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Confucius has been eminent throughout histories in terms of his profound educational concepts. In this paper the author attempts to investigate the contributions Confucius had made in promoting the popularization of education at that time. The ultimate goal of this paper is to demonstrate the realistic significance of Confucius' educational concept, namely, "education should be done without the difference between the rich and the poor, or the noble and the mean". (Contains 2 footnotes.)

Death attitudes can have significant impacts on individuals' mental health. The present study used a person-centered approach to identify 588 Chinese college students' profiles of death attitudes (i.e., fear of death, death avoidance, neutral acceptance, escape acceptance, and approach acceptance), as well as their associations with socio-demographic factors and mental health outcomes. Latent profile analysis identified five subgroups of students: healthy (28.8%), acceptant (11.7%), indifferent (43.5%), paradoxical (10.7%), and avoidant (5.3%). The healthy profile had the most favorable mental health outcomes, whereas the paradoxical profile had the least favorable mental health outcomes. Moreover, women and students from better-resourced universities were more likely to report adaptive patterns of death attitudes. Our findings demonstrated the advantages of using a person-centered approach to achieve a more nuanced understanding of Chinese college students' death attitudes in relation to their mental health. The findings can inform death-related education and mental health interventions for college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the current Essen rabies post-exposure immunization schedule (0-3-7-14-28) in China and the simple 4-dose schedule (0-3-7-14) newly recommended by the World Health Organization in terms of their safety, efficacy, and protection. Mice were vaccinated according to different immunization schedules, and blood was collected for detection of rabies virus neutralizing antibodies (RVNAs) on days 14, 21, 28, 35, and 120 after the first immunization. Additionally, different groups of mice were injected with lethal doses of the CVS-11 virus on day 0, subjected to different rabies immunization schedules, and assessed for morbidity and death status. In a clinical trial, 185 rabies-exposed individuals were selected for post-exposure vaccination according to the Essen schedule, and blood was collected for RVNAs detection on days 28 and 42 after the first immunization. A statistically significant difference in RVNAs between mice in the Essen and 0-3-7-14 schedule groups was observed on the 35th day (P < 0.05). The groups 0-3-7-14, 0-3-7-21, and 0-3-7-28 showed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in RVNAs levels at any time point. The post-exposure immune protective test showed that the survival rate of mice in the control group was 20%, whereas that in the immunization groups was 40%. In the clinical trial, the RVNAs positive conversion rates on days 28 (14 days after 4 doses) and 42 (14 days after 5 doses) were both 100%, and no significant difference in RVNAs levels was observed (P > 0.05). The simple 4-dose schedule can produce sufficient RVNAs levels, with no significant effect of a delayed fourth vaccine dose (14–28 d) on the immunization potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: 'Let's Talk About Children' is a brief family focused intervention developed to improve mental health outcomes of children of parents with mental illness (COPMI). This study aims to assess the efficacy of LTC in improving mental health of children of parents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in China. Methods: The planned study is a multicentre parallel group randomized wait-list controlled trial. A total of 400 eligible families with children aged 8 to 18 years will be recruited, 200 each for families with parental schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The intervention group will receive Let's Talk About Children delivered by a trained therapist, while the control group will receive treatment as usual. The primary outcomes are child mental health measured by the strengths and difficulties questionnaire and parent–child communication measured using the parent-adolescent communication scale. Parental mental health and family functioning are secondary outcomes. This study also plans to explore mediating factors for the effect of Let's Talk About Children on child mental health, as well as conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis on using Let's Talk About Children in China. Conclusion: The present study will provide evidence for the efficacy of Let's Talk About Children in families with parental schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in China. In addition, it will evaluate potential mechanisms of action and cost-effectiveness of Let's Talk About Children, providing a basis for future implementation. Trial registration: ChiCTR2300073904. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multidrug resistance in Enterobacteriaceae including resistance to quinolones is rising worldwide. The development of resistance may lead to the emergence of new transmission mechanisms. In this study, the collection of different E. coli was performed from animals and subjected to subsequent procedures including pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, micro-broth dilution method, polymerase chain reaction. Whole genome sequencing of E. coli C3 was performed to detect the affinity, antimicrobial resistance and major carriers of the isolates. Results: A total of 66 E. coli were isolated and their antibiotic resistance genes, frequency of horizontal transfer and genetic environment of E. coli C3 were determined. The results showed there were both different and same types in PFGE typing, indicating clonal transmission of E. coli among different animals. The detection of antimicrobial resistance and major antibiotic resistance genes and the plasmid transfer results showed that strains from different sources had high levels of resistance to commonly used clinical antibiotics and could be spread horizontally. Whole-genome sequencing discovered a novel ICE mobile element. Conclusion: In summary, the antimicrobial resistance of E. coli in northeast China is a serious issue and there is a risk of antimicrobial resistance transmission. Meanwhile, a novel ICE mobile element appeared in the process of antimicrobial resistance formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Family‐focused practice has become an emerging paradigm in mental health services. However, little is known about family‐focused practice and associated factors in Chinese mental health workers. Aim: To examine family‐focused practice and associated factors in Chinese mental health workers. Method: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in a convenience sample of mental health workers (n = 515) in Beijing, China. The Family‐Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire was used to measure family‐focused practice, as well as worker, workplace and client factors that might influence family‐focused practice. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors associated with family‐focused practice. Results: On average, the participants exhibited a moderate level of engagement in family‐focused practice. The factors that most significantly influenced family‐focused practice in Chinese mental health workers were skill and knowledge, worker confidence and time and workload. Moreover, psychiatrists were found to engage more in family‐focused practice than psychiatric nurses, and community mental health workers were more active in family‐focused practice than hospital‐based ones. Discussion: This study provided important data concerning family‐focused practice and associated factors in Chinese mental health workers. Implications for Practice: The varying level of Chinese mental health workers to engage in family‐focused practice has advocacy, training, research and organizational implications for mental health services in China and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A pan-genotypic and effective treatment regimen for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains an unmet medical need in China. Alfosbuvir is a novel potent HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitor in development for the treatment of chronic HCV infection. We conducted a phase 3 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of alfosbuvir in combination with daclatasvir in Chinese patients with HCV infection. Methods: All patients received 600 mg alfosbuvir tablets plus 60 mg daclatasvir tablets once daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). A follow-up visit was done at week 4 and 12, and those who achieved SVR12 were followed up at post-treatment week 24. Results: Of the 326 patients who received at least one dose of the study drug, 320 (98.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 96.5%–99.5%]) achieved sustained virological response at post-treatment week 12 (SVR12), which was superior to the historical SVR12 rate of 88% (p < 0.0001). The SVR12 rates were similar regardless of most baseline characteristics. The most common adverse event (AE) (≥ 10%) was hypercholesterolemia. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported in 25 (7.7%) patients, none of which was judged to be related to the study drug. The majority of AEs were mild to moderate in severity. Conclusions: Alfosbuvir plus daclatasvir for 12 weeks was highly effective and safe in Chinese patients infected with HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, or 6, suggesting that this regimen could be a promising option for HCV treatment in China irrespective of genotype. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrial.gov identifier, NCT04070235. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'China shock' operated in part through the housing market, which is one reason why its impact was so large on the U.S. labor market. We add housing to a multi‐region multi‐sector model, with individuals choosing whether and where to work. Controlling for housing reduces the negative direct impact of import exposure on manufacturing employment by 26%–31%, with a significant magnification through the housing market. A variance decomposition analysis shows that the indirect effect of the China shock through the housing market contributes an added 11% to the variance in manufacturing employment as compared to the direct effect of import exposure. For manufacturing and construction employment combined, the indirect effect even outweighs the direct effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate whether electroacupuncture (EA) would improve gastrointestinal function and clinical prognosis in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) complicocted by acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI). Methods: This multicenter, single-blind trial included patients with TBI and AGI admitted to 5 Chinese hospitals from September 2018 to December 2019. A total of 500 patients were randomized to the control or acupuncture groups using a random number table, 250 cases in each group. Patients in the control group received conventional treatment, including mannitol, nutritional support, epilepsy and infection prevention, and maintenance of water, electrolytes, and acid-base balance. While patients in the acupuncture group received EA intervention at bilateral Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Xiajuxu (ST 39), Tianshu (ST 25), and Zhongwan (RN 12) acupoints in addition to the conventional treatment, 30 min per time, twice daily, for 7 d. The primary endpoint was 28-d mortality. The secondary endpoints were serum levels of D-lactic acid (D-lac), diamine oxidase (DAO), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), motilin (MTL) and gastrin (GAS), intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), bowel sounds, abdominal circumference, AGI grade, scores of gastrointestinal failure (GIF), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS), mechanical ventilation time, intense care unit (ICU) stay, and the incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia. Results: The 28-d mortality in the acupuncture group was lower than that in the control group (22.80% vs. 33.20%, P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the acupuncture group at 7 d showed lower GIF, APACHE II, SOFA, MODS scores, D-lac, DAO, LPS, IAP, and abdominal circumference and higher GCS score, MTL, GAS, and bowel sound frequency (all P<0.05). In addition, the above indices showed simillar changes at 7 d compared with days 1 and 3 (all P<0.05) in the EA group. Conclusion: Early EA can improve gastrointestinal function and clinical prognosis in patients with severe TBI complicated by AGI. (Registration No. ChiCTR2000032276) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective and safe treatment for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is lacking. This randomized controlled trial, which was conducted at 13 tertiary hospitals in China during 2020 to 2022, sought to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture, doxylamine–pyridoxine, and their combination in women with moderate to severe NVP. Visual Abstract. Acupuncture and Doxylamine–Pyridoxine for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy: An effective and safe treatment for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is lacking. This randomized controlled trial, which was conducted at 13 tertiary hospitals in China during 2020 to 2022, sought to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture, doxylamine–pyridoxine, and their combination in women with moderate to severe NVP. Background: An effective and safe treatment for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is lacking. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture, doxylamine–pyridoxine, and a combination of both in women with moderate to severe NVP. Design: Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2 × 2 factorial trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04401384) Setting: 13 tertiary hospitals in mainland China from 21 June 2020 to 2 February 2022. Participants: 352 women in early pregnancy with moderate to severe NVP. Intervention: Participants received daily active or sham acupuncture for 30 minutes and doxylamine–pyridoxine or placebo for 14 days. Measurements: The primary outcome was the reduction in Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) score at the end of the intervention at day 15 relative to baseline. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, adverse events, and maternal and perinatal complications. Results: No significant interaction was detected between the interventions (P = 0.69). Participants receiving acupuncture (mean difference [MD], −0.7 [95% CI, −1.3 to −0.1]), doxylamine–pyridoxine (MD, −1.0 [CI, −1.6 to −0.4]), and the combination of both (MD, −1.6 [CI, −2.2 to −0.9]) had a larger reduction in PUQE score over the treatment course than their respective control groups (sham acupuncture, placebo, and sham acupuncture plus placebo). Compared with placebo, a higher risk for births with children who were small for gestational age was observed with doxylamine–pyridoxine (odds ratio, 3.8 [CI, 1.0 to 14.1]). Limitation: The placebo effects of the interventions and natural regression of the disease were not evaluated. Conclusion: Both acupuncture and doxylamine–pyridoxine alone are efficacious for moderate and severe NVP. However, the clinical importance of this effect is uncertain because of its modest magnitude. The combination of acupuncture and doxylamine–pyridoxine may yield a potentially larger benefit than each treatment alone. Primary Funding Source: The National Key R&D Program of China and the Project of Heilongjiang Province "TouYan" Innovation Team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare disease characterized by intrahepatic cholestasis, whereas gallstone disease (GD) is common. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and impact of GD on the prognosis of PBC in China. Methods: Medical records of the PBC patients were retrospectively reviewed and their follow‐up data were obtained via regular structured, standardized telephone interviews. GD was defined as gallstones on ultrasonography or a history of cholecystectomy for gallstones. Propensity score matching (PSM) and Cox regression analysis were performed. The primary end‐point was liver‐related death and/or liver transplantation. Results: A total of 985 ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)‐treated PBC patients were enrolled with a median follow‐up duration of 5.3 years (range 1.0–20.9 years). Among them, 258 (26.2%) had GD, including 157 (22.9%) of non‐cirrhotic and 101 (33.8%) of cirrhotic patients. Compared with PBC without GD, those with GD were older, more often had type 2 diabetes mellitus, and had a more severe liver disease at baseline. After PSM (1:2), 229 PBC patients with GD were matched with 458 PBC patients without GD based on age, sex, cirrhosis, and total bilirubin level. The transplant‐free survival and incidence of hepatic events were similar between the two groups. Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that concomitant GD was not independently associated with a worse prognosis for PBC patients. Conclusion: Concomitant GD was common but was not associated with long‐term outcomes in patients with UDCA‐treated PBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect children's development, and their harm to health is pervasive throughout the life course. To identify ACEs and their risk factors in Chinese household with or without parental mental illness. A controlled study was conducted among 181 young adults with parental mental illness (positive group) and 201 demographically matched individuals without parental mental illness (negative group). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to study the correlation between ACEs and their risk factors. The positive group suffered emotional abuse, domestic violence, bullying, and cumulative ACEs more frequently than the negative group. In the positive group, living in rural areas and having a low household economic status during childhood were identified as risk factors for cumulative ACEs, whereas a higher education level of the mother was a protective factor for cumulative ACEs in univariate analyses. Low household economic status remained an independent risk factor for cumulative ACEs in the positive group in multivariate analyses. Children living with parental mental illness are more vulnerable to ACEs, and our findings highlight the importance of socioeconomic factors in increasing the risk of ACEs. To alleviate the deleterious impact of parental mental illness on offspring, multidimensional supports are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of research on misconceptions about chemical equilibrium is well recognized by educators, but in the past, researchers' interest has centered on student misconceptions and has neglected teacher misconceptions. Focusing on the effects of adding more reactants or products on chemical equilibrium, this article discusses the various misconceptions held by high school teachers. A misconception test was administered to two samples of chemistry teachers in Nanjing, China. Of the 109 teachers who participated in the test, only one understood that adding more CS[subscript 2] gas to the equilibrium system CS[subscript 2](g) + 4H[subscript 2](g) [rightwards harpoon over leftwards harpoon] CH[subscript 4](g) + 2H[subscript 2]S(g) at constant pressure and temperature can shift the equilibrium to the reactant or product side, depending upon the amount of CS[subscript 2] in the initial equilibrium system. Most of the teachers relied on Le Chatelier's principle and thus made erroneous predictions. The misconception test also revealed that those teachers who managed to compute equilibrium constants had a limited conceptual understanding of chemical equilibrium. Implications of these findings for teacher education and chemistry curriculum development are discussed.

