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The "dual-carbon" objective presents a huge challenge for China and the world, with profound implications for the advancement of China's eco-friendly economy. Additionally, informatization development has a significant impact on the level of carbon emissions in both local and neighbouring regions. Therefore, we employ panel data from 30 provinces in China spanning the years 2012 to 2021, and use the Kernel density estimate and Moran's index to explore informatization level and carbon emissions space agglomeration characteristics. We elucidate the nonlinear relationship and heterogeneity between informatization improvement and carbon emissions based on the spatial Durbin model. The primary findings are as follows. Firstly, we discover a distinct spatial clustering phenomenon which the informatization level is high in coastal areas and low in inland areas, whereas carbon emissions are low in the south and high in the north. Secondly, the effect of the informatization level on carbon emissions is shown as a U-shaped and non-linear correlation, signifying inhibitory and subsequently promoting phases. Thirdly, we reveal the negative influence on carbon emissions caused by spatial lag terms of the informatization level, and find that a higher local informatization level will have an inhibitory effect on carbon emissions in neighbouring areas. Finally, there is a spatial heterogeneity in the impact of the informatization level on carbon emissions, which presents the U-shaped relation between informatization level and carbon emissions varies across the North-South subregion and the three major economic subregion of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To characterize the cytokine profile of patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in relation to disease severity.Patients and Methods: 60 laboratory-confirmed SFTS patients and 12 healthy individuals from multi-centers in Shandong Province of China were included, and all patients were divided into fatal patients (9) and recovered patients (51) due to their final outcomes. Multiplex-microbead immunoassays were conducted to estimate levels of 27 cytokines in the sera of patients and controls.Results: The results showed that levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-15, IL-1RA, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, TNF-α, basic FGF, PDGF-BB, RANTES, IP-10, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MCP-1, and Eotaxin differed significantly among the SFTS fatal patients, recovered patients, and the healthy controls (all p< 0.05). Compared to the healthy controls, the fatal patients and recovered patients had reduced levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, PDGF-BB, RANTES, and Eotaxin, while the levels of PDGF-BB and RANTES were significantly lower in fatal patients compared to recovered patients. The increasing levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-15, IL-1RA, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, TNF-α, basic FGF, IP-10, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and MCP-1 were observed in fatal patients (all p< 0.05), and the levels of IL-6, IP-10, MIP-1α, and MCP-1 were significantly higher than other two groups. The Spearman correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between platelet count and PDGF-BB levels (p< 0.05), while the white blood cell count had a negative correlation with MIP-1 level (p< 0.05).Conclusion: The research exhibited that the SFTS virus (SFTSV) caused an atypical manifestation of cytokines. The levels of IL-6, IP-10, MIP-1α, and MCP-1 had been observed a positive association with the severity of the illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plastid genome of Lysidice brevicalyx was successfully assembled using Illumina sequencing reads for the first time. The complete plastid genome of L. brevicalyx is a circular structure of 159,084 bp with a GC content of 36.4%. It comprises a large single-copy (LSC) region of 87,783 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 19,557 bp, and two inverted repeat regions (IRA and IRB) of 25,872 bp, each. The plastome of L. brevicalyx contains a total of 128 genes, including 83 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. The phylogenetic analysis strongly supports the monophyly of Lysidice. This study provides the first complete plastid genome sequence of L. brevicalyx and contributes to our understanding of the molecular characteristics and evolutionary relationships of this plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psittacosis can cause severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The clinical manifestations of psittacosis range from subclinical to fulminant psittacosis with multi-organ failure. It is essential to summarize the clinical characteristic of patients with severe psittacosis accompanied by acute hypoxic respiratory failure (AHRF). Methods: This retrospective study included patients with severe psittacosis caused CAP accompanied by AHRF from 19 tertiary hospitals of China. We recorded the clinical data, antimicrobial therapy, respiratory support, complications, and outcomes. Chlamydia psittaci was detected on the basis of metagenomic next-generation sequencing performed on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples. Patient outcomes were compared between the treatment methods. Results: This study included 45 patients with severe CAP and AHRF caused by psittacosis from April 2018 to May 2021. The highest incidence of these infections was between September and April. There was a history of poultry contact in 64.4% of the patients. The median PaO2/FiO2 of the patients was 119.8 (interquartile range, 73.2 to 183.6) mmHg. Four of 45 patients (8.9%) died in the ICU, and the median ICU duration was 12 days (interquartile range, 8 to 21) days. There were no significant differences between patients treated with fluoroquinolone initially and continued after the diagnosis, fluoroquinolone initially followed by tetracycline, and fluoroquinolone combined with tetracycline. Conclusion: Psittacosis caused severe CAP seems not rare, especially in the patients with the history of exposure to poultry or birds. Empirical treatment that covers atypical pathogens may benefit such patients, which fluoroquinolones might be considered as an alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communities of bacteria, especially symbionts, are vital for the growth and development of insects and other arthropods, including Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED), a destructive and invasive insect pest. However, the infection density patterns and influence factors of bacteria in whiteflies, which mainly include symbionts, remain largely unclear. To reveal the different density patterns of Cardinium in B. tabaci MED populations and the impacts of high temperatures on whiteflies with different Cardinium density infection patterns, 2 isofemale lines isolated from B. tabaci MED from the same geographical population of China and from B. tabaci MED collected from other countries and locations were examined using several techniques and methods, including fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and 2b‐RAD sequencing. The results showed that there were 2 different infection density patterns of Cardinium in B. tabaci MED (including 1 high‐density pattern and 1 low‐density pattern). For whiteflies with low‐density Cardinium, conventional PCR could not detect Cardinium, but the other techniques confirmed that there was a low level of Cardinium within hosts. High temperature significantly decreased the diversity of bacterial communities: the relative titer of Cardinium increased but the density of Rickettsia decreased in the isofemale line with high‐density Cardinium. However, high temperature did not influence the diversity and symbiont density in the line with low‐density Cardinium. Moreover, high temperature influenced the functions of bacterial communities in whiteflies with high‐density Cardinium but did not affect the bacterial functions in whiteflies with low‐density Cardinium. Our results provide novel insights into the complex associations between symbionts and host insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies have suggested there is a link between attitudes toward store music and customer loyalty, although this evidence has been inconsistent and inconclusive. We tested the relationship between attitudes toward store music and customer loyalty while taking into account emotional value as a mediator. Customers (N = 352) from a supermarket in China completed a paper-and-pencil survey assessing attitudes toward store music, loyalty, and emotional value. The results of structural equation modeling suggested that emotional value played a mediating role in the relationship between attitudes toward store music and customer loyalty. This study contributes to understanding of customer loyalty in response to store music and provides retailers with practical insights into increasing customer loyalty by inducing positive attitudes toward store music. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fructus Aurantii (FA) is the dry and immature fruit of Citrus aurantium L. and its rutaceous cultivars. FA has been widely used to treat digestive system diseases since ancient China, and it promotes gastrointestinal (GI) motility in functional dyspepsia (FD), but its potential therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. We examined the effects of FA ethanol extracts in an iodoacetamide (IA)-induced FD rat model. Firstly, key FA therapy targets for FD were gathered using systematic pharmacology. Combined with systemic pharmacological analyses, plasma metabolomics based on UPLC-QTOF-MS were conducted. Then, MetaboAnalyst was used to jointly analyze systemic pharmacology targets and metabolomic metabolites to select key metabolic pathways. Finally, the key path is verified by experiments. FA exerted distinct therapeutic effects in anti-inflammation and promoting gastrointestinal motility in our IA-induced FD rat model. When compared with the model group, FA down-regulated the inflammatory factors interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor-α. At the same time, FA up-regulated tight junction proteins in the intestinal epithelial barrier. Through the integrated analysis of metabolomics and systemic pharmacology, we conducted experimental verification on Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway. When compared with the model group, FA down-regulatedphospho-mitogen activated protein kinase, phospho-extracellular signal regulated kinase1/2, myosin light chain kinase, and phospho-myosin regulatory light chain protein levels. Thus, FA ameliorated FD by regulating the Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway. Our integrated strategy identified underlying FA mechanisms toward FD treatment and provided a foundation for FA development as a clinical agent for FD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By constructing a comprehensive evaluation index system for data elements and green development, this paper measures the level of data elements and green development in 273 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2019 using the random forest algorithm and calculates the coupling coordination degree (CCD) of the two systems using the coupling coordination degree model. Furthermore, this paper classifies the 273 cities into six types based on their "business charm" rankings and uses the Dagum Gini coefficient, kernel density estimation and a spatial Markov chain model to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics and dynamic evolution of the CCD between data elements and green development. The results show that: (1) the average level of data elements is 0.087, which obviously lags behind the average level of green development, but the levels of both data elements and green development are on the rise; (2) the average CCD between data elements and green development is 0.44, which is in the moderate coordination stage and the CCD shows a year-on-year increase; (3) the higher the business charm ranking of a city, the higher the CCD between Data elements Green development (4) the CCD is affected by the city business charm ranking, showing significant differences, which mainly originate from the intergroup differences; (5) the CCD between data elements and green development in a city is also influenced by its neighboring cities, and the spatial pattern of the CCD evolution shows a "club convergence" phenomenon in the extreme coupling coordination stage. These findings provide important implications for promoting synergies between data elements and green development in both developing and developed countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the epidemiological characteristics and spatial distribution patterns of human norovirus outbreaks in China, identify high-risk areas, and provide guidance for epidemic prevention and control. This study analyzed 964 human norovirus outbreaks involving 50,548 cases in 26 provinces reported from 2012 to 2018. Epidemiological analysis and spatiotemporal scanning analysis were conducted to analyze the distribution of norovirus outbreaks in China. The outbreaks showed typical seasonality, with more outbreaks in winter and fewer in summer, and the total number of infected cases increased over time. Schools, especially middle schools and primary schools, are the most common settings of norovirus outbreaks, with the major transmission route being life contact. More outbreaks occurred in southeast coastal areas in China and showed significant spatial aggregation. The highly clustered areas of norovirus outbreaks have expanded northeast over time. By identifying the epidemiological characteristics and high-risk areas of norovirus outbreaks, this study provides important scientific support for the development of preventive and control measures for norovirus outbreaks, which is conducive to the administrative management of high-risk settings and reduction of disease burden in susceptible areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, this study investigates the relationship between family-supportive supervision (FSS) and work-family conflict (WFC). Data from a sample of 240 employees from 60 teams in China were analysed. The empirical results indicated that FSS reduced WFC by prompting employees' boundary control. Empowerment-focused human resource management (EHRM) moderated the relationship between FSS and WFC, such that the relationship was stronger for employees when the team had higher EHRM practices. This study delineates how and when FSS reduces WFC by identifying the mechanism and boundary conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Combined peripheral neutrophil–platelet indexes reflecting the systemic inflammatory status have been reported to predict the clinical outcome in patients with various types of cancer. However, the prognostic value of combined neutrophil–platelet indexes in operable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. The study introduced a novel combined neutrophil–meanplateletvolume–platelet ratio (NMPR) index and investigated its clinical and prognostic value in patients with operable ESCC receiving curative surgery. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the clinicopathologic data of 277 consecutive ESCC patients who received curative resection at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital in China between January 2007 and December 2010 was conducted (the training cohort). In addition, the clinicopathologic data of 101 resectable ESCC patients at Renmin Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine between December 2018 and June 2021 were collected (the external validation cohort). The optimal cutoff value of NMPR concerning overall survival (OS) in the training cohort was determined by X-tile software. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the prognostic value of NMPR along with other variables in the training cohort, which was further validated with the same cutoff value in the external validation cohort. Significant predictors of OS were used to construct the nomogram, of which the discrimination and calibration was evaluated by concordance index (C-index) and calibration plots. Results: With a cutoff value of 16.62, the results from both the training and external validation cohorts supported the association of high NMPR (>16.62) with increased tumor length and advanced T stage but not with other variables. In the training cohort, a significant association between shorter OS and high NMPR (p = 0.04) as well as high CRP (p < 0.001), poor tumor differentiation (p = 0.008), advanced T stage (p = 0.006), advanced N stage (p < 0.001) and high CEA (p = 0.007) was revealed. Additionally, the high NMPR was verified to independently predict unfavorable OS (p = 0.049) in the external validation cohort. The C-index of the OS nomogram cooperating significant predictors in the training cohort was 0.71 and the calibration plots of the OS nomogram fitted well. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that high NMPR is an independent predictor of unfavorable OS in resectable ESCC patients without neoadjuvant therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shared decision-making (SDM) is a scientific and reasonable decision-making model. However, whether physicians choose SDM is usually influenced by many factors. It is not clear whether the strained doctor-patient relationship will affect physicians' willingness to choose SDM. Through a survey by questionnaire, 304 physicians' evaluations of doctor-patient relationship (DPR) were quantified by the difficult DPR questionnaire-8. Their preferences for SDMand the reasons were also evaluated. The correlation between physicians' evaluations of DPR and their preferences for SDM were analyzed. 84.5% physicians perceived DPR as poor or strained, 53.3% physicians preferred SDM, mainly because of the influences of medical ethics and social desirability bias. Their preferences for SDM were not significantly correlated with their evaluations of DPR (P > 0.05). Physicians with different evaluations of DPR (good, poor, and strained) all had similar preferences for SDM (42.6, 56.4, and 42.9%), with no significant difference (P > 0.05). There was no correlation between physicians' evaluations of DPR and their preferences for SDM. Physicians' evaluations of poor DPR did not affect their preferences for SDM. This may be influenced by the medical ethics and social desirability bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EPA and DHA are essential for maternal and fetal health, but epidemiological data are sparse in China. We examined the trends of EPA alone and a combination of EPA plus DHA in pregnant and lactating women in three distinct geographic regions in China and explored their potential influencing factors. A total of 1015 healthy women during mid-pregnancy, late pregnancy or lactation were recruited from Weihai (coastland), Yueyang (lakeland) and Baotou (inland) cities of China between May and July of 2014. Maternal EPA and DHA concentrations (percentage of total fatty acids) in plasma and erythrocytes were measured by capillary GC. Adjusted EPA plus DHA concentrations in both plasma and erythrocytes significantly declined from mid-pregnancy (2·92 %, 6·95 %) to late pregnancy (2·20 %, 6·42 %) and lactation (2·40 %, 6·29 %) (Ptrend < 0·001); and both concentrations were highest in coastland, followed by lakeland, and lowest in inland (P < 0·001). Regarding EPA alone, the concentrations were higher in women during lactation or late pregnancy and in women in coastland and inland areas. Moreover, concentrations of EPA or EPA plus DHA were higher in women with older age, higher