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Background: The purpose of the study is to explore the current level of nursing students' study skills self-efficacy, and whether general self-efficacy and self-directed learning ability mediate the relationship between perceived stress (including positive stress and negative stress) and study skills self-efficacy. Methods: The survey was conducted among 1,289 nursing students including 795 students from Jinzhou Medical University and 494 students from Dalian University. Participants completed a self-designed questionnaire, which included the Study Skills Self-Efficacy Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Self-Directed Learning Instrument, gender, age, academic year, and other demographic characteristics. Descriptive analysis, independent-samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analyses, and the bootstrap method were used for data analysis. Results: Positive stress significantly positively predicted students' study skills self-efficacy, with an effect size of 0.686. Moreover, general self-efficacy and self-directed learning mediate the relationship between positive stress and study skills self-efficacy in nursing students, with effect sizes of 0.235 and 0.245, respectively. The direct effect of negative pressure on students' study skills self-efficacy is not statistically significant, but it has a significant negative predictive effect on study skills self-efficacy under the mediation of general self-efficacy and self-directed learning, with effect sizes of -0.337 and -0.238, respectively. Conclusion: This study explains how stress affects students' study skills self-efficacy, and the results have certain enlightenment significance for improving the stress management ability and study skills self-efficacy of college students in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study is to construct an organ system-centered undergraduate nursing professional training model and explore its application effect. Methods: This study is divided into two steps. In the early stage, literature review and expert consultation were used to establish the training mode (curriculum and assessment standard) of nursing undergraduate specialty based on organ system reform. Secondly, a cross-sectional survey method was used to investigate the training quality of nursing students who graduated from Jinzhou Medical University from 2007 to 2017 under this model. Results: A five-module curriculum system was established, including general courses, public basic courses, professional education courses, expanding elective courses and concentrated practical teaching. Under the teaching reform of organ system, the nursing graduates of Jinzhou Medical University, who are mainly employed in public hospitals, are generally not satisfied with their jobs, salaries, contents and prospects. Their overall satisfaction with their alma mater is very high; Graduates have certain independent core competence; Employers are basically satisfied with graduates. Conclusion: The training mode of undergraduate nursing specialty based on organ system reform basically meets the training requirements and objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emergency management bears the important responsibility of preventing and resolving security risks and responding to disasters and accidents in time. At the same time, it shoulders the important mission of protecting people's lives and property and maintaining social stability. However, there is little research on the forecast of the huge gap and demand for talent. To strengthen the emergency management ability and modernization, improve the ability of emergency management personnel training and solve the shortage of emergency management personnel at this stage, this paper studied the positioning of emergency management personnel in China and the demand for various emergency management personnel. By means of field interviews, questionnaire surveys, participatory research and expert meetings, this research analyzed the characteristics of emergency management talents in China, defined its classification and forecasted its demand. The results showed that emergency management talents in China could be divided into four categories: administrative management talents, practical talents, expert talents and support talents. According to the data calculation results of five representative provinces, Guangdong Province (area with relatively developed economy), Beijing (administrative centre and economically developed area), Sichuan Province (natural disaster‐prone area), Shanxi Province (developed area of energy industry such as coal) and Jiangsu Province (industrially developed areas), it is concluded that the total demand for emergency management talents in China at this stage is about 794,900, and the gap is about 411,200. At present, China's emergency management talents are in short supply. The research results of this paper can provide sufficient data support for the training of emergency management talents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There is a significant sexual dimorphism in the blotched snakehead (Channa maculata). However, studies on sex differentiation and gonadal development of C. maculata are limited. Factor in the germ line alpha (Figla) is an oocyte-specific basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factor, involved in ovarian development. In the present research, the expression patterns and cellular location of Figla, as well as the CpG methylation of its promoter, demonstrated that Figla participated in ovarian differentiation and development in C. maculata. Meanwhile, the gene disruption of Figla was realized by the CRISPR/Cas9 system for further functional research. Figla is one of the earliest expressed genes in the oocyte during ovarian development. In this study, Figla was characterized in C. maculata, one of the main aquaculture species in China, and designated as CmFigla. The length of CmFigla cDNA was 1303 bp, encoding 197 amino acids that contained a conserved bHLH domain. CmFigla revealed a female-biased expression patterns in the gonads of adult fish, and CmFigla expression was far higher in ovaries than that in testes at all gonadal development stages, especially at 60~180 days post-fertilization (dpf). Furthermore, a noteworthy inverse relationship was observed between CmFigla expression and the methylation of its promoter in the adult gonads. Gonads at 90 dpf were used for in situ hybridization (ISH), and CmFigla transcripts were mainly concentrated in oogonia and the primary oocytes in ovaries, but undetectable in the testes. These results indicated that Figla would play vital roles in the ovarian development in C. maculata. Additionally, the frame-shift mutations of CmFigla were successfully constructed through the CRISPR/Cas9 system, which established a positive foundation for further investigation on the role of Figla in the ovarian development of C. maculata. Our study provides valuable clues for exploring the regulatory mechanism of Figla in the fish ovarian development and maintenance, which would be useful for the sex control and reproduction of fish in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hypertension refers to the persistent elevation of blood pressure above the established normal range, resulting in increased pressure exerted by blood on the walls of blood vessels during its circulation. Recent studies have identified significant associations between obesity and lipid-related indices, as well as hypertension. Nevertheless, these studies have yet to comprehensively examine the correlation between the two variables. Our objective is to identify the fat and lipid-related indices that have the strongest correlation with hypertension. Method: There was a total of 9488 elderly and middle-aged Chinese citizens who participated in this investigation. The participants in this research were separated into distinct gender cohorts. The participants were classified into normal and hypertensive categories according to their gender, with hypertension defined as a blood pressure level of 140/90 mmHg or higher, or a history of hypertension. Through the utilization of binary logistic regression analyses and the receiver operator curve (ROC), the optimal among fourteen indicators associated with obesity and lipids were identified. Results: After adjusting for variables, statistical analysis showed that all 14 measures of obesity and lipid were risk factors for hypertension. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis reveals that the Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) has the highest degree of relationship to hypertension. Simultaneously, a statistically significant association between hypertension and these 14 variables was observed in both males and females. Conclusion: There was a significant independent association between various parameters related to obesity and lipid-related index and the presence of hypertension, indicating that these factors can be considered risk factors for hypertension. CVAI and WHtR (waist height ratio) can be used to screen the high-risk groups of hypertensions in middle-aged and elderly people in China, and then take individualized health care measures to reduce the harm of hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of atmospheric greenhouse gases is being amplified by human activity. Building energy consumption, particularly for heating and cooling purposes, constitutes a significant proportion of overall energy demand. This research aims to establish a smart evaluation model to understand the thermal requirements of building occupants based on an open-access dataset. This model is beneficial for making reasonable adjustments to building thermal management, based on factors such as different regions and building user characteristics. Employing Bayesian-optimized LightGBM and SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) methods, an explainable machine learning model was developed to evaluate the thermal comfort design of buildings in different areas and with different purpose. Our developed LightGBM model exhibited superior evaluation performance on the test set, outperforming other machine learning models, such as XGBoost and SVR (Support Vector Regression). The SHAP method further helps us to understand the interior evaluation mechanism of the model and the interactive effect among input features. An accurate thermal comfort design for buildings based on the evaluation model can benefit the carbon-neutral strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian giant softshell turtle Pelochelys cantorii is one of the largest aquatic turtles in China and has been designated a First Grade Protected Animal in China. To advance conservation research, a combination of Illumina short-read, PacBio long-read, and Hi-C scaffolding technologies was used to develop a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly for P. cantorii. A total of 262.77 Gb of clean data were produced (121.6 × depth) and then the genome was assembled into 2.16 Gb with a contig N50 of 41.44 Mb and scaffold N50 length of 120.17 Mb, respectively. Moreover, about 99.98% assembly genome sequences were clustered and ordered onto 33 pseudochromosomes. Genome annotation revealed that 21,833 protein-coding genes were predicted, and 96.40% of them were annotated. This new chromosome-level assembly will be an enabling resource for genetic and genomic studies to support fundamental insight into P. cantorii biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To improve the quality of community nursing teaching practice and cultivate undergraduate nursing students who meet the quality accreditation standards of our nursing profession, and to explore the establishment of an undergraduate nurse practice model. Methods : Using the methods of literature review, survey, expert consultation, and discussion, we established the steps and contents of community practice teaching for undergraduate nursing students, and implemented them for the students of Grades 2014, 2015, and 2016, and evaluated the "community-hospital-community" practice model through various forms, such as student self-evaluation, faculty evaluation, exit examination, and evaluation by certified experts. Result : A three-stage community nursing practice model of "community-hospital-community" was established for undergraduate nursing students. After three stages of practice, nursing undergraduates successfully passed the practical assessments and achieved excellent grades in each stage that met the requirements of the training program. In the first stage (community probation), community probation emphasizes a fundamental understanding of the community, using free clinics, health education, and home visits as entry points to effectively cultivate students' job competence and proficiency in nursing operations and nurse-patient communication skills. In the second stage (internship in the hospital), through nursing internships in various systems, students are trained to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills and consolidate their understanding of fundamental knowledge, theory, and techniques. They are capable of preventing, diagnosing, intervening, and providing health education for common, frequent, urgent and critical complications in various clinical systems. They can formulate nursing plans and implement whole-person care. In the third stage (returning to the community for internship), students can master basic skills such as nursing operations and patient communication skills, and then they can enter the community internship. Conclusion: The community nursing practice model of "community- hospital- community" for undergraduate nursing students can systematically train undergraduate nursing students' ability to work in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently discovered complete ammonia oxidizers (comammox Nitrospira) have fundamentally changed the perceptions of two-step nitrification. Previous studies suggest that comammox Nitrospira may outcompete canonical ammonia oxidizers under ammonia-limited conditions (e.g., acidic soils). However, there is no convincing evidence that links comammox Nitrospira activity to nitrification in acidic soils. Here, we report the relative contributions of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), archaea (AOA), and comammox Nitrospira to nitrification in four orchard soils with different ages (5Y, 10Y, 20Y, and 30Y) and one adjacent natural forest soil (NF) in China. DNA-based stable-isotope probing demonstrated that both AOA and AOB assimilated 13CO2 in the nonacidic NF, 5Y, and 10Y soils, although a small shift from the light fractions to heavy fractions was observed for comammox Nitrospira clade A in the 10Y soil. Comammox Nitrospira clade A rather than AOA and AOB was labeled by 13CO2 in strongly acidic 30Y soil. In strongly acidic 20Y soil, comammox Nitrospira clade A was much more heavily labeled than AOB. These results suggest the different contributions of ammonia oxidizers to nitrification in orchard soils with different ages and a greater functional importance of comammox Nitrospira than canonical ammonia oxidizers in ammonia oxidation in the tested strongly acidic orchard soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research aimed to develop a multidimensional measure of career locus of control (LOC) and examine its predictive validity on objective and subjective career success among Chinese employees. Items of career LOC were generated based on literature review of the significant predictors of career success, as well as the open-ended responses among Chinese employees ("N" = 30). Principal component analysis (Study 1, "N" = 204) revealed that career LOC consists of three factors: internal factor, external factor, and chance factor, which was consistent with the framework proposed by Levenson (1974). Results of confirmatory factor analysis among another sample of Chinese employees (Study 2, "N" = 646) supported this three-factor structure. Predictive validity analysis showed that after controlling for the effects of demographic, organizational and industrial variables, internal career LOC was positively related to both objective and subjective career success; chance factor was negatively related to subjective career success, but not related to objective career success. Theoretical and practical implications of this research were discussed. (Contains 5 tables.)

