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Invasive alien plants (IAPs) have serious environmental and economic impacts, especially in vulnerable areas of China. However, IAP richness distribution patterns, their driving factors, and the dynamic shifts in potential distribution areas remain elusive. We assessed IAP richness distribution patterns and drivers using 402 IAPs recorded in China at 88 926 occurrence points, and then predicted their potential distribution areas. The results show that IAP hotspots were mainly located in southeastern China, especially coastal areas of the South and East and large inland cities. Population density, gross domestic product (GDP), and four climate variables associated with precipitation and temperature jointly influenced the richness distribution pattern of all IAPs. Specifically, population density and GDP impacted the richness distribution pattern of narrow‐range IAPs, and population density, GDP, distance to the nearest national highway, and five climate variables affected the richness distribution pattern of widespread IAPs. Only GDP contributed significantly to the richness distribution pattern of the top 5% hotspot grid cells, whereas population density, GDP, and precipitation in the driest month (BIO14) significantly influenced the richness distribution patterns of hotspots for both the top 10% and top 20%. Prediction analysis demonstrated that southeastern China would have particularly high invasion risk under both current and future climate scenarios. Regions with increases in predicted species richness are more common (44.83–64.97%) than those with decreases, except under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 scenario. Climate change will contribute greatly to the expansion of potential IAP distribution areas under both optimistic (RCP 2.5) and pessimistic scenarios (RCP 8.5). The results of this study provide insights into the priority management of IAPs by developing promising strategies for the control and prevention of IAP invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bergenin is a typical carbon glycoside and the primary active ingredient in antitussive drugs widely prescribed for central cough inhibition in China. The bergenin extraction industry relies on the medicinal plant species Bergenia purpurascens and Ardisia japonica as their resources. However, the bergenin biosynthetic pathway in plants remains elusive. In this study, we functionally characterized a shikimate dehydrogenase (SDH), two O-methyltransferases (OMTs), and a C-glycosyltransferase (CGT) involved in bergenin synthesis through bioinformatics analysis, heterologous expression, and enzymatic characterization. We found that BpSDH2 catalyzes the two-step dehydrogenation process of shikimic acid to form gallic acid (GA). BpOMT1 and AjOMT1 facilitate the methylation reaction at the 4-OH position of GA, resulting in the formation of 4-O-methyl gallic acid (4-O-Me-GA). AjCGT1 transfers a glucose moiety to C-2 to generate 2-Glucosyl-4-O-methyl gallic acid (2-Glucosyl-4-O-Me-GA). Bergenin production ultimately occurs in acidic conditions or via dehydration catalyzed by plant dehydratases following a ring- closure reaction. This study for the first time uncovered the biosynthetic pathway of bergenin, paving the way to rational production of bergenin in cell factories via synthetic biology strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant fraction of higher plants in China are threatened due to dramatic landscape transformation and increasing climate change. However, the conservation effectiveness of threatened higher plants (THPs) and their response to climate change are still underexplored to date. Based on the latest list of THPs in China, we obtained 102 593 occurrence records with latitude and longitude for 3858 THPs. By integrating the distribution patterns of three biodiversity indexes (i.e., species richness, species complementarity, and weighted endemism) and 10 plant categories, we identified hotspots for THPs and calculated the conservation effectiveness of nature reserves. We then selected 1959 THPs to project the shift of species richness and range sizes under climate change (representative concentration pathway [RCP] 2.6 and RCP 8.5). In total, 16 hotspot areas covering 7.38% of Chinese land area and containing 91.73% of THPs were identified. Current nature reserves protected 35.05% of hotspots, 73.07% of all THPs, and 56.64% of narrow‐ranged species. By the 2070s, the species richness of THPs were predicted to decrease in Southeast and Central China, and 42.42% (RCP 2.6) and 51.40% (RCP 8.5) of the 1959 THPs would confront habitat contraction. Future conservation efforts should focus on the conservation gaps and carry out targeted conservation for THPs with narrow distribution range. In order to cope with climate change, the hotspots with relatively low species loss can serve as important areas to contain current species diversity and the areas with high species gain offer opportunities for ex‐situ conservation of THPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited data regarding the effects of school-based obesity prevention programs focusing on the changes in obesity-related knowledge and behaviors in China are available. