn), Mn, sulphate (SO42−), soluble total manganese STMn, Ca, Zn, K, Na and Cu. The study showed that the concentration of chlorophyll a in different regions of the lake was different, indicating that the mix of chemicals in a region has a different impact on pollution levels throughout Lake Dianchi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Velvet antler, a traditional Chinese medicine, is believed to have body-strengthening, immunomodulatory and anti-aging effects. It has been used in Chinese commercial functional foods and nutraceuticals. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of aqueous extract of velvet antler (AEVA) from Cervus elaphus Linnaeus and its simulated gastrointestinal digests (SGDs) in vitro. Experiments were carried out by measuring the effects of AEVA and SGDs on splenocyte proliferation, neutral red pinocytosis and nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages. AEVA (10-400 μg/mL) showed inhibitory effects on concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated splenocyte proliferation while no difference was observed when lipopolisaccharide (LPS) was used as stimulus. An inhibitory effect was also observed in neutral red pinocytosis by AEVA treated macrophages. During simulated gastrointestinal digestion, AEVA kept and strengthened its inhibitory effect on ConA-stimulated splenocyte proliferation. However, digestion of AEVA counteracted the inhibitory effect on pinocytosis. In addition, AEVA alone had no effect on NO production by macrophages while some SGDs (200 μg/mL) increased NO production by LPS-stimulated macrophages. The results indicated that AEVA could keep its inhibitory effect on T-cells by oral administration. In contrast, the effect of AEVA on macrophage function was changed during digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The transmission features and the feasibility of containing shigellosis remain unclear among a population-based study in China.Methods: A population-based Susceptible - Exposed - Infectious / Asymptomatic - Recovered (SEIAR) model was built including decreasing the infectious period (DIP) or isolation of shigellosis cases. We analyzed the distribution of the reported shigellosis cases in Hubei Province, China from January 2005 to December 2017, and divided the time series into several stages according to the heterogeneity of reported incidence during the period. In each stage, an epidemic season was selected for the modelling and assessing the effectiveness of DIP and case isolation.Results: A total of 130,770 shigellosis cases were reported in Hubei Province. The median of Reff was 1.13 (range: 0.86-1.21), 1.10 (range: 0.91-1.13), 1.09 (range: 0.92-1.92), and 1.03 (range: 0.94-1.22) in 2005-2006 season, 2010-2011 season, 2013-2014 season, and 2016-2017 season, respectively. The reported incidence decreased significantly (trend χ2 = 8260.41, P <  0.001) among four stages. The incidence of shigellosis decreased sharply when DIP implemented in three scenarios (γ = 0.1, 0.1429, 0.3333) and when proportion of case isolation increased.Conclusions: Year heterogeneity of reported shigellosis incidence exists in Hubei Province. It is feasible to contain the transmission by implementing DIP and case isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to describe the epidemiological features of an outbreak of norovirus infection in a health school in Guangdong province, China, to identify the cause of such a large scale outbreak of norovirus among older students, to simulate the transmission dynamics, and to evaluate the effect of intervention measures of GII.17 [P17] genotype norovirus infection. We identified all cases during the outbreak. Descriptive epidemiological, analytical epidemiological and hygiene survey methods were used to described the outbreak epidemic course and identify the cause of the outbreak of norovirus infection. We also used dynamical model to simulate the transmission dynamics of norovirus infection and evaluate the effect of intervention measures. Norovirus genotyping was assigned to the newly obtained strains, with a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis conducted. There were 360 cases of 42 classes in five grades with a 12.99% attack rate. Proportionally, more students were in contact with sick students and vomit in the suspected case group than the control group (χ 2 = 5.535, P = 0.019 and χ 2 = 5.549, P = 0.019, respectively). The basic reproduction number was 8.32 before and 0.49 after the intervention. Dynamical modeling showed that if the isolation rate was higher or case isolation began earlier, the total attack rate would decrease. Molecular characterization identified the GII.17 [P17] genotype in all stains obtained from the health school, which were clustered with high support in the phylogenetic tree. This was an outbreak of norovirus infection caused by contact transmission. The main reasons for the spread of the epidemic were the later control time, irregular treatment of vomit and no case isolation. The transmission dynamics of contact transmission was high, more efficient control measures should be employed. • The vomit was not cleaned up properly was one of the main reasons for the outbreak. • All the stains in the current study were detected as GII. 17, with high homology. • The basic reproduction number (R 0) before and after intervention was 8.32 and 0.49, respectively. • Without intervention, the duration of the epidemic, the peak date and the number of new cases on the day would be affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: A previous pilot study revealed stunted children and obese adults in urbanized settled Tibetan communities. A survey with a representative population in selected communities was conducted to test the preliminary findings.Methods and Study Design: A cross-sectional study on the nutritional status involving 504 children (244 boys and 260 girls, 5-16 y) and 927 adults (422 men and 505 women, 18-90 y) was conducted in communities, with anthropometric parameters measured. The z-scores for height-for-age (HAZ) and BMI-for-age (BAZ) in children were calculated according to WHO 2007 reference.Results: The children showed a double burden of both under- and over-nutrition. The prevalence of under-nutrition in children was high - stunting (HAZ <-2) 10.7%, underweight (BAZ <-2) 9.5%, combined prevalence of stunting and underweight 19.4%. The rate of over-nutrition was also alarming - obesity 12.7% (BAZ >2). The mean value of HAZ (- 0.45±1.41) was lower than, whereas that of BAZ (0.05±1.76) was comparable to, the WHO reference. No significant differences were