Simple Summary: The Asian giant soft-shelled turtle (Pelochelys cantorii), belonging to the order Testudines (family Trionychidae, genus Pelochelys), is one of the largest inland aquatic turtle species. However, due to excessive economic development, Pc. cantorii is critically endangered and rarely seen in the wild. As early as 1989, China listed the turtle as a key aquatic wildlife protection animal at the national level, but the conservation biology of Pc. cantorii has not been fully elucidated due to a lack of reference genomes. Here, based on a high-quality chromosome-level genome for Pc. cantorii, acquired by a combination of Illumina short-read, PacBio long-read and Hi-C scaffolding technologies in a previous study, we analyzed the evolutionary state of Pc. cantorii. Moreover, we found that several candidate genes associated with tumor suppression, growth and age were expanded, implicating their potential roles in the exceptional longevity of turtles. These findings will be an enabling resource for genetic and genomic studies to support fundamental insights into Pc. cantorii conservation. The Asian giant soft-shelled turtle, Pelochelys cantorii (Trionychidae), is one of the largest aquatic turtles in China and was designated as a First-Grade Protected Animal in China in 1989. Previous investigation based on a combination of Illumina short-read, PacBio long-read and Hi-C scaffolding technologies acquired a high-quality chromosome-level genome of Pc. cantorii. In this study, comparative genomic analysis between Pc. cantorii and 16 other vertebrate genomes indicated that turtles separated from the ancestor of archosaurians approximately 256.6 (95% highest posterior density interval, 263.6–251.9) million years ago (Mya) (Upper Permian to Triassic) and that Pc. cantorii separated from the ancestor of Pd. sinensis and R. swinhoei approximately 59.3 (95% highest posterior density interval, 64.3–54.3) Mya. Moreover, several candidate genes, such as VWA5A, ABCG2, A2M and IGSF1, associated with tumor suppression, growth and age were expanded, implicating their potential roles in the exceptional longevity of turtles. This new chromosome-level assembly has important scientific value in the study of conservation of Pc. cantorii and also enriches the evolutionary investigation of turtle species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, the study outcomes of anthropometric markers to predict the risk of hypertension are still inconsistent due to the effect of racial disparities. This study aims to investigate the most effective predictors for screening and prediction of hypertension (HTN) in the Chinese middle-aged and more elderly adult population and to predict hypertension using obesity and lipid-related markers in Chinese middle-aged and older people. Methods: The data for the cohort study came from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), including 4423 middle-aged and elderly people aged 45 years or above. We examined 13 obesity- and lipid-related indices, including waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist-height ratio (WHtR), visceral adiposity index (VAI), a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), lipid accumulation product index (LAP), conicity index (CI), Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI), triglyceride-glucose index (TyG-index) and their combined indices (TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, TyG-WHtR). To compare the capacity of each measure to forecast the probability of developing HTN, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the usefulness of anthropometric indices for screening for HTN in the elderly and determining their cut-off value, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC). Association analysis of 13 obesity-related anthropometric indicators with HTN was performed using binary logistic regression analysis. Results: During the four years, the incident rates of HTN in middle-aged and elderly men and women in China were 22.08% and 17.82%, respectively. All the above 13 indicators show a modest predictive power (AUC > 0.5), which is significant for predicting HTN in adults (middle-aged and elderly people) in China (P < 0.05). In addition, when WHtR = 0.501 (with an AUC of 0.593, and sensitivity and specificity of 63.60% and 52.60% respectively) or TYg-WHtR = 4.335 (with an AUC of 0.601, and sensitivity and specificity of 58.20% and 59.30% respectively), the effect of predicting the incidence risk of men is the best. And when WHtR = 0.548 (with an AUC of 0.609, and sensitivity and specificity of 59.50% and 56.50% respectively) or TYg-WHtR = 4.781(with an AUC of 0.617, and sensitivity and specificity of 58.10% and 60.80% respectively), the effect of predicting the incidence risk of women is the best. Conclusions: The 13 obesity- and lipid-related indices in this study have modest significance for predicting HTN in Chinese middle-aged and elderly patients. WHtR and Tyg-WHtR are the most cost-effective indicators with moderate predictive value of the development of HTN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In a rapidly changing healthcare environment, Self-directed learning (SDL) ability is recognized as a crucial condition for nursing students and nurse to deal with severe challenges positively. Developing SDL ability is becoming more and more important among nursing students. SDL is related to nursing students enhancing their own knowledge, skills and maintaining lifelong learning. This study is aim at translating the Self-directed Learning Instrument (SDLI) into Chinese and verify its reliability and validity among nursing students. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional design and the multistage sampling design. The SDLI was translated into Chinese, and the reliability and validity of the scale were tested among 975 nursing students. Results: The Cronbach's α value of the Chinese version of SDLI was 0.916. The split-half reliability coefficient was 0.829, and the retest coefficient was 0.884. The content validity index of the scale was 0.95. Furthermore, the four-factors model was obtained by using exploratory factor analysis, explaining 55.418% variance, and the communalities of the items ranged from 0.401 to 0.664. With modified confirmatory factor analysis, the fit indices were chi-square/degree of freedom (CMIN/DF) = 2.285, the comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.947, and the tucker lewis index (TLI) was 0.938. And, the model fitting indexes were all in the acceptable range and confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the model fit the SDLI well. Conclusion: The Chinese version of SDLI has good validity and reliability among nursing students. It can be used to measure the SDL ability of nursing students in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qinling Orogen resulted from the collision between the North and South China blocks in the Triassic. Mesozoic granitoids, ranging from the Triassic to the Cretaceous, are widely distributed in this orogen, and they provide excellent clues for understanding the crustal evolution and geodynamic evolution of the orogenic belt. The Triassic belt is mostly located in the South Qinling, whereas the Cretaceous belt is located mostly in the North Qinling. The Taibai complex pluton is located at the conjunction of the two belts. Here we present a data set comprising zircon U-Pb dating and elemental and Sr-Nd isotopic geochemistry for Late Mesozoic granite and microgranular enclaves (MME) exposed in the Taibai complex pluton. The granite and MME yield concordant U-Pb zircon ages of 124 to 118 Ma, indicating that they were products of roughly simultaneous magmatism in the Late Mesozoic. The granite rocks are high-K, calc-alkaline, and weakly peraluminous in compositions, and they are characterized by enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (e. g., Rb, Ba), depletion in high field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, Zr, Ti), and variable Sr/Y ratios of 7.64 to 63.6. Low MgO, Cr, and Ni contents imply that the magma(s) were essentially crust-derived. Both the granite and the MME show relative depletion in Sr-Nd isotopic composition (initial 87Sr/86Sr of 0.704 4 to 0.706 7, initial εNd values of −3.4 to −2.6), suggesting that the magma(s) originated from juvenile crustal rocks. These Sr-Nd isotopic characteristics are significantly different from those of other Late Mesozoic granitoids exposed elsewhere in the Qinling orogenic belt, which formed from much older and enriched sources and with negligible contributions from mantle or juvenile crust. We propose a reworking event of the juvenile crust during the Late Mesozoic that was triggered by the tectonic extension and subsequent asthenospheric upwelling that occurred in eastern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this paper is to discuss how we establish the framework of CAFE system by applying the hologram approach in Fintech which is suitable for Chinese markets, and how our CAF system is able to resolve the current three major issues of "rating being falsely high, the differentiation of credit rating grades being insufficient, and the poor performance of predicting early warning". After nearly 30 years of rapid development in China's financial industry, the current domestic credit rating market is facing at least these three problems: 1) the rating is falsely high; 2) the differentiation of credit rating grades is insufficient; and 3) the poor performance of predicting early warning and related issues. These issues and problems show that by so far there is no Credit Assessment System suitable for China with "BBB" credit rating grade as the basic investment level in accordance with international standard for capital markets in the practice, which have severely restricted the healthy development of Chinas capital market. From the perspective of financial technical processing, the main reason for this phenomenon is due to a simple fact that there is not enough default (bad) samples available from the markets in China, which led to the difficulty for domestic and foreign rating agencies to establish reliable credit rating assessment criteria for entities and bonds/debts for capital markets in China. Thus we must consider how to create a reasonable number of "bad samples by using new approach in dealing with non-structured data, which is called "hologram approach as a fundamental tool. In this way, it allows us to extract risk features based on the heterogeneous big data from different sources as breakthrough points to establish the so-called "CAFE Risk Assessment System" (CAFE System). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The application of organic fertilizers such as crop straw and manure is a feasible practice to alleviate the adverse effects caused by chemical fertilizers, and such alleviation is reflected mainly on soil microorganisms. However, our understanding of the short-term impacts of different organic materials combined with chemical fertilizer on soil fertility, bacterial and fungal abundances, and community compositions is limited. Methods: An acidic paddy field experiment in South China under three short-term fertilization regimes with equal amounts of inorganic fertilizers: chemical fertilizer (NPK), chemical fertilizer combined with cattle manure (NPKM), and chemical fertilizer combined with rice straw (NPKS) were investigated. Soil chemical properties were measured to analyze the effects of fertilization regimes on soil nutrients. Real-time quantitative PCR and MiSeq sequencing based on bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence were employed to compare the bacterial and fungal abundances and community compositions under different fertilization regimes. Results: The NPKM treatment significantly increased soil organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents compared with the NPK treatment. Also, manure application stimulated bacterial and fungal growth and distinctly shaped bacterial and fungal communities compared with chemical fertilizer alone. However, the incorporation of rice straw into soil had minor effects on soil nutrients, microbial abundance, and community composition. Redundancy analysis and variation partitioning analysis indicated that soil nutrients (e.g., SOM, available N, and P) and salinity (e.g., calcium and magnesium ions) together influenced soil bacterial and fungal communities. Conclusion: These results implicated a more prominent role of manure than rice straw in increasing soil fertility, bacterial and fungal abundances, and shaping microbial community distributions in this acidic paddy soil under short-term fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since December 2019, the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (COVID-19) outbroke in Wuhan and spread in China. Here we aimed to investigate the clinical and radiological characteristics of COVID-19 cases. We collected and analyzed the clinical data of 172 hospitalized cases of COVID-19 who were diagnosed via qRT-PCR of nasopharyngeal swabs during January 2020 and February 2020. The chest images were reviewed by radiologists and respirologists. The older patients with COVID-19 in Henan Province had more severe disease and worse prognosis. The male sex, smoking history and Wuhan exposure of patients are not related to the severity or prognosis of COVID-19. Family gatherings were showed among 26.7% of patients. A greater proportion of patients in the severe group suffer from combined chronic diseases. CT results showed that most patients had bilateral lung lesions and multiple lung lobes. The lungs of severe patients are more damaged. Both the infection range and inflammatory factor levels are related to the poor prognosis. Antiviral drugs, immunoglobulin and traditional Chinese medicine are mainly used for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The discharge rate of COVID-19 patients was 93.0%, and the mortality rate was 2.3%. Case type, lymphocyte ratio grade, and respiratory failure at admission are risk factors for poor prognosis, except for the number of infiltrating lung lobes. The results showed that severe disease process, lymphopenia and respiratory failure are risk factors for the COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) poses a looming threat to human health. Although there are numerous studies regarding porin alteration in association with the production of ESBLs and/or AmpC β-lactamase, a systematic study on the treatment-emergence of porins alteration in antibiotic resistance does not yet exist. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of resistance of K. pneumoniae during carbapenem treatment. Results: Here, we report three strains (FK-2624, FK-2723 and FK-2820) isolated from one patient before and after imipenem treatment during hospitalization. Antibiotic susceptibility testing indicated that that the first isolate, FK-2624, was susceptible to almost all tested antimicrobials, being resistant only to fosfomycin. The subsequent isolates FK-2723 and FK-2820 were multidrug resistant (MDR). After imipenem therapy, FK-2820 was found to be carbapenem-resistant. PCR and Genome Sequencing analysis indicated that oqxA, and fosA5, were identified in all three strains. In addition, FK-2624 also harbored blaSHV-187 and blaTEM-116. The blaSHV-187 and blaTEM-116 genes were not detected in FK-2723 and FK-2820. blaDHA-1, qnrB4, aac (6′)-IIc, and blaSHV-12, EreA2, CatA2, SulI, and tetD, were identified in both FK-2723 and FK-2820. Moreover, the genes blaDHA-1, qnrB4, aac (6′)-IIc were co-harbored on a plasmid. Of the virulence factors found in this study, ybtA, ICEKp6, mrkD, entB, iroN, rmpA2–6, wzi16 and capsular serotype K57 were found in the three isolates. The results of pairwise comparisons, multi-locus sequencing typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed high homology among the isolates. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) results showed that isolate FK-2820 lacked OmpK36, with genome sequence data validating that there was a premature stop codon in the ompK36 gene and real-time RT-PCR suggesting high turnover of the ompK36 non-sense transcript in FK-2820, with the steady-state mRNA level 0.007 relative to the initial isolate. Conclusion: This study in China highlight that the alteration of outer membrane porins due to the 14-day use of imipenem play a potential role in leading to clinical presentation of carbapenem-resistance. This is the first description of increased resistance developing from a carbapenem-susceptible K. pneumoniae with imipenem treatment driven by outer membrane remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The innovation‐export nexus has been extensively explored, while relatively few studies have focused on innovation's impact on firms' export survival and the role of export mode. Using a large panel dataset from China, this research empirically explores how innovation impacts firms' export survival, considering export modes. First, we employ the discrete‐time survival analysis model (cloglog) to examine this research addressing the censored issue. Second, the propensity score matching (PSM) methodology is employed to address the selection‐bias issue and select the similar firms based on which to compare their Kaplan–Meier survivor probability. Results present a positive role of innovation in the export survival of direct exporters; however, there is an inverted‐U relationship between innovation intensity and their survival probability. For indirect exporters, evidence shows an insignificant innovation‐export survival nexus. In addition, results show higher export survival for Chinese innovative exporters who are foreign‐owned, highly export‐intensive, long‐lasting in export market, in technology industries. For innovative exporters who export directly, those in medium and low‐technological industries and export capital goods are more likely to survive. Our research provides insights for Chinese exporters regarding innovation participation and suggests the government conducting prudent and deliberate design for innovation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To constrain the mechanism and magnitude of inter-mineral K isotope fractionation during high-temperature magmatic processes, we conducted high-precision K isotope measurements on ultrapotassic and granitic rocks and mineral separates from the Qinling Orogenic Belt, China, as well as first-principles investigations of the corresponding K-bearing minerals. Our results show that the ultrapotassic rocks (−0.33 to −0.14‰) have considerably higher δ41K than the primitive mantle (−0.42 ± 0.08‰), confirming the previous conclusion that slab-derived fluids have contributed heavy K isotopic signatures to their mantle sources. Specifically, the K isotopic fractionation between biotite and microcline (Δ41K biotite-microcline = −0.11 to 0.05‰, with biotite and microcline ranging from −0.49 to −0.14‰ and − 0.48 to −0.12‰, respectively) agrees well with the calculated equilibrium isotopic fractionation scale. This evidence, together with the homogeneous mineral chemical compositions, suggests equilibrium K isotopic fractionation between biotite and microcline. Notably, amphiboles (δ41K ranging from −0.41 to 0.48‰) have heterogeneous K isotopic compositions and are generally heavier than coexisting microcline and biotite. In addition, the determined K isotopic fractionation between amphibole/plagioclase and microcline is inconsistent with the calculated results and is likely caused by the kinetic fractionation processes. To reveal the potential controls on the K isotopic compositions of arc magma, we utilized theoretical and measured K isotopic fractionation factors to model K isotopic fractionation behavior during amphibole crystallization. The results show that when Δ41K amphibole-melt = 0.05‰, the fractional crystallization of amphibole shows negligible effect on the K isotopic composition of the residual melts. Even in the case of Δ41K amphibole-melt = 0.24‰, fractional crystallization of amphibole exerts an insignificant control on the K isotopic composition of arc magma. Therefore, although amphibole may have heavier K isotopic compositions than the melts, its fractional crystallization may not distinctly decrease the K isotopic composition of residual melts. • The equilibrium K isotope fractionation between Bt and Mic is negligible • Amp and Pl show considerably higher δ41K than coexisting Bt and Mic • The fractionation of Amp would not obviously drive the melt toward lighter K isotope composition [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrification plays an important role in the soil nitrogen (N) cycle, and fertilizer application may influence soil nitrifiers' abundance and composition. However, the effect of long-term manure application in paddy soils on nitrifying populations is poorly understood. We chose four long-term manure experimental fields in the south of China to study how the abundance and community structure of nitrifiers would change in response to long-term manure application using quantitative PCR and Miseq sequencing analyses. Our results showed that manure application significantly increased ammonia oxidizing archaea (AOA) abundance at the ChangSha (CS) and NanChang (NC) sites, while the abundance of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) represented 4.8- and 12.8- fold increases at the JiaXing (JX) and YingTan (YT) sites, respectively. Miseq sequencing of 16S rRNA genes indicated that manure application altered the community structure of nitrifying populations, especially at the NC and YT sites. The application of manure significantly changed AOA and nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) community structures but not those of AOB, suggesting that AOA and NOB may be more sensitive to manures. Variation partitioning analysis (VPA) and redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that soil pH, TN, NO 3 − -N and water content were the main factors in shaping nitrifying communities. These findings suggest that nitrifiers respond diversely to manure application, and soil physiochemical properties play an important role in determining nitrifiers' abundance and communities with long-term manure addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth is one of the most important traits of commercial fishes. Bighead carp are intensively cultured in China and some Asian countries; however, the genetic basis of growth is less understood. In this study, we calculated the heritability of growth-related traits in a mixed population of 840 bighead carp and estimated growth-related QTL in a family of bighead carp using bulked segregation analysis of resequencing data. High phenotypic (0.70–0.95) and genetic (0.77–0.97) correlations were found between all growth-related traits. Estimated heritability of 0.20 ± 0.11, 0.28 ± 0.14, 0.32 ± 0.16, 0.14 ± 0.11 and 0.12 ± 0.09 were obtained for body weight, body height, head length, total length, and body length in bighead carp with seven month old. In the BSA analysis for progeny with extreme segregated body weight of a single family, three regions located in LG01, LG11 and LG22, respectively with a total length of 17.84 Mb which were obtained according to correlation thresholds. Annotation of genes within this region yielded 120 and 61 nonsynonymous and code-shifting mutations, respectively, by comparing SNPs and InDel between the two growth difference groups. Finally, 14 candidate genes, including T-box transcription factor 3, transcription factor E2F2, paired box gene 9, and fibroblast growth factor 6b were identified. Association analysis and mRNA levels revealed that paired box gene 9 and fibroblast growth factor 6b were significantly associated with growth-related traits in extreme growth samples. These results provide insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying the regulation of growth and development in the bighead carp. • Calculated the heritability of growth traits in a mixed population of 840 bighead carp. • A region of 17.84 MB was located by BSA analysis between groups of weight extremes. • 181 genes with