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Background. Dingji Fumai Decoction (DFD), a traditional herbal mixture, has been widely used to ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in clinical practice in China. However, research on the bioactive components and underlying mechanisms of DFD in VA is still scarce. Methods. Components of DFD were collected from TCMSP, ETCM, and literature. The chemical structures of each component were obtained from PubChem. Next, SwissADME and SwissTargetPrediction were applied for compounds screening and targets prediction of DFD; meanwhile, targets of VA were collected from DrugBank and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). Then, the H-C-T-D network and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed based on the data obtained above. CytoNCA was utilized to filter hub genes and VarElect was used to analyze the relationship between genes and diseases. At last, Metascape was employed for systematic analysis on the potential targets of herbals against VA, and AutoDock was applied for molecular docking to verify the results. Results. A total of 434 components were collected, 168 of which were qualified, and there were 28 shared targets between DFD and VA. Three function modules of DFD were found from the PPI network. Further systematic analysis of shared genes and function modules explained the potential mechanism of DFD in the treatment of VA; molecular docking has verified the interactions. Conclusions. DFD could be employed for VA through mechanisms, including complex interactions between related components and targets, as predicted by network pharmacology and molecular docking. This work confirmed that DFD could apply to the treatment of VA and promoted the explanation of DFD for VA in the molecular mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The volatile compounds of three Ulva spp. were investigated by HS-GC-IMS. • A total of 101 volatile compounds had been detected in three Ulva samples. • Ulva samples could be distinguished clearly by HS-GC-IMS coupled with PCA. • The in vitro antioxidant capacity of different Ulva spp. extracts was evaluated. • TFC and TPC were correlated to the antioxidant capacity of Ulva spp. In this study, the volatile compounds fingerprinting as well as the relationship between phytochemical composition and antioxidant bioactivity of U. prolifera , U. linza and U. clathrata were investigated. The significant differences of volatile compounds in three dehydrated seaweeds were observed by headspace gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (HS–GC–IMS), and the type of volatile compounds in U. clathrata (83 compounds) was highest, followed by U. linza (75 compounds) and U. prolifera (57 compounds). Furthermore, a variety of polarity solvents were used to extract Ulva spp. in order to determine the influence of total phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (TFC) and carbohydrates content (TCC) on antioxidant activities. The results showed that ethyl acetate extracts of U. prolifera had the highest antioxidant activity (IC 50 = 143.18 μg/mL) in ABTS assay, and methanol extracts of U. clathrata revealed the highest scavenging activity (IC 50 = 95.32 μg/mL) against OH radicals as well as the aqueous extracts of U. prolifera exhibited the strongest radical scavenging capacity (IC 50 = 527.75 μg/mL) against DPPH radicals. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the antioxidant capacity of Ulva spp. was significantly impacted by TFC and TPC. The findings presented in this thesis add to our understanding of volatilization characteristics and biological properties in edible marine green seaweeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High feed utilization efficiency can reduce agricultural costs and pollution. However, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of local sheep breeds is low in China, so improving FCR of sheep is an important economic and environmental issue. However, the molecular mechanism affecting feed utilization remains unclear. In this study, transcriptome sequencing was used to compare the differences between small intestinal tissues from sheep with high and low feed conversion. The results identified 145 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the high and low FCR groups, of which 80 were upregulated and 65 were downregulated. Gene Ontology annotation (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in metabolic processes and lipid metabolism pathways. Glucagon-like peptide 2 receptor (GLP2R) showed a significant negative correlation with feed intake (FI), whereas Lysophosphatidate acyltransferase (AGPAT1) was positively correlated with FCR. Adiponectin receptor2 (ADIPOR2) was negatively correlated with FCR. They may be considered as candidate genes that play a crucial role in feed utilization. Our data provided many valuable candidate genes that will help to study the molecular mechanisms of feed utilization in sheep. • The study identified 145 DEGs between the high- and low-feed conversion rate sheep. • DEGs were mainly enriched in metabolic processes and lipid metabolism pathways. • GLP2R was negatively correlated with FI. • AGPAT1 was positively correlated with FCR. ADIPOR2 was negatively correlated with FCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders (CCDDs) are a group of diseases with high clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Clinical examinations combined with Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and whole exome sequencing (WES) were performed to reveal the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics in a cohort of Chinese CCDDs patients. Results: A total of 122 CCDDs patients from 96 families were enrolled. All patients showed restrictive eye movements, and 46 patients from 46 families (47.9%, 46/96) were accompanied by multiple congenital malformations. Multi-positional high-resolution MRI was performed in 94 patients from 88 families, of which, all patients had hypoplasia of the cranial nerves except HGPPS patients and 15 patients from 15 families (17.0%,15/88) were accompanied by other craniocerebral malformations. WES was performed in 122 CCDDs patients. Ten pathogenic variants were detected in KIF21A, TUBB3, and CHN1 genes in 43 families. Three variants were unreported, including KIF21A (c.1064T > C, p.F355S), TUBB3 (c.232T > A, p.S78T) and CHN1 (c.650A > G, p.H217R). Of the 43 probands harboring pathogenic variants, 42 were diagnosed with Congenital Fibrosis of Extraocular Muscles (CFEOM) and one was Duane Retraction Syndrome (DRS). No definite pathogenic variants in known candidate genes of CCDDs were found in sporadic DRS, Möbius Syndrome (MBS) and Horizontal Gaze Palsy with Progressive Scoliosis (HGPPS) patients. The CFEOM patients harboring R380C, E410K and R262H variants in TUBB3 gene and F355S variant in KIF21A gene exhibited syndromic phenotypes. Conclusions: This study broadened the phenotypic and genotypic spectrums of CCDDs, and it was the largest clinical and genetic investigation for CCDDs patients from China. KIF21A and TUBB3 were the common pathogenic genes in Chinese CFEOM. MRI coupled with WES can provide a supportive diagnosis in patients with clinically suspected CCDDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is prevalent in southern China, northern Africa, and Alaska. The prognosis for NPC patients at early stage is good, while it is poor for patients at late stages. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proposed to be associated with tumor initiation, relapse and metastasis, and the poor prognosis of NPC likely results from residual CSCs after therapy. Study on the therapy targeting CSCs in NPC remains poor, though it received intensive attentions in other cancers. Here, we used NPC cell lines with high and low proportion of CSCs as models to explore the effect of nigericin, an antibiotic, on CSCs. We found that nigericin could selectively target CSCs and sensitize CSCs in NPC to the widely used clinical drug cisplatin both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, downregulation of the polycomb group protein Bmi-1 may contribute to the inhibitory effect of nigericin on CSCs. Furthermore, by using the in vitro NPC cell models, we found that nigericin could significantly decrease the migration and invasion abilities, which are known to be associated with CSCs. Taken together, our results suggest that nigericin can selectively target CSCs in NPC, which could be a candidate CSCs targeting drug for clinical evaluation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study was carried out to investigate chemical components and therapeutic effects on hepatic fibrosis of Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD) in rabbits. The chemical components of DBD were analyzed by LC-DAD-MS. Schistosomiasis hepatic fibrosis was employed as models of hepatic fibrosis. The rabbits were divided into treatment and control groups. DBD was orally administered at a dose of 50g/kg rabbit's weight in treatment group. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of DBD on hepatic fibrosis in rabbits using B-ultrasound images, histopathologic examination, and hyaluronic acid content in serum. The results indicated that DBD had good therapeutic effects for hepatic fibrosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two robust precipitation reconstructions were conducted by combining tree-ring chronologies, dryness/wetness indices from historical documents, and climate data from the global grid. It was found that the recurrent drought history of a region can help us understand the variability of precipitation. Several dry/wet periods during the past four centuries and potential cycles of precipitation variation were determined. Furthermore, the reconstructions are not only consistent well with each other in North-central China, but also in good agreement with variations of precipitation in northeastern Mongolia, the Longxi area in Gangsu Province and the Dulan area of Qinghai Province, and the snow accumulation of the Guliya glacier. These synchronous variations indicate that it is valuable to study various climate records, find common information and determine the driving force of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 119 active components in GXV and 169 potential targets shared between GXV and VR were identified. • GXV produces marked anti-apoptosis and anti-fibrosis effects in VR though Caspase-3 and TGF-β1. • Our study deepens the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of GXV in treating VR. Guanxin V (GXV) has been widely used to treat ventricular remodeling (VR) in clinical practice in China. However, the underlying mechanisms are currently still lack. A systematic pharmacology-based strategy was utilized for predicting the synergistic pharmacological mechanisms of GXV in VR. The active compounds of GXV were selected and then the potential targets of these compounds contained in GXV and VR were successively identified. Then, after networks were constructed, DAVID was applied to functional enrichment. Moreover, the key findings were validated though molecular docking and molecular biology experiments. A total of 119 active components in GXV and 169 potential targets shared between GXV and VR were obtained. The results of functional enrichment indicated that several biological processes and signaling pathways, mainly cell apoptosis and fibrosis. Finally, we discovered GXV produced marked anti-apoptosis and anti-fibrosis effects in VR though Caspase-3 and TGF-β1. GXV could relieve and reverse VR through anti-apoptosis and anti-fibrosis effects predicted by systematic pharmacology and validated by molecular docking and molecular experiments. Our study deepens the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of GXV in treating VR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A review to summarize the studies of chemical constituents, pharmacological activities and clinical studies et al. of Ixeris sonchifolia. • Traditional uses of IS, covering 19 TCM classics and 19 traditional uses containing IS, were presented in the form of Table. • All known chemical constituents isolated from IS and their chemical structures were enumerated in this review. • So far there are 11 methods used for analysis of IS, but the development of more advanced analysis methods is indispensable. • The assistant therapy action and curative effect evaluation of IS were discussed in detail. The assistant therapy action and curative effect evaluation of IS were discussed in detail. Ixeris sonchifolia (IS), principally its dried form, is widely used as traditional and folk medicines in some Asian countries, especially China. In this review, we summarized its traditional uses, chemical constituents, quality control measures, pharmacological activities, therapeutic evaluation, toxicity evaluation and clinical applications. 130 chemical constituents isolated from IS have been reported, including flavones, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, phenylpropanoids, organic acids and others. They showed various pharmacological activities, such as protecting cardiocerebral vascular system, anticancer effect and antiviral etc. The quality control evaluation studies, clinical applications, other possible applications and suggestions for future research also were discussed. The aim of this review is to critically appraise the available literature and suggest directions for further development of IS to improve its medical value and use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large‐scale phylogenies provide a framework for interdisciplinary investigations in taxonomy, evolutionary biology, biogeography, ecology, and conservation. Integration of regional tree of life and species distribution data has greatly promoted spatial phylogenetic studies on biodiversity, floristic assembly, and biogeographic regionalization. In this study, we updated the phylogenetic tree of Chinese vascular plants by integrating data from public databases and sequences newly generated by our laboratory, to facilitate the exploration of floristic and ecological questions at a country scale. A phylogenetic tree with 15 092 tips and 14 878 species was obtained, including 13 663 species (44.0%) and 2953 genera (95.7%) native to China. Only two families (Corsiaceae and Mitrastemonaceae) and 133 genera native to China are not sampled in this study. Low proportion of sampling is detected in orders with high species diversity and those with low species diversity. The Hengduan Mountains, plus the western Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and western Xinjiang, show the greatest gap of target molecular data for angiosperms. Our phylogeny of Chinese vascular plants recovers relationships among and within major lineages that are highly congruent with published phylogenies at a broader scale. Most families (98.7%) are supported as monophyletic, and 573 genera (17.9%) are recognized as non‐monophyletic. Finally, hotspots of phylogenetic diversity for the Chinese angiosperms at both the genus and species levels are identified based on our phylogram, implicating conservation priorities for phylogenetic diversity. The updated phylogeny of Chinese vascular plants is publically available to generate subtrees through our automated phylogeny assembly tool SoTree in the DarwinTree platform (http://www.darwintree.cn/flora-sotree-v2/index.shtml). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An emerging source of MPs in China is artificial turf applied as hedge walls (ATHWs), which have been increasingly used mainly in enclosing construction sites as well as beautifying the municipal landscape. However, the specific ecological risks caused by MPs released from ATHWs (ATHW-MPs) are still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the amount and aging-induced properties of green fibers (GMPs) and the backing materials (BMPs), released from the ATHWs; as well as their potential uptake by animals. Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), mussels (Mytilus edulis) and earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were used as animal test species. Outdoor exposure for 180 days made ATHWs more prone to embrittlement and disintegration, leading to 4.58 ± 1.96 % weight loss of the grass panels. More and finer particles and fibers were released by an external shear force from the outdoor exposed panels than from panels exposed to artificial UV-light. The aging process altered the surface properties of both GMP and BMP such as zeta potential, surface roughness, specific surface area and chemical groups, which may change their interaction with chemicals and species in the environment. All the studied species tended to ingest more fine particles (<40 µm) of BMPs. As a kind of microfibers, GMP were ingested by some grass carp and mussels but not by earthworms. Ingestion of MPs increased at higher MP-exposure concentrations. Although most of BMPs were partly egested by animal species after 3 d intestinal cleansing; 10 %, 44 % and 22 % of ingested BMPs remained in grass carp, mussels and earthworms, respectively. Aging of ATHW cause more and finer shed MPs, therefore, the sources and quality of the raw materials and producing process must be strictly controlled. We suggest that industry should develop or pay attention to the materials that are more resistant to aging; assess and inform the life cycle of the ATHWs in the instructions, and remind users to avoid free exposure of the backing material during installation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context • KOA characterized by recurrent joint pain and progressive joint dysfunction. Is the present clinical common chronic progressive degenerative osteoarthropathy, how long the disease is difficult to cure and easy to relapse. Exploring new therapeutic approaches and mechanisms is important for the treatment of KOA. One of the main applications for sodium hyaluronate (SH) in the medical field is treatment of osteoarthritis. However, the effects of SH alone in the treatment of KOA are limited. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) may have therapeutic effects for KOA. Objective • The study intended to investigate the therapeutic effects and possible mechanisms of action HSYA+SH for cartilage tissue of rabbits with KOA and to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of KOA. Design • The research team performed an animal study. Setting •The study that took place at Liaoning Jijia Biotechnology, Shenyang, Liaoning, China. Animals • The animals were 30 healthy, adult, New Zealand white rabbits, weighing 2-3 kg. Intervention • The research team randomly divided the rabbits into three groups, with 10 rabbits in each group: (1) a control group, for which the research team didn’t induce KOA and provided no treatment; (2) the HSYA+SH group, the intervention group, for which the research team induced KOA and injected the rabbits with the HSYA+SH treatment; and (3) the KOA group, for which the research team induced KOA and injected the rabbits with saline. Outcome Measures • The research team: (1) observed the morphological changes in the cartilage tissue using hematoxylineosin (HE) staining; (2) measured levels of serum inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), IL-6, and IL-17 using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); (3) measured cartilage-cell apoptosis using “terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling” (TUNEL); and (4) used Western Blot to detect the expression of proteins related to the “neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1” (Notch1) signaling pathway. Results • Compared with the control group, morphological changes had occurred to the cartilage tissue in the KOA group. Compared with the control group, that group’s level of apoptosis was higher, the levels of serum inflammatory factors were significantly higher (P < .05), and the protein expression related to the Notch1 signaling pathway was also significantly higher (P<.05). The morphology of the cartilage tissue in the HSYA+SH was better than that of the KOA group but not as good as that of the control group. Compared with the KOA group, the HSYA+SH group’s level of apoptosis was lower, the levels of serum inflammatory factors were significantly lower (P < .05), and the protein expression related to the Notch1 signaling pathway was also significantly lower (P<.05). Conclusions • HSYA+SH can reduce the cellular apoptosis in the cartilage tissue of rabbits with KOA, downregulate the levels of inflammatory factors, and protect against KOA-induced cartilage tissue injury, and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Notch1 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Olfactory dysfunction appears prior to cognitive decline, and thus it has been suggested to be an early predictor of Alzheimer's disease. However, it is currently not known whether and how olfactory threshold test could serve as a quick screening tool for cognitive impairment. Objective: To define olfactory threshold test for screening cognitive impairment in two independent cohorts. Methods: The participants are comprised of two cohorts in China, 1,139 inpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM, Discovery cohort) and 1,236 community-dwelling elderly (Validation cohort). Olfactory and cognitive functions were evaluated by Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), respectively. Regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were carried out to determine the relation and discriminative performance of the olfactory threshold score (OTS) regarding identification of cognition impairment. Results: Regression analysis showed that olfactory deficit (reducing OTS) was correlated with cognitive impairment (reducing MMSE score) in two cohorts. ROC analysis revealed that the OTS could distinguish cognitive impairment from cognitively normal individuals, with mean area under the curve values of 0.71 (0.67, 0.74) and 0.63 (0.60, 0.66), respectively, but it failed to discriminate dementia from mild cognitive impairment. The cut-off point of 3 showed the highest validity for the screening, with the diagnostic accuracy of 73.3% and 69.5%. Conclusion: Reducing OTS is associated with cognitive impairment in T2DM patients and the community-dwelling elderly. Therefore, olfactory threshold test may be used as a readily accessible screening tool for cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the evolutionary processes that shape the landscape of genetic variation and influence the response of species to future climate change is critical for biodiversity conservation. Here, we sampled 27 populations across the distribution range of a dominant forest tree, Quercus acutissima, in East Asia, and applied genome‐wide analyses to track the evolutionary history and predict the fate of populations under future climate. We found two genetic groups (East and West) in Q. acutissima that diverged during Pliocene. We also found a heterogeneous landscape of genomic variation in this species, which may have been shaped by population demography and linked selections. Using genotype‐environment association analyses, we identified climate‐associated SNPs in a diverse set of genes and functional categories, indicating a model of polygenic adaptation in Q. acutissima. We further estimated three genetic offset metrics to quantify genomic vulnerability of this species to climate change due to the complex interplay between local adaptation and migration. We found that marginal populations are under higher risk of local extinction because of future climate change, and may not be able to track suitable habitats to maintain the gene–environment relationships observed under the current climate. We also detected higher reverse genetic offsets in northern China, indicating that genetic variation currently present in the whole range of Q. acutissima may not adapt to future climate conditions in this area. Overall, this study illustrates how evolutionary processes have shaped the landscape of genomic variation, and provides a comprehensive genome‐wide view of climate maladaptation in Q. acutissima. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The affiliation of fossil pollen grains of Hamamelidaceae with extant genera is still a challenge for palynologists, probably due to the scarcity of pollen morphological documentation and comparison of Hamamelidaceae genera and species and their fossil counterparts. Parrotia once had a much wider geographical range during geological time according to fossil records, including macrofossils (e.g., plant leaves, and flowers) and microfossils (e.g., pollen). However, assigning fossil pollen of Parrotia is yet difficult regardless of some previous work available on pollen morphology. In this study, we present new results after intensive re-examination on the pollen morphology of Parrotia using light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), aiming to assess pollen diagnostic features as a guide for fossil pollen recognition. We also compared the reticulum sculptures and nanoscale ornamentations on the muri around lumina for six genera in the tribes Fothergilleae with the representative genera from the neighboring tribes Hamamelideae and Eustigmatea. Hamamelidaceae fossil pollen types from Miocene sediments in southeastern China were examined and identified. We found that 1) pollen grains of Parrotia persica and P. subaequalis have significantly different dimensions of the length of lumen and density of lumina (numbers/10 μm2) under SEM, and the lengths of polar axis, equatorial axis, colpus, bottom side of polar view and height of polar view under LM, respectively; 2) the peculiarities of reticulum, microechinae on the muri and arrangement pattern under SEM are useful diagnostic features to differentiate pollen types of Fothergilleae groups down to genus level from two neighboring tribes; 3) two sister species of Parrotia show identifiable characteristics of reticulum and microechinae based on high resolution imaging with SEM, however, it should be noted that assigning fossil pollen to Fothergilleae still need caution, because of some similar looking close genera under LM; 4) inter- and intraspecific pollen variations need to be carefully considered, when identifying dispersed or fossil pollen grains of Parrotia under low resolution of LM imaging; 5) nanoscale structures based on high resolution imaging for pollen surface sculptures are important keys to distinguishing different fossil pollen types of Hamamelidaceae, including Parrotia. Most of fossil sites of Parrotia are concentrated in Europe-Eurasia and Japan in East Asia, but there are relatively fewer in China and America. To have an insight into the historical biogeography of Parrotia , the global fossil records of Parrotia were comprehensively reviewed and visualized in three large regions (northern American, Europe-Eurasia and East Asia). The palaeophytogeography of Parrotia in light of fossil pollen in East Asia is also generally discussed. Further investigations of the fossil record of Parrotia are expected prior to fully picturing its past phytogeography and species diversity through time, particularly some missing links during Pliocene and Quaternary in China. • Pollen morphology of two sister species of Parrotia were re-examined. • Nanoscale structures and density of lumina are useful diagnostic features. • Hamamelidaceae pollen types from Miocene sediments in SE China were identified. • A global fossil record of Parrotia was reviewed and visualized in three regions. • The historical biogeography of Parrotia is generally discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Pianyanzi area in western Sichuan hosts a rare sellaite-bearing orogenic gold deposit. • Gold is mostly present as visible native gold formed in two stages. • Gold precipitation was forced by interaction between auriferous fluids and wall rocks. • Metasomatized mantle lithosphere served a potential source of ore fluids. The Pianyanzi gold deposit is situated at the western margin of the Yangtze Craton, and represents a rare sellaite-bearing orogenic gold deposit. This deposit belongs to the Dauduhe gold belt of southwestern China and remains poorly documented. In this paper we present first petrographic and in-situ geochemistrical and sulfur isotope data from pyrite as well as results of multielement mapping. The deposit is dominated by native gold (average gold fineness = 980.8) filling fractures in minerals (e.g., pyrite, quartz, sellaite and hematite) or also emplaced along the contact interface between mineral grains. Pyrite is the most abundant sulfide mineral of this deposit. We identified five generations of pyrite: Py1, Py2a, Py2b, Py3, and Py4. Gold occurs in sellaite- and hematite-bearing mineral assemblages formed simultaneous with the formation of Py2a&b and Py4, respectively. Py1 formed in the Au-poor ore stage, while Py3 formed during the late galena-dominated sulfide stage. All generations of pyrite exhibit low concentrations of gold with an average value of less than 2 ppm. Py2a&b possess distinctive textures and chemical zonation, with trace elements displaying greater variations compared to Py1, Py3 and Py4. The δ34S values vary from −0.52 ‰ to 7.08 ‰, which is consistent with those of orogenic deposits of the Daduhe gold belt. The deep metasomatized mantle lithosphere acted as a potential source of ore fluids. We conclude that the co-precipitation of native gold and sellaite was triggered by the interaction between auriferous fluids and dolomite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A satisfactory biopsy determines the state-of-the-art management of lung cancer in this era of personalized medicine. This study aimed to investigate the suitability and efficacy of computed tomography ( CT)-guided core needle biopsy in clinical management. Methods A cohort of 353 patients with clinically suspected lung cancer was enrolled in the study. Patient factors and biopsy variables were recorded. Epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR) gene mutations and echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 ( EML4)-anaplastic lymphoma kinase ( ALK) rearrangement were detected in tumor specimens. Adequacy of biopsic obtainment for clinical trial screening and tissue bank establishment were reviewed. Results Overall diagnostic accuracy of malignancy achieved 98.5%. The median biopsy time of the cohort was 20 minutes. In patients with non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC), 99.3% (287/289) were diagnosed as specific histologic subtypes, and two patients (0.7%) were determined as NSCLC not otherwise specified ( NOS). EGFR mutations were analyzed in 81.7% (236/289) of patients with NSCLC, and 98.7% (233/236) showed conclusive results. EML4- ALK gene fusion was tested in 43.9% (127/289) of NSCLC patients, and 98.4% (125/127) showed conclusive results: 6.4% (8/125) of those had gene fusion. Ninety-six NSCLC patients participated in clinical trial screening and provided mandatory tumor slides for molecular profiling. Pathological evaluation was fulfilled in 90 patients (93.8%); 99.4% (320/322) of patients with malignancy provided extra tissue for the establishment of a tumor bank. Conclusions CT-guided core needle biopsy provided optimal clinical management in this era of translational medicine. The biopsic modality should be prioritized in selected lung cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Studies regarding the association between dietary fat intake and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are limited and provide conflicting findings. Thus, the study aims to examine the association of dietary fat intake in the year preceding pregnancy and during pregnancy with the risk of GDM, taking the relevance of dietary protein intake on GDM into consideration. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in 6299 singleton pregnancies, using the data from the Nutrition in Pregnancy and Growth in Southwest China (NPGSC). A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary fat intake in the year preceding pregnancy and during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the prospective associations of dietary fat intake and the type and source of dietary fats in different time windows with GDM risk. Results: Higher intake of total fat [OR (95% CI): 2.21 (1.19–4.20), P = 0.02] during 12–22 weeks of gestation was associated with higher GDM risk. However, adjustment for animal protein intake greatly attenuated this association [OR (95% CI): 1.81 (0.93, 3.64), P = 0.11]. Total fat intake neither in the year preceding pregnancy nor during the early pregnancy was associated with GDM risk. Moreover, insignificant associations were observed between intakes of vegetable fat, animal fat, cholesterol, saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid one year before pregnancy and during the first and second trimesters and GDM risk. Conclusion: Our study indicated that dietary fat intake one year before pregnancy and across the two pregnancy trimesters preceding the diagnosis of GDM has no relevance on GDM risk among Chinese women, particularly those with normal BMI, low, or normal calorie intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim of the study: H.pengxianensi is a native plant in China. Dihydrocucurbitacin F-25-O-acetate is one of the major chemical components in H.pengxianensis. In this investigation, we attempted to quantify the content of dihydrocucurbitacin F-25-O-acetate in H.pengxianensis and find the possible antibacterial mode of dihydrocucurbitacin F-25-O-acetate and H.pengxianensis. Material and methods: First, the content of dihydrocucurbitacin F-25-O-acetate was quantified by HPLC. Then, metabolic profiles of Staphylococcus aureus treated by dihydrocucurbitacin F-25-O-acetate, extract of H.pengxianensis and nine antibacterial substances with the known modes of action were acquired by HPLC/DAD/ESI-MS. Principal component analysis was carried out upon all metabolic profiles to classify those drugs according to their mechanisms. Results and conclusion: The HPLC result show the content of dihydrocucurbitacin F-25-O-acetate in H.pengxianensis (5.3±0.4mg/g). From the result obtained by principal component analysis, dihydrocucurbitacin F-25-O-acetate was found to be the component playing the main antimicrobial roles on Staphylococcus aureus in H.pengxianensis and the possible antibacterial mode of dihydrocucurbitacin F-25-O-acetate and H.pengxianensis may be to inhibit cell wall synthesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: Magnesium (Mg) fertilization is a promising practice to improve vegetable yield. However, its impacts on vegetable quality and human health have not been examined. Thus, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of varying Mg fertilization rates on yield and quality of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruit. Furthermore, result of the field experiment was linked to pepper consumption data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) in the disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) framework to evaluate the potential health impact of Mg fertilization for the first time. RESULTS: Compared to control, Mg fertilization increased the 2‐year average pepper yield by 25.6%, whereas there was no significant yield improvement when Mg rates exceeded 112.5 kg MgO ha−1. Magnesium application increased concentrations of Mg and capsaicinoids, decreased those of calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn) and vitamin C (Vc), and had no effect on potassium (K) and iron (Fe) in pepper fruit. As a result, Mg fertilization decreased the comprehensive nutrition level of pepper by 16.6%. Furthermore, the current health burden of the Chinese adult population associated with pepper consumption is estimated at 21.3 million DALYs per year, with the risk being increased by 5.40 DALYs for per megagram of Mg fertilizer application. Increasing health risk was mainly attributed to decreasing concentrations of Ca and Vc in pepper fruit, though the increased Mg intakes offset the impact of 1.74% to 14.4%. CONCLUSION: Magnesium fertilization significantly improved the yield but reduced nutritional quality of pepper fruit, and increased human health risks associated with consumption of pepper fruit. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Furan, which has been identified as possibly carcinogenic for humans, can be induced to different food items by thermal treatment. In accordance with the previous studies and risks associated with prevalence of furan in food, it is necessary to be acknowledged of amounts of furan formed in different thermally processed foods for human awareness. In this study, Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS) was optimized for simultaneous determination of furan, furfural, 2-methylfuran and 2-pentylfuran for the first time from different dried fruits and roasted nuts. The method was proved to be valid for determination of all analytes at 50 °C for 25 min, stirring at 700 rpm and 20% NaCl (W/V) using 50/30 μm divinlybenzene/carboxen/polysimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS) fibre. All analytes were baseline-separated at HP 5-MS column in less than 13 min and obtained results have shown prevalence of furan, furfural and 2-pentylfuran in the studied matrices; however, 2-pentylfuran was more prevalent in the roasted nuts than dried fruits and 2-methylfuran has not shown considerable prevalence in both matrices. Moreover, this method was validated in terms of linearity, precision, recovery, specificity, limit of detection and limit of quantification depending on analytes and sample matrices. Hence, the present method was proved to be highly sensitive, specific and robust with good precision and accuracy and suitable for monitoring these furan derivatives in the studied matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hongtaiping Cu–Pb–Zn deposit is located in the central part of the Yanbian–Dongning region, NE China, which is the eastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The Cu–Pb–Zn mineralization occurs in the contact zone of the Lower Permian Miaoling and Kedao formations with tuff lavas, tuffs, and marlstones as the principal host rocks. The orebodies are distributed in stratiform, stratiform‐like and lenticular morphologies, consistent with the host strata. Field investigations indicate three ore facies consisting of stringer–stockwork, massive, and laminated ores in the Hongtaiping deposit, which show apparent variation spatially from bottom to top of sulphide types. A lot of liquid‐rich fluid inclusions were identified in mineral crystals from the three types of ore facies with complete homogenization temperatures varying from 162 to 249°C and salinities in the range of 3.3 to 9.6 wt% NaCl equiv. The δD and 18OH2O values of calcite samples from the stringer or stockwork ores range from −82.0 to −75.1‰ and 3.3 to 3.7‰, respectively, lower than those (δD values of −64.1 to −38.8‰, 18OH2O values of −0.9 to 2.2‰) of the massive and laminated ores. In addition, the calcite