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Glasses cooled from impact melt and vapor are a common component in lunar regolith, carrying important information about protolith composition, regolith formation, and impact flux on the Moon. Interpretations, however, are frequently challenged due to widespread ambiguity in determining their provenances. Regolith samples returned by China's Chang'E‐5 mission provide a unique opportunity to study the microscopic mechanism of regolith reworking on the Moon, because as evidenced by the coherent radioisotope ages and petrographic characteristics of basaltic clasts in the regolith, the Chang'E‐5 regolith was mainly evolved from local mare materials, containing minor exotic components. Here, we report 153 glass particles larger than 20 μm in diameters that were screened from 500 mg of Chang'E‐5 regolith. Most glass particles have rotational shapes and contain structural and/or compositional heterogeneities in interiors, and geochemical analyses reveal a dominant origin as impact melt of local mare materials. Surfaces of the impact glasses are observed to have abundant protruded and dented microstructures, which are classified as different groups based on their morphology and geochemistry. Similar microstructures were observed on impact spherules collected by the Apollo and Luna missions, but those on the Chang'E‐5 impact glasses were formed without substantial involvement of exotic ejecta. Microstructures such as silicate melt pancakes that frequently exhibit flow spikes at margins, nano‐phase iron‐rich mounds that are arranged with semi‐equidistant spaces in curves and patches, spatially clustered microcraters that are indicative of secondary impacts, and blunt linear scratches with terminal particles all suggest that regolith reworking mainly occurred among local materials at low speeds. Plain Language Summary: Regolith particles on the Moon exhibit an abundance of small‐scale surface texture or microstructures that were formed during regolith reworking. Lunar impact glasses are mainly melted from surface regolith, and microstructures on their surfaces record the history of subsequent regolith reworking. The possible contribution of exotic ejecta in regolith gardening is an interesting topic in lunar science. However, resolving this issue has been a persistent difficulty by both remote observations and sample analyses. China's Chang'E‐5 mission returned regolith samples from one of the youngest mare units on the Moon, and earlier sample analyses revealed little exotic components. In 500 mg of Chang'E‐5 regolith, we handpicked 153 glass particles that are larger than 20 μm. Most of the particles are heterogeneous impact glasses that contain voids and unmelted fragments, and geochemical analyses showed that the remaining structurally homogeneous particles were also impact glasses formed from local regolith. Based on high‐resolution microscopic imaging and elemental mapping, we recognized and classified the abundant protruded and dented microstructures on the glass particles. Morphology and crosscutting relationship of the microstructures suggest that they were mostly formed during regolith reworking by low‐speed events of local materials that had various thermophysical states (vapor, melt, and solid). Key Points: 153 glass particles larger than 20 μm in diameters are separated from 500 mg of Chang'E‐5 regolithCrosscutting relationships among surface microstructures reveal intricate regolith reworking processesProtruded and dented microstructures on surfaces of Chang'E‐5 glass particles were formed with velocities lower than primary impacts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the limited effectiveness of the current Chinese colorectal cancer (CRC) screening procedure, adherence to colonoscopy remains low. We aim to develop and validate a scoring system based on individuals who were identified as having a high risk in initial CRC screening to achieve more efficient risk stratification and improve adherence to colonoscopy.Methods: A total of 29,504 screening participants with positive High-Risk Factor Questionnaire (HRFQ) or faecal immunochemical test (FIT) who underwent colonoscopy in Tianjin from 2012-2020 were enrolled in this study. Binary regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between risk factors and advanced colorectal neoplasia. Internal validation was also used to assess the performance of the scoring system.Results: Male sex, older age (age ≥ 50 years), high body mass index (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2), current or past smoking and weekly alcohol intake were identified as risk factors for advanced colorectal neoplasm. The odds ratios (ORs) for significant variables were applied to construct the risk score ranging from 0-11: LR, low risk (score 0-3); MR, moderate risk (score 4-6); and HR, high risk (score 7-11). Compared with subjects with LR, those with MR and HR had ORs of 2.47 (95% confidence interval, 2.09-2.93) and 4.59 (95% confidence interval, 3.86-5.44), respectively. The scoring model showed an outstanding discriminatory capacity with a c-statistic of 0.64 (95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.65).Conclusions: Our results showed that the established scoring system could identify very high-risk populations with colorectal neoplasia. Combining this risk score with current Chinese screening methods may improve the effectiveness of CRC screening and adherence to colonoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silene conoidea L. is an annual troublesome broadleaf weed in winter wheat fields in China. In recent years, field applications of tribenuron-methyl have been ineffective in controlling S. conoidea in Hebei Province, China. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular basis of tribenuron-methyl resistance in S. conoidea. Whole-plant response assays revealed that the resistant population (R) exhibited a higher level of resistance (382.3-fold) to tribenuron-methyl. The R population also showed high cross-resistance to other acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors, including imazethapyr, bispyribac-sodium and florasulam. However, the R population could be controlled by the field-recommended rates of bentazone, MCPA, fluroxypyr, carfentrazone-ethyl and bromoxynil. In vitro ALS activity assays indicated that the tribenuron-methyl I50 value for the R population was 18.5 times higher than those for the susceptible population (S). ALS gene sequencing revealed an amino acid mutation, Trp-574-Leu, in the R population. Pretreatment with the P450 inhibitor malathion indicated that the R population might have cytochrome P450-mediated metabolic resistance. These results suggest that the Trp-574-Leu mutation and P450-mediated enhanced metabolism coexist in S. conoidea to generate tribenuron-methyl resistance. This is the first time that target-site and non-target-site resistance to tribenuron-methyl has been reported in S. conoidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the association of baseline anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels with ovulation, time to ovulation and fertility outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) receiving clomiphene citrate (CC) and compare this with placebo. Design: Secondary analysis of the PCOSAct trial (NCT01573858). Setting: 27 trial centres in mainland China. Population or sample: 1000 infertile women with PCOS receiving either CC or placebo. Methods: Baseline serum AMH was measured and analysed as a continuous and as a categorical variable. Interaction between AMH and CC was tested. Predictive values of AMH for ovulation, time to ovulation and fertility outcomes were assessed. Main outcome measures: Ovulation and time to ovulation. Results: 900 baseline AMH data were available for analysis. There were no significant interactions with ovulation or conception for AMH and CC treatment (P = 0.782 and 0.419, respectively). Women in the upper quartile of AMH >15.88 ng/ml had significant lower ovulation (odds ratio [OR] 0.34, 95% CI 0.20–0.58) and conception rates (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.42–1.00) compared with women in the lower quartile. Associations of AMH with clinical pregnancy (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95–1.01) and live birth (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96–1.01) were not significant. Ovulation rate increased until baseline AMH levels ≥7.0 ng/ml in women treated with CC but decreased when AMH increased in women with placebo. When AMH <7.0 ng/ml, an AMH threshold at 4.11 ng/ml predicted ovulation in women receiving CC (area under the curve [AUC] 0.64, 95% CI 0.42–0.86), with a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 62%, whereas prediction was poor for AMH ≥7.0 ng/ml (AUC 0.38, 95% CI 0.28–0.47). Median time to ovulation was 35 days in the lower quartile for women with placebo but this was significantly prolonged up to 98 days in the upper quartile. CC significantly shortened the time to ovulation up to 56 days. Conclusions: Among women with PCOS, high baseline AMH levels were associated with a 20.1% lower chance of ovulation with a 63‐day longer time to ovulation. AMH can predict ovulation only when the baseline AMH level was <7.0 ng/ml in women with PCOS undergoing ovulation induction with CC. Ovulation rate increased until baseline AMH levels ≥7.0 ng/ml in women treated