education, higher annual family income per capita and higher dietary intake of marine aquatic product and mutton. In lactating women, erythrocyte EPA concentration was higher in those having breast-feeding partially v. exclusively. In conclusion, maternal plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of EPA plus DHA or EPA alone differed with geographic regions, physiological periods and maternal characteristics, indicating a need of population-specific health strategies to improve fatty acids status in pregnant and lactating women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a new high-tech radar that uses SAR principles and pulse compression technology to perform high-resolution imaging of ground targets. Because it is not affected by various factors such as location, time, and climate, it is widely used in the civilian and military fields, bringing huge social and economic benefits. Moreover, the environment of agricultural water resources and the development of regional agricultural economy can be studied using the SAR imaging algorithm. With the serious shortage of water resources and the increase of the world's population, the use of water resources for agriculture must not only achieve the goal of saving water, but more importantly, achieve efficient production on the premise of saving water. However, the shortage of water resources in China has become a serious constraint on the development of agriculture and rural economy and has become an important factor restricting the sustainable development of agriculture and rural economy. Therefore, the development of efficient and sustainable use of water resources is very important to establish a water-saving society for the sustainable development of China's economy and society. For the spaceborne SAR system, an azimuth-based multi-channel range ambiguity suppression method is proposed in this chapter. The simulation results show that after adopting the azimuth phase encoding technology, the azimuth spectrum of the signal in the ambiguous area can be moved to suppress the distance ambiguity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background An efficacy evaluation of the AutoAnthro system to measure child (0–59 months) anthropometry in the United States found 3D imaging performed as well as gold-standard manual measurements for biological plausibility and precision. Objectives We conducted an effectiveness evaluation of the accuracy of the AutoAnthro system to measure 0- to 59-month-old children's anthropometry in population-based surveys and surveillance systems in households in Guatemala and Kenya and in hospitals in China. Methods The evaluation was done using health or nutrition surveillance system platforms among 600 children aged 0–59 months (Guatemala and Kenya) and 300 children aged 0–23 months (China). Field team anthropometrists and their assistants collected manual and scan anthropometric measurements, including length or height, midupper arm circumference (MUAC), and head circumference (HC; China only), from each child. An anthropometry expert and assistant later collected both manual and scan anthropometric measurements on the same child. The expert manual measurements were considered the standard compared to field team scans. Results Overall, in Guatemala, Kenya, and China, for interrater accuracy, the average biases for length or height were −0.3 cm, −1.9 cm, and −6.2 cm, respectively; for MUAC were 0.9 cm, 1.2 cm, and −0.8 cm, respectively; and for HC was 2.4 cm in China. The inter-technical errors of measurement (inter-TEMs) for length or height were 2.8 cm, 3.4 cm, 5.5 cm, respectively; for MUAC were 1.1 cm, 1.5 cm, and 1.0 cm, respectively; and for HC was 2.8 cm in China. For intrarater precision, the absolute mean difference and intra-TEM (interrater, intramethod TEM) were 0.1 cm for all countries for all manual measurements. For scans, overall, absolute mean differences for length or height were 0.4–0.6 cm; for MUAC were 0.1–0.1 cm; and for HC was 0.4 cm. For the intra-TEM, length or height was 0.5 cm in Guatemala and China and 0.7 cm in Kenya, and other measurements were ≤0.3 cm. Conclusions Understanding the factors that cause the many poor scan results and how to correct them will be needed prior to using this instrument in routine, population-based survey and surveillance systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Portable systems using three-dimensional (3D) scan data to calculate young child anthropometry measurements in population-based surveys and surveillance systems lack acceptability data from field workers and caregivers. Objective The aim was to assess acceptability and experiences with 3D scans measuring child aged 0–59 mo anthropometry in population-based surveys and surveillance systems in Guatemala, Kenya, and China (0–23 mo only) among field teams and caregivers of young children as secondary objectives of an external effectiveness evaluation. Methods Manual data were collected twice and 12 images captured per child by anthropometrist/expert and assistant (AEA) field teams (individuals/country, n = 15/Guatemala, n = 8/Kenya, n = 6/China). Caregivers were interviewed after observing their child's manual and scan data collection. Mixed methods included an administered caregiver interview (Guatemala, n = 465; Kenya, n = 496; China, n = 297) and self-administered AEA questionnaire both with closed- and open-ended questions, and 6 field team focus group discussions (FGDs; Guatemala, n = 2; Kenya, n = 3; China, n = 1). Qualitative data were coded by 2 authors and quantitative data produced descriptive statistics. Mixed-method results were compared and triangulated. Results Most AEAs were female with secondary or higher education. Approximately 80–90% of caregivers were the child's mother. To collect all anthropometry data, 62.1% of the 29 AEAs preferred scan, while 31% preferred manual methods. In FGDs, a key barrier for manual and scan methods was lack of child cooperation. Across countries, approximately 30% to almost 50% of caregivers said their child was bothered by each manual and scan method, while ≥95% of caregivers were willing to have their child measured by scans in the future. Conclusions Use of 3D scans to calculate anthropometry measurements was generally at least as acceptable as manual anthropometry measurement among AEA field workers and caregivers of young children aged <60 mo, and in some cases preferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the impact of the political cycle on financial lending. The change of party secretaries every several years in the Chinese cities provides a good setting for our analysis. Empirical results indicate the scale of lending by financial institutions increased one year before and after the congress of the Chinese Communist Party and decreased during the convening year, showing political cyclicality. In addition, the size of financial lending by the cities whose party secretary's age is over 55 is smaller than others. The results reflect the incentive to achieve promotion by stimulating economic performance is smaller for the ageing secretary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hereditary basis and identification of novel genes of heading date have significant implications for japonica rice improvement in northeast China, especially in Heilongjiang province. A re‐sequenced recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross between Lijiangxintuanheigu (LTH) and Shennong 265 (SN265) was used to detect the genetic basis for the RIL in 2017 and 2018. Fourteen heading date quantitative trait loci (QTLs), including nine in 2017 and thirteen in 2018, were detected with a linkage map containing 2,818 bin markers. They were distributed on chromosomes 3, 4, 6 and 9–11 with 9.34%–25.26% phenotypic variations. The QTLs qHD3a, qHD4a, qHD4b, qHD4c, qHD9b, qHD10, qHD11c and qHD11d were identified in both years. The qTRS1, qTRS3a (qHD3a), qTRS3b (qHD3b) and qTRS9 (qHD9a) alleles from LTH and the qTRS4 allele from SN265 were identified by controlling the temperature responsiveness in the RIL population. The explained phenotypic variation in these five QTLs varied from 14.52% to 26.31%. In order to accurately determine the difference in heading date under different temperature conditions, the RILs and two parents were grown in a phytotron. Four QTLs controlling temperature responsiveness were identified on chromosomes 3, 6 and 9, including qTRS3a (qHD3a), qTRS3b (qHD3b), qTRS6 and qTRS9 (qHD9a). In a different environment, qTRS3a (qHD3a), qTRS3b (qHD3b) and qTRS9 (qHD9a) were detected. A comparison of chromosomal locations between the QTLs detected in this study and heading date genes previously cloned indicated that DTH3, Hd16, RFL, HAF1, Ehd2 and RBS1 might be candidate genes for them. The four major heading date genes (Hd1, Ghd7, Ghd7.1 and Ghd8) affecting ecogeographical adaptation were sequenced between SN265 and LTH. SN265 carried a functional Hd1 haplotype, a weak functional Ghd7 haplotype, a weak functional Ghd7.1 haplotype and a weak functional Ghd8 haplotype. LTH also carried functional Hd1 haplotype, a weak functional Ghd7 haplotype, a non‐functional Ghd7.1 haplotype and a non‐functional Ghd8 haplotype. The combinations of the Hd1, Ghd7, Ghd7.1 and Ghd8 alleles in SN265 and LTH largely defined their short heading date under long‐day conditions. The selection of heading date gene combinations with functional Hd1 alleles and non‐functional alleles or weak functional alleles of Ghd7, Ghd7.1 and Ghd8 would be an effective way to improve japonica rice with proper heading days in Northeast China. The novel QTLs detected in this study could also become a valuable source for designing the appropriate heading date in Northeast China japonica rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUD Cardinium symbiont is a maternally inherited bacterial endosymbiont and widely spreads in arthropods including Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). However, the