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the effects of a school-based comprehensive lifestyle intervention among Chinese kids against obesity (CLICK-Obesity) in primary schools in Nanjing. Methods: We designed a cluster randomized controlled trial in eight randomly selected urban primary schools among 4th graders between May 2011 to April 2012 in Jianye, an urban district of Nanjing. Each school was randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group (four schools in each group). Mixed regression models and generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to adjust for individual-level covariates under cluster randomization. Results: In this study, 1178 students (96.2%; 665 boys and 513 girls, 544 in control and 634 in intervention) participated in the baseline survey with mean age 10.2 ± 0.5 years. At the end of one-year intervention, 1125 students (91.8%; 628 boys and 497 girls, 513 in control and 612 in intervention) were reassessed. Notably, we found that the intervention group improved the knowledge and awareness of obesity-related risk factors, presented a lower increase of consumption of red/white meat (with a mean difference of −180.9 g/week, 95% CI: −350.6 to −11.2, p = 0.040), a larger increase in the time spent playing ball (with a mean difference of 24.2 min/week, 95% CI: −5.3 to 53.7, p = 0.090), and a significant reduction in screen time (with a mean difference of −71.0 min/week, 95% CI: −125.3 to −16.6, p = 0.020) compared to the control group after cluster (school) adjustment. Conclusion: The school-based integrated intervention was successful to modify unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and had a potential effect on childhood obesity prevention in urban China. However, the long-term effects and cost-effectiveness need to be evaluated in through further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylogenetic analyses can provide an accurate identification for endangered species, which is a prerequisite for their conservation. Understanding how threats shape the current realized niche of declining species can effectively improve conservation policies. In this study, we used molecular data to identify the real Eleutharrhena macrocarpa, a critically endangered species in Yunnan, China. A niche reduction approach was used to model its range change by predicting the historic and current distributions. Our subfamily‐wide phylogenetic analyses based on five plastid DNA regions indicate that the E. macrocarpa with pinnate‐nerved leaves is real and is a member of Tiliacoreae, whereas the so‐called E. macrocarpa with triplinerved leaves is actually Haematocarpus subpeltatus, which is for the first time reported to be distributed in China. Our subsequent analyses of Tiliacoreae using seven plastid and two nuclear DNA regions further support Eleutharrhena as a distinctly monotypic genus and as sister to Pycnarrhena. Among the four prevalent barcodes in plants, three plastid DNA fragments (rbcL, matK, trnH‐psbA) failed to discriminate E. macrocarpa from Pycnarrhena; however, nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions could well recognize this endangered species. The distributional range of E. macrocarpa has undergone a dramatic contraction over the last 100 years and may further shrink southwestwards in the future. This dramatic range contraction might be associated with habitat loss due to increasing drought and expansion of rubber plantation. We point out the need for in situ conservation of E. macrocarpa populations, and suggest to establish a large nature reserve in southern and western Yunnan to effectively protect E. macrocarpa and other declining species that exhibit similar distribution and habitat requirements. This study highlights the significance of taxonomy and molecular phylogenetics in biological conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impatiens macrantha S. X. Yu&Ying Qin (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. Phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data shows the new species to belong to I. subg. Clavicarpa and to be closely related to I. tubulosa with which it shares succulent stems and racemose inflorescences, but it can be easily distinguished by having a 4 – or 5 – ridged stem, obovate or elliptic leaf blade, and saccate lower sepal. Furthermore, I. macrantha is distinguishable from other Impatiens in China by its obviously larger leaves and flowers. The evidence from morphology and molecular data both support I. macrantha as new to science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impatiens plicatisepala C. Y. Zou, Yan Liu & S. X. Yu (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Ziyuan County Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It is closely related to Impatiens davidii Franchet and Impatiens dicentra Franchet ex J. D. Hooker, all of them having 1-flowered inflorescence and basal lobe of lateral united petals with a filamentous hair. This new species has unique characters and differs from its relatives by plicated sepals, rugose seeds and two bracts in different shapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data concerning the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in asymptomatic and paucisymptomatic patients are lacking. We report a 3-family cluster of infections involving asymptomatic and paucisymptomatic transmission. Eight of 15 (53%) members from 3 families were confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of 8 patients, 3 were asymptomatic and 1 was paucisymptomatic. An asymptomatic mother transmitted the virus to her son, and a paucisymptomatic father transmitted the virus to his 3-month-old daughter. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in the environment of 1 household. The complete genomes of SARS-CoV-2 from the patients were > 99.9% identical and were clustered with other SARS-CoV-2 sequences reported from China and other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the hepatobiliary contrast agent gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) helping to characterize focal liver lesions. It discusses the recommendation of dynamic contrast-enhanced multislice computed tomography (MSCT) by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Dear Editor, Short tandem repeats (STRs), polymorphic DNA regions with a variable number of repeated units (2-6 base pairs), are attractive to forensic applications such as human identification and parentage testing [[1]]. China consists 56 ethnic groups, including the largest Han population and other 55 minority ethnic groups. Allele frequencies and corresponding forensic parameters of the 21 STR loci in the five studied ethnic groups are listed in Tables S[2]-S[6], respectively. Genetic data provided by 21 autosomal STR loci from Chinese Tujia ethnic group. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: We used 39 SSR markers to analyze the genetic structure of 304 major Chinese inbred rice varieties, and to compare changes in the indica or japonica components in these varieties that have been widely cultivated from the 1950s to the 1990s in China. The genetic structure analysis showed that these rice varieties were distinctly divided into two populations, indica and japonica. The sub-structure of indica varieties was more complex than that of japonica ones. Among the various lines, late-season indica and early season japonica varieties had simpler genetic backgrounds. The seasonal ecotypes were not quite consistent with the subtypes of genetic structure. Twelve SSR loci with specific differentiation between indica and japonica were used to calculate the indica/japonica components. The differences in indica/japonica components among the five decades were not significant, except for late-season indica varieties in the 1990s, which had a significantly higher japonica component. These results will help to understand the genetic structure of the major Chinese inbred rice varieties and will be useful for indica-japonica hybrid breeding in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Impatiens pingxiangensis H. Y. Bi & S. X. Yu (Balsaminaceae), a new species from the limestone areas in Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to I. obesa in having succulent stems, subsessile peduncle, tufted pedicel and the lower petal in each pair of lateral united petals being connate, but differs from the latter by having perennial stems, leaf blades with 7-9 pairs of lateral veins, 1-2-flowered racemes, ovate inner lateral sepals, and elliptic capsule. Moreover, the pollen and seed coat characters also support the recognition of the new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel hepatitis B virus (HBV) strain (W29) was isolated from serum samples in the northwest of China. Phylogenetic and distance analyses indicate that this strain is grouped with a series of distinct strains discovered in Vietnam and Laos that have been proposed to be a new genotype I. TreeOrderScan and GroupScan methods were used to study the intergenotype recombination of this special group. Recombination plots and tree maps of W29 and these putative genotype I strains exhibit distinct characteristics that are unexpected in typical genotype C strains of HBV. The amino acids of P gene, S gene, X gene, and C gene of all genotypes (including subtypes) were compared, and eight unique sites were found in genotype I. In vitro and in vivo experiments were also conducted to determine phenotypic characteristics between W29 and other representative strains of different genotypes obtained from China. Secretion of HBsAg in Huh7 cells is uniformly abundant among genotypes A, B, C, and I (W29), but not genotype D. HBeAg secretion is low in genotype I (W29), whose level is close to genotype A and much lower than genotypes B, C, and D. Results from the acute hydrodynamic injection mouse model also exhibit a similar pattern. From an overview of the results, the viral markers of W29 (I1) in Huh7 cells and mice had a more similar level to genotype A than genotype C, although the latter was closer to W29 in distance analysis. All evidence suggests that W29, together with other related strains found in Vietnam and Laos, should be classified into a new genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impatiens chashanensis H. Y. Bi & S. X. Yu (Balsaminaceae), a new species from the Sichuan Province in China, is described and illustrated. In comparison with the morphologically close I. dicentra, both species have succulent stems and the lobes of the lateral united petals end in a long hair, but I. chashanensis differs in having white flowers, four lateral sepals, lacerate apex of the inner sepal, shorter spur with swollen, slightly bifid apices. Moreover, leaf epidermal characters also support the recognition of the new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotype 4 hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the dominant cause of hepatitis E in the People's Republic of China; swine are the principal reservoir. Our study was conducted in 8 rural communities of southern China, where families keep pigs near their homes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 23 of 24 concurrent virus isolates from this region are genotype 4 strains. Among the study populations, immunoglobulin G anti-HEV seroprevalence accumulated with age at ≈1% per year for persons ≤60 years of age. After age 30 years, seroprevalence increased at higher rates for male than for female study participants. The overall seroprevalence was 43% (range 25%-66%) among the communities. Infection rates were higher for participants between 25 and 29 years of age. The results suggest that HEV infection probably has been endemic in southern China for at least 60 years, with swine being the principal reservoir of human HEV infection in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study regarding unusual coexistence of molluscum contagiosum (MC) and verruca plana in a hyper-IgE syndrome, in China. The study involves a boy who presented with multiple painless papular lesions scattered extensively over the body. Researchers have made a diagnosis of MC and verruca plana, and MC lesions on the neck were removed by curettage without complication. Thus, they consider the use of CD4+ in patients with hyper-IgE syndrome.