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Both challenges and opportunities are inherent with a growth in Chinese international students in UK Higher Education. However, teachers from the West may not understand the differences in Chinese educational practices, which can lead to negative stereotyping of these students as passive and problematic. This paper rejects this deficit perspective, focusing on the views of Chinese students as to what might need to change about the UK teaching and campus environment to improve their learning experience. Two focus groups were held with Chinese social science Masters' students in a UK university. Some of their key requests included to reduce class sizes; to provide more guidance around study skills; to offer more timely and accessible information; to provide a more flexible range of services and learning support; and to create more social time with staff and other students. The discussions particularly brought out the importance of 'relational pedagogy'. These requirements will need more staff time and institutional flexibility which will necessitate adequate funding. The authors conclude that, despite Chinese students' significant contribution to the local economy and to University finances, there does not seem to be a commensurate investment in protecting their wellbeing and ensuring they receive a quality education. We consider it is important to listen to and act on the students' suggestions outlined here if UK Higher Education is to remain the destination of choice for many Chinese and other international students.

This research aimed to determine the impact of the effectiveness in the application of an independent method of teaching students on their progress in achieving a certain level of Japanese. The study used key methods that implied the experimental involvement of 60 3rd- and 4th-year American and Chinese students with the N3 and N2 levels of Japanese to pass a simplified version of the international JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) after applying the autonomy learning methodology. The analysis and processing of the experimental exam results were performed using the Microsoft Excel program and derivation of the average statistical percentage of the number of points scored at each stage of the N3 and N2 exams. The results of the study and the test scores led to the conclusion that the most difficult tasks for American students are those in writing and reading. On the other hand, Chinese students have difficulties in listening and speaking Japanese over linguistic phonetic differences and complex grammar compared to Chinese. Referring to the N2 group of American and Chinese students, their scores are somewhat equal due to the total complexity of this level, which requires utmost care for all four skills of foreign language learning. The present findings can serve as auxiliary material for the educational sphere in terms of an individual approach in autonomy learning to more effectively study Japanese and obtain positive results when passing the JLPT test.

Common prosperity is an important goal of China's modernization efforts, and narrowing the income gap among different regions and populations is crucial to achieving common prosperity. The construction of digital infrastructure has significantly boosted productivity and facilitated the diffusion of technology in less developed regions, leading to notable changes in labor employment and the income gap, which aligns with the goal of common prosperity. This paper explores the mechanism through which digital infrastructure influences common prosperity with a focus on employment, using panel data from 30 provinces in China between 2011 and 2021 for an empirical test. The research finds that digital infrastructure significantly promotes common prosperity. By expanding employment and increasing labor remuneration, the influence of digital infrastructure on common prosperity exhibits regional heterogeneity and a nonlinear threshold effect. The research suggests that the government should enhance investment in and construction of digital infrastructure, reduce the digital divide through policy support in rural areas, promote digital employment and skills training, and encourage industrial integration and enterprise participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background While statins have been widely used in patients with large-artery atherosclerotic stroke, their effectiveness in patients with cardioembolic large vessel occlusion (CE-LVO) undergoing endovascular treatment (EVT) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether combining statin therapy with EVT could improve clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by CE-LVO in the anterior circulation. Methods We performed a retrospective screening on patients with CE-LVO in the anterior circulation who underwent EVT in 27 hospitals across China between 2018 and 2021. The primary outcome measure was functional independence, defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 to 2. Safety outcomes included 90-day mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Results A total of 510 patients with CE-LVO in the anterior circulation undergoing EVT were included in this study. Of these, 404 (79.2%) patients received statin treatment (statin group), while 106 (20.8%) did not (non-statin group). Statin treatment was significantly associated with improved functional independence (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.072, 95% CI 1.197 to 3.586, P=0.009). Moreover, statin use was associated with a lower rate of 90-day mortality (aOR 0.343, 95% CI 0.197 to 0.596, P<0.001) and a lower rate of sICH (aOR 0.153, 95% CI 0.072 to 0.325, P<0.001). Conclusion Statin treatment was associated with improved clinical outcomes and reduced risks of mortality and sICH in patients with CE-LVO in the anterior circulation undergoing EVT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China faces serious health problem and health inequality, it needs to be noticed that knowing the distribution and shortage of health capital is necessary to provide targeted strategies for investing health. However, currently existed generic measuring instruments for health capital were developed in Western countries or decades ago, there lacks suitable measuring items that adapt to Chinese contemporary socio-culture and economy, as well as the characteristics of workforce. This study aims to develop one measuring instrument of health capital to adapt China's special social-culture and economic status, as well as the characteristics of workforce. We develop a set of multi-dimensional measuring scale of health capital and collect the qualitative data through semi-structured interviews conducted in-person or online platform, we get 200 valid samples through the first round of trial survey, and 1795 valid samples from the second round of formal survey. By using reliability and validity test and both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis check, we get 21 items with four factor structures, named by physical, mental, social adaptation and moral health, to form the measuring instrument of health capital. Health capital index of workforce in China is 66.04, and the highest sub-index is moral health (85.43), followed by physical health (61.14), social adaptation (52.31) and mental health (33.20). Further analysis show that eastern China and the marginal areas in city agglomeration get better health capital index. The health capital index of Chinese workforce located in the range of "medium", and the sub-themes of mental health and social adaptation get a poor performance. These findings indicated that strengthening the mental health and social adaptation is the key way to decline the regional gap of health capital in the future. Target policy of providing healthcare facilities of mental health and continue skill training system is necessary to improve workforce' health capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis and prediction of the coastal erosion status are of great significance for maintaining the marine ecological environment, planning urban construction, and coping with climate change. Fangchenggang is located in the southwesternmost part of mainland China. It has the largest harbor in the western region, which provides access to the most convenient channel between southwest China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. With the rapid development of China's economy, coastal erosion has occurred in Fangchenggang, and ecological and environmental problems have become increasingly prominent. In this study, we mainly focus on the status analysis and prediction of Fangchenggang coastal erosion based on multisource remote sensing data. A systematic analysis and prediction methods for the coastal erosion state are studied. First, shoreline type changes are analyzed. The index of coastline type diversity is used instead of solely using length changes to analyze shoreline diversity, and the length change intensity is applied to quantify the degree of shoreline change over time for different types of shorelines. Next, the composite index of coastline utilization degree is introduced to further explore the impact of human activities on shorelines. Then, to study the effect of coastal erosion on different types of shorelines in Fangchenggang, the end point rate is used to obtain the coastal erosion rate. Finally, the shoreline trend prediction model for Fangchenggang is established through the spatial distribution of the coastal erosion rate, and we verified that the accuracy of the model is 82%. The model can provide technical support for the integrated prevention and control of coastal erosion hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The occurrence of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (sIVH) was high in the very preterm infants (VPIs) in China. The management strategies significantly contributed to the occurrence of sIVH in VPIs. However, the status of the perinatal strategies associated with sIVH for VPIs was rarely described across the multiple neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in China. We aim to investigate the characteristics of the perinatal strategies associated with sIVH for VPIs across the multiple NICUs in China. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of data from a prospective cohort of Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) dataset, enrolling infants born at 24+0—31+6 from 2019 to 2021. Eleven perinatal practices performed within the first 3 days of life were investigated including antenatal corticosteroids use, antenatal magnesium sulphate therapy, intubation at birth, placental transfusion, need for advanced resuscitation, initial inhaled gas of 100% FiO2 in delivery room, initial invasive respiratory support, surfactant and caffeine administration, early enteral feeding, and inotropes use. The performances of these practices across the multiple NICUs were investigated using the standard deviations of differences between expected probabilities and observations. The occurrence of sIVH were compared among the NICUs. Results: A total of 24,226 infants from 55 NICUs with a mean (SD) gestational age of 29.5 (1.76) and mean (SD) birthweight of 1.31(0.32) were included. sIVH was detected in 5.1% of VPIs. The rate of the antenatal corticosteroids, MgSO4 therapy, and caffeine was 80.0%, 56.4%, and 31.5%, respectively. We observed significant relationships between sIVH and intubation at birth (AOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.75) and initial invasive respiratory support (AOR 2.47, 95% CI 2.15 to 2.83). The lower occurrence of sIVH (4.8%) was observed corresponding with the highest utility of standard antenatal care, the lowest utility of invasive practices, and early enteral feeding administration. Conclusions: The current evidence-based practices were not performed in each VPI as expected among the studied Chinese NICUs. The higher utility of the invasive practices could be related to the occurrence of sIVH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese business education differs from British business education in many respects. On the whole, it focuses on the acquisition of theoretical knowledge, whereas British business education places far more emphasis on soft management skills and team-work. This paper examines a split-site business degree program offered by a Chinese international school and a British business school, and explores the attitudes and expectations of the Chinese participants and their Chinese and British lecturers from an "English for specific purposes" perspective. The study conducted classroom observation, semi-structured interviews, and a questionaire survey, and identifies areas of difficulty for Chinese business students in the UK, in particular regarding their beliefs about teacher and student roles, their learning priorities and learning strategies, and their "goal-oriented" approach to discussion, which is at odds with the more collaborative and exploratory Western discussion strategies. The findings have implications for pre-sessional and in-sessional English course design, the management of split-site business degree programs, the teaching of Chinese students, and the enhancement of learning experiences generally in international business programs.

• VOCs components on the surface of large landfills were identified. • The NMHC of surrounding area was most affected by landfill in summer. • P + m-xylene was the key component that contributes to O 3 generation. • Ethylbenzenethe was the key component that contributes to SOA generation. Landfill disposal is a major approach of disposing municipal solid waste (MSW) in China. In order to explore the impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated by landfill on the air quality of regional environment, Jiangcungou landfill in Xi'an and its surrounding area were taken as a research object to analyze the spatial distribution and seasonal variation patterns of non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) and VOCs components through seasonal sampling of regional NMHC concentration and VOCs concentration (116 species). CALPUFF model was adopted to analyze the regional dispersion characteristics of NMHC on landfill. In addition, propylene equivalent concentration (PEC) and maximum incremental reactivity (MIR) methods were used to estimate O 3 formation potential of the landfill, while fraction aerosol coefficient (FAC) and SOA potential (SOAP) methods were used to estimate SOA formation potential of the landfill. It was indicated that, the component with the highest concentration of VOCs on the working surface and the surrounding area of landfill was p + m-xylene (41.0 μg/m3) and halohydrocarbon (111.2 μg/m3–156.3 μg/m3), respectively. The component with the greatest impact on the surrounding air was acetone, which accounts for 75 %–87 % of the corresponding substance concentration on the landfill. In summer, the surrounding area was affected most by NMHC from landfill, whose emissions contributed 9.5 mg/m3 to the surrounding area. The component making the largest contribution to O 3 formation was p + m-xylene (8 %–24 %), while ethylbenzene was the component making the largest contribution to SOA formation (20 %–24 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to transform rural development, the implementation of disaster resettlement projects should not only reduce environmental hazards, but also improve the sustainability of natural resources and household well-being. This article assesses sustainable household well-being (SHWB) and natural resource dependence using a quantitative survey of rural China. It identifies four classes of relationship between SHWB and natural resource dependence and explores the impact of disaster resettlement on these classes. The result shows that rural households that participate in disaster resettlement as well as in voluntary relocation, centralized relocation, and new-stage relocation are more likely to achieve "high well-being and low dependence." However, the overall SHWB level of the relocated households is lower than that of the non-relocated households, and disaster resettlement also has a significant positive impact on the "low well-being and low dependence" class. It is recommended that governments implement measures to address these issues. The findings in this article could shed light on the impact of resettlement programs on rural households elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calcium-free (Ca-free) solutions are theoretically the most ideal for regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) in continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). However, the majority of medical centers in China had to make a compromise of using commercially available calcium-containing (Ca-containing) solutions instead of Ca-free ones due to their scarcity. This study was designed to probe into the potential of Ca-containing solution as a secure and efficient substitution for Ca-free solutions. Methods: In this prospective, randomized single-center trial, 99 patients scheduled for CRRT were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three treatment groups: continuous veno-venous hemodialysis Ca-free dialysate (CVVHD Ca-free) group, continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration calcium-free dialysate (CVVHDF Ca-free) group, and continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration Ca-containing dialysate (CVVHDF Ca-containing) group at cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). The primary endpoint was the incidence of metabolic complications. The secondary endpoints included premature termination of treatment, thrombus of filter, and bubble trap after the process. Results: The incidence of citrate accumulation (18.2% vs. 12.1% vs. 21.2%) and metabolic alkalosis (12.1% vs. 0% vs. 9.1%) did not significantly differ among three groups (p > 0.05 for both). The incidence of premature termination was comparable among the groups (18.2% vs. 9.1% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.582). The thrombus level of the filter and bubble trap was similar in the three groups (p > 0.05 for all). Conclusions: In RCA-CRRT for CICU population, RCA-CVVHDF with Ca-containing solutions and traditional RCA with Ca-free solutions had a comparable safety and feasibility. Trial Registration: ChiCTR2100048238 in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used a self-administered questionnaire to investigate the relationship between HIV/AIDS knowledge, social discrimination, HIV self-efficacy, sexual behavioral characteristics and HIV testing behavior among young students with a history of sexual activity in Chongqing. Propensity score matching was used to construct a control group with similar demographic characteristics to the HIV testing group, only without HIV testing behaviors. Structural equation modeling was used to conduct chain-mediated effect analysis. The HIV testing rate among young students with a history of sexual behavior was 17.16%. Young students with HIV testing behavior had higher levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge, lower social discrimination, better self-efficacy, and no difference in sexual behavior characteristic scores between the two groups (P = 0.062). The mediated effect values of social discrimination and self-efficacy were 0.022 and 0.063, respectively, while their chain mediated effect value was 0.007. There was no mediated effect of sexual behavior characteristics. The level of young students' HIV/AIDS knowledge does not directly influence their HIV testing behavior but plays a complete chain mediating effect on HIV testing behavior through social discrimination and self-efficacy. HIV testing behavior should be promoted through the perspectives of enhancing HIV/AIDS knowledge level, reducing social discrimination, and improving self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata [Lamb.] Hook.) is a widely planted species of plantation forest in China, and heat treatment can improve its dimensional stability defects and improve its performance. The wood samples were heat-treated at various temperatures (160, 180, 200, and 220 °C) for 2 h. To clarify the effect of heat treatment on wood hygroscopicity, the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) was measured, the moisture adsorption and desorption rates were determined, the hygroscopic hysteresis was examined, and the Guggenheim, Anderson, and de Boer (GAB) model was fitted to the experimental data. The moisture absorption isotherms of all samples belonged to the Type II adsorption isotherm, but the shape of the desorption isotherm was more linear for heat-treated wood samples, especially when the heat treatment temperature was higher. According to the results analyzed with ANOVA, there were significant differences in equilibrium moisture content between the control samples and the heat-treated samples under the conditions of 30%, 60%, and 95% relative humidity (RH, p < 0.05), and the results of multiple comparisons were similar. The decrease in hygroscopicity was more pronounced in wood treated at higher temperatures. The EMC of the 160–220 °C heat-treated samples of the control samples was 14.00%, 22.37%, 28.95%, and 39.63% lower than that of the control sample at 95% RH. Under low RH conditions (30%), water is taken up mainly via monolayer sorption, and multilayer