genotypic differences were annotated and 14 candidate genes were identified. • Pax9 and lrp6 were significantly associated with growth by mRNA expression and SNP association analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex-specific markers are a powerful tool for studying sex-determination mechanisms and sex-control breeding in aquaculture. Mud carp (Cirrhinus molitorella) is one of the most important edible fishes in South China and Southeast Asia, and its processed products, such as tinned foods, have a high market value. The age of first maturation for mud carp is often three years. However, the sex-determination mechanism of mud carp is still unclear, which has affected its genetic breeding and culture industrial development. In this study, we identified sex-specific markers by 2b-RAD and genome sequencing in mud carp. The whole genome of a male mud carp was sequenced, and the total size of the draft genome was 1078.7 Mb. Nine males and nine females were subjected to 2b-RAD sequencing, and 12 male-specific scaffolds were isolated. Primers were designed based on these male scaffolds, and five male-specific markers from five scaffolds successfully discriminated males from females in the broodstock populations with 100% accuracy. Furthermore, five male-specific SNPs were identified and verified by Sanger sequencing, and all of them showed female homogamety and male heterogamety. These results indicate that mud carp has a male-heterogametic XX/XY sex-determination system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of practical sex-specific markers in this species. Our results will contribute to elucidating the genetic basis of sex determination and improving the efficiency of genetic breeding in mud carp. • 12 male-specific tags were identified through nine females and nine males 2b-RAD sequencing in mud carp. • Five male-specific 2b-RAD tags and SNPs were first identified and mud carp possessed an XY sex determination system. • Those results provide valuable information for genetic gender identification and sex control breeding in mud carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia oxidizing archaea (AOA), ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and the newly discovered complete ammonia oxidizers (comammox Nitrospira) are responsible for ammonia oxidation, which is the first and rate-limiting step of nitrification. A better understanding of the complex responses of AOA, AOB and comammox Nitrospira to inorganic and organic fertilization regimes is critical to get the whole picture of soil nitrification. Here, we investigated the abundances and community compositions of AOA, AOB and comammox Nitrospira in a fluvo-aquic soil under different fertilization strategies: nitrogen fertilizer reduction treatments (CK, PK, 50 % NPK and 75 % NPK), conventional fertilizer treatment (100 % NPK), N fertilizer reduction with organic manure substitution treatments (25 % OMNPK, 50 % OMNPK, 100 % OMPK and 200 % OMPK). The results indicated that 100 % NPK treatment significantly increased AOB abundance, while the abundances of AOA and comammox Nitrospira were enhanced significantly by 100 % and 200 % OMPK treatments. Principal coordinate analysis indicated different fertilization strategies had greater effect on the communities of AOB and comammox Nitrospira than those of AOA. Fertilizer application (other than CK) decreased the relative abundance of Nitrosospira cluster 3b of AOB while increased the relative abundance of Nitrosospira cluster 3a.2. Fertilizer, especially high manure application increased the relative abundance of comammox Nitrospira clade A.2 but decreased the relative abundance of clade B. Both redundancy analysis and mantel test showed AOB and comammox Nitrospira communities were regulated by more soil factors than AOA community. These results suggested the communities of AOB and comammox Nitrospira were more sensitive than AOA community to different fertilization strategies in a fluvo-aquic soil of northern China. • Conventional chemical fertilizer application significantly increased AOB abundance. • AOA and comammox Nitrospira abundances were enhanced by high manure application. • AOB and comammox Nitrospira communities are more affected by fertilizer regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research examined the effects of career-specific parental behaviors (reported by parents at time 1) on Chinese university students' career exploration (reported by students at time 2) and career adaptability (reported by students at time 3). A survey study was conducted among Chinese university graduates ( N = 244) and their parents ( N = 244). The results supported a mediation model such that a high level of parental support and a low level of parental interference had beneficial effects on Chinese undergraduates' career exploration, which in turn positively predicted their career adaptability. Lack of parental career engagement had a direct negative effect on career adaptability. Significant interaction effects were also found among these three types of parental behaviors such that at a lower level of lack of parental career engagement, the positive effects of parental support, as well as the negative effects of interference on career exploration were stronger. The corresponding moderated mediation models were also supported. These findings carry implications for research on career construction theory and career counseling practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) turnover plays a pivotal role in achieving C neutrality, promoting C retention and increasing soil fertility. Residue biochemistry and soil texture essentially determine SOC distribution (including CO2 mineralization and stock in soil) in farmland. However, less is known about allocation of residue-C with contrasting biochemistry and the fate of residue-C in soil under two different textures. This study was conducted in a 61-day aerobic incubation with two Black soils with distinct texture (clay loam vs. sandy loam) in Northeast China. Chemical composition of seven residue parts (soybean roots, leaves, and stems and maize roots, leaves and top and bottom stem parts) was characterized using solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results showed that leaves of both two crops contained significantly higher nitrogen (N), carbonyl and aryl concentrations and lower carbon (C) and lignin concentrations than other parts, resulted in faster decomposition in soils, especially in the clay loam. Stems contained higher O-alkyl and di-O-alkyl concentrations, C/N and lignin/N, while roots contained higher aromaticity. Maize top stem parts with larger slow C pool and longer half-life had higher contribution to SOC accumulation than other parts. Soil textures also induced great impact on SOC turnover. The clay loam favored SOC sequestration due to significantly longer half-life of slow C pool than the sandy loam. Generally, the alkyl/O-alkyl ratio showed the most significant correlation with SOC, CO2 emission and soil biochemical factors in the clay loam; whereas in sandy loam, the lignin/N was the pivotal indicator for SOC accumulation. This study provides insights into the differences in chemical composition among various residue parts, and highlights the significant effects of both residue chemical composition and soil texture on residue decomposition and SOC accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mantle-derived ultrapotassic rocks (K 2 O/Na 2 O > 2, K 2 O > 3 wt%, and MgO > 3 wt%) are crucial to reveal crust-mantle interactions. Here, we present petrographic compositions, whole-rock geochemical and potassium (K) isotopic compositions of Baoji ultrapotassic rocks from North Qinling Orogen, China, to trace their origin. The high Ba/La, Ba/Th, Ba/Rb and low Rb/Sr ratios of the investigated ultrapotassic rocks, together with partial melting modelling, reveal a garnet-facies amphibole lherzolite mantle source modified by slab-derived fluids. In particular, the δ41K values of the ultrapotassic rocks (−0.57‰ to −0.06‰) are higher than that of the depleted mantle and display positive correlations with K/Th, Ba/Th and Ba/Rb ratios, which indicate that slab-derived fluids have contributed heavy K isotopic signatures to the mantle source from which the ultrapotassic rocks were derived. Collectively, the data demonstrate that slab-derived fluids, or supercritical fluids play important roles in the generation of post-collisional ultrapotassic rocks and K isotopes have the ability to trace the deep processes in subduction zones. • Baoji ultrapotassic rocks have isotopically heavier K than the depleted mantle. • Baoji ultrapotassic rocks were derived from an amphibole lherzolite mantle source. • The mantle source was modified by slab-derived fluids or supercritical fluids. • Potassium isotope system is a powerful tracer of crustal-mantle interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-density genetic linkage maps are comprehensively used in quantitative trait loci (QTLs) mapping, trait-related genes identification, marker-assisted selection, genome assembly and comparative genomic analysis in domestic species. The blotched snakehead (Channa maculata) is an important aquaculture species in China and Southeast Asia, but the genetic improvement was lagged by lacking of genomic information. In this study, the first high-density genetic linkage map was constructed for blotched snakehead using 2b-RAD sequencing technology. The consensus map consists of 6352 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers that are assigned to 21 linkage groups (LGs) and spanning 2143.7 cM with an average marker interval of 0.34 cM. Comparative genomic analysis revealed 1:1 and/or 1:2 syntenic relationships between blotched snakehead LGs and chromosomes of medaka, European seabass and northern snakehead separately. Nine chromosome-wide QTLs associated with body weight were identified in three LGs, explaining 9.8–11.9% of the phenotypic variation. Putative candidate genes for growth rate, such as bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP 6), were identified adjacent to the QTLs. A single major locus tightly linked to sex was identified in LG2 that explained 98.8–100% of the phenotypic variation.Four markers within the sex-linked locus were found to be heterogametic in males and homogametic in females. One sex-specific SNP marker located in the sex QTL region was validated for practical verification of sex in blotched snakehead. Those results suggest that the LG2 may be a sex-related chromosome in blotched snakehead and an XX/XY chromosomal sex determination system in this species. The high-density linkage map and QTLs supply a basis for genome evolutionary studies, QTL fine mapping of economic traits and sex-control breeding in blotched snakehead. • A high-density genetic map with 6352 SNPs was constructed for blotched snakehead using 2b-RAD sequencing technology. • Nine QTLs associated with body weight were identified, and a single major locus for sex determination was identified in LG2. • A sex-specific SNP marker in the sex QTL region was validated for practical verification of sex in blotched snakehead. • This study provides valuable information for marker-assisted selection breeding in blotched snakehead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blotched snakehead (Channa maculata) is an economically important freshwater fish in China, of which males grow much faster than females. To illuminate the molecular mechanism of sex differentiation and gonad development, RNA-Sequencing was performed to identify sex-related genes and pathway in gonads of 6-month-old normal XX females (XX-F), normal XY males (XY-M), XY sex reversal females (XY-F) and YY super-males (YY-M). The analysis showed that many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) had similar expression patterns in XY-F and XX-F, which were different from XY-M and YY-M. qRT-PCR indicated that Amh , Dmrt1 , and Sox9 had relatively high expression in testes of XY-M and YY-M. Taking Amh as an example, there was a relative fold change of 1.0 in