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) patient management (TPM) is crucial to improve patient compliance to treatment. The coverage of TPM delivered by TB dispensaries or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was not high under the previous CDC model of TB control in China. In the integrated TB control model in China, TB patient management (TPM) was mainly delivered by lay health workers (LHWs) in primary health care (PHC) sectors. This study aims to investigate TPM delivery in resource-limited western China and to identify factors affecting TPM delivery by LHWs under the integrated TB control model. Methods: A stratified random sampling was used to select study sites. Pulmonary TB (PTB) patients ≥15 years old from selected counties/districts in Guizhou Province were surveyed from August 2015 to May 2016. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. A χ2 test and logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with self-administered treatment (non-TPM). Results: In total, 638 PTB patients were included in the final analysis. Close to 30% of patients were ethnic minorities. More than 30% of patients were from counties with high TB burden, and 24.9% of patients had poor compliance to treatment. Only 37.1% of patients received TPM delivered by LHWs under the integrated TB control model throughout the treatment period. The main reasons for unwillingness to manage reported by patients included social stigma and no perceived need. Being ethnic minorities (OR = 3.35) was a main factor associated with lower likelihood of receiving TPM, while living in areas with middle or high TB burden may increase the likelihood of receiving TPM (OR = 0.17 and 0.25, respectively). Among current management approaches, more than 85% of patients chose phone reminder as their preferred TPM by LHWs. Conclusions: TPM under the integrated model in West China is still low and need further improvement, and the impeding factors of TPM need to be addressed. Strengthening patient-centered and community-based TPM and developing more feasible approaches of TPM delivery should be explored in future research in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The karst area in South China is notable for its fragile vegetation and unique flora with many narrow endemic species, and is one of the most threatened biodiversity hotspots in the world. However, the biodiversity of acid soil areas scattered in the karst area have previously been underestimated. With a recent increase of new discoveries of plants and animals, the conservation of biodiversity in these acid soil areas has become urgent. This study deals with a new species, Impatiens longlinensis. The new species is similar to I. yui and I. lasiophyton in having pubescence, two lateral sepals, funnelform lower sepal, and linear capsule. But it can be distinguished by having orbicular to obovate dorsal sepals and oblong to elliptic lower and upper lobes of lateral united petals. Moreover, molecular data and micro-morphological evidence also support that the species is new to science. The new species is only known from a valley near the summit of Mt. Jinzhongshan within an area of less than 5 km2. Based on the Red List categories and criteria developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the threat posed by exploitation for tourism development, we categorize it as Critically Endangered (CR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The candidate recombinant hepatitis E vaccine, HEV 239, protect monkeys against infection by hepatitis E virus (HEV). The safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine for humans was assessed in a randomized controlled phase II clinical trial. The study was conducted in an endemic area of southern China and consisted of a dose scheduling, involving 457 adults and a dose escalation component involving 155 high school students. The results showed that the vaccine is safe and immunogenic for humans and suggest that it could prevent new HEV infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

SummaryDisseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis is an autosomal dominant cutaneous disorder characterized by many uniformly small, minimal, annular, anhidrotic, and keratotic lesions. The genetic basis for this disease is unknown. Using a genomewide search in a large Chinese family, we identified a locus at chromosome 12q23.2–24.1 responsible for disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis. The fine mapping study indicates that the disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis gene is located within a 9.6 cM region between markers D12S1727 and D12S1605, with a maximum two-point LOD score of 20.53 (θ = 0.00) at D12S78. This is the first locus identified for a genetic disease where the major phenotype is porokeratosis. The study provides a map location for isolation of a gene causing disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed in the fingerprint analysis of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels. A chromatographic profile of A. sinensis (Oliv.) Diels from the Dingxi District of Gansu province, China, was established as the characteristic fingerprint. The feasibility and advantages of employing chromatographic fingerprint combined with discriminant analysis were investigated and demonstrated for the evaluation of A. sinensis (Oliv.) Diels for the first time. Our results showed that the chromatographic fingerprint combining with discriminant analysis can efficiently distinguish A. sinensis (Oliv.) Diels from various areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Thuja sutchuenensis , an endangered China native plant, has been systematically investigated focusing on secondary metabolites. • Eight novel sesquiterpenes (1 – 8) with diverse skeletons were isolated from the stems and roots of T. sutchuenensis. • Compounds 5 (thujasutchin J) and 9 exhibited considerable antibacterial activities with MIC ranging from 6.25 to 25 μg/mL. Eight new sesquiterpenes with diverse skeletons involving four cuparenes, denominated thujasutchins F-I (1 – 4), one eudesmane and one cedrol, named thujasutchin J (5) and thujasutchin K (6), as well as two thujopsenes thujasutchins L-M (7 – 8) together with three known congener compounds (9 – 11) were isolated from EtOAc soluble fraction of ethanolic extract of the stems and roots of Thuja sutchuenensis. Their structures including absolute configurations were unambiguously established by extensive interpretation of the NMR and mass spectroscopic data, X-ray diffractions, and ECD measurements powered by molecular calculations. The biological assays disclosed that 5 and 9 displayed potent inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus. aureus (CMCC 26003), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (JCSC 4744), Bacillus cereus (ATCC 10876), and Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228) with MICs ranging from 6.25 to 25 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2023 update of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) Clinical Guidelines for Gastric Cancer focuses on standardizing cancer diagnosis and treatment in China, reflecting the latest advancements in evidence-based medicine, healthcare resource availability, and precision medicine. These updates address the differences in epidemiological characteristics, clinicopathological features, tumor biology, treatment patterns, and drug selections between Eastern and Western gastric cancer patients. Key revisions include a structured template for imaging diagnosis reports, updated standards for molecular marker testing in pathological diagnosis, and an elevated recommendation for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in stage III gastric cancer. For advanced metastatic gastric cancer, the guidelines introduce new recommendations for immunotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy and targeted drugs, along with updated management strategies for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive and deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) patients. Additionally, the guidelines offer detailed screening recommendations for hereditary gastric cancer and an appendix listing drug treatment regimens for various stages of gastric cancer. The 2023 CSCO Clinical Guidelines for Gastric Cancer updates are based on both Chinese and international clinical research and expert consensus to enhance their applicability and relevance in clinical practice, particularly in the heterogeneous healthcare landscape of China, while maintaining a commitment to scientific rigor, impartiality, and timely revisions., (© 2023 The Authors. Cancer Communications published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd. on behalf of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center.)

Based on the land use data of Hexi Corridor region from 1980 to 2020, we calculated the ecological environment quality index and analyzed the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics, change frequency, patterns, circles of the long time series land use type changes and its ecological environment quality, using the spatial analysis method of ArcGIS. The results showed that unused land was the main land use type in the study area during 1980-2020. The area of construction land, forest land, grassland, and water changed more, and the transition among land use types was obvious. The trends of deterioration and improvement of ecological environment quality in the study area occurred simultaneously and offset each other under certain conditions. The ecological environment quality index evolved in a 'U' shape, first decreasing and then increasing, with little change in overall ecological environment quality fluctuations. The spatial clustering of ecological quality was obvious, which was higher in the southeast and lower in the northwest, without high frequency and large change. The ecological quality in the southeast quadrant of the study area was the worst, followed by the southwest and northwest quadrants, while the ecological quality in the northeast quadrant was the best. The area of the continuously decline zone in ecological environment quality type conversion was larger than that of the continuously rising zone, indicating that ecological environmental protection in the Hexi Corridor had been effective during the study period. The hot spots of ecological quality change were mainly distributed in the central and southwestern part of the Hexi Corridor, and the cold spots were mainly distributed in the northwestern part.