sorption gradually predominates over monolayer sorption with the increase in RH. The dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) analysis indicated that the heat-treated wood revealed an increase in isotherm hysteresis, which was due to the change in cell wall chemical components and microstructure caused by heat treatment. In addition, the effective specific surface area of wood samples decreased significantly after heat treatment, and the change trend was similar to that of equilibrium moisture content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Excess nickel (Ni) entering lakes can pose adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health. This study aimed to reveal the spatiotemporal distribution, mobilization kinetics, and potential risk of Ni in sediments of a typical multi-ecological lake, Lake Taihu, China. Methods: We conducted seasonal monitoring of the spatial distribution of soluble and labile Ni in sediments using high-resolution dialysis samplers (HR-Peeper) and the diffusive gradient in thin-films technique (DGT), respectively. Results: We found that the total Ni concentrations in sediments (mean: 37.56 mg kg−1) all exceeded the background value (19.5 mg kg−1). The spatial distributions of soluble and labile Ni showed no notable fluctuations along the vertical profiles of sediments in all seasons. The DGT-induced fluxes model implied that there is a partial Ni resupply capacity in the sediment of all three ecological zones, but it is higher in the algal-type zones than in the macrophyte-type and transition zones. Furthermore, an assessment of the ecotoxicological risk found that the risk quotient values for Ni were less than 1 in all sampling seasons, indicating a low ecotoxicological risk of Ni in the sediments of Lake Taihu. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the ecological risk in the algal-type lake zones requires special attention. Our findings help towards improving the level of understanding regarding the mobilization process and potential risk of Ni in sediments, which in turn can provide guidance for the prevention and control of sediment Ni pollution in lakes with multiple types of ecological zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to advance the recycling of mercury-containing waste and promote sustainable development within the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) industry. Our innovative system integrates pre-treatment technology (spraying potassium permanganate and demisting and dust removal) with efficient non-thermal plasma oxidation, resulting in excellent treatment efficiency, low cost, and simple operation. With a processing capacity of 3000 m3/h, the concentration of mercury emissions in flue gas can achieve the target of <0.01 mg/m3, boasting a removal efficiency exceeding 98%, which satisfies the standard "Emission standard of air pollutants for industrial kiln and furnace" (GB 9078-1996). Our results can provide technical support for the comprehensive purification of mercury-containing flue gas during the resource recovery process from mercury-containing waste. The application of our system can contribute to reducing mercury emissions in the PVC industry, lowering occupational exposure risks for workers, and promoting China's better compliance with "the Minamata Convention on Mercury". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extremely thick and hard roofs are difficult to break in the mining of a working face, and the large area of the suspended roof easily induces a strong ground pressure or dynamic impact disasters. The roof control of a coal mining face in a mine in western China was taken as a case study. The mineral composition, microstructure, and hydrophysical properties of the hard roof overlying the coal seam were analyzed. The characteristics of the weak-cementation strata that are prone to mud and collapse when encountering water were targeted to investigate the hydraulic softening roof-cutting and pressure relief technology. It was found that the clay mineral composition in the roof plate accounts for 60.6%. After 24 h of natural immersion, the rock strength decreased by approximately 10.3%-49%, and further immersion caused disintegration. By arranging high and low double-row water injection softening drilling holes in the cutting hole and roadway of the working face, the strength of roof rock strata in the target area was reduced, and the initial weighting step distance and weighting strength of the working face were reduced. The hydraulic softening roof-cutting pressure relief technology effectively regulated the weighting step distance of the hard roof and the peak weighting of the working face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DOMs in various farmland soils were characterized by EEM-PARAFAC and FTICR-MS. • National spatial distributions of soil DOM were investigated across mainland China. • Numerous molecular formulae were detected, covering a wide range, by 15T FTICR-MS. • The difference in DOM spatial heterogeneity was reflected in CHOS and CHONS. • Lignin and tannin contributed top proportions probably due to soil-derived humus. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays an essential role in many geochemical processes, however its complexity, chemical diversity, and molecular composition are poorly understood. Soil samples were collected from 500 vegetable fields in administrative regions of mainland China, of which 122 were selected for further investigation. DOM properties were characterized by three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (3D-EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) (field intensity is 15 Tesla). Our results indicated that the main constituents were UVA humic-like substances, humic-like substances, fulvic acid-like substances, and tyrosine-like substances. A total of 10,989 molecular formulae with a mass range of 100.04 to 799.59 Da were detected, covering the mass spectrometric information of the soil samples from 27 different regions. CHO and CHON molecules were dominant in DOM, whereas lignin, tannins, and aromatic substances served as the main components. The results of cluster analysis revealed that the soil properties in Jiangxi Province were considerably different from those in other regions. The key backgrounds of the DOM molecular characteristics in the vegetable-field soil samples across mainland China were provided at the molecular level, with large abundance and great variability. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollution of heavy metals (HMs) in agricultural soils profoundly threatens national food safety, and the mobility and environmental behaviors of HMs are closely implicated in crop safety. Here, we assessed the pollution level and mobility of ten HMs and explored their environmental behaviors in the soils of three different land uses from a main crop production zone in eastern China. The concentrations of HMs in the soils were higher in the farmland than the woodland and wasteland, and Cd showed a relatively higher pollution and ecological risk levels compared to other metals. Cadmium was dominated by the reducible (41%) and exchangeable (23%) fractions, and the rest of HMs were mainly in the residual fraction (> 60%). The significant correlation between the exchangeable and DGT-labile Cd indicates relatively higher mobility of Cd in the soils. Soil pH, organic matters and mineral elements had significant correlation with the exchangeable and reducible fractions of most of the HMs (e.g., Cd, Co, Mn, Ni, Pb and V; p < 0.05), indicating their good predictors of the HMs mobility. However, this was not the case for the DGT-labile fraction, which suggests a marked difference in the controlling mechanisms of the mobility versus potential bioavailability of HMs in the soils. The results of this study indicate that both the chemically extracted fractions and the bioavailable fractions of HMs need be considered when effectively assessing the safety of agricultural soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Monitoring microplastics (MPs) in cetaceans is challenging due to difficulties in obtaining samples, especially for endangered species. In this study, we characterized MPs ingested in nine individuals of four cetacean species stranded along the western coast of the Taiwan Strait including not only small coastal dolphins but also large pelagic and deep-diving cetaceans. A total intestine length of 123.2 m was analyzed, and the color, shape, size, and polymer types of MPs were then identified. The mean abundance of MPs was 86.44 ± 12.22 items individual−1, which was slightly higher compared with the same species from other waters worldwide. Moreover, a strong significant relationship between MPs abundance and intestine contents mass was identified. Transparent, fibrous MPs made from PET and PP were found to be predominant in the present study, indicating that the primary MPs source is from municipal and industrial sewage from clothing production and industry as well as from fisheries and aquaculture. Our study provides more information about the MPs pollution of endangered species in the western Taiwan Strait. It highlights the further risk assessment of MPs consumption in these threatened species. Microplastics (MPs) pollution is of global concern, which poses serious threats to various marine organisms, including many threatened apex predators. In this study, MPs were investigated from nine cetaceans of four different species, comprising one common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), two pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps), one ginkgo-toothed beaked whale (Mesoplodon ginkgodens), and five Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) stranded along the western coast of the Taiwan Strait from the East China Sea based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. Mean abundances of 778 identified MPs items were 86.44 ± 12.22 items individual−1 and 0.43 ± 0.19 items g−1 wet weight of intestine contents, which were found predominantly to be transparent, fiber-shaped polyethylene terephthalate (PET) items usually between 0.5 and 5 mm. The abundance of MPs was found at a slightly higher level and significantly correlated with intestine contents mass (p = 0.0004*). The MPs source was mainly likely from synthetic fibers-laden sewage discharged from intense textile industries. Our report represents the first study of MPs in pelagic and deep-diving cetaceans in China, which not only adds baseline data on MPs for cetaceans in Asian waters but also highlights the further risk assessment of MPs consumption in these threatened species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brucellosis poses a significant public health concern. This study explores the spatial and temporal dynamic evolution of human brucellosis in China and analyses the spatial heterogeneity of the influencing factors related to the incidence of human brucellosis at the provincial level. Methods: The Join-point model, centre of gravity migration model and spatial autocorrelation analysis were employed to evaluate potential changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of human brucellosis in mainland China from 2005 to 2021. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), and Multi-scale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) models were constructed to analyze the spatial and temporal correlation between the incidence rate of human brucellosis and meteorological and social factors. Results: From 2005 to 2021, human brucellosis in China showed a consistent upward trend. The incidence rate rose more rapidly in South, Central, and Southwest China, leading to a shift in the center of gravity from the North to the Southwest, as illustrated in the migration trajectory diagram. Strong spatial aggregation was observed. The MGWR model outperformed others. Spatio-temporal plots indicated that lower mean annual temperatures and increased beef, mutton, and milk production significantly correlated with higher brucellosis incidence. Cities like Guangxi and Guangdong were more affected by low temperatures, while Xinjiang and Tibet were influenced more by beef and milk production. Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang were more affected by mutton production. Importantly, an increase in regional GDP and health expenditure exerted a notable protective effect against human brucellosis incidence. Conclusions: Human brucellosis remains a pervasive challenge. Meteorological and social factors significantly influence its incidence in a spatiotemporally specific manner. Tailored prevention strategies should be region-specific, providing valuable insights for effective brucellosis control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, breast cancer (BC) incidence and mortality have been the highest in females. Menopause-like syndrome (MLS), arising from hypoestrogenism caused by endocrine therapy, significantly affects the quality of life for females. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has advantages in ameliorating MLS, but the efficacy of TCM in patients with BC has not been systematically evaluated. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, and Clinical Trial Registry from inception to September 4, 2023. The Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool was used for the quality evaluation of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Review Manager 5.4 software was used for statistical analysis, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was used for quality evaluation of the synthesized evidence. Results: This review included 42 studies involving 3112 female patients with BC. The results showed that the TCM group was better at decreasing the Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI) scores (standardized MD, SMD = − 1.84, 95% confidence interval, CI [− 2.21–-1.46], Z = 9.63, P < 0.00001). Regarding the main symptoms of MLS, the TCM groups could significantly decrease the scores of hot flashes and night sweats (SMD = − 0.68, 95% CI [− 1.1–-0.27], Z = 3.24, P = 0.001), paraesthesia (SMD = − 0.48, 95% CI [− 0.74–-0.21], Z = 3.53, P = 0.0004), osteoarthralgia (SMD = − 0.41, 95% CI [− 0.6–0.21], Z = 4.09, P < 0.0001), anxiety (MD = − 0.85, 95% CI [− 1.13, − 0.58], Z = 6.08, P < 0.00001) and insomnia (MD = − 0.61, 95% CI [− 0.8, − 0.43], Z = 6.51, P < 0.00001). TCM can effectively improve the symptoms of MLS in patients with BC. Moreover, TCM could improve the objective response rate (ORR) by 50% (RR = 1.5, 95% CI [1.37–1.64], Z = 9.01, P < 0.00001). Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestradiol (E2) had no significant difference compared with the control group (p = 0.81 and p = 0.87), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the TCM group decreased significantly (MD = − 0.99, 95% CI [− 1.38, − 0.5], Z = 5.01, P < 0.00001). This means that the use of TCM does not negatively affect endocrine therapy and may even have a synergistic effect. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was lower in the TCM groups than in the control groups. Conclusions: The meta-analysis stated that TCM could better improve the MLS of patients, alleviate related symptoms, and did not increase adverse drug reactions in BC survivors. This review brings more attention to MLS, and the present findings shed light on the potential applications of TCM in the treatment of MLS in BC survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Predicting mortality in stroke patients using information available before endovascular treatment (EVT) is an essential component for supporting clinical decision-making. Although the mortality rate of acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO) after EVT has reached 40%, few studies have focused on predicting mortality in these individuals. Thus, we aimed to develop and validate a machine learning-based mortality prediction tool based on preoperative information for ABAO patients receiving EVT. Methods The derivation cohort comprised patients from southern provinces of China in the BASILAR registry. The model (POSITIVE: Predicting mOrtality of baSilar artery occlusion patIents Treated wIth EVT) was trained and optimized using a fivefold cross-validation method in which hyperparameters were selected and fine-tuned. This model was retrospectively tested in patients from the northern provinces of China from the BASILAR registry. A prospective test of POSITIVE was performed on consecutive patients from two hospitals between January 2020 and June 2022. Results Extreme gradient boosting was employed to construct the POSITIVE model, which achieved the best predictive performance among the eight machine learning algorithms and showed excellent discrimination (area under the curve (AUC) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.80 to 0.87) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, P>0.05) in the development cohort. AUC yielded by the POSITIVE model for the retrospective test was 0.79 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.85), higher than that obtained by traditional models. Prospective comparisons showed that the POSITIVE model achieved the highest AUC (0.82, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.90) among all prediction models. Conclusion We developed a machine learning algorithm and retrospective and prospective testing with multicentric cohorts, which exhibited a solid predictive performance and may act as a convenient reference to guide decision-making for ABAO patients. The POSITIVE model is presented online for user-friendly access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the progression of global healthcare and medical waste (HMW) disposal technologies and emerging practices in China including the COVID-19 pandemic period through patent technology innovation analysis. Trends were identified through both the Derwent Innovation Index database and bibliometric methods. Based on the bibliometric analysis of 4128 patents issued from 2002 to 2021, the development status and research trends of HMW disposal technology were revealed. Regarding patents, China significantly advanced post-2011. However, a large number of applications are filed only in China and are more focused on domestic rather than overseas markets. As the pandemic remains a threat, and increasing amounts of medical waste are generated, new technologies are being sought in China that will be safer for humans and the environment, and will also be in line with the zero waste technology trend. Incineration and waste crushing are core methodologies in medical waste disposal. Future directions pivot towards innovations in large-scale and distributed processing equipment, automation and unmanned systems and high-temperature steam disinfection collaborative disposal methods—including the "High temperature steam–municipal solid waste incineration collaborative technology" and the "High temperature steam–thermal magnetic gasification collaborative technology". This patent analysis enhances our understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on HMW disposal practices, guiding improved policymaking and research in the HMW sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the postoperative binocular visual quality in six treatment protocols for bilateral age-related cataract surgery with presbyopia correction for clinical decisions. In this prospective two-center single-blinded cohort study, participants from North or South China who underwent bilateral phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation were divided into six protocols: monovision, diffractive bifocal, mixed, refractive bifocal, trifocal, and micro-monovision extended range of vision (EROV). Binocular visual quality was evaluated at 3 months postoperatively, including binocular uncorrected full-range visual acuity, binocular defocus curves (depth of focus [DoF] and area under the curve [AUC]), binocular visual function (fusion function and stereopsis), binocular subjective spectacle independence rates, visual analog scale (VAS) of overall satisfaction, 25-item visual function questionnaire (VFQ-25), and binocular dysphotopsia symptoms. Of the 300 enrolled patients, 272 (90.7%; 544 eyes) were analyzed. The trifocal protocol showed excellent binocular full-range visual acuity and the best performance for most DoFs and AUCs. The monovision protocol presented the worst binocular visual quality in most perspectives, especially in convergence, distance, and near stereopsis (p < 0.001). The full-range subjective spectacle independence rates were sorted from highest to lowest as follows: trifocal (84.8%), refractive bifocal (80.9%), EROV (80.0%), mixed (73.3%), diffractive bifocal (65.2%), and monovision (32.6%) protocols, with no statistically significant differences between the former five protocols (p > 0.05). The EROV protocol achieved the highest VAS and VFQ-25 scores. The incidence of postoperative binocular dysphotopsia symptoms was comparable in all protocols. The trifocal protocol showed the best performance, and the monovision protocol presented the worst performance in most perspectives of binocular visual quality for presbyopia correction. The refractive bifocal, mixed, or EROV protocols can provide an approximate performance as a trifocal protocol. Ophthalmologists can customize therapies using different protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Loess Plateau is one of the most fragile ecological