XX-F, 2.1 fold change in XY-F, 36.1 fold change in XY-M, and 26.0 fold change in YY-M. Cyp19a1a , Figla , and Foxl2 were highly expressive in ovaries of XX-F and XY-F. Taking Figla as an example, there was a relative fold change of 557 in XX-F, 304.5 fold change in XY-F, 5.6 fold change in XY-M, and 4.4 fold change in YY-M. KEGG analysis revealed many DEGs distributed in pathways related to sex differentiation, steroid hormone synthesis and growth, etc. Significant variation and trends in relative expression levels tested by qRT-PCR were consistent with those recorded by RNA-Sequencing. This is the first time that transcriptome of snakehead has been investigated systematically and in an integrated way. Large quantities of candidate genes involved in sex differentiation, gonad development and growth dimorphism were identified. The study provides useful resources for understanding sex differentiation and growth dimorphism, potentially assisting mono-sex production of snakehead in aquaculture. Unlabelled Image • RNA-Sequencing was conducted in the four types of gonads from blotched snakehead. • XY-F and XX-F had similar expression patterns, which were different from XY-M and YY-M. • Sex-related genes were identified from XY-F, XX-F, XY-M and YY-M. • KEGG analysis revealed that plentiful DEGs distributed in pathways related to sex differentiation. • It provides resources for understanding sex differentiation and growth dimorphism of snakehead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-density genetic linkage maps are essential for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, candidate gene identification, marker-assisted selection, genome assembly and comparative genomic analysis in aquaculture species. Snakehead (Channa argus) is an important aquaculture species in China, but the genetic improvement of this species is still in its infancy. In this study, a high-density genetic linkage map was constructed for snakehead using 2b-RAD sequencing technology. The consensus map contains 3151 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers assigned to 24 linkage groups (LGs) and spanning 2728.9 cM with an average marker interval of 0.87 cM. Comparative genomics revealed a 1:1 syntenic relationship between snakehead LGs and chromosomes of medaka and European seabass. Fourteen chromosome-wide QTLs associated with body weight and body length were identified in five LGs, explaining 9.6–12.8% of the phenotypic variation. Potential candidate growth-related genes, such as SATB homeobox 2 (satb2), were identified within the QTL intervals. A single major locus for sex determination was identified in LG5 that explained 97.4–100% of the phenotypic variation. Six markers with a sex-determining locus were found to be heterogametic in males and homogametic in females. A sex-specific SNP marker located in the sex QTL region was validated for practical verification of sex in snakehead. All of the results suggest an XX/XY sex determination system in this species. This high-density genetic map and QTL analysis supply a basis for genome evolutionary studies, genome assembly and QTL fine mapping of complex traits in snakehead. • A high-density genetic map with 3151 SNPs was constructed for snakehead using 2b-RAD sequencing technology. • Fourteen QTLs associated with growth traits were identified, and a single major locus for sex determination was identified. • A sex-specific SNP marker located in the sex QTL region was validated for practical verification of sex in snakehead. • This study provides valuable information for marker-assisted selection breeding in snakehead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blotched snakehead (Channa maculata) is one of the most important freshwater fish in China. Genome editing is of great potential in generating new snakehead strains with valuable economic traits without integration of exogenous genes. Myostatin (Mstn) inhibits the development and growth of skeletal muscle in vertebrates, including teleosts. Mstn mutations induced by genome editing can stimulate muscle growth and development, therefore Mstn is an appropriate candidate to breed the fast-growing snakehead strain. For this study, one orthologous Mstn gene was characterized in C. maculata , designated as CmMstn , which possessed the relatively conserved gene and protein structure. CmMstn had the highest expression level and sexual dimorphism in muscles. Two CRISPR/Cas9 target sites were designed to generate knockout mutants within the mature mRNA sequence of CmMstn located in Exon I and Exon II. 1 nL mixture solution of 200 pg gRNA and 300 pg Cas9 protein was directly microinjected into each snakehead embryonic yolk at 1⁓4 cell stage. Mstn was efficiently edited by CRISPR/Cas9 system in shakehead, and all designed gRNAs effectively worked at their target sites with high mutagenesis efficiencies, from 40.0% to 53.3%. The majority of mutations were frame-shift and resulted in premature termination of transcription and disruption of the molecular function of Cm Mstn protein. Furthermore, we obtained four founders (F0) of snakehead with the mutated Mstn gene in their primordial germ cells, and nineteen F1 offspring of the F0 mutants mated with wild-type individuals were displayed to carry Mstn null alleles. It is the first application of genome editing technology in blotched snakehead, and CRISPR/Cas9 system successfully edit the primordial germ cells. Our findings will accelerate our understanding of the role of Mstn gene in snakehead growth, and speed up the cultivation of the fast-growing snakehead strain. • One orthologous Mstn gene was characterized in Channa maculata (CmMstn). • CmMstn had the highest expression level and sexual dimorphism in muscles. • Genome editing of the Mstn by CRISPR/Cas9 system was successfully accomplished in blotched snakehead. • Heritable targeted inactivation of Mstn in F1 knockout blotched snakehead were generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gynogenesis is an effective technique for establishing pure line and validating possible chromosomal mode of sex determination in fish. As one of the major aquaculture fish historically cultured in China, bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) is famous for its market value of the head, but slow in its genetic improvement due to a long period of sexual maturation. In this study, females of bighead carp (F0 dams) with fast growth and bigger head were chose to induce first and second generation of meiotic gynogenesis (GF1 and GF2 for short) by using UV-irradiated heterologous sperm of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). On average, diploid gynogens were obtained by cold shock with a survival rate of 7.36% for GF1 and 6.24% for GF2, respectively. Results of morphology comparison and parentage assignment showed that all survival gynogens were genetically derived from the dams. Compared with their F0 parents, heterozygosities of GF1 and GF2 gynogens decreased by 42% and 60% when analyzed using 50 SSRs, and by 35% and 53% when using 1505 SNP markers, respectively. Sexing of the GF1 and GF2 gynogens showed all-female genotypes and phenotypes when examined by male-specific DNA markers, histology section and morphology of gonads. Overall, large number of meiotic gynogens have been successfully induced in two consecutive generations, providing valuable resources for fast domestication and genetic improvement in bighead carp. Our evidence of sex ratios in both GF1 and GF2 gynogens also strongly supports a proposed chromosomal mechanism of sex determination (XX/XY) for this large-size cyprinid fish. • First and second generation of meiotic gynogenesis (GF1, GF2) were successfully induced in bighead carp. • Heterozygosity of GF2 was significantly lower than that of F0 parents and GF1 gynogens as revealed by SSR and SNP markers. • Sex ratios of both GF1 and GF2 strongly support a chromosomal sex determination of female homogamety in bighead carp. • These meio-gynogenetic families are valuable resources for fast domestication and genetic improvement in bighead carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the spatial distribution regularity of coseismic landslides is important for mitigation in future earthquakes. Unveiling the controlling factors of the distribution of coseismic landslides is a long-standing unsolved problem. On 3 August 2014, a Mw 6.1 earthquake occurred in Ludian County, Yunnan Province, China, and resulted in a great number of landslides and substantial losses. The coseismic landslide distribution in this earthquake, which was triggered by an unmapped fault, shows a different pattern. This paper conducted a spatial analysis to reveal the controlling factors in the Ludian earthquake. A spatial database of landslides has been built by interpreting the ZY-3 pre-earthquake, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), GeoEye-1 and GF-1 post-earthquake. A total of 1414 landslides were identified after a combination of image interpretation and field investigation in an area of 704.7 km2. The geological setting of the study area, including the tectonics and lithology, has been mapped in detail. The digital elevation model (DEM) of the study area with a resolution of 30 m × 30 m was presented to address the topographic characteristics. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to analyse the spatial characterization of the landslides. Correlations between the occurrences of landslides and factors, i.e., slope gradient, elevation, slope aspect, intensity, distance to coseismic fault, distance to the epicentre, lithology, distance to non-coseismic faults, distance to rivers and distance to road, were characterized with a spatial analysis in GIS. It can be concluded that the slope gradient and the distance to the coseismic fault are the two most important factors for determining the spatial distribution of coseismic disasters. Some other factors play a role by influencing the slope gradient to a certain extent, and the movement of the coseismic fault is the prone direction of coseismic landslides. Slope cutting fractures the rock mass, increases the slope gradient, and significantly increases the occurrence of coseismic landslides. A statistics analysis indicates that the landslide concentration (LC) generally has an obvious exponential decrease with an increasing distance to the coseismic fault, while it has a good Weibull cumulative distribution with the slope gradient. • A complete coseismic landslide inventory were documented in 2004 Mw 6.1 Ludian struck area of 704.7 km2. • Correlations between landslide occurrences and nine factors including geographical and geological setting were investigated. • The relationships among factors influencing the spatial distribution of coseismic landslides are disclosed. • Slope gradient and the distance to the coseismic fault or epicentre are the two determinants for LC of coseismic landslides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many commercially important fish species show significant sex dimorphism in growth and size. Breeding mono-sex stocks could improve economic benefits of farmers. The snakehead fish is massively cultured in China, over 0.5 million tons per year. The sex dimorphism of snakehead is remarkable, in which males are meanly twice in growth and size than females. Furtherly, the individual size of the marketable fish also determines the price. So the all-male stock is of great beneficial interests in the snakehead culture industry. In this study, we combined the sex reversal and molecular sex identification to produce YY super-male blotched snakehead, Channa maculata , and then bred the all-male hybrid by an interspecific hybridization of YY super-male C. maculata with XX normal female northern snakehead (Channa argus) for aquaculture. Three kinds of hormones, α -estradiol, β -estradiol, and stilbestrol, were used to induce sex reversal of C. maculata. All hormones resulted in similar effects in inducing sex reversal, and the reversal rate were dosage dependent. Abnormal ovaries and oviducts were found in all hormone treated