Background: Stroke is a major health threat and the leading cause of mortality and disability in China. The aims of this study were to identify the possible influencing factors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its domain-specific contents in stroke patients in rural areas in China., Methods: A total of 1,709 stroke patients aged 36-79 years from the baseline data of Henan Rural Cohort study ( n = 39,259) were included in the cross-sectional study. The Chinese version of the European Quality of Life Five Dimension (including mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression) Five Level Scale (EQ-5D-5L) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to evaluate HRQoL in stroke patients. Tobit regression models, generalized linear models and binary logistic regression models were constructed to determine potential influencing factors of the EQ-5D utility index, as well as influencing factors of each domain and VAS score., Results: The mean utility index and VAS scores of stroke patients were 0.885 (SD, 0.204), and 68.39 (SD, 17.31), respectively. Pain/discomfort (PD, 35.2%) and mobility (MO, 30.4%) were the most frequently reported issues. Regression models revealed that illiterate; a low monthly income; low physical activity intensity; and diabetes, anxiety, depression, or poor sleep quality were significantly associated with lower utility index and VAS scores among stroke patients. In addition, patients with stroke who were older, female, drinking, smoking, and consuming a high-fat diet, had a higher BMI, and lived with a stroke for a longer time, were also significantly associated with different dimensions of the EQ-5D., Conclusion: Patients with stroke in rural areas in China had a low HRQoL. Factors associated with the EQ-5D utility index as well as each domain and VAS score, need to be considered by health providers in rural areas. Patients with stroke in rural areas need to be included in national basic public medical services and managed systematically by medical institutions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Mei, Zhang, Wu, Hou, Liu, Sang, Mao, Zhang, Yang and Wang.)

There exist differences in the epidemiological characteristics, clinicopathological features, tumor biological characteristics, treatment patterns, and drug selections between gastric cancer patients from the Eastern and Western countries. The Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) has organized a panel of senior experts specializing in all sub-specialties of gastric cancer to compile a clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer since 2016 and renews it annually. Taking into account regional differences, giving full consideration to the accessibility of diagnosis and treatment resources, these experts have conducted expert consensus judgment on relevant evidence and made various grades of recommendations for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer to reflect the value of cancer treatment and meeting health economic indexes in China. The 2021 CSCO Clinical Practice Guidelines for Gastric Cancer covers the diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and screening of gastric cancer. Based on the 2020 version of the CSCO Chinese Gastric Cancer guidelines, this updated guideline integrates the results of major clinical studies from China and overseas for the past year, focused on the inclusion of research data from the Chinese population for more personalized and clinically relevant recommendations. For the comprehensive treatment of non-metastatic gastric cancer, attentions were paid to neoadjuvant treatment. The value of perioperative chemotherapy is gradually becoming clearer and its recommendation level has been updated. For the comprehensive treatment of metastatic gastric cancer, recommendations for immunotherapy were included, and immune checkpoint inhibitors from third-line to the first-line of treatment for different patient groups with detailed notes are provided., (© 2021 The Authors. Cancer Communications published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd. on behalf of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center.)

The aims were to identify the possible influencing factors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its domain-specific scores in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). A total of 1247 patients with CHD from the Henan Rural Cohort Study (n = 39,259) were included in this study. The Chinese version of the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five level scale (EQ-5D-5L) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to evaluate HRQoL in patients with CHD. Tobit regression, generalized linear models and binary logistic regression were applied to determine the potential factors influencing the EQ-5D utility, as well as each domain, and the VAS. CHD patients had lower per capita monthly actual income, and higher rates of diabetes mellitus, stroke, anxiety and poor sleep quality, which significantly decreased EQ-5D index and VAS scores. In addition, sex, older age, education, not having a spouse, ever drinking alcohol, a high-fat diet, physical activity, hypertension and depression affected the various domain-specific EQ-5D scores in CHD patients. CHD patients in rural areas have a lower HRQoL. Factors associated with the EQ-5D index, including each domain, and the VAS need attention. CHD patients in rural areas need to be managed systematically.