regions in China due to its shortage of water resources and severe soil erosion. The rapid development of urbanization and the implementation of the project of returning farmland to forest (grass) have caused the ecological environment of the region to be strongly impacted by human activities. It is necessary to investigate the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of ecosystem services and trade-off/synergy relationships on the Loess Plateau, to achieve scientific management of ecological services and sustainable development of the region. This study quantitatively assesses three ecosystem services of water yield (WY), carbon storage (CS), and soil conservation (SC) on the Loess Plateau under different scenarios from 2000 to 2030 by using the InVEST and PLUS models. Further, the trade-off and synergistic relationships among the ecosystem services have been investigated by Spearman correlation analysis. The results showed that the land-use differences are more obvious under different policy scenarios, with a sharp expansion of constructed land, a gradual increase of forest land, and a continuous decrease of arable land in the Loess Plateau from 2000 to 2020; the water yield and soil conservation increase from 2000 to 2020, and the carbon storage shows an opposite trend. The soil conservation and carbon storage scenarios are the best under the ecological conservation scenario in 2030, while the water yield service is the best under the economic development scenario. There is a synergistic relationship between CS and SC, while there is a trade-off relationship between CS and WY. In addition, there are significant trade-off effects between SC and WY. These results can support guiding land-use management and ecological restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dongyu River is a national site for monitoring the inflow of Nansi Lake, located in the southwest of Shandong Province, China. Water quality has a significant impact on the safety of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. To investigate the water quality of Dongyu River and the estuary area of Nansi Lake, we collected water samples and surface sediments from Dongyu River and the estuary area in May 2019 and analysed the characteristics of the diatom communities and water quality. The results showed that 23026 diatom shells were identified at 15 sampling points in the study area, belonging to 161 species of 23 genera. The dominant diatom taxa were Cyclotella meneghiniana, Fragilaria fasciculata, Fragilaria ulna, Amphora libyca, and Cocconeis placentula. Redundancy analysis explained 43.2% of diatom change information. The Monte Carlo permutation test showed that NH4+-N and DO were significant environmental factors that affected diatom assembly, explaining 34.78% and 8.38% of the diatom variability, respectively. The results of the biological evaluation showed that the water quality of Dongyu River and the estuary area of Nansi Lake were in a light-medium pollution state. The RDA analysis of the diatom community and principal component analysis showed that the water quality of the middle and lower reaches of Dongyu River was poor. In general, the middle and lower reaches of Dongyu River are severely polluted by agricultural non-point sources and controlling the use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers and the emission of nitrogen-containing organic matter can preserve the aquatic water quality of Dongyu River and the water safety of the East Route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the association of hemoglobin concentration with a 90-day mortality of young adult patients with ICH in a large retrospective cohort. A retrospective observational study was conducted between December 2013 and June 2019 in two tertiary academic medical centers in China. We defined patients with hemoglobin concentration < 80 g/L as severe anemia and 80–120/130 g/L as mild to moderate anemia. We also defined patients with hemoglobin concentration > 160 g/L as high hemoglobin. Associations of hemoglobin and outcomes were evaluated in multivariable regression analyses. The primary outcome was mortality at 90 days. We identified 4098 patients with ICH who met the inclusion criteria. After adjusting primary confounding variables, the 90-day mortality rate was significantly higher in young patients with severe anemia (OR, 39.65; 95% CI 15.42–101.97), moderate anemia (OR, 2.49; 95% CI 1.24–5.00), mild anemia (OR, 1.89; 95% CI 1.20–2.98), and high hemoglobin (OR, 2.03; 95% CI 1.26–3.26) group than in young patients of the normal group. The younger age was associated with a higher risk of death from anemia in patients with ICH (P for interaction = 0.01). In young adult patients with ICH, hemoglobin concentration was associated with 90-day mortality, and even mild to moderate anemia correlated with higher mortality. We also found that in ICH patients with anemia, younger age was associated with higher risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the composition of natural enemy species in the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) population and the dynamics of its natural enemy community in Dandong, Liaoning Province, China, where it was first reported. We collected the natural enemy of eggs, larvae, and pupae of H. cunea on host trees at 12 survey sites from June 2019 to October 2020. The results showed that the community consists of 34 species: 20 predatory species, including 15 spiders and 5 insects, and 14 parasitic species, including 10 parasitic wasps and 4 parasitic flies. The top 3 dominant species based on the importance value index for both parasitic and predatory species were Pediobius pupariae  >  Chouioia cunea  >  Cotesia gregalis in the natural enemy community of H. cunea. Analysis of all 3 principal components by principal component analysis showed that Clubionidae sp. 1, Parena cavipennis , or other predators were the main factors affecting the natural enemy community. Analysis of the community structure parameters of the H. cunea natural enemy community in different developmental stages across generations revealed the following: (i) Compared with the degree of complexity of the egg and pupal stages, the larval stage was the highest. (ii) The complexity was determined by means of comprehensive evaluation: first-generation larvae in 2020 > first-generation larvae in 2019 > second-generation larvae in 2020 > second-generation larvae in 2019. These results clarify the dynamics of natural enemy species, coevolution with the host in the invaded habitat of H. cunea and development of biological control technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 237 surface soil samples were collected during May and June 2021 within a mining activity area in Eastern Shandong Province, China. In this research, the soil heavy metal pollution risk and its sources were identified in the mining activity area. Overall, the soil was acidic in nature, and most of the sites were uncontaminated, except for a few that were slightly polluted. The heavy metals produced by mining activity were mainly Hg, Pb, and Cd, among which Hg was highly enriched, while Pb and Cd were slightly enriched, indicating high ecological risks for Hg followed by Cd in this region. Most of the heavy metals were not above the detrimental level for human health, but the As, Cr, and Pb contents require attention. The Ni and Cr heavy metals were mainly derived from natural sources, whereas As was derived from pesticides and fertilizers, Zn and Cu had mixed sources, and the heavy metal Cd may affect agricultural security to some extent. This study provides scientific support for implementing policies to control heavy metal pollution and its sources. These findings will also assist in protecting and restoring the ecological environment, promoting safer agricultural production, and providing a healthier life for residents within mining activity areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leonurus japonicus Houtt. is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with high medicinal and edible value. Wild L. japonicus resources have reduced dramatically in recent years. This study predicted the response of distribution range of L. japonicus to climate change in China, which provided scientific basis for the conservation and utilization. In this study, 489 occurrence points of L. japonicus were selected based on GIS technology and spThin package. The default parameters of MaxEnt model were adjusted by using ENMeva1 package of R environment, and the optimized MaxEnt model was used to analyze the distribution of L. japonicus. When the feature combination in the model parameters is hing and the regularization multiplier is 1.5, the MaxEnt model has a higher degree of optimization. With the AUC of 0.830, our model showed a good predictive performance. The results showed that L. japonicus were widely distributed in the current period. The maximum temperature of warmest month, the min temperature of coldest month, the precipitation of wettest month, the precipitation of driest month, and altitude were the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of L. japonicus. Under the three climate change scenarios, the suitable distribution area of L. japonicus will range shift to high latitudes, indicating that the distribution of L. japonicus has a strong response to climate change. The regional change rate is the lowest under the SSP126‐2090s scenario and the highest under the SSP585‐2090s scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), also known as the fall webworm, is a worldwide quarantine pest. In recent years, it has spread and caused serious damage in China. Tetrastichus septentrionalis Yang is a native dominant parasitic natural enemy population found in China that has potential application value for biological control. We selected Tenebrio molitor as an alternative host for artificially rearing T. septentrionalis via screening. We found that diapause in T. septentrionalis is of the long-day type, and can also be used in insect enemy mass production. This study's findings may allow the preservation period of this species to be prolonged by utilizing the phenomenon of diapause in the future and provide a reference for the biological control of the fall webworm and other leaf-eating pests. The chalcid wasp Tetrastichus septentrionalis Yang (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is one of the dominant pupal parasitoids of Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae). In this study, the photoperiod's effect on diapause induction in T. septentrionalis using the alternative host Tenebrio molitor was measured, revealing that T. septentrionalis is of the long-day type. The critical photoperiods