potential role of Cardinium played in the biology of their hosts is largely unknown. In two genetic lines (i.e. LS and SG lines) of B. tabaci MED, collected from different locations in China, we tested the effects of Cardinium on the performance of the host whitefly under a constant high temperature (31 °C) using the age‐stage two‐sex life table method, and explored the genes influenced by Cardinium‐infection by RNA‐sequencing. RESULTS: We found that Cardinium did provide protection of B. tabaci against heat stress under 31 °C. However, there was a significant connection between Cardinium‐infection and whitefly genetic backgrounds. Performance revealed that Cardinium infection can increase the longevity of both female and male adults and oviposition periods in both lines, but it also conferred benefits of fecundity and pre‐adult period to LS line. Additionally, the population parameters such as intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ) and mean generation time (T) demonstrated that Cardinium infection conferred fitness benefits to LS line but not to SG line. Transcriptome analysis indicated that several genes related to homeostasis and metamorphosis such as ubiquitin‐related genes were highly expressed in Cardinium‐infected B. tabaci. CONCLUSION: The research provided the first evidence that Cardinium can increase the thermal tolerance of whitefly, which may be associated with host genetic background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Folate status for women during early pregnancy has been investigated, but data for women during mid-pregnancy, late pregnancy or lactation are sparse or lacking. Between May and July 2014, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 1211 pregnant and lactating women from three representative regions in China. Approximately 135 women were enrolled in each stratum by physiological periods (mid-pregnancy, late pregnancy or lactation) and regions (south, central or north). Plasma folate concentrations were measured by microbiological assay. The adjusted medians of folate concentration decreased from 28·8 (interquartile range (IQR) 19·9, 38·2) nmol/l in mid-pregnancy to 18·6 (IQR 13·2, 26·4) nmol/l in late pregnancy, and to 17·0 (IQR 12·3, 22·5) nmol/l in lactation (Pfor trend < 0·001). Overall, lower folate concentrations were more likely to be observed in women residing in the northern region, with younger age, higher pre-pregnancy BMI, lower education or multiparity, and in lactating women who had undergone a Caesarean delivery or who were breastfeeding exclusively. In total, 380 (31·4 %) women had a suboptimal folate status (folate concentration <13·5 nmol/l). Women in late pregnancy and lactating, residing in the northern region, having multiparity and low education level had a higher risk of suboptimal folate status, while those with older age had a lower risk. In conclusion, maternal plasma folate concentrations decreased as pregnancy progressed, and were influenced by geographic region and maternal socio-demographic characteristics. Future studies are warranted to assess the necessity of folic acid supplementation during later pregnancy and lactation especially for women at a higher risk of folate depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Malocclusion Impact Questionnaire (MIQ) into Chinese and to assess the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the MIQ (MIQ/C) for use among adolescents with malocclusion in China. Materials and method: First, the MIQ/C was developed according to international guidelines. Then, the MIQ/C was filled out by 536 adolescents between 10 and 16 years of age. This study used exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability to evaluate the psychometric properties of the MIQ/C. Results: Following EFA, three domains were extracted, accounting for 65.950% of the total variance. The CFA results showed that the fit indices of each factor in the three-factor model all reached the standard (chi-square/DF = 2.591, GFI = 0.919, TLI = 0.926, CFI = 0.928, RMSEA = 0.076). The scale evidenced a good relationship with the two global questions, indicating good convergent validity. The Cronbach alpha value and the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) value of the MIQ/C were 0.929 and 0.893, respectively. Conclusion: The MIQ/C demonstrated good reliability and validity and can be further studied and applied in Chinese adolescents with malocclusion. Clinical relevance: The MIQ/C can be applied to assess the psychosocial impact of malocclusion among Chinese adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chimonanthi Radix (CR) is widely used in the treatment of influenza in China. Extensive studies revealed that the major bioactive constituents of CR were coumarins. However, pharmacokinetic study of coumarins in CR has not been fully studied. The purpose of this study was to establish a convenient and effective high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method that was used to simultaneously determine scopoletin, scopolin and isofraxidin in rat plasma after oral administration of CR extract using xanthotoxin as the internal standard. The chromatographic separation was carried out on a COSMOCORE C18 column (100 × 2 mm, 2.6 μm), using gradient elution with the mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid (A) and acetonitrile (B). Three coumarins and IS were quantified by positive ion electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The method was fully validated in terms of specificity, accuracy, precision (intra- and inter-day), matrix effect, recovery as well as the stability of the analytes under various conditions. The results could provide further research foundation for anti-influenza mechanism of three coumarins in CR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of local intra-gestational sac methotrexate injection followed by dilation and curettage (D&C) in treating cesarean scar pregnancies (CSP).Method: Medical records of CSP patients treated with local intra-gestational sac methotrexate injection followed by dilation and curettage were analyzed at the Maternal and Child Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.Results: Thirty-one patients were included in this study. The mean gestational age, sac diameter and thickness of the uterine scar were 49.6 ± 7.7 days, 1.8 ± 0.6 cm and 0.30 ± 0.15 cm, respectively. The median pretreatment serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) level was 40,887 mIU/mL, with the 25th and 75th percentiles at 19,852 and 74,552, respectively. The median blood loss during D&C was 20 mL with the 25th and 75th percentiles at 10 mL and 50 mL. Following D&C, a Foley's balloon catheter compression was implanted in 26 (83.9%) patients due to active uterine bleeding. All patients had a β-HCG regression time of ≤ 4 weeks after D&C. While 30 patients (96.8%) had a uterine recovery time of ≤ 4 weeks, and 29 patients (93.5%) had resumption of menstruation of less than 6 weeks. Three patients (9.7%) had complications. One of them suffered from massive vaginal bleeding and underwent s blood transfusion. There were no other complications, such as pelvic infection and uterine rupture during the procedures. And no patient was converted to surgical resection or uterine artery embolization. Overall, 30 patients (96.8%) were treated successfully.Conclusion: Local intra-gestational sac methotrexate injection followed by D&C with the aid of a Foley's balloon catheter compression appears to be a safe and effective treatment for CSP. Further randomized controlled trials are suggested to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halophiles are relatively unexplored as potential sources of novel species. However, little is known about the culturable bacterial diversity thrive in hypersaline lakes. In this work, a total of 343 bacteria from sediment samples of Aiding Lake, China, were isolated using nine different media supplemented with 5% or 15% (w/v) NaCl. The number of species and genera of bacteria recovered from the different media varied, indicating the need to optimize the isolation conditions. The results showed an unexpected level of bacterial diversity, with four phyla (Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Rhodothermaeota), fourteen orders (Actinopolysporales, Alteromonadales, Bacillales, Balneolales, Chromatiales, Glycomycetales, Jiangellales, Micrococcales, Micromonosporales, Oceanospirillales, Pseudonocardiales, Rhizobiales, Streptomycetales, and Streptosporangiales), including 17 families, 43 genera (including two novel genera), and 71 species (including four novel species). The predominant phyla included Actinobacteria and Firmicutes and the predominant genera included Actinopolyspora, Gracilibacillus, Halomonas, Nocardiopsis, and Streptomyces. To our knowledge, this is the first time that members of phylum Rhodothermaeota were identified in sediment samples from a salt lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess whether maternal stressful life events are associated with increased risk of vaginal bleeding in urban China.Methods: We implemented a cross-sectional study to examine the association between maternal severe stressful life events and vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy. Information was collected from an urban area and 956 participants were involved in final analysis. Multivariable logistic model was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) controlling for confounders.Results: In total, 219 of the 956 participants were reported vaginal bleeding. Maternal stressful life events would increase the chance of vaginal bleeding with a crude OR of 2.14 (95% CI, 1.53-2.99). After adjustment for potential variables, the association remains significant (adjusted OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.56-3.16), and stratification analysis shows parity is an influence