found in under- or over-nutrition between genders. Specifically, 8.9% of children demonstrated both short stature (HAZ <-1) and overweight (BAZ >1). By contrast, community adults showed almost a one-way direction tilted towards over-nutrition - overweight 61.4% (BMI ≥24 kg/m2), obesity 30.1% (BMI ≥28 kg/m2), and central obesity 62.0% (waist circumference, men ≥85 cm, women ≥80 cm). Women were marginally more likely to be obese than men (p=0.061).Conclusions: The co-existence of under- and over-nutrition in the community may have reflected the suboptimal early life nutrition and the obesogenic environment afterwards. Potential determinants need to be explored for future interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xinghe graphite deposit is located in the north-central part of the North China Craton (NCC) where Archean gray gneiss, metasedimentary rocks (khondalites) and mafic (high-pressure) granulites constitute the dominant rock types. In this study, we report results of detailed geological and structural mapping around the Xinghe graphite mine. We identify three stages of deformation (D1-D3) and the graphite mineralization is correlated with D1 or between D1 and D2. The first stage of deformation represented by rootless intrafolial folds whose axial surface cuts across the regional penetrative gneissosity (S2) of D2, was constrained at ca. 1.95-1.90 Ga by U-Pb age of zircon grains from a mafic high-pressure granulite. The second stage of deformation is represented by tight folds with formation of regional penetrative foliation and strong ductile shearing, when garnet broke down to plagioclase + pyroxene. This stage is dated as ca 1.85 Ga, from U-Pb analysis of zircons in leucosome from a migmatitic gneiss. The third stage of deformation is represented by large scale folding, which probably formed between 1.85 and 1.80 Ga, as constrained from the ca. 1.80 Ga emplacement age of an undeformed pegmatite that cuts across the host metasediments. Prior to the high-pressure granulite metamorphism, voluminous ca. 2.15-2.0 Ga granites were emplaced within the khondalites. The graphitization postdates the emplacement of these granites as deduced from the presence of flaky graphites in the metagranites. The protolith of the mafic high-pressure granulite dike that intruded the khondalite at ca. 2.0 Ga was also metamorphosed at 1.95-1.90 Ga, and is part of the exploited graphite ore body. We therefore constrain the timing of graphite mineralization to be between ca. 1.95 and 1.85 Ga. Our geological and geochronological data indicate that all the rock units in the Xinghe graphite mine were subjected to high-pressure granulite facies metamorphism at ca. 1.95-1.90 Ga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ß-Glucan in oat is widely considered as the main ingredient for the anti-hypercholesterol effects; however, phenolic compounds in oat are also regarded to possess potential activities against dyslipidemia. In order to understand the underlying mechanisms thoroughly, it is of great significance to evaluate and compare the hypolipidemic properties exerted by oat phenol-rich extract (PE) and ß-glucan extract (GE) in hyperlipidemic 1CR mice induced by high-fat diet. The study was conducted for 12 weeks. Both PE and GE showed a significant hypocholesterolemic action by reducing the concentration of serum total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol and hepatic TC. Only PE reduced the hepatic triacylglycerol (TG), inhibited hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutary CoA reductase activities and improved the hepatic antioxidant defense system. However, GE significantly increased fecal excretion of neutral cholesterol and bile acids. This study demonstrated that not only ß-glucan but also oat phenolic acids contributed to a preventive effect on hyperlipidemia. Based on the cholesterol metabolism and antioxidant defense system, the effects of the two functional components of oat were exerted in different ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The disease burden of hepatitis E remains high. We used a new method (richness, diversity, evenness, and similarity analyses) to classify cities according to the occupational classification of hepatitis E patients across regions in China and compared the results of cluster analysis. Methods: Data on reported hepatitis E cases from 2008 to 2018 were collected from 24 cities (9 in Jilin Province, 13 in Jiangsu Province, Xiamen City, and Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture). Traditional statistical methods were used to describe the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis E patients, while the new method and cluster analysis were used to classify the cities by analyzing the occupational composition across regions. Results: The prevalence of hepatitis E in eastern China (Jiangsu Province) was similar to that in the south (Xiamen City) and southwest of China (Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture), but higher than that in the north (Jilin Province). The age of hepatitis E patients was concentrated between 41 and 60 years, and the sex ratio ranged from 1:1.6 to 1:3.4. Farming was the most highly prevalent occupation; other sub-prevalent occupations included retirement, housework and unemployment. The incidence of occupations among migrant workers, medical staff, teachers, and students was moderate. There were several occupational types with few or no records, such as catering industry, caregivers and babysitters, diaspora children, childcare, herders, and fishing (boat) people. The occupational similarity of hepatitis E was high among economically developed cities, such as Nanjing, Wuxi, Baicheng, and Xiamen, while the similarity was small among cities with large economic disparities, such as Nanjing and Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture. A comparison of the classification results revealed more similarities and some differences when using these two methods. Conclusion: In China, the factors with the greatest influence on the prevalence of hepatitis E are living in the south, farming as an occupation, being middle-aged or elderly, and being male. The 24 cities we studied were highly diverse and moderately similar in terms of the occupational distribution of patients with hepatitis E. We confirmed the validity of the new method on in classifying cities according to their occupational composition by comparing it with the clustering method., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Yu, Rui, Cheng, Zhao, Liu, Lin, Zhu, Wang, Xu, Yang, Liu, Wang, Lei, Zhao, Zhao, Zhang and Chen.)