for diapause induction in T. septentrionalis were estimated to be between photoperiods of 13:11 and 14:10 (L:D) h at 18 °C, and between photoperiods of 12:12 and 13:11 (L:D) h at 21 °C and 24 °C. We also found that T. septentrionalis diapausing larvae were grey-brown, while normally developed (non-diapausing) individuals were light yellow. The diapause-sensitive insect state was the larval stage, and the short light exposure treatment had a significant cumulative effect on diapause induction. The least squares method was used to calculate a lower developmental threshold of 13.34 ± 0.50 °C and an effective cumulative temperature of 184.46 ± 11.46 d·°C for post-diapause development. The average supercooling point of diapausing mature larvae was significantly lower than that of non-diapausing ones. Our research on T. septentrionalis provides a reference for the biological control of H. cunea and other leaf-eating pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yellow River Basin is an important energy base and economic belt in China, but its water resources are scarce, its ecology is fragile, and the task of achieving the goal of carbon peak and carbon neutrality is arduous. Carbon compensation potential can also be used to study the path to achieving carbon neutrality, which can clarify the potential of one region's carbon sink surplus to be compensated to the other areas. Still, there needs to be more research on the carbon compensation potential of the Yellow River Basin. Therefore, this study calculated the carbon compensation potential using the β convergence test and parameter comparison method. With the help of spatial measurement tools such as GIS, GeoDa, Stata, and social network analysis methods, the spatiotemporal pattern and network structure of the carbon compensation potential in the Yellow River Basin were studied from the perspective of urban agglomeration. The results demonstrate the following: (1) The overall carbon compensation rate of the YRB showed a downward trend from 2005 to 2019, falling by 0.94, and the specific pattern was "high in the northwest and low in the southeast". The spatial distribution is roughly spread along the east–west axis, and the distribution axis and the center of gravity keep shifting to the northwest. It also showed a weak divergence and a bifurcation trend. (2) The carbon compensation rate in the YRB passed the spatial correlation and β convergence tests, demonstrating the existence of spatial correlation and a "catch-up effect" among cities. (3) The overall distribution pattern of the carbon compensation potential in the YRB is a "low in the west and high in the east" pattern, and its value increased by 8.86% during the sampled period. (4) The network correlation of carbon compensation potential in the YRB has been significantly enhanced, with the downstream region being more connected than the upstream region. (5) The Shandong Peninsula Urban Agglomeration has the largest network center, followed by the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration, and the Ningxia along the Yellow River Urban Agglomeration has the fewest linked conduction paths. According to the research results, accurate and efficient planning and development suggestions are proposed for urban agglomeration in the Yellow River Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between white blood cell (WBC) counts and mortality in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has not been established. The aim of this study is to determine whether higher WBC is associated with mortality at 90 days. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at two medical hospitals in China. Baseline WBC count on admission served as the primary predictor variable. Longitudinal WBC counts within the first week after admission were collected to assess the effects of WBC trajectory and the median and maximum WBC counts on outcomes following ICH. Associations of WBC count with outcomes were evaluated in multivariable regression analyses. Results: We identified 3613 patients with ICH who met the inclusion criteria. After adjusting primary confounding variables, patients with increased WBC count had a significantly higher risk of 90-day mortality (p < 0.001 for trend). In the receiver operating characteristic analyses, the capacity for all-cause mortality prediction by WBC count on admission (area under the ROC curve (AUC) = 0.65) was superior to other important inflammatory markers, including neutrophil (AUC = 0.64) , lymphocyte (AUC = 0.57), albumin (AUC = 0.57), and platelet count (AUC = 0.53), p < 0.001 for WBC vs. neutrophil, and the median WBC count (AUC = 0.66) within the first week after admission was a better marker than admission WBC count (p = 0.02). Conclusions: In patients with ICH, WBC count on admission was associated with all-cause mortality at 90 days. Additionally, the median and maximum WBC counts within the first week after admission showed better predictive ability for the 90-day mortality compared with the WBC count on admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the threat of natural disasters, protect natural resources, and promote human wellbeing, Shaanxi Province, China has implemented the largest disaster resettlement project since 2011. It has moved 2.4 million people in three prefectures over 10 years. Using survey data from southern Shaanxi, China, this article measures sustainable household wellbeing (SHWB) and natural resource dependence in the context of disaster resettlement. It explores the differences in SHWB and natural resource dependence across different groups and relocation characteristics. To specifically analyze the effects of natural resource dependence on SHWB, ordinary least square (OLS) regression models were used to investigate their relationship. The results show that natural resource dependence shows significant positive correlation with SHWB. Meanwhile, the food dependence, energy dependence, and income dependence of relocated households show significant positive correlation with SHWB. Additionally, the SHWB of relocated households, voluntary relocation households, and centralized relocation households is significantly lower than local households, involuntary relocation households, and scattered relocation households. These findings have broader implications for rural communities in China and other developing countries, and are crucial for rural households to change the heavy dependence on natural resources and improve their wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) mediate carbohydrate turnover and play vital roles in plant- and microbial-derived carbon decomposition. However, the changes of genes that encoding enzymes for plant- and microbial-derived carbon decomposition along environmental gradients remains unclear. Methods: We used metagenomic sequencing to explore changes in genes encoding enzymes for carbon decomposition in five forest sites along an elevational gradient (1503–3182 m) on Qinling Mountain, China. Results: The genes encoding CAZymes showed various patterns along the elevational gradient. In particular, the abundance of genes encoding auxiliary enzymes and glycoside hydrolases decreased with increasing elevation. The abundance of genes encoding enzymes for plant- and fungi-derived carbon decomposition was higher at low elevations than at high elevations, whereas the abundance of genes encoding enzymes for bacteria-derived carbon decomposition was higher at high elevations than at low elevations. The results indicate contrasting patterns of fungal- and bacterial-derived carbon decomposition with elevation. Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria were the dominant species that decomposed dead plant and microbial biomass. Moreover, our results reveal that soil properties (i.e., ammonium nitrogen and bulk density) and vegetation properties dominated the CAZymes gene distribution along the elevational gradient. Conclusion: Bacteria- and fungi-derived carbon decomposition potentials show contrasting elevational patterns in forest soils; soil and vegetation properties are common controls for the elevational patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, is a zoonotic disease that can reemerge and cause outbreaks following decades of latency in natural plague foci. However, the genetic diversity and spread pattern of Y. pestis during these epidemic-silent cycles remain unclear. In this study, we analyze 356 Y. pestis genomes isolated between 1952 and 2016 in the Yunnan Rattus tanezumi plague focus, China, covering two epidemic-silent cycles. Through high-resolution genomic epidemiological analysis, we find that 96% of Y. pestis genomes belong to phylogroup 1.ORI2 and are subdivided into two sister clades (Sublineage1 and Sublineage2) characterized by different temporal-spatial distributions and genetic diversity. Most of the Sublineage1 strains are isolated from the first epidemic-silent cycle, while Sublineage2 strains are predominantly from the second cycle and revealing a west to east spread. The two sister clades evolved in parallel from a common ancestor and independently lead to two separate epidemics, confirming that the pathogen responsible for the second epidemic following the silent interval is not a descendant of the causative strain of the first epidemic. Our results provide a mechanism for defining epidemic-silent cycles in natural plague foci, which is valuable in the prevention and control of future plague outbreaks. Genome sequencing of Chinese Yersinia pestis isolates spanning more than 60 years and covering two epidemics and "silent" cycles in-between reveal the phylogeographic and evolutionary background of these plague cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plague, one of the most devastating infectious diseases in human history, is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Since the 1950s, the Dehong Dai–Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture (DH) in Yunnan Province, China, has recorded plague outbreaks that have resulted in 1,153 human cases and 379 deaths. The genetic diversity and transmission characteristics of Y. pestis strains in this region remain unknown. Here, we performed high-resolution genomic epidemiological analysis of 175 Y. pestis strains isolated from five counties and 19 towns in DH between 1953 and 2007. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most DH strains were located in lineage 1.ORI2, which could be further subdivided into seven sub-phylogroups (SPG1-SPG7). The dominant sub-phylogroups of Y. pestis in DH varied during different periods and presented a population shift. Genomic evidence showed that plague might have emerged from the southwest of DH (e.g., Longchuan or Ruili counties) or its bordering countries, and subsequently spread to the northeast in multiple waves between 1982 and 2007. Our study infers a fine-scale phylogeny and spread pattern of the DH Y. pestis population, which extends our knowledge regarding its genetic diversity and provides clues for the future prevention and control of plague in this region. Author summary: Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, has led to three historic pandemics and remains a major public health issue. Here, genomic epidemiological analysis of 175 Y. pestis strains isolated over 50 years from the Dehong Dai—Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, a region located in southwestern China, revealed the genomic evolution scenario of Y. pestis with high resolution. Our results revealed that plague epidemics in this region were led by different phylogroups, and population shift events were observed during different years, suggesting high dynamics of Y. pestis populations in the local natural plague foci. We found that the spread of plague was from southwest to northeast and inferred the possible origin of the epidemics, which would help strengthen surveillance of the epizootic in local natural plague foci and promote the prevention and control of human plague. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Few studies have explored factors that may account for potential mechanisms between perceived coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) stress and online aggression. The current study examined a moderated mediation model with anxiety as a mediator and perceived anonymity as a moderator. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. 3,069 participants across China completed scales assessing perceived COVID-19 stress, anxiety, online aggression, and perceived anonymity. Results: Perceived COVID-19 stress was positively related to online aggression. The association between perceived COVID-19 stress and online aggression was mediated by anxiety. Besides, the relationship between perceived COVID-19 stress and online aggression, as well as the relationship between anxiety and online aggression were moderated by perceived anonymity. Conclusion: This study explains the possible potential mechanisms for reducing online aggression in the context of COVID-19. In order to intervene in online aggression, psychological strategies are supposed to be drawn to reduce anxiety and perceived anonymity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few studies on the simultaneous behavior of chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and tungsten (W) belonging to group VIB of the periodic table. Herein, based on high-resolution dialysis (HR-Peeper) and diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technology, the vertical distribution characteristics of DGT-labile and soluble Cr, Mo, and W in two lakes of Nansi Lake (Weishan Lake and Dushan Lake) were analyzed. In addition, the net diffusion fluxes and R-value (CDGT/Csol) were used to evaluate the mobility and release risk of metals at the sediment-water interface. The results showed that the DGT-labile concentrations of the three metal elements (Cr, Mo, and W) in Weishan Lake were higher than those in Dushan Lake, both in overlying water and sediment. This is mainly due to the dredging of the Dushan Lake area, which can permanently remove the polluted sediment in the lake. Meanwhile, the exogenous input is relatively high near the tourist area of Weishan Island. The net diffusion fluxes indicate that the W has a potential release risk of diffusion to the overlying water in Dushan Lake. The release of Cr, Mo, and W is thought to be related to the reductive dissolution of Fe/Mn (hydr)oxides based on Pearson correlation coefficients. The R-values of Cr and W indicate that Cr and W belong to the partial continuity case. The R-value of Mo was lower than the minimum value, meaning that Mo belongs to the single diffusion type and it is difficult for Mo sediments to supply pore water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil microorganism and their relationships with soil respiration in paddy systems in karst areas (KA) of southern China is important for understanding the mechanisms of greenhouse gas emission reduction. Soils were collected from the tillage layer (0–20 cm) during the rice growing season from KA and non-karst areas (NKA) (red soils) from the Guilin Karst Experimental Site in China. Community structures and inferred functionalities of bacteria and fungi were analyzed using the high-throughput sequencing techniques, FAPROTAX and FUNGuild. A bacterial–fungal co-occurrence network was constructed and soil respiration was measured using dark box-gas chromatography and built their relationships. The results indicated that soil respiration was significantly lower in KA than in NKA. Principal component analysis indicated that bacterial and fungal community structures significantly differed between KA and NKA. The OTU ratio of fungi to bacteria (F/B) was positively correlated with soil respiration (p = 0.044). Further, the key network microorganisms were OTU69 and OTU1133 and OTU1599 in the KA. Soil respiration negatively correlated with Acidobacteria Gp6, dung saprotroph-endophyte-litter saprotroph-undefined saprotroph, aerobic nitrite oxidizers and nitrifier in KA (p < 0.05). Overall, this study demonstrated that soil respiration was reduced when soil microorganisms shifted from bacterial to fungal dominance during the rice growing season in KA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's Ecological Conservation Redline (ECR) program ensures the coordination and sustainability of natural and economic development while maintaining regional ecological security. Current research focuses on the ecosystem services within ECR areas but ignores cross-boundary ecological flow and the interactions between the internal and external ecological effects of ECR areas. In addition, the ecological background has spatial continuity that is not limited by boundaries, and the radiation effect areas extending beyond ECR areas have not been quantified. In this study, the Beijing ECR areas and ecological security network were integrated in order to connect the ecological process and landscape pattern to the ECR through the circulation path of ecological corridors, and cross-boundary effects between patches were examined. The field spread model was used to quantify the radiation influence range of ECR areas. Additionally, 972.46 km of ecological corridors were identified in Beijing, and abundant corridors effectively linked the ECR areas and maintained the material cycle. In the surrounding areas, ecological corridors were spread radially, with a total length of 941.85 km, promoting cross-boundary ecological flow between the ECR and surrounding source areas. This study used 25 ecological nodes to constitute the cross-boundary ecological security network system. The total radiation area based on the ECR source was 9572.16 km2. These results provide support for the radiation effect of ECR and cross-boundary ecological flows and suggest a useful model for sustainable ecological development and cross-boundary management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat quality has great significance in terms of regional ecological conservation and human welfare. In this study, we evaluated the spatial and temporal characteristics of land use and habitat quality in the temperate desert sub-region of the Ordos Plateau using patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) and integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs (InVEST) models. From 2000 to 2020, the areas of grassland, cropland, and unused land in the study area increased significantly; the areas of water bodies and woodland increased slightly; and the area of wasteland decreased significantly. Moreover, the habitat quality in the temperate desert subzone of the Ordos Plateau showed a trend of initial increase and then decrease between 2000 and 2020. The areas of lower and low habitat quality first decreased and then increased, and the overall area decreased over time. Conversely, the areas of high and higher habitat quality initially increased and then decreased, and the overall area increased over time. The area of medium habitat quality first decreased and then increased, although the overall change was minimal. Based on the PLUS model, the predicted habitat quality of the study area in 2025 under the natural development scenario was compared to that predicted under the ecological conservation scenario. The comparison of results showed higher habitat quality and lower habitat degradation under the ecological conservation development scenario. These results can be used to provide a scientific basis and decision reference for the sustainable use of land resources and encouragement of high-quality socio-economic development in the temperate desert sub-region of the Ordos Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to describe blood services in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Regions, (hereinafter referred to as Aba Prefecture), a region of China's Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, the third largest area of Tibet and the main inhabited area of the Qiang people. Design: We present a comprehensive investigation into blood donations, donors, screening and supply in the 13 counties of Aba Prefecture based on data from 2013 to 2018. Geography and population were also used to analyze the differences in blood services among different regions. Participants: The number of blood donors totaled 19,047. Results: Over the past 6 years, blood donations have increased by 29 and clinical blood usage by 45%. The blood donation rate was 3.4‰ and per capita blood use was 1.04 mL, both of which were significantly lower than the national average, and blood donation decreased with altitude. It should be noted that the donation rate of the Tibetan and Qiang peoples is much lower than that of the Han population. Moreover, the rejection rate of blood in laboratory testing was found to be higher than the national average, especially in counties located at higher altitudes. Conclusions: Blood donations and usage increased every year in Aba Prefecture, but blood shortage is still an important issue. In addition, the prevalence of transfusion–transmitted diseases is relatively high, which may be linked to lower-education and unfavorable geographical and medical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to estimate predictors for vaginal birth following balloon catheter induction of labor (IOL) in women with one previous cesarean section (CS) and an unfavorable cervix. Methods: This 4-year retrospective cohort study was conducted in Longhua District Central Hospital in Shenzhen China, between January 2015 and December 2018. Patients with one previous CS and a current singleton-term pregnancy who underwent balloon catheter cervical ripening and IOL were enrolled. Univariate analysis was used to identify predictive factors associated with vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC). Binary logistic regression was further used to identify which factors were independently associated with the outcome measure. The primary outcome was VBAC, which was a successful trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) following IOL. Results: A total of 69.57% (208/299) of the women who planned for IOL had VBAC. In the final binary logistic regression equation, lower fetal weight (< 4000 g) (odds ratio [OR]5.