groups, which resulted in failure of natural spawning. Thus, artificial insemination was essential in the reproduction of neofemale. The sex-linked marker was used to genotype the progeny of XY neofemale, and YY super-male candidates with new genotypes were successfully detected, but biased from the expected 1:2:1 ratio (χ2 = 6.17, df = 2, P < 0.05). The YY super-male candidates furtherly produced half of YY super-males and half of XY normal males with XY neofemales, and 100% males with XX normal female C. maculata. All-male hybrid stock was also produced by crossing the YY super-male C. maculata with XX normal female C. argus. The growth performance of the all-male hybrid was compared with the normal hybrid as control. After 120 days feeding in the same earthen ponds, the all-male hybrid gained 5.73 g/d in average daily gain (ADG) compared to 4.88 g/d of the control, about 17.3% improved. The sex ratio of the all-male hybrid was evaluated by random sampling to be 93% male, and the bisexual tissue emerged in the gonad of the unexpected female. The results of this research prove that the all-male breeding of snakehead fish is practicable and would be applied in other snakehead fish. • Neofemale and YY super-male blotched snakeheads, Channa maculata , were identified using a molecular marker. • All-male hybrids were produced using YY super-males with female Channa argus , which shown enhanced growth and size. • The results prove that all-male breeding of snakehead fish is practicable and would be applied in other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subduction zones are important in materials' cycling between Earth's surface and mantle. As Li isotopic compositions of sedimentary carbonates (δ7Li = 5.2‰–31‰) differing markedly from those of the mantle (2.0‰–5.7‰), it is important to know if Li isotopic compositions of carbonates could be used to tracing deep carbon cycling. Here we report that meta -sedimentary carbonates could preserve their original heavy Li isotopic signatures (with δ7Li values up to 21.5‰) when subducted from surface to the mantle depths (the yellow arrow) and that the related carbonatitic or carbonate-rich silicate melts may retain various degrees of heavy Li isotopic signatures locally in the mantle (the yellow arrow). We infer that some mantle-derived magmas may have recorded the elevated δ7Li signatures induced by recycled carbonates (the yellow arrow) and thus Li isotopic geochemistry could be useful in tracing deep carbon cycling. • We firstly investigated the Li isotopic compositions of UHP marbles. • The δ7Li of UHP marbles is heavier than that of the upper mantle. • UHP marbles could form heavy Li isotopic heterogeneity in local mantle. • Li isotopes of UHP marbles are potential tools for tracing subduction and material-cycling. Subduction zones are important in materials' cycling between Earth's surface and mantle. We report lithium (Li) contents and isotopic compositions (δ7Li) of ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) marbles of the Dabie-Sulu orogen, with the aim of elucidating the geochemical behavior of Li isotopes during deep subduction of surficial carbonates and exploring the application of Li isotopes in tracing subduction and material-cycling. Pure UHP marbles (with δ7Li values up to 21.5‰) show significantly heavier isotopic compositions than those of the mantle (2.0‰–5.7‰; average 3.7‰), while impure marbles containing some silicates have δ7Li values as low as 1.3‰. Weathering, fluid infiltration, and isotopic fractionation have negligible effects on the Li isotopic compositions of UHP marbles. Exhumed UHP marbles might be good samples to study those residual carbonates entering into the deep mantle. When subducted carbonates transport heavy Li isotopic signatures to mantle depths, they may result in local Li isotopic heterogeneity. As Li is a trace element and UHP marbles have significantly different δ7Li signatures to the mantle, Li isotopic geochemistry might be useful in tracing deep carbon cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mesangial cell model of IgA nephropathy was well established by stimulating mesangial cells with aggregated IgA1 in vitro. • Dihydroartemisinin attenuated the proliferation of aggregated IgA1-induced human mesangial cells. • Dihydroartemisinin inhibited the mammalian target of rapamycin/ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 signaling pathway. IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is an autoimmune kidney disease and is the most prevalent form of glomerular kidney disease in China and worldwide. IgA immune complex deposition accompanied by mesangial cell proliferation and mesangial matrix expansion is the most basic pathological feature of IgAN. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an antimalarial drug, was recently reported to be effective in treating autoimmune diseases. However, its potential therapeutic role in IgAN is relatively unstudied. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacological effects and the underlying mechanisms of DHA in the treatment of IgAN. In this study, renal biopsy specimens were collected for immunohistochemistry. In vitro, 25 μg/ml concentrations of aggregated IgA1 (aIgA1) was used to construct the IgAN mesangial cell model. Stimulated human mesangial cells (HMCs) were treated for 24 h with DHA (0–15 μM) and were collected for western blot analyses. Cell proliferation was assessed by Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) and 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In vitro, our results showed that DHA could downregulate the mammalian target of rapamycin/ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (mTOR/S6K1) signaling pathway, promote cell autophagy, and ameliorate cell proliferation in aIgA1-induced HMCs. The results suggested that DHA may represent a novel class of mTOR inhibitor and promote an anti-proliferation effect in IgAN HMCs, which provides an alternative approach for IgAN treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium (Li) isotopes are potential tracers of processes related to crust–mantle interaction and recycled crustal materials. Previous studies have reported that Li isotopic compositions of island arc lavas are similar to those of fresh mid-ocean-ridge basalts (MORBs), although the former are expected to record high slab-derived δ7Li values caused by fluid metasomatism. However, it is unclear whether Li isotopic signatures of subducted continental crust were transported to mantle depths and preserved there. For clarification, we determined whole-rock major and trace element, and Li isotopic compositions of post-collisional mafic–ultramafic rocks from northern Dabieshan, China. The analyzed samples have high MgO (up to 20.67 wt%) and low SiO 2 (41.06–56.20 wt%) contents, and arc-like trace element distribution patterns, suggesting derivation by partial melting of fertile mantle sources. The samples have δ7Li values of −2.9 to +7.2‰ (average = +2.7‰, n = 42) and Li concentrations of 2.50 to 28.1 μg/g (average = 9.20 μg/g), both of which are beyond the relatively limited ranges of mantle values (δ7Li = +2.9 to +4.3‰, average = +3.5 ± 1.0‰, and Li = 1.20 ± 0.10 μg/g). Excluding possible effects of wall-rock assimilation and contamination, magmatic crystallization, and Li isotopic fractionation during subduction–exhumation processes, the observed Li isotopic heterogeneity is most likely related to the recycling of crustal materials. Based on a comparison with Li isotopic compositions of ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks from the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt and terrestrial sediments, we suggest that the recycled continental crustal materials likely comprised gneisses, sediments, eclogites, and/or minor carbonate rocks (i.e., marbles). Our study demonstrates that Li isotopes may provide a novel means of tracing deeply subducted continental materials. • Post-collisional mafic rocks have a significant variation in δ7Li values. • Mantle Li isotope heterogeneity was resulted from recycled continental materials. • Recycled continental materials comprise gneiss, sediments and eclogite. • Li isotopes fractionate insignificantly during continental crust subduction. • Li isotopes provide a promising tool for tracing recycled continental materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is a persistent nosocomial pathogen that poses a significant threat to global public health, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). Here we report a three-month longitudinal genomic surveillance study conducted in a Hangzhou ICU in 2021. This followed a three-month study conducted in the same ICU in 2019, and infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions targeting patients, staff and the ICU environment. Most A. baumannii isolated in this ICU in 2021 were CRAB (80.9%; 419/518) with higher-level resistance to carbapenems. This was accompanied by the proportion of global clone 2 (GC2) isolates falling from 99.5% in 2019 to 50.8% (213/419) in 2021. The phylogenetic diversity of GC2 increased, apparently driven by regular introductions of distinct clusters in association with patients. The remaining CRAB (40.2%; 206/419) were a highly clonal population of ST164. Isolates of ST164 carried bla NDM-1 and bla OXA-23 carbapenemase genes, and exhibited higher carbapenem MIC 50 /MIC 90 values than GC2. Comparative analysis of publicly available genomes from 26 countries (five continents) revealed that ST164 has evolved towards carbapenem resistance on multiple independent occasions. Its success in this ICU and global capacity for acquiring resistance determinants indicate that ST164 CRAB is an emerging high-risk lineage of global concern., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: To investigate the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between depressive symptoms and the prevalence of frailty and its components in a nationally representative sample of middle-aged and older Chinese adults., Method: The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) provided data on 2581 (after inclusion and exclusion criteria) adults aged ≥ 45 years. Every two years, face-to-face, computer-aided personal interviews (CAPI), and structured questionnaires were used to follow up with the respondents. The Chinese version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to evaluate depressive symptoms, and the Fried criteria were used to measure frailty. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association of exposure (depressive symptoms at baseline) with the onset of the outcome (frailty and its components) in the individuals at baseline were analyzed by binary logistic regression., Results: At baseline, 11.62% of participants had frailty, and 57.92% had depressive symptoms. In the cross-sectional analysis, depressive symptoms (OR = 5.222, 95%CI 3.665-7.442) were associated with frailty. In the longitudinal analysis, after adjusting for the full set of covariates among participants free of baseline frailty, depressive symptoms were significantly associated with incident frailty during the short term (OR = 2.193, 95%CI 1.324-3.631) and the long term (OR = 1.926, 95%CI 1.021-3.632). Meanwhile, depressive symptoms were associated with an increased risk of weakness (OR = 1.990, 95%CI 1.250-3.166), slowness (OR = 1.395, 95%CI 1.044-1.865), and exhaustion (OR = 2.827, 95%CI 2.150-3.719) onset during the short-term. Depressive symptoms were associated with an increased risk of exhaustion (OR = 2.869, 95%CI 2.004-4.109) onset during the long-term., Conclusion: Among middle-aged and older adults, depressive symptoms could predict frailty during 2 years of follow-up and 4 years of follow-up. When considering potential confounding factors, depressive symptoms were considered a predictor of weakness, slowness, and exhaustion. Interventions aimed at preventing depressive symptoms may be beneficial in reducing frailty and its components., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Malnutrition early in life may have adverse effects on health later in life. The relationship between malnutrition and obesity parameters (body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference [WC]) and type 2 diabetes is inconsistent. This study aimed to identify the effects of famine exposure and obesity parameters on type 2 diabetes individually or in combination among middle-aged and older adults in China. Data were extracted from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Wave1 in 2011. The sample involved 13,065 adults aged 45 to 90. The t- or F test was employed to compare age among groups. The chi-square test was utilized to compare baseline characteristics according to the categorical WC levels/BMI levels/famine exposure and examine between-group differences in type 2 diabetes (diabetes and non-diabetes). Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated by logistic regression models to estimate the individual and combined associations of BMI/WC levels and famine exposure with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. In this study, 1559 (11.93%) individuals were exposed to Chinese famine during their fetal stage, 5132 (39.28%) and 4428 (33.89%) in childhood and adolescence/adulthood, respectively. Among BMI measurements, 3780 (28.93%) were overweight, and 1487 (11.38%) were obese, whereas WC measurements showed that 5408 (41.39%) were obesity. In addition, 831 (45.48%) males and 996 (54.52%) females reported type 2 diabetes. In multivariable-adjusted regression models, obesity parameters and famine exposure were independently associated with type 2 diabetes prevalence among all participants (P < .001). In the interaction analysis, there existed a trend of higher odds for prevalence of type 2 diabetes across all groups compared to the combination of no-exposed and normal BMI/WC level group (the most increase in odds, adolescence/adulthood-exposed group with central obesity in WC levels: OR 4.51 (95% CI = 3.42-5.95); adolescence/adulthood-exposed group with obesity in BMI levels: OR 5.84 (95% CI = 4.11-8.30; P for interaction <.001). The findings for females exhibited similar to the overall participants, when by gender stratification. Our results suggest famine exposure and obesity parameters have positive combined effects on type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and older adults in China., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Background: A. baumannii is an important and common clinical pathogen, especially in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to characterize one hypervirulent A. baumannii strain in a patient with community-acquired pneumonia and herpes simplex type 1 virus infection., Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the Kirby-Bauer (K-B) and broth microdilution methods. Galleria mellonella infection model experiment was conducted. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed using the Illumina and Nanopore platforms. The resistance and virulence determinants were identified using the ABRicate program with ResFinder and the VFDB database. The capsular polysaccharide locus (K locus) and lipooligosaccharide outer core locus (OC locus) were identified using Kleborate with Kaptive. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using the BacWGSTdb server., Results: A. baumannii XH2146 strain belongs to ST10 Pas and ST447 Oxf . The strain was resistant to cefazolin, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Bautype and Kaptive analyses showed that XH2146 contains OCL2 and KL49. WGS analysis revealed that the strain harbored bla ADC-76 , bla OXA-68 , ant(3'')-IIa, tet(B), and sul2. Notably, tet(B) and sul2, both were located within a 114,700-bp plasmid (designated pXH2146-1). Virulence assay revealed A. baumannii XH2146 possessed higher virulence than A. baumannii AB5075 at 12 h. Comparative genomic analysis showed that A. baumannii ST447 strains were mainly isolated from the USA and exhibited a relatively close genetic relationship. Importantly, 11 strains were observed to carry bla OXA-58 ; bla OXA-23 was identified in 11 isolates and three ST447 A. baumannii strains harbored bla NDM-1 ., Conclusions: Early detection of community-acquired hypervirulent Acinetobacter baumannii strains is recommended to prevent their extensive spread in hospitals., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Prinsepia utilis Royle, also known as the Anas fruit, is a unique perennial woody oil plant from Yunnan Province, China. In the ancient texts of Dongba sutras and Yunnan Southern Materia Medica, it has been documented that the local Naxi, Tibetan, and Mosuo communities extensively utilize the root and leaf fruits of green thorns for various purposes. These include treating mild-to-moderate specific dermatitis, moisturising the skin, providing protection against UV damage, aiding childbirth in pregnant women, safeguarding stomach health, reducing the risk of arteriosclerosis, and delaying aging., Aim of the Study: In this study, leftover residues from oil extraction were efficiently reused, and flavonoids were identified during subsequent extraction and separation processes. The anti-senescent effects of flavonoids in P. utilis Royle have not been systematically studied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the anti-senescent properties of the flavonoids obtained from P. utilis Royle., Methods: First, HPLC and other analytical techniques were used to identify the components of the P. utilis Royle flavonoid (PURF). Next, DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion O 2- , collagenase, and elastase were initially detected using in vitro biochemical assays. To examine its antioxidant properties, a zebrafish model was used, and to confirm its anti-senescent effects, a d-galactose-induced mouse aging model was employed. The anti-senescent mechanism of PURF was examined using a natural senescence HFF model. Furthermore, the anti-senescent target was confirmed using a 3D full T-Skin™ model., Results: In vitro biochemical assays demonstrated that flavones exhibited potent antioxidant activity and anti-senescent potential by inhibiting DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion O 2- , collagenase, and elastase. It significantly enhanced the antioxidant effect on zebrafish while suppressing ROS and inflammatory injury, up-regulating COL1A1, COL3A1, AMPK, and mTOR gene expression and down-regulating MMP-9, TGF-β, p21, and p16 gene expression suggesting its potential anti-senescent ability. Findings from the D-galactose-induced aging mouse model showed that PURF greatly increased SOD levels, while simultaneously decreasing HYP and MDA levels. In addition, when PURF was given to the HFF cell and 3D full T-Skin™ model, consistent trends were observed in gene and protein expression, with up-regulation of COL1A1, COL3A1, AMPK, and mTOR genes and down-regulation of TGF-β, MMP-1, MMP-9, p21, and p16 genes. Therefore, these preliminary findings indicate that flavones can modulate AMPK/mTOR/TGF-β signalling pathways to exert its influence., Conclusion: The kernel residue of natural P. utilis Royle oil extracted from Yunnan province was previously considered agricultural waste, but we successfully extracted and isolated its flavonoid components. Our preliminary studies demonstrated its potential as an environmentally friendly anti-senescent raw material., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

To investigate the screening and predicting functions of obesity- and lipid-related indices for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in middle-aged and elderly Chinese, as well as the ideal predicted cut-off value. This study's data comes from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). A cross-sectional study design was used to investigate the relationship of T2D and 13 obesity- and lipid-related indices, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-height ratio (WHtR), visceral adiposity index (VAI), a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), conicity index (CI), Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI), triglyceride- glucose index (TyG index) and its correlation index (TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, TyG-WHtR). The unadjusted and adjusted correlations between 13 indices and T2D were assessed using binary logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the usefulness of anthropometric indices for screening for T2D and determining their cut‑off value, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC). The study comprised 9488 people aged 45 years or above in total, of whom 4354 (45.89%) were males and 5134 (54.11%) were females. Among them were 716 male cases of T2D (16.44%) and 870 female cases of T2D (16.95%). A total of 13 obesity- and lipid-related indices were independently associated with T2D risk after adjusted for confounding factors (P < 0.05). According to ROC analysis, the TyG index was the best predictor of T2D among males (AUC = 0.780, 95% CI 0.761, 0.799) and females (AUC = 0.782, 95% CI 0.764, 0.799). The AUC values of the 13 indicators were higher than 0.5, indicating that they have predictive values for T2D in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. The 13 obesity- and lipid-related indices can predict the risk of T2D in middle‑aged and elderly Chinese. Among 13 indicators, the TyG index is the best predictor of T2D in both males and females. TyG-WC, TyG-BMI, TyG-WHtR, LAP, and CVAI all outperformed BMI, WC, and WHtR in predicting T2D., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Depressive symptoms are one of the most common psychiatric disorders, with a high lifetime prevalence rate among middle-aged and elderly Chinese. Obesity may be one of the risk factors for depressive symptoms, but there is currently no consensus on this view. Therefore, we investigate the relationship and predictive ability of 13 obesity- and lipid-related indices with depressive symptoms among middle-aged and elderly Chinese., Methods: The data were obtained from The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Our analysis includes individuals who did not have depressive symptoms at the baseline of the CHARLS Wave 2011 study and were successfully follow-up in 2013 and 2015. Finally, 3790 participants were included in the short-term (from 2011 to 2013), and 3660 participants were included in the long-term (from 2011 to 2015). The average age of participants in short-term and long-term was 58.47 years and 57.88 years. The anthropometric indicators used in this analysis included non-invasive [e.g. waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and a body mass index (ABSI)], and invasive anthropometric indicators [e.g. lipid accumulation product (LAP), triglyceride glucose index (TyG index), and its-related indices (e.g. TyG-BMI, and TyG-WC)]. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to examine the predictive ability of various indicators for depressive symptoms. The association of depressive symptoms with various indicators was calculated using binary logistic regression., Results: The overall incidence of depressive symptoms was 20.79% in the short-term and 27.43% in the long-term. In males, WC [AUC = 0.452], LAP [AUC = 0.450], and TyG-WC [AUC = 0.451] were weak predictors of depressive symptoms during the short-term (P < 0.05). In females, BMI [AUC = 0.468], LAP [AUC = 0.468], and TyG index [AUC = 0.466] were weak predictors of depressive symptoms during the long-term (P < 0.05). However, ABSI cannot predict depressive symptoms in males and females during both periods (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: The research indicates that in the middle-aged and elderly Chinese, most obesity- and lipid-related indices have statistical significance in predicting depressive symptoms, but the accuracy of these indicators in prediction is relatively low and may not be practical predictors., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The purpose of the study was to determine whether changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in middle-aged and elderly Chinese are associated with metabolic syndrome. In this cohort investigation, 3697 middle-aged and elderly people aged 45 or over were recruited from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (2005) defined metabolic syndrome (MetS). With Cox regression analysis, we calculated hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for MetS based on BMI-WC change categories. To assess the prevalence of MetS, the changes in BMI and WC levels were classified into four quartiles based on their relative and absolute changes. In subjects whose BMI and WC decreased (HR = 0.338; 95% CIs 0.264, 0.433) as well as those whose BMI increased and their WC decreased (HR = 0.375; 95% CIs 0.228, 0.499), metabolic syndrome risk was significantly lower compared with those with increases in both BMI and WC. Regarding the absolute changes in BMI, the lowest percentile of BMI was significantly lower in both males (HR = 0.302; 95% CIs 0.204, 0.448) and females (HR = 0.486; 95% CIs 0.354, 0.667) for the risk of metabolic syndrome. Similar results were observed in the absolute changes in WC, with the lowest quantile of WC having a significant impact on MetS risk in males (HR = 0.170; 95% CIs 0.107, 0.270) and females (HR = 0.303; 95% CIs 0.217, 0.424). The risk of metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with changes in BMI and WC in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. A reduced BMI and WC are associated with lower metabolic syndrome risks in middle-aged and elderly people., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: Frailty and activities of daily living (ADL) disability are common conditions among older population. Studies on the bidirectional relationship between frailty and ADL are limited. The current study examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between frailty and ADL in middle-aged and older Chinese individuals., Methods: The data was collected through the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), conducted in 2011, 2013, and 2015, encompassing 17,284 individuals aged ≥45 years. We excluded individuals without follow-up data. 2,631 participants finished the baseline survey. The definition of ADL disability encompasses difficulty in engaging in either basic activities of daily living (BADL) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Frailty was assessed according to the Fried criteria. Logistic regression was utilized to examine odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for assessing the cross-sectional relationships between ADL with frailty at baseline. The prediction effects were explored using Cox proportional hazards analysis, testing hazard ratios (HRs) and 95%CIs., Results: In cross-sectional analysis, BADL [OR = 6.660 (4.519-9.815)], IADL [OR = 5.950 (4.490-7.866)], and ADL [OR = 5.658 (4.278-7.483)] exhibited significant associations with frailty; frailty demonstrated significant associations with BADL [OR = 6.741 (4.574-9.933)], IADL [OR = 6.042 (4.555-8.016)] and ADL [OR = 5.735 (4.333-7.591)]. In longitudinal analysis, IADL and ADL were significantly associated with frailty in participants without baseline frailty in the short-term period [IADL: HR = 1.971 (1.150-3.379), ADL: HR = 1.920 (1.146-3.215)], IADL exhibited a significant association with frailty in the long-term period [HR = 2.056 (1.085-3.895)]. There was no significant link observed between frailty and an elevated risk of disability onset in BADL, IADL and ADL during the short-term period. When considering the long-term perspective, frailty exhibited a significant association with an elevated risk of disability onset in BADL [HR= 1.820 (1.126-2.939)] and IADL [HR = 1.724 (1.103-2.694)]., Conclusion: In middle-aged and older adults, ADL and IADL disability predicted frailty after 2-year follow-up, IADL disability predicted frailty after 4-year follow-up. Moreover, frailty did not predict BADL, IADL and ADL disability after 2-year follow-up. However, frailty predicted BADL and IADL disability after 4-year follow-up., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Li, Li, Sun, Yang, Wang, Yuan, Lei, Li, Liu, Zhang, Hua, Liu and Zhang.)

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is on the rise in developing countries and is characterized by a series of indications of metabolic disturbance. However, the prevalence of MetS varies under different definitions. The study aimed to compare five definitions of MetS in the China adult population, to explore their prevalence, characteristics and agreement., Methods: The data for the retrospective study came from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), consisting of 9,588 participants (≥45). MetS definitions from International Diabetes Federation (IDF) (2006), National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII) (2005), National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII) (2001), Chinese Diabetes society (CDS) (2004) and the World Health Organization (WHO) (1999). We used binary and multivariable logistic analysis to explore factors connected with MetS., Results: The five definitions of MetS led to different prevalence of MetS:34.52% by IDF (2006), 38.63% by ATP (2005), 25.94% by ATP (2001), 26.31% by CDS (2004), 21.57% by WHO (1999). According to the definition of IDF (2006) (22.32% vs. 45.06%), ATPIII (2005) definition (27.99% vs. 47.82%), ATPIII (2001) definition (15.37% vs. 35.07%), CDS (2004) definition (19.96% vs. 31.80%), and WHO (1999) definition (17.44% vs. 25.14%), the prevalence of MetS in men was low but in women was high. The agreement between the five definitions for men was good except for the IDF (2006) definition and ATPIII (2001) definition (kappa = 0.51), with kappa values from 0.64 to 0.85. For women, the agreement between the five definitions was good ranging from 0.67 to 0.95, however, except for the definition of CDS (2004) and the definition of IDF (2006) (kappa = 0.44), the definition of WHO (1999) and the definition of IDF (2006) (kappa = 0.55), and the definition of WHO (1999) and the definition of ATPIII (2005) (kappa = 0.54). Binary logistic analysis indicated that although the impact and relevance varied by sex and definition, age, education, marital status, current residence, current smoking, alcohol using, taking activities and number of chronic diseases were factors connected to MetS., Conclusion: the prevalence and characteristics of the five definitions of MetS are different in the Chinese population. Therefore, it is vital to use the same definition for a country to diagnose MetS. On the other side, a lower prevalence in men than in women and the consistency of five MetS definitions are good in men but relatively poor in women., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Ma, Liu, Guo, Li, Lei, Li, Sun, Yang, Yuan, Wang, Zhang, Li, Liu, Hua and Zhang.)

Carbapenem-resistant Citrobacter freundii (CRCF) poses an enormous challenge in the health care setting. However, the epidemiology and plasmid dynamic evolution of this species have not been well studied, especially for the novel high-risk resistant clones in the intensive care units (ICUs). Here, we characterised the cointegration-based plasmid dynamic evolution of the emerging ST107 CRCF clone in China. Twenty CRCF strains were identified, including ST22 (30%), ST107 (25%), ST396 (10%) and ST116 (10%). Interestingly, the tigecycline (TGC) resistance gene cluster tmexCD2-toprJ2 and bla NDM-1 and bla KPC-2 were simultaneously found in one ST107 strain. Epidemiological analysis showed that ST107 clone contained human- and environment-derived strains from five countries. Notably, 93.75% (15/16) of the isolates harboured bla NDM-1 or bla KPC-2 . Plasmid fusion among various ST107 strains of two patients occurred in the same ICU, mediated by Tn5403 and IS26-based insertion and deletion events. pCF1807-2 carried bla NDM-1 while pCF1807-3 carried both tmexCD2-toprJ2 and bla KPC-2 in the CF1807 strain. Importantly, the cointegrate plasmid pCF1807-2 exhibited higher transfer efficiency and could remain stable after serial passage. Notably, no fitness cost was observed for the host. In conclusion, ST107 CRCF is a high-risk resistant clone due to its ability to integrate resistant plasmids. Our findings elucidated the potential threat and global transmission of the ST107 lineage, and reasonable monitoring should be performed to prevent its further spread in hospitals., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Epidemiological studies have revealed multiple risk factors for metabolic syndrome. However, there are no consistent findings on the association between famine exposure, age at menarche, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. This cross-sectional study aimed to reveal the individual and combined effects of famine exposure and age at menarche on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among elderly women., Methods: Four thousand seven hundred seventy participants between 60 and 93 years of age were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Statistical differences between the baseline characteristics of famine exposure, age at menarche, and metabolic syndrome were evaluated using the t-test, F-test, and Chi-square test. Three multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used to test the association between famine exposure, age of menarche, and the odds ratio of metabolic syndrome., Results: Two thousand one hundred ninety-eight (46.08%) participants had metabolic syndrome, while 2572 (53.92%) participants did not. Furthermore, 3068 (64.32%) women reported onset of menarche under 15 years of age, while 1702 (35.68%) women reported onset of menarche above 16 years of age. Regarding the separate association of famine exposure and age of menarche with metabolic syndrome, in model three, the adolescence/adulthood famine exposure group vs. no famine exposure group odds ratio was 2.45 (95% CI 2.02, 2.97), and the older than 16 years vs. younger than 15 years group odds ratio was 1.23 (95% CI 1.09, 1.39), which was the highest odds ratio among the three models. Regarding the combined association of famine exposure and age of menarche with metabolic syndrome, in model three, among the age of menarche ≤ 15 years group, the adolescence/adulthood famine exposure vs. no famine exposure group odds ratio was 2.45 (95% CI: 1.91, 3.14); among the menarche age ≥ 16 years group, the adolescence/adulthood famine exposure stages vs. exposed group odds ratio was 3.27 (95% CI: 2.44, 4.38), which was the highest odds ratio among the three models., Conclusion: These findings suggested that famine exposure and age at menarche, either separately or in combination, were positively associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among older women., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Most vertebrates exhibit sexual dimorphisms in size, colour, behaviour, physiology and many others. The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) male individuals reach a larger size than females which produce significant economic implications in aquaculture. However, the mechanisms of sex determination and plastic patterns of sex differentiation in P. sinensis remain unclear. Here, comparative transcriptome analysis on male and female embryonic gonads prior to gonad formation and stages mediated gonadal differentiation of P. sinensis were performed to characterize the potential sex-related genes and their molecular pathways in P. sinensis. A total of 6369 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from day 9 and day 16 and assigned to 626 GO pathways and 161 KEGG signalling pathways, including ovarian steroidogenesis pathway, steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways, and the GnRH signalling pathway (P < 0.05). Moreover, protein interaction network analyses revealed that Akr1c3, Sult2b1, Sts, Cyp3a, Cyp1b1, Sox30 and Lhx9 might be key candidate genes for sex differentiation in P. sinensis. These data provide a genomic rationale for the sex differentiation of P. sinensis and enrich the candidate gene pool for sex differentiation., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)