factor. The frequency of maternal stress and vaginal bleeding exist a dose-response relationship.Conclusion: Maternal stressful life events are associated with the risk of vaginal bleeding in urban China. The parity status influences their association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) activation involves the release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and hyperalgesia. We have previously reported that electroacupuncture (EA) relieves labour pain, but the potential mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: To observe the effects of EA on labour pain intensity, serum PGE2 levels and the p38 MAPK signalling pathway in rats during labour. Methods: Female rats copulated with male rats to induce pregnancy, and then received castor oil to trigger labour. During labour, rats remained untreated (Control group, n=30) or were treated with remifentanil (n=30) or EA at Jiaji (n=30) or SP6+LI4 (n=30), respectively. The warm water tail-flick test was used to assess labour pain. Serum PGE2 levels were measured by ELISA. Protein expression of prostaglandin E2 receptor (PGER2), p38 MAPK and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) were analysed by Western blotting, and mRNA levels were measured by real-time PCR. Results: EA treatment at Jiaji or SP6+LI4 significantly relieved labour pain, decreased serum PGE2 levels and inhibited protein and gene expression of PGER2 in the myometrium. Moreover, EA reduced protein expression of PLA2 and p38 MAPK, and inhibited phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in the lumbar spinal cord but not in the cerebral grey matter. Additionally, EA markedly decreased mRNA levels of p38 MAPK in the lumbar spinal cord and significantly reduced PLA2-IV mRNA levels in both the lumbar spinal cord and cerebral grey matter. Conclusions: This study indicates that EA relieves labour pain through, at least in part, inhibition of spinal p38 MAPK-mediated PGE2 release and uterine PGER2 expression in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the seismic profiles, drilling, tomographic images and other geological data, we use the I2VIS code to program the Mesozoic finite‐difference numerical model in the southern part of the East China Sea Continental Shelf Basin (ECSCSB). We try to model the basin evolutionary process by setting up different boundaries to the 2‐D models. After analysing the simulation results of low‐speed and high‐speed stretching models, we found that under the condition of preliminary tensile value, the magma could not be generated in both rapid and slow stretching cases. This means that the regional extension of the Mesozoic ECSCSB is not the only dominant factor for basin evolution. Based on the analysis of the regional geological features and the modelling results, we suggest that the low‐velocity lithosphere mantle in the study area may be due to the melting of the mantle caused by the subduction and dehydration of the Izawa Nasaki Plate. The evolutionary process of the Mesozoic basins in the ECSCSB is closely related to regional extension and the magma upwelling caused by subduction and dehydration of the Izawa Nasaki Plate during the Mesozoic Era. The magma upwelling led to large‐scale magmatic events. It is likely to act in the Minjiang Sag, which resulted in the further rise of the Minjiang Sag and the formation of the present slope zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little information about millennial-scale change is known in large extremely arid area of northwest China, which is less influenced by the Asian monsoon than regions to the southeast. Visible spectroscopy of a 35 m long core taken from the Qarhan Salt Lake is used to reconstruct humidity changes of Qaidam Basin between 40 and 10 cal ka BP. High redness values (low brightness values) reflect moist climates, whereas low redness values (high brightness values) indicate dry climates. On millennial-scale, Qaidam Basin was relatively wet during the Younger Dryas and Heinrich H1-H4 events. Dry periods appear to have occurred at nearly the same time as warm periods in the North Atlantic region. These millennial-scale climate oscillations in Qaidam Basin are different from those in Asian monsoon regions that show a relatively dry climate during the occurrence of the Younger Dryas and Heinrich H1-H4 events. Our data indicate that the cooling of the North Atlantic caused a downstream cooling of the atmosphere by westerly jet and influenced the climate in Qaidam Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aging is associated with variations in hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis hormones. However, it is not clear how aging changes these hormones. This study examined the natural alterations in the HPG axis in aging men and women in China. Methods: Data were obtained from our cross-sectional study (SPECT-China) in 16 areas of three provinces in East China between February and June 2014. There were 6,825 subjects selected, including 2,908 men and 3,917 women aged 25-93 years who had no diseases affecting HPG hormones and did not take exogenous supplements. Total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured. Results: In men, the ranges of the 10-90th percentiles for each hormone were as follows: TT, 9.9-23.4 nmol/l; SHBG, 20.6-79.54 nmol/l; E2, 34.84-187 pmol/l. TT values were higher in men aged 25-30 years than in those aged 31-35 years and began to increase progressively at the age of 41-50 years until men reached their eighties. The unadjusted annual age trend (β) was 0.079 nmol/l/year (p < 0.001). A linear regression analysis, after full adjustment for demographic variables, metabolic factors, other hormones, lifestyle and co-morbidities, showed that higher TT levels were still associated with aging (p < 0.05). However, the ratio of TT to LH decreased with age (β = -0.272/year, p < 0.001). E2 and SHBG increased with age (β = 1.774 pmol/l/year and 1.118 nmol/l/year, respectively, p < 0.001). In women, the 10-90th percentile range of E2 was 32.79-565.8 pmol/l. E2 began to decrease at the age of 46-50 years, declined sharply at the age of 51-55 years (β = -5.73 pmol/l/year, p < 0.001) and then stabilized at a low concentration after the age of 55 years. The 10-90th percentile ranges of LH and FSH in men were 2.4-9.2 and 3.4-15.5 IU/l, and in women they were 3-36.6 and 4-89.28 IU/l, respectively. FSH increased by 7.11% per annum in men and by 12.76% per annum in women, but LH increased by only approximately 4.00% per annum in both sexes. Conclusions: The influence of aging on the HPG axis is sex dependent. The pattern of age-related TT was different in Chinese Han men when compared with previous studies in Western populations. TT values increased in aging men, so it is not suitable to estimate the life quality of older Chinese men just based on TT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of urban portal has been improved, but the phenomenon of image convergence has become increasingly prominent The urban design of urban portal area should analyze and refine the regional culture of landscape culture, life culture, architectural culture, historical culture and so on, and combine with the design contents such as functional orientation, spatial pattern, public space, architectural style and landscape environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lipase obtained from Aspergillums niger was applied to promote the hydrolysis of food waste for achieving high biomethane production. Two strategies of lipase additions were investigated. One (Group A) was to pre-treat food waste to pre-decompose lipid to fatty acids before anaerobic digestion, and another one (Group B) was to add lipase to anaerobic digester directly to degrade lipid inside digester. The lipase was used at the concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0% (w/v). The results showed that Group A achieved higher biomethane production, TS and VS reductions than those of Group B. At 0.5% lipase concentration, Group A obtained experimental biomethane yield of 500.1 mL/g VS add ed , 4.97–26.50% higher than that of Group B. The maximum B d of 73.8% was also achieved in Group A. Therefore, lipase pre-treatment strategy is recommended. This might provide one of alternatives for efficient biomethane production from food waste and mitigating environmental impact associated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-plant interactions in the intercropping system can significantly affect crop productivity. However, it is poorly understood how the interactions affect the land equivalent ratios (LER) in the cereal-legumes and cereal-cereal intercropping systems in semi-arid agroecosystems. A two-year (2019–2020) field experiment was conducted in the Dryland Agricultural Experimental Station of Lanzhou University, a semiarid rainfed site of northwest China, to quantify the impact of crop diversification on land equivalent ratio, and its moisture-dependent mechanisms in three intercropping systems of maize-wheat, maize-soybean and wheat-soybean. The soybean-involved intercropping systems showed positive interactions, which substantially promoted crop productivity of maize and wheat by 18.1–20.9%. The soil water in soybean strips can be used by intercropped wheat or maize, which in turn promoted soil water storage (SWS) in maize or wheat strips by 0.6% and 11.0% respectively, during the co-growth period. This further improved the photosynthetic rate (Pn), instantaneous growth rate (IGR), and water use efficiency (WUE) for each species and thereafter elevated the land equivalence ratio (LER>1). However, in the wheat-maize intercropping system, interspecific competition was dominated with wheat as dominant species and maize as inferior one respectively. The competition plundered available water of maize strips (SWS decreased by 10.5%), and thus decreased its Pn and WUE by 12.7% and 20.0% (P < 0.05), respectively. Importantly, maize