with CC; a successful ovulation and time to ovulation was highly associated with baseline AMH level in these women. Ovulation rate increased until baseline AMH levels ≥7.0 ng/ml in women treated with CC; a successful ovulation and time to ovulation was highly associated with baseline AMH level in these women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:  Screening recommendations for colorectal cancer (CRC) are mainly based on family history rather than lifestyle risk factors. We aimed to assess and compare risk factors for colorectal neoplasm (CRN) and evaluate trends in neoplasm detection rates during the three rounds of screening from 2012 to 2020 in Tianjin, China.Methods: This study was based on 89,535 first-recorded colonoscopies in Tianjin CRC screening program, 2012-2020. Of these, 45,380 individuals with complete family history and lifestyle factors were included for population attributable fraction (PAF) estimation.Results:  The overall detection rate of nonadvanced adenomas, advanced adenomas and CRC was 39.3%, 5.9% and 1.5%, respectively. The PAFs of current smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, higher BMI and family history of CRC, respectively, were 8.9%, 2.6%, 1.9%, 5.8%, and 1.1% for males with nonadvanced CRN; 12.3%, 7.3%, 4.9%, 7.2%, and 0.8% for males with advanced CRN; 3.4%, 0.4%, 2.1%, 7.8%, and 0.7% for females with nonadvanced CRN; and 4.3%, 0.2%, 8.2%, 8.5%, and -0.6% for females with advanced CRN. The PAFs of selected lifestyle factors were 19.9% for males with nonadvanced CRN, 29.0% for males with advanced CRN, 9.7% for females with nonadvanced CRN and 13.8% for females with advanced CRN.Conclusions:  Modifiable lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and BMI, have a larger contribution to CRN than family history of CRC. Our findings will provide references for developing guidelines of CRC prevention and control in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased sensitivity of pigs to ambient temperature is due to today's intensive farming. Frequent climate disasters increase the pressure on healthy pig farming. Min pigs are an indigenous pig breed in China with desirable cold resistance characteristics, and hence are ideal for obtaining cold-resistant pig breeds. Therefore, it is important to discover the molecular mechanisms that are activated in response to cold stress in the Min pig. Here, we conducted a transcriptomic analysis of the skeletal muscle of Min pigs under chronic low-temperature acclimation (group A) and acute short cold stress (group B). Cold exposure caused more genes to be upregulated. Totals of 125 and 96 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were generated from groups A and B. Sixteen common upregulated DEGs were screened; these were concentrated in oxidative stress (SRXN1, MAFF), immune and inflammatory responses (ITPKC, AREG, MMP25, FOSL1), the nervous system (RETREG1, GADD45A, RCAN1), lipid metabolism (LRP11, LIPG, ITGA5, AMPD2), solute transport (SLC19A2, SLC28A1, SLCO4A1), and fertility (HBEGF). There were 102 and 73 genes that were specifically differentially expressed in groups A and B, respectively. The altered mRNAs were enriched in immune, endocrine, and cancer pathways. There were 186 and 91 differentially expressed lncRNAs generated from groups A and B. Analysis of the target genes suggested that they may be involved in regulating the MAPK signaling pathway for resistance to cold. The results of this study provide a comprehensive overview of cold exposure–induced transcriptional patterns in skeletal muscle of the Min pig. These results can guide future molecular studies of cold stress response in pigs for improving cold tolerance as a goal in breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a major type of bladder cancer with a high incidence worldwide, resulting in a great disease burden. Treatment and surveillance are the most important part of NIMBC management. In 2018, we issued "Treatment and surveillance for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer in China: an evidence-based clinical practice guideline". Since then, various studies on the treatment and surveillance of NMIBC have been published. There is a need to incorporate these materials and also to take into account the relatively limited medical resources in primary medical institutions in China. Developing a version of guideline which takes these two issues into account to promote the management of NMIBC is therefore indicated. We formed a working group of clinical experts and methodologists. Through questionnaire investigation of clinicians including primary medical institutions, 24 clinically concerned issues, involving transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), intravesical chemotherapy and intravesical immunotherapy of NMIBC, and follow-up and surveillance of the NMIBC patients, were determined for this guideline. Researches and recommendations on the management of NMIBC in databases, guideline development professional societies and monographs were referred to, and the European Association of Urology was used to assess the certainty of generated recommendations. Finally, we issued 29 statements, among which 22 were strong recommendations, and 7 were weak recommendations. These recommendations cover the topics of TURBT, postoperative chemotherapy after TURBT, Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy after TURBT, combination treatment of BCG and chemotherapy after TURBT, treatment of carcinoma in situ, radical cystectomy, treatment of NMIBC recurrence, and follow-up and surveillance. We hope these recommendations can help promote the treatment and surveillance of NMIBC in China, especially for the primary medical institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenic obesity is regarded as a risk factor for the progression and development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Since male sex is a risk factor for NAFLD and skeletal muscle mass markedly varies between the sexes, we examined whether sex influences the association between appendicular skeletal muscle mass to visceral fat area ratio (SVR), that is, an index of skeletal muscle mass combined with abdominal obesity, and the histological severity of NAFLD. The SVR was measured by bioelectrical impedance in a cohort of 613 (M/F = 443/170) Chinese middle-aged individuals with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Multivariable logistic regression and subgroup analyses were used to test the association between SVR and the severity of NAFLD (i.e. non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or NASH with the presence of any stage of liver fibrosis). NASH was identified by a NAFLD activity score ≥5, with a minimum score of 1 for each of its categories. The presence of fibrosis was classified as having a histological stage ≥1. The SVR was inversely associated with NASH in men (adjusted OR 0·62; 95 % CI 0·42, 0·92, P = 0·017 for NASH, adjusted OR 0·65; 95 % CI 0·43, 0·99, P = 0·043 for NASH with the presence of fibrosis), but not in women (1·47 (95 % CI 0·76, 2·83), P = 0·25 for NASH, and 1·45 (95 % CI 0·74, 2·83), P = 0·28 for NASH with the presence of fibrosis). There was a significant interaction for sex and SVR (Pinteraction = 0·017 for NASH and Pinteraction = 0·033 for NASH with the presence of fibrosis). Our findings show that lower skeletal muscle mass combined with abdominal obesity is strongly associated with the presence of NASH only in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfosbuvir is a novel potent HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitor in development for the treatment of chronic HCV infection. Our previous studies indicated that alfosbuvir monotherapy was well‐tolerated and druggable in healthy subjects and HCV‐infected patients. Here, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of alfosbuvir in combination with daclatasvir in Chinese patients with HCV genotype 1, 2, 3 or 6. In this open‐label study, patients with chronic HCV infection were randomly assigned with a 1:1:1 ratio to receive 12 weeks of daclatasvir 60 mg plus alfosbuvir at a dose of 400, 600 or 800 mg (Cohort A, B or C) daily. Randomization was stratified by HCV genotype and the presence or absence of cirrhosis at screening. The primary endpoint was a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). A total of 124 patients were enrolled in the study, all of whom were available for post‐treatment week 12 assessments. SVR12 was achieved in 92.7% (38/41), 95.2% (40/42) and 100% (41/41) of patients in Cohort A, B and C respectively. The most common adverse events were hepatic steatosis, upper respiratory tract infection, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, blood bilirubin increased, and total bile acids increased. There were no discontinuations due to adverse events, and no treatment‐related serious adverse events were reported. Once‐daily oral administration of alfosbuvir plus daclatasvir were highly effective and safe in Chinese patients infected with HCV genotype 1, 2, 3 or 6, suggesting this regimen could be a promising drug candidate for HCV treatment irrespective of genotype. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04070235). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luculia yunnanensis (Rubiaceae), an evergreen shrub or small tree, is endemic to China and confined to Nujiang Prefecture, Yunnan Province. This plant is of high ornamental value owing to its attractive pink flowers, sweet fragrance, and long flowering period. Due to the influence of climate change and human factors, the distribution range of L. yunnanensis has exhibited a significant shrinking trend, and it has become a vulnerable species that is in urgent need of conservation and rational utilization research. In this study, the flower transcriptome sequencing of L. yunnanensis was conducted using an Illumina HiSeq platform. We designed and developed a series of EST-SSR primers based on the flower transcriptome data of L. yunnanensis. The results showed that 98,389 unigenes were obtained from the L. yunnanensis flower transcriptome, all of which were aligned with sequences in public databases. Nr, Nt, Pfam, KOG/COG, Swiss-Prot, KEGG, and GO annotated 31,859, 13,853, 22,684, 10,947, 21,416, 9722, and 23,390 unigenes, respectively. The MISA (Microsatellite) tool was used to identify SSR loci from all unigenes, and a total of 15,384 SSRs were identified. Repeat motifs were given priority with mononucleotides, dinucleotides, and trinucleotides. The 81 primer pairs were synthesized randomly, of which 44 pairs showed effective amplification. A total of 17 primers showed stable amplification, and rich polymorphism was observed in 6 populations. We concluded via genetic diversity analysis that the average effective number of alleles (Ne), Shannon's information index (I), and polymorphism information content (PIC) were 1.925, 0.837, and 0.403, respectively. In conclusion, 17 EST-SSR primers can be used for subsequent population genetic diversity analysis and molecular-marker-assisted breeding, which is of great significance for formulating resource conservation and utilization strategies for L. yunnanensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sports violence is a critical issue that has hindered China's sports development. Dual logic is currently the mainstream rule of law and industrial autonomy, although it has not produced satisfactory results. In this paper, we used expert interviews, text analysis, and case analysis to investigate the flaws in the current governance process and found that the dual logic of sports violence governance has problems of varying degrees. The low degree of legislative specialization, the hazy limit of judicial intervention, and disparate law enforcement are examples of the rule of law. The clash of rights and interests between the association and the state, the association's ineffectual control over the junior leagues, and the limited scope of governance are all examples of industry autonomy. Based on the issues mentioned above, this paper proposes dual logic strengthening measures and the notion of integrated governance. In particular, we should improve the rule of law thinking and construct a legal system for sports violence in China from legislation, justice and law enforcement, and law-abidingness to compensate for the current lack of law in sports violence. Second, we define the scope of the association's "postdecoupling era" powers and obligations, resolve conflicts through state involvement based on the rule of law, and remove governance hurdles. Finally, we thoroughly investigate three aspects of integrated governance between the rule of law and industry autonomy: respecting industry autonomy and providing specific implementation space for industry norms, not excluding the rule of law's intervention, and establishing an industry autonomy supervision mechanism. The rule of law and industry autonomy permeate each other and realize integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mitochondria have been shown to play vital roles during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) development. Currently, it is unclear whether mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants, which define mtDNA haplogroups and determine oxidative phosphorylation performance and reactive oxygen species production, are associated with COVID-19 risk. Methods: A population-based case–control study was conducted to compare the distribution of mtDNA variations defining mtDNA haplogroups between healthy controls (n = 615) and COVID-19 patients (n = 536). COVID-19 patients were diagnosed based on molecular diagnostics of the viral genome by qPCR and chest X-ray or computed tomography scanning. The exclusion criteria for the healthy controls were any history of disease in the month preceding the study assessment. MtDNA variants defining mtDNA haplogroups were identified by PCR-RFLPs and HVS-I sequencing and determined based on mtDNA phylogenetic analysis using Mitomap Phylogeny. Student's t-test was used for continuous variables, and Pearson's chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables. To assess the independent effect of each mtDNA variant defining mtDNA haplogroups, multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with adjustments for possible confounding factors of age, sex, smoking and diseases (including cardiopulmonary diseases, diabetes, obesity and hypertension) as determined through clinical and radiographic examinations. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the most common investigated mtDNA variations (> 10% in the control population) at C5178a (in NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene, ND2) and A249d (in the displacement loop region, D-loop)/T6392C (in cytochrome c oxidase I gene, CO1)/G10310A (in ND3) were associated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 (OR = 0.590, 95% CI 0.428–0.814, P = 0.001; and OR = 0.654, 95% CI 0.457–0.936, P = 0.020, respectively), while A4833G (ND2), A4715G (ND2), T3394C (ND1) and G5417A (ND2)/C16257a (D-loop)/C16261T (D-loop) were related to an increased risk of severe COVID-19 (OR = 2.336, 95% CI 1.179–4.608, P = 0.015; OR = 2.033, 95% CI 1.242–3.322, P = 0.005; OR = 3.040, 95% CI 1.522–6.061, P = 0.002; and OR = 2.890, 95% CI 1.199–6.993, P = 0.018, respectively). Conclusions: This is the first study to explore the association of mtDNA variants with individual's risk of developing severe COVID-19. Based on the case–control study, we concluded that the common mtDNA variants at C5178a and A249d/T6392C/G10310A might contribute to an individual's resistance to developing severe COVID-19, whereas A4833G, A4715G, T3394C and G5417A/C16257a/C16261T might increase an individual's risk of developing severe COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning enables machines to learn rules from a large amount of data input from the outside world through algorithms, so as to identify and judge. It is the main task of the government to further emphasize the importance of improving the housing security mechanism, expand the proportion of affordable housing, increase financial investment, improve the construction quality of affordable housing, and ensure fair distribution. It can be seen that the legal system of housing security is essentially a system to solve the social problems brought by housing marketization, and it is an important part of the whole national housing system. More and more attention has been paid to solving the housing difficulties of low- and middle-income people and establishing a housing security legal system suitable for China's national conditions and development stage. Aiming at the deep learning problem, a text matching algorithm suitable for the field of housing law and policy is proposed. Classifier based on matching algorithm is a promising classification technology. The research on the legal system of housing security is in the exploratory stage, involving various theoretical and practical research studies. Compare the improved depth learning algorithm with the general algorithm, so as to clearly understand the advantages and disadvantages of the improved depth learning algorithm and depth learning algorithm. This paper introduces the practical application of the deep learning model and fast learning algorithm in detail. Creatively put forward to transform it into an independent public law basis or into an independent savings system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, explosion characteristics of coal dust in the presence of strong oxidant were studied using a 20-L spherical vessel, and the influential factors, including air relative humidity, ambient temperature and combustible gas of hybrid explosion were investigated. Results showed that sodium chlorate dust could increase the explosion severity of coal dust to some extent, while the power of hybrid explosion was weakened for the increasing content of its decomposition product. The explosibility of blend samples both presented a trend of increasing at low air relative humidity and then deceasing at high air relative humidity. The explosion severities of blend samples were strengthened for the increasing ambient temperature in a certain range. CH4 had a promotion effect on the explosion performance of Blend A, and Pmax and (dP/dt)max values of Blend A dust explosion, respectively, increased by 56.1% and 200% with the addition of CH4. While the explosion severity of Blend B was promoted for adding a small amount of CH4, but suppressed for a high CH4 content. The experimental results have guiding significance for the risk assessment of coexistence of coal dust and hazardous chemicals, especially in confined space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Leucine-rich α2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) is a novel cytokine, which is believed to be involved in the inflammatory process of a series of diseases. However, the relationship between LRG1 and spinal cord injury (SCI) has not been reported. The purpose of our study is to determine the predictive value of LRG1 for the prognosis of pediatric SCI (PSCI). Methods. This study recruited 64 patients with confirmed PSCI and 40 healthy controls at Foshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020. The clinical information of all participants at the time of admission was recorded. Peripheral blood was collected, and commercial reagents were used to detect the level of serum LRG1. At the same time, the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) was used to assess the severity of PSCI. Results. All participants were divided into PSCI group (n = 64) and NC group (n = 40). There was no significant difference in clinical information (age, gender, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, sampling time from injury, white blood cells, and C-reactive protein) between the two groups (p > 0.05). According to the interquartile range of serum LRG1, we compared the motor and sensory scores of ISNCSCI and found that serum LRG1 levels were negatively correlated with the prognosis of PSCI patients (p < 0.001). The results of receiver operating curve (ROC) showed that the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC (Area Under the Curve) of serum LRG1 level in predicting the prognosis of PSCI were 68.4%, 69.1%, and 0.705, respectively. The cut-off value of serum LRG1 level predicting the prognosis of PSCI is 21.1 μg/ml. Conclusions. Serum LRG1 level is significantly increased in PSCI patients, and the elevated LRG1 level is negatively correlated with the prognosis of PSCI patients. Serum LRG1 may be a potentially useful biomarker for predicting PSCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mental disorders impose heavy burdens on patients' families and children. It is imperative to provide family-focused services to avoid adverse effects from mental disorders on patients' families and children. However, implementing such services requires a great deal of involvement of mental health workers. This study investigated the attitudes, knowledge, skills, and practices in respect to family-focused practices (FFP) in a sample of Chinese mental health workers.