samples show restricted δ13C values from −6.8 to −4.0‰. These fluid inclusions and H–O–C isotope geochemistry suggest that ore‐forming fluids of the Hongtaiping deposit were mainly sourced from heated seawater or brine derived, with the carbon from marine carbonates by water–rock interaction. The δ34S values of sulphide separates from the stringer–stockwork, massive and laminated ores range from −15.2 to −9.2‰ with an average value of −12.3‰. The sulphide minerals yield 206Pb/204Pb ratios from 18.025 to 19.758, 207Pb/204Pb ratios from 15.601 to 15.795, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios from 37.202 to 39.305. These S and Pb isotope compositions indicate that the sulphur had an origin in seawater sulphates from which sulphur was most possibly transformed into sulphide by thermochemical reduction, while the lead in ores originated mainly from the Miaoling Formation, with small amounts directly derived from the subvolcanic intrusion. Taken together, the Hongtaiping deposit can be classified as a volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit, for which the possible mineralization process is interpreted in terms of a long‐lived convective circulation of mobile heated seawater mixed with some magmatic fluids along submarine faults and fissures during the Early Permian. The metals were migrated and subsequently enriched in the hydrothermal circulation system by being leached from the underlying volcanic rocks, with the metal‐rich ore‐forming fluids combined with contributions of water–rock reaction, thermochemical sulphate reduction and temperature change leading to the precipitation of polymetallic sulphides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The head and neck regions are frequent sites of burns, but few studies have analysed and reported the epidemiology of facial burns. As the face is the centre of one's identity and persona, facial injuries often result in physical and psychological morbidity. The aim of this article is to describe the epidemiology and outcome of facial burns in China and to suggest future preventive strategies.Methods: This retrospective analysis included all patients with facial burns in a database at eight institutions from 2011-2015. The data collected included sex, age, month distribution, aetiology, location, presence of inhalation injury, total burn surface area, burn surface area with full-thickness and outcome including Post-traumatic stress disorder Checklist-Civilian Version scores and mortality. SPSS 19.0 software was used to analyse the data.Results: A total of 1126 patients were included; 65.63% (739) had facial burns, of which 546 (73.88%) were male patients and 193 (26.12%) were female patients. Predictors of facial burns were being of male sex, working-related place, flame burns, total body surface area, and full-thickness burns. In addition, total body surface area and full-thickness burns increased the risk of poor prognosis for post-traumatic stress disorder and mortality.Conclusions: Facial burns benefit not only the healing of wound, but also the prevention of their incidence and PTSD symptom. This study may contribute to the elaboration of strategies to prevent facial burns and the establishment of a nationwide burn database in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Huanggoushan Pb–Zn–Au deposit is located in the central part of southern Jilin Province in northeastern portion of the North China Craton. It experienced two types of mineralization, namely, stratabound Pb–Zn mineralization placed close to interlayer fracture zones of banded marble and veined Au mineralization controlled by NNE‐trending brittle–ductile shear zones. The Pb–Zn mineralization is characterized by a low‐temperature and low‐salinity H2O–NaCl system of hydrothermal fluids that yielded δD and δ18OH2O values similar to those of meteoric water. The δ34S values of sulfide minerals in the Pb–Zn ores range from 14.8‰ to 17.1‰ with an average of 16.1‰, which reflects a sulfur origin in the seawater sulfate. The sulfur of Pb–Zn ores was most possibly transformed from that of sulfate S6+ into the sulfide S2− by bacteriogenic sulfate reduction processes. Lead isotopic compositions of sulfides separated from the Pb–Zn ores show 206Pb/204Pb ratios from 15.309 to 16.353, 207Pb/204Pb ratios from 15.321 to 15.485, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios from 34.883 to 35.550. By contrast, original medium‐high‐temperature hydrothermal fluids in stage I of the Au mineralization are represented by low‐salinity H2O–CO2–NaCl system with relatively higher δD and δ18OH2O values, which indicates that original ore‐forming fluids were possibly sourced from the Mesozoic magmatic fluids. The δ13C values of fluid inclusions in hydrothermal quartz from Au ores range from −9.6‰ to −2.4‰, most values of which are similar to those of magmas. The sulfides in Au ores have relatively lower δ34S values of 1.0‰ to 8.0‰ than those of sulfides in the Pb–Zn ores. The various δ34S values of sulfides from the Au ores, similar to those of sulfides from the Mesozoic magmatic hydrothermal Au deposits in Heilongjiang—Jilin region, reflect a magmatic sulfur origin. Lead isotopic compositions of sulfides from the Au ores have relatively higher ratios, with 206Pb/204Pb from 17.852 to 20.468, 207Pb/204Pb from 15.591 to 15.833, and 208Pb/204Pb from 37.051 to 38.899. Collectively, geology, fluid inclusions, and isotope geochemistry suggest that ore‐forming fluids of the Pb–Zn mineralization originated from heated seawater with sulfur and lead sourced from seawater sulfate and upper crust, respectively. Thus, the Pb–Zn mineralization can be classified as the Paleoproterozoic SEDEX Pb–Zn category. Whereas, the ore‐forming fluids and sulfur of Au mineralization were of the Mesozoic magmatic origin, with the lead materials from the Paleoproterozoic Zhenzhumen Formation. These features demonstrate that the Au minerlization was closely related to the Mesozoic magmatic‐hydrothermal activity and thus categorized as Mesozoic magmatic hydrothermal Au. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household sector is the end consumer in the socio-economic water cycle and consumes a large amount of water in both physical and virtual ways. The life cycle water consumption by households, also denoted as Blue Water Footprint (BWF), is mostly affected by consumption expenditure and varies among different household groups. This study assessed the household BWF in China by integrating the input-output model with a national survey of household consumption expenditure. The logarithmic mean divisia index method was employed to examine the influencing factors in BWF disparity among the different household groups. We found that 1) per capita BWF, on national average, increased from 157 m3 in 2012 to 176 m3 in 2018; 2) in 2012, urban households, on average, consumed 185 m3 of water per capita annually, while rural households consumed 126 m3 per capita; there is a significant difference in dietary between rural and urban households, e.g., starchy foods predominate in rural dietary while animal-based foods are more preferred in urban regions; 3) BWF shows distinctive regional characteristics, e.g., more water was consumed on clothes in cold regions and on aquatic products in coastal regions; 4) income disparity is a key factor in causing the BWF difference. Although BWF has a positive correlation with income, its marginal growth diminishes, because of the fading consumption propensity and the switch of consumption pattern from water-consuming to water-saving, e.g., rich households are inclined to spend most of the money on education and recreation rather than food. This study is of significance in understanding how the BWF varies among different households, and how the BWF is affected by the influencing factors, including income, propensity to consume, consumption pattern, and virtual water intensity. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major metallogenic belt with substantial resources of gold, lead, zinc, copper, and molybdenum is present in the southern Zhangguangcai Range, NE China. Several large porphyry Mo deposits are located in this belt, as for example at Jidetun, Fu’anpu, and Daheishan. Five molybdenite samples from the Jidetun deposit yielded an Re–Os isochron age of 168.6 ± 2.1 Ma (mean standard weighted deviation = 0.20), and this is consistent with the Re–Os isochron ages of the other Mo deposits in the southern Zhangguangcai Range, giving a Middle Jurassic age for metallogenesis. The Jidetun, Fu’anpu, and Daheishan deposits all tend to have weakly enriched34S values of 0.80‰–3.20‰ and relatively low Re contents ranging from 3.073 to 43.567 ppm, which indicates the ore-forming materials were derived mainly from granitic magmas that had an origin in the mixture of crust and mantle. Three stages of mineralization can be identified in the deposits at Jidetun, Fu’anpu, and Daheishan. The original ore-forming fluids in stage I were characterized by high-temperature magmatic hydrothermal fluids that were most likely derived by exsolution from the Middle Jurassic ore-bearing magmas. However, two different fluid systems, NaCl–H2O–CO2fluids and NaCl–H2O fluids, were widespread in stage I of porphyry Mo deposits in the southern Zhangguangcai Range. Taking into account the regional geological characteristics and tectonic setting, we suggest that two different emplacement modes of the ore-bearing magmas explain the different fluid systems in stage I: the first magmas were emplaced along the contact zones between the strata and earlier granitoids, whereas the second magmas were emplaced entirely within the earlier granitoid intrusions. The stage II and III fluids were characterized by relatively lower temperatures and low H–O isotopic values, indicating a gradual evolution from magmatic to meteoric sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• QuEChERS extraction greatly reduce sample preparation time and solvent depletion. • LCCPs was online purified by 2DLC system before instrumental analysis. • Suspect screening strategy was adopted for LCCPs identification in sediments. In this study, a method was established for the analysis of long-chain chlorinated paraffins (LCCPs) in sediment based on quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction and two-dimensional liquid chromatography-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (2DLC Orbitrap HRMS). Compared with other reported methods, this method greatly reduces sample preparation time (2 h) and solvent consumption. The QuEChERS extraction method presented satisfactory recoveries, 90.5–95.2, 84.7–86.6, and 81.4–83.4% of 5, 50, and 200 ng/g LCCPs with 49% Cl spiked into sediments. Meanwhile, no matrix effects were found in the LCCPs analysis after online purification by the 2DLC system. With the current commercial LCCP standards and a mixture of three chlorinated paraffins (CPs) industrial products, a suspect screening strategy was established and accurate identification of LCCPs (including vLCCPs, which carbon chain length greater than 20) under the plight that the reference standards for vLCCPs are currently unavailable. A total of 21 C 18–20 -LCCP and 22 vLCCP congeners were identified in sediment samples collected from Dongting Lake, China. The total concentrations of LCCPs in six sediment samples ranged from 1.69 to 18.0 ng/g (median 6.66 ng/g) and was dominated by C 18 groups (mean, 28.8%), C 19 groups (mean, 19.1%) and C 21 groups (mean, 16.9%). Taken together, the successful application of this method to analyze sediment samples shows great potential for the analysis of LCCPs in environmental samples in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) has a poor therapeutic outcome and a severe impact on women and their partners, both physically and psychologically. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is significantly affected in patients with RVVC; however, little is known about HRQOL in patients with this disease. In this study, we aim to identify the clinical and mycological characteristics of women with RVVC and the effects of RVVC on women's HRQOL.Methods: We designed this study as a comparative cross-sectional study. The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to measure HRQOL in 102 patients with RVVC and 101 women seeking general health care (controls). RVVC was defined as four or more episodes of proven VVC in the previous 12-month period. VVC was defined as vulvar itching, burning, erythema, vaginal discharge, pseudohyphae or blastoconidia on a wet 10 % potassium hydroxide (KOH)-treated vaginal slide and a positive Candida culture. Group comparisons were conducted with independent samples t test. Correlation analysis was performed on the variables.Results: The mean age at first diagnosis of the patients with RVVC was 30.96 years (SD 5.38), and the mean age of the controls was 29.75 years (SD 5.83; p > 0.05). The duration of the patients' complaints varied from 6 months to 10 years, with a mean duration of 22.28 (±21.75) months. The most common complaints were increased vaginal discharge (102 cases, 100 %), itching (97 cases, 95.1 %), dyspareunia (65 cases, 63.7 %), burning (79 cases, 77.5 %) and erythema (25 cases, 24.5 %). C. albicans was the predominant Candida species (86 strains, 84.3 %) in the patients, followed by C. glabrata (12 strains, 11.8 %). C. parapsilosis (1 strain, 0.9 %), C. tropicalis (1 strain, 0.9 %), C. krusei (1 strain, 0.9 %) and C. lusitaniae (1 strain, 0.9 %). The mean SF-36 dimension scores for physical function, role physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role emotional, and mental health were significantly lower in the patients with RVVC than in the controls (85.20, 61.39, 77.79, 54.95, 53.17, 67.89, 52.48 and 59.17 vs. 90.20, 80.87, 87.08, 67.38, 59.69, 79.86, 68.01 and 65.38). The physical composite and mental composite scores of the patients with RVVC were 63.06 and 64.87, respectively, which were lower than those of the controls (75.01 and 74.87; p < 0.05).Conclusions: Nearly all of the patients with RVVC had clinical symptoms. In our sample, RVVC was mainly caused by C. albicans. RVVC has negative effects on women's HRQOL, as indicated by lower physical and mental composite scores among the RVVC group compared with controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northern snakehead (Channa argus) is an indigenous fish species and is one of popularly cultured snakeheads in China and other Asian countries. Unfortunately, Nocardia seriolae infections have caused considerable losses in the snakehead aquaculture industry. However, the infectivity and the immune response induced by N. seriolae in snakehead are unclear. In order to better understand the immune response of Northern snakehead in a series of time points after N. seriolae challenge, we conducted the transcriptomic comparison in snakehead spleen at 48, 96, and 144 h after the challenge of N. seriola against their control counterparts. Gene annotation and pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were carried out to understand the functions of the DEGs. Additionally, protein-protein interaction networks were conducted to obtain the interaction relationships of immune-related DEGs. These results revealed the expression changes of multiple DEGs and signaling pathways involved in immunity during N. seriolae infection, which will facilitate our comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved in the immune response to bacterial infection in the northern snakehead. • Channa argus spleen transcriptome was sequenced following infection with Nocardia. seriolae. • Consistently expressed proteins were analyzed by protein-protein network analysis. • KEGG analysis based on time-series revealed 29 potential pathways in spleen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For array 5'CS I accA4-bla SB IMP45 sb i -3'CS, a 1,400 bp fragment was lost after the ORF of I bla SB IMP45 sb i . As concluded, a total of four novel arrays in class 1 integrons were identified in this study, including 5'CS I accA4-bla SB IMP45 sb -oxa1-catB i 3-3'CS, 5'CS I accA4-bla SB IMP45 sb i -3'CS, 5'CS I accA4-bla SB IMP45 sb -oxa1-catB i 3-3'CS, and 5'CS I accA4-bla SB IMP45 sb i -3'CS, from which I qnrVC7 i had been first reported in I P. aeruginosa i and I bla SB IMP45 sb i had also been identified for the third time. In addition, I bla SB IMP45 sb i was detected in two novel arrays of cassettes in class 1 integrons, including 5'CS I accA4-bla SB IMP45 sb -oxa1-catB i 3-3'CS and 5'CS I accA4-bla SB IMP45 sb i -3'CS. [Extracted from the article]

Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) of Chinese loess is considered to be an effective tool for determining paleowind direction. However, the relationship between AMS and the paleowind direction is still a matter of debate. This study reports the results of AMS measurements of Chinese loess deposited during the last glacial period on slopes of varying slope angles and orientations. The sites are located on the Chinese Loess Plateau, in West Qinling, and on the eastern margin of Qilian Mountain. The results show that within the same region, magnetic lineations are clustered along similar orientations despite differences in slope exposure and slope angle, but that different regions exhibit different directions of magnetic lineation. These results suggest that the alignment of the magnetic grains during deposition of the eolian deposits was determined by air circulation rather than by water flow on the surface of the slopes, and therefore that the AMS of Chinese loess can be used to determine paleowind directions. In addition, our results indicate that the AMS of Chinese loess is determined mainly by the patterns of regional surface wind flow that occurred during dust accumulation rather than by the uniform pattern of large-scale atmospheric circulation. In addition, since wind direction is influenced significantly by regional topography, the AMS of Chinese loess may have the potential to detect significant changes in past regional topography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective It is unknown which factors are associated with smoking cessation interventions initiated by hospital chest physicians in China. We examined physicians' awareness of negative effects of smoking on smoking cessation advice given. Methods A cluster randomized cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to August 2011 in hospital chest physicians ( n = 354) in Guangzhou, China. Results Of those who responded ( n = 354, 92%), 63.8% were aware of negative effects of smoking and 64.5% initiated smoking cessation programmes with their patients. Awareness differed among physicians depending on their hospital affiliation (χ2 = 54.7, P > 0.001), that is, primary (44.9%), secondary (55.1%) and tertiary hospitals (87.0%), (odds ratio = 1.732, 95% confidence interval: 1.072-2.797, P < 0.05). Physicians with less awareness prescribed smoking cessation medication less frequently (χ2 = 137.71, P < 0.001). Smoking cessation practice by physicians also depended on hospital affiliation (χ2 = 5.7, P > 0.001), (odds ratio = 4.074, 95% confidence interval: 1.399-11.860, P = 0.010). Smoking status of physicians was related to smoking cessation practice. Conclusions Physicians more aware of the health hazards of smoking provided more smoking cessation advice. Awareness correlated with hospital levels and smoking status. Physician's advice correlated with their smoking status and educational background, but not with the levels of hospital, position or department affiliation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus agalactiae is considered as a leading case of bacterial infection among neonates. Although relative protection strategies have been performed in many high-income countries, resulting in a massive reduction in the occurrences of early-onset GBS disease, the late-onset disease has not affected. Here, the whole genome of S. agalactiae Guangzhou-SAG036 was sequenced by the Pacific Biosciences Sequel using the P4–C2 chemistry and the continuous long reads were used for de novo assembly using HGAP. Besides, genes prediction and multiply annotation were performed by comparing it with diverse databases. The whole genome has a length of 2,206,504 bp and contains 2162 predicted genes with an average G + C content of 35.85%. Based on the whole genome sequence, 2 large prophages, 20 virulence factors genes, and 8 antibiotic resistant genes were identified. MLST analysis revealed S. agalactiae Guangzhou-SAG036 was identified as ST-17. The virulence factors genes were identified with different functions including adherence, antiphagocytosis, spreading factor, immune evasion, invasion, toxin. Besides, the antibiotic-resistant genes may provide S. agalactiae with resistance to multi-drugs including erythromycin, streptomycin, azithromycin, spiramycin, ampicillin, kanamycin, cationic peptides, and tetracycline. Therefore, the infection of S. agalactiae Guangzhou-SAG036 ST-17 strain maybe caused by the complex virulence factors and multi-drugs resistance. These results contribute to further understand GBS epidemiology and surveillance targets. • The whole genome of S. agalactiae Guangzhou-SAG036 has a length of 2,206,504 bp with an average G + C content of 35.85%. • The genome shows high similarity (99% identity) with two sequenced S. agalactiae strains isolated from China in 2016 and one isolated from Canada in 2010. • 2162 predicted genes had been identified containing two prophages. • MLST type was identified as ST-17. • 19 virulence factors genes and 8 antibiotic resistant genes were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine whether China can achieve the commitment of reducing carbon emission intensity in 2030, a general regression neural network (GRNN) forecasting model based on improved fireworks algorithm (IFWA) optimization is constructed to forecast total carbon emissions (TCE) and carbon emissions intensity (CEI) in 2016–2040. Random forests (RF) method is used to select the important carbon emissions influencing factors to reduce data redundancy. The superiority of IFWA-GRNN forecasting model is verified by historical data from 1990 to 2015. The basic as usual (BAU), policy tightening (PT) and market allocation (ML) scenarios are set to forecast the TCE and CEI. The results show that under the BAU scenario, China's CEI reduction commitments in 2020 (40%–45%) can be achieved, but the commitment in 2030 (60%–65%) cannot be achieved. Under the PT and ML scenarios, China can achieve its CEI commitments in 2030, and the TCE will decrease gradually after reaching its peak in 2030. Under the existing macro development planning and policy intensity in China, there are still certain pressures to achieve CEI reduction targets. It is necessary to implement policy adjustment and market mechanism incentives for both energy supply and consumption, optimize power supply structure, promote electric energy substitution, and accelerate the construction of a unified national electricity market, carbon market, etc. Image 10939 • A hybrid carbon emissions forecasting model based on improved general regression neural network is proposed. • The influencing factors of carbon emissions is selected by random forests. • Basic as usual, policy tightening and market allocation scenarios are set, the carbon emission intensity will decrease by 54.7%, 63.4% and 60.8% in 2030 compared to 2005. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]