yield and LER were not improved via the compensation effect during the post-harvest period of wheat. While soil water was to some extent restored, the Pn and IGR of intercropped maize were still lower than those of monoculture maize. This trend resulted in maize yield loss during the reproductive period, and ultimately lower LER. For the first time, we found a rarely reported phenomenon, i.e. negative relationships between crop diversity and land equivalent ratios in semiarid agroecosystem, since the yield loss caused by competition was not compensated during the co-growth period. Therefore, a positive relationship between crop diversification and land equivalent ratio required rational crop species configuration, in terms of the tradeoff between crop diversity and its productivity at agricultural landscape scale. A graphical abstract of the effects of different intercropping systems on soil water utilization, plant physiological activity and productivity. Note: The light blue to dark blue bars indicates the amount of water stored in the soil, LER is Land equivalent ratio, WUE is water use efficiency, IGR is instantaneous growth rate, Pn is photosynthetic rate, Ch II is chlorophyll content. Compensation refers to the process of resource acquisition through temporal and spatial niche differences between crops. Competition refers to the crops are competing resource to against each other. [Display omitted] • Crop diversification and productivity were investigated in intercropping system. • Intercropped soybean improved land equivalent ratio by compensating water use. • Intercropped wheat inhibited physiological vigor, growth and yield of maize. • Maize yield was not compensated to cover system productivity after wheat harvest. • Soybean-involved species configuration facilitated crop diversity and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed to estimate the up-to-date prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its relationship with physical activity among suburban adults in Beijing, China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey in a representative sample of 19,003 suburban adults aged 18-76 years was carried out in 2007-2008. Data was collected via questionnaires and blood pressure, anthropometric, and laboratory measurements. Results: Of the residents aged 18-76 years in suburban Beijing, 25.9% (27.3% in men and 25.1% in women), 21.3% (19.4% in men and 22.9% in women), and 25.3% (24.2% in men and 26.1% in women) had 1 component, 2 components, and 3 or more components of metabolic syndrome, respectively. The age-standardized prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components, including abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting plasma glucose, decreased across categories with increasing physical activity. After adjusting for age, sex, education level, smoking, and alcohol consumption, residents were more likely to have metabolic syndrome across categories with decreasing physical activity; a similar relationship also applied to components of metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: A high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components is commonly present in suburban Beijing. Increasing physical activity can reduce the relative risk of metabolic syndrome and it components. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hydrosphere environment is the most susceptible fundamental systems subjects to current global climate change. The unique geographical feature and developing potential of Tianjin wetlands systems has impacted on the local water environment severely. In this article, preliminary estimation of restorable wetlands area and its atmosphere values has been made. Based on assessed potential carbon sink capacity, it is deduced that wetlands system would help restoring carbon sink in Tianjin area. The purpose of this research is to provide strategies aiming to improve the ecological security pattern, whilst maintaining economic development of Tianjin area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study which investigated chromosome numbers and karyomorphology of eight species of Chaetoseri and two Stenoseries species from the Hengduan Mountain of Southwest China. A close relationship between the two genera is noted based on cytological data of chromosomal numbers and karyotypes. According to the study, polyploidization might played a minor role in their evolutionary speciation in the Hengduan Mountains region.

Abstract: Maianthemum (Ruscaceae) comprises 28–38 species and includes the two traditionally recognized genera: Maianthemum sensu stricto and Smilacina. Thirty-seven samples representing 22 species of Maianthemum and six closely related outgroup taxa were sequenced for eight chloroplast and nuclear markers (trnL-F, rps16, rpl16, psbA-trnH, rbcL, ndhF, trnK, and ITS) with a total length of nearly 10,000 base pairs. Phylogenetic analyses supported the monophyly of Maianthemum with Maianthemum sensu stricto nested within Smilacina. Almost all species from the eastern Himalayan region in SW China except for Maianthemum tatsienense and M. stenolobum form a well supported clade. This clade is characterized morphologically by short filaments and large anthers, relatively large flowers, and pubescent stems and leaves. Maianthemum tatsienense and M. stenolobum from SW to central China form another clade. The other species from eastern Asia (central to NE China and Japan) and the New World fall into several clades. The intercontinental disjunction between eastern Asia and North America in Maianthemum sensu stricto is estimated to be at 1.68 million years ago (mya) with the Bayesian relaxed clock relying on uncorrelated rates. A recent radiation at about 2.04mya is suggested in the high mountains of SW China, corresponding to the geographical heterogeneity in that region after the uplift of the Himalayas. Long distance dispersal by birds may have facilitated the evolution of their intercontinental disjunction and their biogeographic diversifications in SW China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Malus prattii (Rosaceae) is an endemic species to China. Here, the complete chloroplast genome of M. prattii was obtained by using Illumina pair-end sequencing. The M. prattii complete chloroplast genome was 160,239 bp in length, containing a large single-copy region (LSC) of 88,355 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 19,176 bp, which were separated by a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 26,354 bp. The chloroplast genome of Malus prattii contained 112 unique functional genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. The overall C + G content of the whole genome was 36.5%. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic analysis suggested a close relationship between M. prattii and M. micromalus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drying characteristics and quality of apple slices were studied using microwave intermittent drying at different microwave power density (2.2, 3.5, 4.8, and 6.1 W/g), sample thickness (3, 5, 7, and 9 mm) and heating time in each cycle (4, 5, 6, and 7 s). Results showed that the approximate constant rate drying periods and falling rate drying periods were found in all the curves. The drying time decreased with increasing microwave power density and heating time in each cycle, while increased significantly with the growth of sample thickness. Weibull distribution model could fit the drying curves well in all conditions (R2 > 0.99) with the scale parameter values changed from 45.88 to 206.08 min and the shape parameters values varied from 1.514 to 1.69. The moisture effective diffusivity calculated by Weibull model ranged from 0.3217 × 10−9 to 1.435 × 10−9 m2·s−1. The flavor, texture and overall acceptability values displayed a decreasing tendency with the increase of microwave power density, while increased with the growth of thickness. And the shrinkage rates of apple slices showed a decline tendency with the increase of above parameters. Practical applications: Apple is a kind of popular and important fruits with high nutrient content, and it has been widely planted in China. Due to its high moisture content, fresh apples will subject to various deteriorative reactions during storage and thus lead to serious post‐harvest losses. Microwave drying technology has been widely used in dehydration of agricultural products in China because of the significant heating efficiency. However, the continuous microwave heating may easily cause the overheating of raw materials and undesirable changes in quality. Microwave intermittent drying (MID) was proposed on the basis of conventional microwave drying and regarded as an efficient processing method by solving the above issues. Currently this technology has been successfully applied to ginkgo fruits, yam and banana slices. Analyzing the effects of drying parameters on MID kinetics and quality of apple slices will have important significance for optimizing the processing efficiency and consumer acceptability of dried products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jinan spring area is one of the fastest developing and most water-stressed regions of China. Because of rapid urban expansion, groundwater recharge has been greatly influenced by land-use/cover change (LUCC). To gain an improved understanding of how the groundwater recharge affected by LUCC from 1960 to 2015, normal years, including 1985, 2000, and 2015, were selected using the Pearson-III distribution. Land-cover types of the normal years were classified using Thematic Mapper images. A loose coupling of an urban expansion model and a hydrological model was used to quantify the impact of LUCC on groundwater recharge. The results showed that land converted to built-up land was mainly mixed forest and arable land. The proportion of land-use types that remained unchanged was generally less than 