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed to examine the attitudes, knowledge, skills, and practices of a convenience sample of Chinese mental health workers in respect to FFP, using the Chinese version of the Family-Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire (FFMHPQ).Results: In total, 515 mental health workers participated in our study, including 213 psychiatrists, 269 psychiatric nurses, and 34 allied mental health professionals (20 clinical psychologists, 9 mental health social workers, and 4 occupational therapists). Compared with psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists and allied mental health professionals provided more support for families and children of patients with mental illness and were more willing to receive further training in FFP. However, there were no significant differences on knowledge, skills, and confidence across different profession types. After adjusting for demographic and occupational variables, previous training in FFP was positively associated with mental health workers' knowledge, skills, and confidence about FFP, but not actual support to families and children.Conclusions: Professional differences on FFP exist in Chinese mental health workers. Training is needed to engage psychiatrists and other allied workforce in dissemination and implementation of FFP in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the effect of export value-added tax (VAT) rebate policy on the margins of exports in terms of export value, quantity and price. Treating the VAT rebate adjustment implemented in July 2007 as a quasi-natural experiment, we find that a reduction in the export VAT rebate rate has significantly reduced export value and quantity with an incomplete pass-through to export price. The estimated responses to the rebate are generally higher than those to exchange rate fluctuations and comparable to those to tariff changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We utilize an unprecedented liberalization episode in China, namely its World Trade Organization accession, to estimate the impact of trade liberalization on firm markup and markup distribution. Using a panel data quantile regression, we show that the impact of tariff reduction on markup can be heterogeneous to different firms, resulting in an unevenly distributed markup change across firms. In particular, reduction in output tariff reduces markup and markup dispersion, while reduction in input tariff increases markup and markup dispersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) is an important economic species in China. Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection have caused a great economic loss in mud crab farming. The mechanism involved in the immune responses of mud crab to V. parahaemolyticus is unclear. In this study, the physiological and immune response to V. parahaemolyticus infection were investigated in S. paramamosain. The results showed that V. parahaemolyticus infection decreased total hemocyte counts, led to cytological damage, and caused high mortality. Transcriptome analysis showed that 1327 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 809 up-regulated and 518 down-regulated ones, were obtained after V. parahaemolyticus challenge. These DEGs were mainly involved in the immune response and infectious disease. Additionally, transcriptome analysis revealed that Toll, immune deficiency (IMD), and prophenoloxidase signalling pathways played essential roles in antibacterial immunity against V. parahaemolyticus infection in mud crab. • V. parahaemolyticus led to cytological damage, and caused high mortality. • 1327 DEGs were obtained after V. parahaemolyticus challenge. • Toll, IMD, and prophenoloxidase signalling pathways played important roles in response to V. parahaemolyticus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) deficiency caused by mutations in the XIAP/BIRC4 gene is a rare inherited primary immunodeficiency also known as X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome type 2 (XLP2). Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is currently the only curative strategy available. However, few studies of haploidentical HSCT have been published regarding the outcomes in patients with this syndrome. Methods: We evaluated the XIAP gene analysis and clinical characteristics of four Chinese patients with XIAP who underwent haploidentical HSCT. Results: The mutations in the two of four patients had not yet been reported in the literature. All of the patients had recurrent hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis but did not have a good matched donor and underwent haploidentical HSCT at BCH in China between September 2016 and December 2018. All four patients received antithymocyte globulin with fludarabine-based regimens. Two patients underwent reduced intensity conditioning (RIC), and the other two received modified myeloablative conditioning (MAC) regimens. Three of the four patients survived. Three patients experienced complications with mixed chimerism. One of the four patients who underwent RIC had early graft loss and then developed grade IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after donor lymphocyte infusion with bone marrow. The two patients who received MAC survived with no or mild GVHD, even though one of them developed hepatic veno-occlusive disease in the early stage of transplantation. Conclusions: Haploidentical HSCT may be a treatment option for patients with XIAP deficiency who lack a good matched donor. More studies are needed to determine whether modified MAC with reduced toxicity is more suitable for haploidentical transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Motivated by a problem in the context of DiDi Travel, the biggest taxi hailing platform in China, the purpose of this paper is to propose a novel facility location problem, specifically, the single source capacitated facility location problem with regional demand and time constraints, to help improve overall transportation efficiency and cost. Design/methodology/approach: This study develops a mathematical programming model, considering regional demand and time constraints. A novel two-stage neighborhood search heuristic algorithm is proposed and applied to solve instances based on data sets published by DiDi Travel. Findings: The results of this study show that the model is adequate since new characteristics of demand can be deduced from large vehicle trajectory data sets. The proposed algorithm is effective and efficient on small and medium as well as large instances. The research also solves and presents a real instance in the urban area of Chengdu, China, with up to 30 facilities and demand deduced from 16m taxi trajectory data records covering around 16,000 drivers. Research limitations/implications: This study examines an offline and single-period case of the problem. It does not consider multi-period or online cases with uncertainties, where decision makers need to dynamically remove out-of-service stations and add other stations to the selected group. Originality/value: Prior studies have been quite limited. They have not yet considered demand in the form of vehicle trajectory data in facility location problems. This study takes into account new characteristics of demand, regional and time constrained, and proposes a new variant and its solution approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcifying fibrous pseudotumors (CFPs) are rare benign lesions mostly occurring in the limbs, necks and gastrointestinal tracts of young adults. In the present study, we report the first known case of a pelvic CFP in China in a 67-year-old male patient. The solitary tumor had an extremely regular shape and was in the vicinity of the sigmoid colon. Surgical resection was performed and the tumor was histologically diagnosed as CFP. We reviewed 64 cases of CFPs and discussed the clinical features of this disease in China and other countries. We found that the CFPs were most common in patients aged 18-60 and often had no obvious symptoms. They were immunoreactive for vimentin and factor XIIIa, while negative for CD117 and S100. In China, CFPs were mostly identified in the stomach, possibly associated with Chinese eating. The pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear. More research is needed to confirm the present results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotyping by targeting short tandem repeats (STRs) has