A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide and led to high disease burden around the world. This study aimed to explore the key parameters of SARS-CoV-2 infection and to assess the effectiveness of interventions to control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A susceptible-exposed-infectious-asymptomatic-recovered (SEIAR) model was developed for the assessment. The information of each confirmed case and asymptomatic infection was collected from Ningbo Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to calculate the key parameters of the model in Ningbo City, China. A total of 157 confirmed COVID-19 cases (including 51 imported cases and 106 secondary cases) and 30 asymptomatic infections were reported in Ningbo City. The proportion of asymptomatic infections had an increasing trend. The proportion of elder people in the asymptomatic infections was lower than younger people, and the difference was statistically significant (Fisher's Exact Test, P = 0.034). There were 22 clusters associated with 167 SARS-CoV-2 infections, among which 29 cases were asymptomatic infections, accounting for 17.37%. We found that the secondary attack rate (SAR) of asymptomatic infections was almost the same as that of symptomatic cases, and no statistical significance was observed (χ 2  = 0.052, P = 0.819) by Kruskal-Wallis test. The effective reproduction number (R eff ) was 1.43, which revealed that the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 was moderate. If the interventions had not been strengthened, the duration of the outbreak would have lasted about 16 months with a simulated attack rate of 44.15%. The total attack rate (TAR) and duration of the outbreak would increase along with the increasing delay of intervention. SARS-CoV-2 had moderate transmissibility in Ningbo City, China. The proportion of asymptomatic infections had an increase trend. Asymptomatic infections had the same transmissibility as symptomatic infections. The integrated interventions were implemented at different stages during the outbreak, which turned out to be exceedingly effective in China.

Objective: To understand the malaria epidemiological characteristics of Shandong Province in 2017, so as to provide the evidences for formulating targeted prevention and control strategy and measures., Methods: The data of malaria cases of Shandong Province in 2017 were collected from the Information Management System for Infectious Diseases Report and Information Management System for Parasitic Diseases Control and Prevention. The epidemiological characteristics of malaria situation and the diagnosis and treatment of malaria cases were analyzed., Results: There were 209 malaria cases reported in 2017, all of them were imported cases, and 205 cases (98.09%) were imported from African countries. Among them, 155 cases (74.16%) were falciparum malaria cases. Totally 16 cities had cases reported in 2017, and 154 cases (73.68%) were reported in 6 cities (Yantai, Jining, Weihai, Dezhou, Qingdao, and Tai'an). The malaria cases distributed in 17 cities, and there were 110 cases distributed in 4 cities, namely Yantai, Tai'an, Weihai, and Qingdao, which accounted for 56.41% of the total cases in Shandong Province. Both the median time from onset to seeing a doctor and the median time from seeing a doctor to being diagnosed were one day. Totally 12.92% of the cases went to visit a doctor 7 days later after they had symptoms and 10.53% of the cases were diagnosed 7 days later after the first visit to a doctor., Conclusions: At present, the prevention and control of the imported malaria is the focus of malaria control in Shandong Province. According to the central tendency of the malaria situation, the health education and propaganda among the high risk groups and the training on the diagnosis and treatment among medical workers should be strengthened, so as to prevent the risk of reappearance of local cases in the past malaria endemic regions, and to ensure the goal of malaria elimination been achieved on schedule.

Objective: Various risk scoring models have been developed to predict stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP). We aim to determine whether these risk models could effectively predict SAP in Chinese patients with ischaemic stroke (IS)., Methods: Consecutive patients with IS in West China hospital between January 2011 and September 2013 were included to assess the predictive performance of risk scoring models, including Chumbler's score, A 2 DS 2 and AISAPS. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate the performance of each risk model in predicting pneumonia., Results: A total of 1569 consecutive patients with IS within 30 days of onset in West China hospital were included. The incidence of pneumonia is 15.3%. The AUROC of Chumbler's score, A 2 DS 2 and AISAPS was 0.659, 0.728 and 0.758, respectively, and AISAPS had the highest AUROC., Conclusions: A 2 DS 2 and AISAPS had acceptable discriminatory abilities to predict SAP in Chinese patients with IS within 30 days of onset., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.