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.09,13.27), lower body mass index (BMI,<30 kg/m2) (OR 2.27; CI 1.21, 4.26), Bishop score after cervical ripening > 6 (OR 1.94; CI 1.37, 2.76) remained independently associated with an increased chance of VBAC. Conclusions: The influencing factors of VBAC following IOL were fetal weight, BMI, and Bishop score after cervical ripening. Adequate individualized management and assessment of the IOL may help improve the VBAC rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study area was the Hulunbuir Plateau in northeastern China, based on a natural resource element observation study. The assessment of the spatial and temporal variation of soil erosion is crucial for implementing environmental management in the fragile ecosystem of the Hulunbuir Plateau. The study provides an interesting basis for soil erosion control on the Hulunbuir Plateau and other areas with similar climatic conditions, with the aim of providing sound data to support environmental protection policies in the study area. In this study, the spatial and temporal variations in soil erosion in the region from 2000 to 2020 were quantitatively assessed using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation. Furthermore, the patch-generating land use simulation model predicted future soil erosion. Land use prediction data were examined using Kappa coefficients. The prediction of future land use types using CMIP6 data and natural social data in the PLUS model were used to predict soil erosion for different future scenarios. The results showed that the soil erosion rate on the Hulunbuir Plateau showed a significant increasing trend in time from 2000 to 2020. Spatially, soil erosion increases gradually from the west to the east. Soil erosion occurs mainly on grasslands, while cultivated lands show a significant increasing trend by 2020. Slope erosion occurs mainly in areas between 15° and 35°. From 2020 to 2050, soil erosion will increase significantly due to increased precipitation. The soil erosion in SSP2–4.5 is better than the other scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is the dominant factor affecting the hydrological process, it is of great significance to simulate and predict its influence on water resources management, socio-economic activities, and sustainable development in the future. In this paper, the Xiying River Basin was taken as the study area, China Atmospheric Assimilation Driven Data Set (CMADS) and observation data from the Jiutiaoling station were used to simulate runoff of the SWAT model and calibrate and verify model parameters. On this basis, runoff change of the basin under the future climate scenario of CMIP6 was predicted. Our research shows that: (1) The contribution rates of climate change and human activities to runoff increase of the Xiying River are 89.17% and 10.83%, respectively. Climate change is the most important factor affecting runoff change of the Xiying River. (2) In these three different emission scenarios of SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 in CMIP6 climate model, the average temperature increased by 0.61, 1.09 and 1.74 °C, respectively, in the Xiying River Basin from 2017 to 2050. Average precipitation increased by 14.36, 66.88, and 142.73 mm, respectively, and runoff increased by 15, 24, and 35 million m³, respectively. The effect of climate change on runoff will continue to deepen in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Timely and accurate feedback is a crucial component for effective undergraduate learning. However, with the expansion of university enrolment in China, student numbers have increased rapidly and, in traditional university classrooms, it is often difficult for the teacher – as the only evaluator – to accommodate students' diverse needs and learning styles, and provide timely learning feedback. In our teaching practice research, we combined mutual peer evaluation with cooperative learning, and proposed a peer learning and assessment model (PLAM) that encouraged students to cooperate and compete, leading to greater efficiency in giving feedback. The ultimate goal was to improve students' learning ability. This study aimed to investigate the effect and influencing factors of PLAM in an undergraduate course entitled 'Medicinal Chemistry of Natural Products'. Methods: We surveyed the entire pharmacy student body (95 students). Each student was required to provide feedback to the other members within the same study group and students in other groups. We evaluated the effectiveness of PLAM in five aspects: basic information, learning attitude, participation, interpersonal relationship, and organizational approach. The questionnaire was administered online using the Star survey platform. Data were exported to Excel and meta-analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: PLAM effectively increased feedback efficiency, enhancing students' learning interest and ability. An ordered logistic regression analysis model was used to analyze the factors influencing the PLAM learning effect. Three factors – learning attitude, participation, and interpersonal relationship – explained up to 71.3% of the model. Conclusions: The PLAM adopted in this research is an effective learning and evaluation model that can promote collaborative learning and increase learning enthusiasm. It is more suitable for knowledge expansion learning and comprehensive practical learning where teachers cannot be present for the entire process. Students should be encouraged to establish appropriate learning attitudes and a positive group atmosphere. PLAM can positively impact college curriculum learning and could be extended to other teaching domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: To improve the control of stored-grain pests and protect the environment, the use of natural enemies is attracting increasing attention. Cheyletus malaccensis and Cheyletus eruditus are effective natural enemies of common stored-grain pests, such as Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel. To evaluate the predation potential of these two types of predatory mites, this study was conducted by comparing the life histories of two predatory mites and the functional responses on Liposcelis bostrychophila. The results indicate that compared to C. eruditus, C. malaccensis had a shorter development time and longer adult survival time at 28 °C and 75% RH and showed higher predation ability against Liposcelis bostrychophila eggs. It has been proven from both its life history of artificial breeding and the predation ability that C. malaccensis has much greater biocontrol potential than C. eruditus against stored-grain pests. Cheyletus malaccensis Oudemans and Cheyletus eruditus (Schrank) are predators of stored-grain pests in China. The psocid Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel is prone to outbreaks in depots. To assess the potential of large-scale breeding with Acarus siro Linnaeus and the biological control potential of C. malaccensis and C. eruditus against L. bostrychophila, we determined the development times of different stages at 16, 20, 24, and 28 °C and 75% relative humidity (RH) while feeding on A. siro, as well as the functional responses of both species' protonymphs and females to L. bostrychophila eggs at 28 °C and 75% RH. Cheyletus malaccensis had a shorter development time and longer adult survival time than C. eruditus at 28 °C and 75% RH and could establish populations faster than C. eruditus while preying on A. siro. The protonymphs of both species showed a type II functional response, while the females showed a type III functional response. Cheyletus malaccensis showed a higher predation ability than C. eruditus, and the females of both species had a higher predation ability than the protonymphs. Based on the observed development times, adult survival times, and predation efficiency, Cheyletus malaccensis has much greater biocontrol potential than C. eruditus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although effects of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition on forest plants have been widely investigated, N interception and absorption effects by forest canopy should not be neglected. Moreover, how N deposition change the molecular biological process of understory dominant plants, which was easily influenced by canopy interception so as to further change physiological performance, remains poorly understood. To assess the effects of N deposition on forest plants, we investigated the effects of understory (UAN) and canopy N addition (CAN) on the transcriptome and physiological properties of Ardisia quinquegona, a dominant subtropical understory plant species in an evergreen broad-leaved forest in China. We identified a total of 7394 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Three of these genes were found to be co-upregulated in CAN as compared to control (CK) after 3 and 6 h of N addition treatment, while 133 and 3 genes were respectively found to be co-upregulated and co-downregulated in UAN as compared to CK. In addition, highly expressed genes including GP1 (a gene involved in cell wall biosynthesis) and STP9 (sugar transport protein 9) were detected in CAN, which led to elevated photosynthetic capacity and accumulation of protein and amino acid as well as decrease in glucose, sucrose, and starch contents. On the other hand, genes associated with transport, carbon and N metabolism, redox response, protein phosphorylation, cell integrity, and epigenetic regulation mechanism were affected by UAN, resulting in enhanced photosynthetic capacity and carbohydrates and accumulation of protein and amino acid. In conclusion, our results showed that the CAN compared to UAN treatment had less effects on gene regulation and carbon and N metabolism. Canopy interception of N should be considered through CAN treatment to simulate N deposition in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]