been widely used in forensic applications. However, most commercial kits detect autosomal STRs or Y-STRs alone, which waste both time and opportunity. The AGCU Expressmarker 16 + 22Y Kit includes 16 autosomal and 22 Y-chromosomal STR loci and is designed for the forensic science field and obtaining quicker results. Here, we conducted the validation study according to Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) guidelines. Validation of PCR-based studies, species specificity, sensitivity, DNA mixture studies, inhibitors, precision, and sizing accuracy were performed. Furthermore, this system was also tested in 346 random male samples from Han, Hui, Tibetan, and Zhuang populations in China, showing its high power for forensic discrimination in the Chinese population. In addition, this system was able to deal with AMELY deletion cases, which can correctly identify sex in forensic criminal investigations. Our results suggested that the AGCU Expressmarker 16 + 22Y Kit is a useful tool for rapid criminal investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods: Using an interrupted time series design, we conducted segmented regression analyses of utilization changes of targeted anti-cancer medicines covered by the provincial government health insurance program during 2013 to 2016 in 69 hospitals with more than 100 beds in Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang province of China. The WHO/Health Action International Project on Medicine Prices and Availability methodology was used to measure patient affordability of the study medicines.Results: In March 2015, the utilization of all study medicines increased by 15.58 (95% CI = 3.86, 27.30, P = 0.01) to 439.14 standard units (95% CI = 311.79, 566.49, P < 0.001). Before covered by government health insurance, the estimated out-of-pocket payment by patient ranged from 3.0 to 13.1 times of the provincial average disposable annual income per capita for urban residents, and 6.2 to 27.3 times for rural residents. Such payments were reduced to 0.6 to 2.1 times for urban residents and 1.8 to 4.4 times for rural population after government health insurance coverage inclusion. During 2015 to 2016, the per capita contribution to Hangzhou catastrophic health insurance program was CNY15 (US$ 2.3), and the reimbursement rate was 70% in Hangzhou city. The cumulative total insurance expenses on six study targeted anticancer medicines accounted for an estimated 53% of the total amount of premiums of the government catastrophic health insurance fund. Sensitivity analyses indicated that this proportion would have changed to 46%, 61% and 69% when changing the per capita contribution to CNY25 (US$ 3.8) and CNY40 (US$ 6.2), and changing the insurance reimbursement rate to 60%, 80 and 90%.Conclusion: Government health insurance coverage inclusion significantly increased utilization of the expensive targeted anti-cancer medicines, and improved patient affordability. However, the financial burden of patients is still high, especially for the rural low-income population. Rising utilization and expenditures call for careful monitoring of anti-cancer medicines use, and for strategies to decrease prices to facilitate medicines access and keep the insurance system sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A total of 650 Hui males from nine geographical regions in China were genotyped with 157 Y-SNP and 27 Y-STR markers. • High haplogroup diversity and haplotype diversity were found in Hui populations. • The high-resolution panel with Y-SNPs and Y-STRs indicated that Hui populations can be divided into three groups. • Hui populations had close relationships with East Asian populations, especially the Chinese Han population. The Hui group is the second largest ethnic minority and one of the most widespread ethnic groups in China. However, the genetic architecture of the Hui population remains largely unexplored, particularly with respect to the male-specific region of the Y chromosome. Here, we studied nine Hui populations (Xinjiang, Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Henan, Shandong, Sichuan, Yunnan) using 157 Y-chromosome single nucleotide polymorphisms (Y-SNPs) and 27 short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) to unravel their genetic substructure and forensic characteristics. A total of 650 unrelated male samples from the Hui populations were genotyped by SNaPshot®, a single base extension (SBE) assay. Finally, 95 terminal haplogroups and high haplotype diversity (0.9999) were observed in Hui populations. Frequency heat map matrices, genetic distance (F ST) and network analysis within Hui populations indicated that these nine Hui populations can be divided into three groups: Hui populations from the northwest (NWH), Hui populations from Sichuan and Shandong (SSH), and Hui populations from Yunnan (YNH). Our results suggested that we should use different databases for different Hui samples in forensic cases. Comparison with other populations that used different population genetic analysis revealed that the Hui populations had close relationships with East Asian populations, especially Chinese Han population. Overall, the high-resolution panel with Y-SNPs and Y-STRs gives new and complete insight into Hui populations, which can be used to interpret the genetic substructure of Hui populations and affect the utility of forensic databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The impact of male sex and past hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on survival of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are issues at discussion. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors for transplant‐free survival (TRS) in Chinese PBC patients who received ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), with special focus on the impact of male sex and past HBV infection. Methods: We followed up PBC patients who received UDCA at our institute between January 2000 and December 2017 until their death, liver transplantation, or censored on April 1, 2018, by interview and review of medical records. We used Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Out of 976 PBC patients, 732 UDCA‐treated patients (female : male = 6.2:1) with required clinical and laboratory data were enrolled in this study. The median follow‐up period were 4.8 years (interquartile range: 2.8–7.1 years). The overall 5‐, 10‐, and 15‐year TRS rates were 86.7% (95% CI: 83.8–88.1), 71.1% (95% CI: 65.0–77.2), and 59.2% (95% CI: 44.5–73.9), respectively. The survival was significantly worse for male patients and older patients (≥ 55 years) (log‐rank test: P < 0.05 for both). On multivariate analysis, male sex, cirrhosis, serum bilirubin, and serum albumin were independent predictors for TRS. There was no significant difference in survivals between patients with (n = 167) and without (n = 219) past HBV infection (log‐rank test: P = 0.293). Conclusions: In this large Chinese cohort of UDCA‐treated PBC patients, male sex was associated with shorter survival, whereas past HBV infection was not associated with poorer outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Galeruca daurica is a new pest causing great losses in the Inner Mongolian grasslands of China. The adults enter obligatory diapause during summer. However, the molecular mechanism of summer diapause remains unknown. We used iTRAQ to conduct proteomic analysis of adult G. daurica at the pre-diapause (PD), diapause (D) and post-diapause (TD) stages during summer diapause. A total of 139 and 118 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were detected in D/PD and TD/D comparisons, respectively. Besides a large number of DEPs involved in metabolic process, stress response, cytoskeletal reorganization, and phagosome pathway, many new proteins related to diapause were found in this study, such as encapsulation-relating proteins, odorant binding proteins, chemosensory proteins and ribosomal proteins. KEGG analysis revealed that the phagosome pathway was the only common significantly enriched pathway in both D/PD and TD/D. In addition, juvenile hormone regulation and Ca2+ signaling may play an important role in the regulation of summer diapause in G. daurica. Our proteomic analysis provides a new insight into the mechanism of obligatory summer diapause, and lays a foundation for future molecular level studies. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UN Security Council has made great contributions to global peace and security over the past 70 years. The five permanent members and ten non‐permanent members of the council share the responsibility by voting for the Security Council resolutions together. In this paper, we study whether Chinese outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) has been influenced by political incentives from perspective of the UN Security Council. Using China's Global Investment Data from 2005 to 2015 provided by the Heritage Foundation, we find that a country attracts more Chinese OFDI when it rotates onto the council. Such an effect increases during the important years when member's votes should be more valuable and among the countries which do not have close cooperation with China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To construct a quantitative ethical evaluation index system for the clinical approval of medical technology in China. Methods: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and first-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) based on a structure equation model (SEM), higher-order CFA and normalisation were used to establish an ethical evaluation index system for the clinical approval of medical technology. Data were processed in SPSS 13.0 and Lisre l5.3. Results: There were 52 third class indices, 15 second class indices, and 3 first class indices in this ethical evaluation index system. The weight of each index was calculated by normalisation. Conclusion: This study developed a three-level ethical evaluation index system, comprising 70 indices, for the clinical approval of medical technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we generalise conventional measures of the effective rate of protection by: (i) relaxing their small‐country assumptions; (ii) taking into account multiple stages of production; and (iii) abstracting away from their assumptions on the time‐invariance of the underlying technology using annual IO tables. We apply our new measure to China's structure of tariff protection from 1992 to 2010. When compared to conventional measures, we find its effective rates of protection to be smaller in magnitude and even negative in some sectors. The new measures are also related to industry characteristics in sensible ways, calling into question the applicability of conventional measures in the context of present‐day China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies show conflicting results regarding the link between serum triglyceride and the risk of prostate cancer and breast cancer. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of prospective studies to clarify this association. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM), and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database to identify relevant prospective studies of the relationship between serum triglyceride and prostate cancer and breast cancer risk. Study-specific estimates adjusting for potential confounders were combined to evaluate a summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) using a fixed- or random-effects model. A total of 11 prospective studies (619,410 subjects and 15,691 incident prostate cancer patients) and 8 prospective studies (590,878 subjects and 12,177 incident breast cancer patients) were respectively included in our meta-analysis to assess the associations of serum triglyceride with prostate cancer and breast cancer risk. The pooled adjusted RR estimates for prostate cancer and breast cancer for the highest versus the lowest exposure levels of serum triglycerides were 0.95 (95% CI: 0.87–1.04) and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.87–1.00), respectively. Additionally, a dose–response analysis revealed that serum levels of triglycerides were not associated with the risk of prostate cancer and breast cancer. We found that serum triglyceride was not related to the risk of prostate cancer and breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Nonadherence to antipsychotic medication is a major health concern. Identification of risk factors associated with nonadherence is a useful initial step toward designing an effective intervention. This study compared the characteristics of medication-adherent and -nonadherent outpatients with schizophrenia in a Chinese community setting.Methods: In a naturalistic, multicenter, and cross-sectional design, 601 outpatients with schizophrenia served by the National Continuing Management and Intervention Program for Psychoses (the "686 program") were surveyed from June 2013 to January 2014 in four Chinese cities. On the basis of self-reported behavior, the patients were divided into medication-adherent and -nonadherent groups. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors associated with nonadherence.Results: The analyses included 554 patients, 20% of whom were considered to be nonadherent. Compared with the adherent group, the nonadherent group had a longer period of untreated psychosis (odds ratio [OR]=1.09), lower body mass index (OR=.94), higher rate of rural residency (OR=2.01), and lower monthly household income per capita (OR=.94/100 renminbi) (p<.05 by hierarchical analysis). Other characteristics (age, gender, occupation, education, marital status, living with family, age at initial presentation of symptoms, duration of illness, and type of antipsychotic medication) did not differ significantly between the groups.Conclusions: Medication-adherent and -nonadherent groups differed significantly in some social and treatment characteristics. These findings may be useful in informing the development of strategies for reducing medication nonadherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In forest ecosystems, plant secondary metabolites, such as tannin, affect soil net nitrogen (N) mineralisation and nitrification. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of tannin in plant leaf litter on N transformation in subtropical acidic soils containing high levels of inorganic N in the form of NH4+-N occurs. An incubation experiment was carried out using two litter types and tannin acid addition into Hapludults (Hu) and Haplohumults (Ho) soils in order to determine if (i) addition of leaf litter with higher tannin content might decrease soil N content, and (ii) effect modes of litter or tannin addition on NH4+-N and NO3−-N are different. The net production rate, relative change rate and relationship between effects of tannin and litters on NH4+-N or NO3−-N were analyzed. Our results suggested that addition of each species litter into forest soil decreased soil inorganic N content, and the effects on NO3−-N and NH4+-N dynamics were related to tannin content of the litter. Further, soil inorganic N content was reduced at a higher rate in the short term for NH4+-N than for NO3−-N. Inorganic N loss was dependent on the form of carbon released at different stages of litter decomposition. Microbial immobilisation of N did not completely account for the marked fall in N. In forest soils, the influence of plant litter tannin content on N transformations including nitrification and immobilisation were related to soil types. Our study enhances our understanding of how plant litter quality influences N transformation in forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The ascomycete fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a devastating necrotrophic plant pathogen with an unusually broad host range and worldwide distribution. The benzimidazole fungicide carbendazim has been widely used to control S. sclerotiorum in China for more than three decades and high levels of carbendazim resistance have been reported in eastern China. In this study, carbendazim sensitivity was assessed in a total of 5042 field isolates of S. sclerotiorum collected from different geographical regions of China from 2008 to 2013. Results showed that no carbendazim resistant isolates could be detected in northwestern and northeastern China. In 2013, 0.77% and 0.72% of the field isolates assayed were highly resistant to carbendazim in Hunan and Hubei provinces of central China, respectively. In Anhui province of eastern China, the frequencies of carbendazim resistance were 18.18%, 7.05% and 7.25% in 2008, 2011 and 2012, respectively. The decrease in frequency of carbendazim resistance in Anhui province from 2008 to 2012 was statistically significant ( P = 0.001). Nevertheless, no significant differences (P ≥ 0.16) were found in fitness parameters such as mycelial growth on PDA media, virulence to oilseed rape plants and oxalic acid production between carbendazim resistant and sensitive isolates. A negative cross resistance pattern was detected between carbendazim and diethofencarb. Mixture of carbendazim and diethofencarb (4:1) applied at 200 μg/mL provided 100% and 91.5% preventive efficacy against carbendazim resistant and sensitive isolates, respectively, and 87.1% and 81.7% curative efficacy against resistant and sensitive isolates, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rectus sheath block (RSB) is used for postoperative pain relief in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with midline incision. Preoperative RSB has been shown to be effective, but it has not been compared with postoperative RSB. The aim of the present study is to evaluate postoperative pain, sleep quality and changes in the cytokine levels of patients undergoing gynaecological surgery with RSB performed preoperatively versus postoperatively.Methods/design: This study is a prospective, randomised, controlled (randomised, parallel group, concealed allocation), single-blinded trial. All patients undergoing transabdominal gynaecological surgery will be randomised 1:1 to the treatment intervention with general anaesthesia as an adjunct to preoperative or postoperative RSB. The objective of the trial is to evaluate postoperative pain, sleep quality and changes in the cytokine levels of patients undergoing gynaecological surgery with RSB performed preoperatively (n = 32) versus postoperatively (n = 32). All of the patients, irrespective of group allocation, will receive patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) with oxycodone. The primary objective is to compare the interval between leaving the post-anaesthesia care unit and receiving the first PCIA bolus injection on the first postoperative night between patients who receive preoperative versus postoperative RSB. The secondary objectives will be to compare (1) cumulative oxycodone consumption at 24 hours after surgery; (2) postoperative sleep quality, as measured using a BIS-Vista monitor during the first night after surgery; and (3) cytokine levels (interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ) during surgery and at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively.Discussion: Clinical experience has suggested that RSB is a very effective postoperative analgesic technique, and we will answer the following questions with this trial. Do preoperative block and postoperative block have the same duration of analgesic effects? Can postoperative block extend the analgesic time? The results of this study could have actual clinical applications that could help to reduce postoperative pain and shorten hospital stays.Trial Registration: Current Controlled Trials NCT02477098 15 June 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]