50%, except for built-up land. In 2030, the area of built-up land will continue to increase, while the area of arable land and mixed forest will decrease correspondingly. The mean annual groundwater recharge was 88.32, 87.95, 73.31, and 76.17 mm for 1985, 2000, 2015, and 2030, respectively, which accounts for 14.01, 12.90, 12.20, and 11.98%, respectively, of the annual precipitation. In the water balance of the study area, only a small fraction (11.98–14.01%) of precipitation recharges the groundwater, and the remainder is lost by evapotranspiration (81.41–82.05%) and to a lesser extent by surface runoff (4.15–6.83%). The amount of groundwater recharge is mainly controlled by precipitation and potential evapotranspiration. Recharge is negatively correlated with the drought index. The ratio of groundwater recharge to precipitation decreased at a rate of − 0.06% from 1985 to 2015. The recharge/precipitation ratio is expected to decrease by a further 0.22% by 2030. The decrease in the ratio is primarily the result of an increase in built-up land areas, and a decrease in mixed forest and arable land areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water pollution and water consumption have become two big challenges to the sustainable development in the textile dyeing industry. In this work, a series of multifunctional cationic reactive dyes were synthesized to reduce the consumption of auxiliary chemicals and fresh water in dyeing process. The obtained cationic reactive dyes based on azobenzene were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The dyeing properties of cotton fabrics in the case of low-salt dyeing at various temperature and salt concentration were discussed in terms of dye exhaustion and fastness properties. The results show that, despite a small quantity of electrolyte being present in the dye bath, a high percentage of dye exhaustion and good fastness properties can be obtained. Three cationic reactive dyes were used to coloration of acrylic, wool, silk, and nylon6 fabrics at different dye concentration. The results show that the similar K/S value on these fabrics can be achieved. The cationic reactive dyes as the multifunctional dyes instead of traditional dyes could be applied in one-bath one-step dyeing for acrylic/wool blend fabrics. The dyed blend fabrics can obtain good levelling properties and fastness properties. The application of cationic reactive dyes in low-salt dyeing of cotton fabrics is a cleaner method that can reduce the consumption of auxiliary chemicals. Compared to conventional process, the one-bath one-step dyeing of blend fabrics with cationic reactive dyes does not require a large amount of water and energy, indicating that cationic reactive dyes have potential application in the cleaner production of textile industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysanthemum morifolium plants are important commercial herbs in China, widely used in ornamental horticulture and traditional medicine. In this study, start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphic markers were applied to assess genetic relationships among 32 populations of C. morifolium . Thirty-two SCoT primers produced 872 loci, 90% (785) of which showed polymorphism. Average polymorphism information content of the SCoT primers was 0.987 (0.950–0.993), showing that plenty of genetic diversity exists among Chinese C. morifolium cultivars. Cluster analysis of SCoT markers (based on UPGMA and PCoA method) grouped all the cultivars of C. morifolium into two clusters. The partition of clusters in the dendrogram and PCoA plot was similar and large degree of grouping according to their origin and ecological distribution. Our results will provide much more useful information for C. morifolium germplasm resource protection and will also useful to improve the current plant breeding programs. Our results also indicated that SCoT markers are informative and could be used to evaluate genetic diversity of Chinese medicinal C. morifolium cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The first report on pharmacokinetic study of Bufei-Huoxue Capsule. • Pharmacokinetic study of eight active compounds in rat plasma by UHPLC–MS/MS. • The limit of quantifications is low enough to detect analytes. Bufei-Huoxue Capsule (BFHX) was applied to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China. It is composed of Astragali Radix, Paeoniae Radix Rubra, and Psoralea Fructus. A sensitive and reliable ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated to quantify the eight main bioactive compounds (psoralen, isopsoralen, neobabaisoflavone, corylin, bavachin, astragaloside IV, ononin and formononetin) in rat plasma after oral administration of BFHX. Osthol was used as an internal standard (IS). Plasma samples were pretreated with methanol to precipitate protein. Chromatographic separation was accomplished using Hypersil GOLDTM C18 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.9 μm) with a gradient elution profile and a mobile phase consisting of (A) 0.1% formic acid in water and (B) acetonitrile and the flow rate was set at 0.2 mL/min. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was applied to perform mass spectrometric analyses. All calibration curves were linear (r > 0.9908) in tested ranges. The intra- and inter-day accuracy and precisions of eight compounds at three different concentration levels were within the acceptable limits. The extraction recovery was within the range of 76.4 ∼ 105.2% and the matrix effects were within the range of 88.3 ∼ 115.0% (RSD ≤ 15.6%). The dilution effects were within the range of 90.2 ∼ 114.9%. These 8 compounds were stable under the tested conditions. So the developed method was valid to evaluate the pharmacokinetic study of eight bioactive compounds after oral administration of BFHX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Genome-wide data of Polygonatum and its close relatives were obtained by Hyb-Seq. • The genome-wide nuclear and chloroplast data support monophyly of Polygonatum with three major clades. • Hybridization and introgression played a minor role in the evolutionary diversification of Polygonatum. Polygonatum is the largest genus of tribe Polygonateae (Asparagaceae) and is widely distributed in the temperate Northern Hemisphere, especially well diversified in southwestern China to northeastern Asia. Phylogenetic relationships of many species are still controversial. Hence it is necessary to clarify their phylogenetic relationships and infer possible reticulate relationships for the genus. In this study, genome-wide data of 43 species from Polygonatum and its closely related taxa were obtained by Hyb-Seq sequencing. The phylogenetic trees constructed from genome-wide nuclear and chloroplast sequences strongly supported the monophyly of Polygonatum with division into three major clades. A high level of incongruence was detected between nuclear and chloroplast trees as well as among gene trees within the genus, but all occurred within each major clade. However, introgression tests and reticulate evolution analyses revealed low level of gene flow and weak introgression events in the genus, suggesting hybridization and introgression were not dominant during the evolutionary diversification of Polygonatum in the Northern Hemisphere. This study provides important insights into reconstructing evolutionary relationships and speciation pattern of taxa from the north temperate flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the local emissions and transportations of air pollution from the most polluted regions such as the North China Plain and Yangtze Delta metropolitan, Xuzhou is becoming one of the most polluted cities in East China. The sources and formation processes of nitrogen-containing aerosols are therefore very complex. Two continuous aerosol measurement campaigns were conducted in this industrial city during the wintertime and summertime of 2016, to investigate the chemical compositions and potential sources of total nitrogen (TN, including 89% inorganic nitrogen and 11% organic nitrogen) in PM 2.5. Abrupt enhancements of nitrogen-containing aerosols (e.g., NO 3 − and NH 4 +) were found in the winter, and nitrate became as a dominant contributor in high pollution days (e.g., PM 2.5 > 150 μg m−3). Nitrogen oxidation ratios (NOR) correlated significantly with aerosol liquid water content (ALWC), which was estimated by ISORPROPIA-II model. This suggested heterogeneous process might be an important pathway in nitrate formation during the high PM 2.5 days. The nitrogen isotope composition (δ15N) in TN varied from −1.3 to +13.2‰ with a mean value of 6.9 ± 3.6‰ during the wintertime. An isotope-based source apportionment approach was then developed using a Bayesian isotope mixing model (SIAR) with chemical compositions as an important constrain, which improved accuracy and reduced the overall uncertainties in estimations of TN sources. From this optimized model, we identified six major sources including NH 3 from combustion-related emissions (49%), NH 3 derived from animal wastes (6%), NH 3 from urban volatilization (3%), NO x derived from coal combustion (33%), NO x from biomass burning (5%) and NO x from vehicles (3%). Our results demonstrated that ambient NO x was dominated by coal combustion. Since NO x and NH 3 are important precursors for ammonium nitrate aerosols, controlling of combustion related NO x and NH 3 emissions might be an important way to reduce PM 2.5 levels in this region. Image 1 • Nitrate was the dominant contributor of water soluble inorganic ions in high PM 2.5 pollution days. • The optimized Bayesian isotope mixing model (SIAR) improved accuracy and reduced the overall uncertainties, indicating modified SIAR improve accuracy in estimations of TN sources. • Combustion related NO x and NH 3 emissions were the most predominant sources to nitrogen-containing aerosols (TN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicity of arsenic (As) in different polluted areas and its effects on human and animal health is a big concern all over the world. Although a wetland ecosystem is a "green filter," this specific function would be impaired by high As content in wetland sediments. The distribution of As in wetland sediments and its linkages to environmental factors have not been fully explored. In this study, sediment samples (0-10 cm) and water samples were collected from different locations along the Yangzonghai lakeside, located in the city of Yuxi, Yunnan province of China, and were analyzed for As fractions. Results showed that As content in sediments ranged from 7.550 to 89.83 mg·kg-1 (with a mean value of 16.11 mg·kg-1). The As fractions were dominated by residual fraction (B4) (up to 62.67%), and the mean contents from high to low were: B4 (10.10) > oxidizable fraction (B3) (2.600) > acid extractable fraction (B1) (2.270) > reducible fraction (B2) (2.170). The distribution of As in sediments was mainly influenced by point-source pollution. In addition, the lack of significant correlation between As content and the different landscapes in the buffer zone of Yangzonghai lakeside indicated that the land use around the lakeside wetland (mainly non-point source pollution) may not have a significant impact on As fractions. Among environmental factors, As contents were positively (p<0.05) correlated to dicalcium phosphate (Ca2-P) and octacalcium phosphate (Ca8-P). However, phosphorus distribution revealed that phosphorus in sediments was mainly caused by non-point source pollution, and thus farmland fertilizer, domestic waste, and livestock manure should be controlled. As fractions such as B1, B2, and B3 in wetland sediments were positively correlated with dissolved oxygen (DO) and redox potential (Eh), but negatively correlated to organic matter (OM), pH, and lime-type phosphorus (Ca10-P) when the upstream area was dominated by agricultural lands, indicating that these parameters may affect the release of As into sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is wide concern about the evolution of wetlands, an important component of the global ecosystem. The Honghe National Nature Reserve (HNNR) is an internationally important marsh wetland in China that is at risk of degradation. To gain an improved understanding of how the HNNR wetland developed from 1975 to 2014, typical years, including 1975, 1988, 1996, 2002 and 2014, were selected based on precipitation date. And land cover types of the different years were classified using TM images. The results showed that the wetland evolution mainly reflects transformations between the meadow and wetland land cover types. The landscape index suggests the wetland is degrading. The main drivers of wetland evolution were a warmer and drier climate, the establishment of an irrigation system, and a decrease in the groundwater level. These factors resulted in changes in the quantity of water in the HNNR. We can therefore say that the evolution was driven by changes in the water quantity. Because there have been very few hydrogeological studies in the HNNR, we examined the relationships among precipitation, surface water, and groundwater, all of which significantly influence water quantity. We found that precipitation was the only source of surface water and, while there was certain amount of surface water recharge into the shallow groundwater, the recharge range was limited, which increased the vulnerability of the wetlands. Thus, it is difficult to recharge surface water but easy to lose surface water from the HNNR, which suggests that efforts need to be directed at maintaining the surface water at the optimal level to prevent degradation of the wetland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objectives: Injection drug use is a major route of HIV transmission in China, yet relatively little is known about why so few injection drug users utilize free HIV testing services. This study aimed to examine barriers to HIV testing and voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) service utilization among injection drug users in Shanghai, China. Methods: Utilizing mixed methods, we analyzed data from a survey of 540 compulsory drug abuse treatment patients and data from focus groups with 70 service providers and patients. Results: Only 24.4% of patients expressed willingness to be tested for HIV. Willingness to be tested was associated with younger age and more positive attitudes towards condom use. Patients reported several barriers to utilization of voluntary HIV testing services, including lack of information about these services, perceptions of no risk or low-risk for HIV infection, fear of positive results, and the stigma or discrimination that may be experienced by the patient or their family. Having limited skills related to HIV counseling was reported by service providers as the primary barrier to encouraging patients to utilize HIV testing/VCT services. Conclusions: Special intervention programs targeting injection drug users, their family members, and service providers may increase HIV testing in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Breastfeeding could improve a child's health early on, but its long-term effects on childhood behavioral and emotional development remain inconclusive. We aimed to estimate the associations of feeding practice with childhood behavioral and emotional development., Methods: In this population-based birth cohort study, data on feeding patterns for the first 6 mo of life, the duration of breastfeeding, and children's emotional and behavioral outcomes were prospectively collected from 2489 mother-child dyads. Feeding patterns for the first 6 mo included exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and non-exclusive breastfeeding (non-EBF, including mixed feeding or formula feeding), and the duration of breastfeeding (EBF or mixed feeding) was categorized into ≤6 mo, 7-12 mo, 13-18 mo, and >18 mo. Externalizing problems and internalizing problems were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and operationalized according to recommended clinical cutoffs, corresponding to T scores ≥64. Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression were used to evaluate the association of feeding practice with CBCL outcomes., Results: The median (interquartile range) age of children at the outcome measurement was 32.0 (17.0) mo. Compared with non-EBF for the first 6 mo, EBF was associated with a lower T score of internalizing problems [adjusted mean difference (aMD): -1.31; 95% confidence interval (95% CI ): -2.53, -0.10], and it was marginally associated with T scores of externalizing problems (aMD: -0.88; 95% CI : -1.92, 0.15). When dichotomized, EBF versus non-EBF was associated with a lower risk of externalizing problems (a OR : 0.54, 95% CI : 0.34, 0.87), and it was marginally associated with internalizing problems (a OR : 0.75, 95% CI : 0.54, 1.06). Regarding the duration of breastfeeding, breastfeeding for 13-18 mo versus ≤6 mo was associated with lower T scores of internalizing problems (aMD: -2.50; 95% CI : -4.43, -0.56) and externalizing problems (aMD: -2.75; 95% CI : -4.40, -1.10), and breastfeeding for >18 mo versus ≤6 mo was associated with lower T scores of externalizing problems (aMD: -1.88; 95% CI : -3.68, -0.08). When dichotomized, breastfeeding for periods of 7-12 mo, 13-18 mo, and >18 mo was associated with lower risks of externalizing problems [a OR (95% CI ): 0.96 (0.92, 0.99), 0.94 (0.91, 0.98), 0.96 (0.92, 0.99), respectively]., Conclusions: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 mo and a longer duration of breastfeeding, exclusively or partially, are beneficial for childhood behavioral and emotional development.

Although the association between persistent hypertension and the compromise of both micro- and macro-circulatory functions is well recognized, a significant gap in quantitative investigations exploring the interplay between microvascular and macrovascular injuries still exists. In this study, the authors looked into the relationship between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and hypertensive retinopathy in treated hypertensive adults. The authors conducted a cross-sectional study of treated hypertensive patients with the last follow-up data from the China Stoke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT) in 2013. With the use of PWV/ABI instruments, baPWV was automatically measured. The Keith-Wagener-Barker classification was used to determine the diagnosis of hypertensive retinopathy. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the connection between baPWV and hypertensive retinopathy were determined using multivariable logistic regression models. The OR curves were created using a multivariable-adjusted restricted cubic spline model to investigate any potential non-linear dose-response relationships between baPWV and hypertensive retinopathy. A total of 8514 (75.5%) of 11,279 participants were diagnosed with hypertensive retinopathy. The prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy increased from the bottom quartile of baPWV to the top quartile: quartile 1: 70.7%, quartile 2: 76.1%, quartile 3: 76.7%, quartile 4: 78.4%. After adjusting for potential confounders, baPWV was positively associated with hypertensive retinopathy (OR = 1.05, 95% CI, 1.03-1.07, p < .001). Compared to those in the lowest baPWV quartile, those in the highest baPWV quartile had an odds ratio for hypertensive retinopathy of 1.61 (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.37-1.89, p < .001). Two-piece-wise logistic regression model demonstrated a nonlinear relationship between baPWV and hypertensive retinopathy with an inflection point of 17.1 m/s above which the effect was saturated ., (© 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Clinical Hypertension published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)