Purpose: ADJUVANT-CTONG1104 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01405079), a randomized phase III trial, showed that adjuvant gefitinib treatment significantly improved disease-free survival (DFS) versus vinorelbine plus cisplatin (VP) in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR ) mutation-positive resected stage II-IIIA (N1-N2) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we report the final overall survival (OS) results., Methods: From September 2011 to April 2014, 222 patients from 27 sites were randomly assigned 1:1 to adjuvant gefitinib (n = 111) or VP (n = 111). Patients with resected stage II-IIIA (N1-N2) NSCLC and EGFR -activating mutation were enrolled, receiving gefitinib for 24 months or VP every 3 weeks for four cycles. The primary end point was DFS (intention-to-treat [ITT] population). Secondary end points included OS, 3-, 5-year (y) DFS rates, and 5-year OS rate. Post hoc analysis was conducted for subsequent therapy data., Results: Median follow-up was 80.0 months. Median OS (ITT) was 75.5 and 62.8 months with gefitinib and VP, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.62 to 1.36; P = .674); respective 5-year OS rates were 53.2% and 51.2% ( P = .784). Subsequent therapy was administered upon progression in 68.4% and 73.6% of patients receiving gefitinib and VP, respectively. Subsequent targeted therapy contributed most to OS (HR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.38) compared with no subsequent therapy. Updated 3y DFS rates were 39.6% and 32. 5% with gefitinib and VP ( P = .316) and 5y DFS rates were 22. 6% and 23.2% ( P = .928), respectively., Conclusion: Adjuvant therapy with gefitinib in patients with early-stage NSCLC and EGFR mutation demonstrated improved DFS over standard of care chemotherapy. Although this DFS advantage did not translate to a significant OS difference, OS with adjuvant gefitinib was one of the longest observed in this patient group compared with historic data.

Background: Timely diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a prerequisite for treatment and prevention. The serology characteristics and complement diagnosis value of the antibody test to RNA test need to be demonstrated., Method: Serial sera of 80 patients with PCR-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were collected at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. Total antibody (Ab), IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detected, and the antibody dynamics during the infection were described., Results: The seroconversion rates for Ab, IgM and IgG were 98.8%, 93.8% and 93.8%, respectively. The first detectible serology marker was Ab, followed by IgM and IgG, with a median seroconversion time of 15, 18 and 20 days post exposure (d.p.e.) or 9, 10 and 12 days post onset (d.p.o.), respectively. The antibody levels increased rapidly beginning at 6 d.p.o. and were accompanied by a decline in viral load. For patients in the early stage of illness (0-7 d.p.o), Ab showed the highest sensitivity (64.1%) compared with IgM and IgG (33.3% for both; p<0.001). The sensitivities of Ab, IgM and IgG increased to 100%, 96.7% and 93.3%, respectively, 2 weeks later. When the same antibody type was detected, no significant difference was observed between enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and other forms of immunoassays., Conclusions: A typical acute antibody response is induced during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Serology testing provides an important complement to RNA testing in the later stages of illness for pathogenic-specific diagnosis and helpful information to evaluate the adapted immunity status of patients., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: Bin Lou has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Ting-Dong Li has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Shu-Fa Zheng has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Ying-Ying Su has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Zhi-Yong Li has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Wei Liu has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Fei Yu has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Sheng-Xiang Ge has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Qian-Da Zou has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Quan Yuan has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Sha Lin has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Cong-Ming Hong has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Xiang-Yang Yao has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Xue-Jie Zhang has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Ding-Hui Wu has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Guo-Liang Zhou has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Wang-Heng Hou has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Ting-Ting Li has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Ya-Li Zhang has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Shi-Yin Zhang has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Jian Fan has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Jun Zhang has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Ning-Shao Xia has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Yu Chen has nothing to disclose., (Copyright ©ERS 2020.)

Background: We assessed the clinical presentations, biomarkers, and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI features that were associated with oxaliplatin-induced sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) to detect chemotherapy-associated SOS in a timely manner., Methods: Fifty-seven patients who underwent oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI were included. Post-oxaliplatin heterogeneity in liver parenchyma was scored on a grading scale of 0 to 3. Abnormal clinical findings, including splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, gall bladder wall thickening, and hepatic vein narrowing, were also assessed. Additionally, alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and platelet counts were measured., Results: For SOS, 21 patients were scored grade 0, 24 were grade 1, seven were grade 2, and five were grade 3. Hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, gall bladder wall thickening, and hepatic vein narrowing were significantly correlated with the grade for non-tumorous hepatic parenchymal heterogeneity. For laboratory findings, ALT and AST levels, the AST-to-platelet ratio index score, and platelet counts were significantly associated with a high grade (≥2) of non-tumorous hepatic parenchymal heterogeneity., Conclusions: We assessed the clinical presentations, biomarkers, and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI features that were associated with oxaliplatin-induced sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) to detect chemotherapy-associated SOS in a timely manner. Additionally, specific laboratory findings were significantly associated with a high grade (≥2).

Background: The purpose was to investigate the difference of detection rate of incidental pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to compare the difference between CT and MRI and to explore the effect of this difference on surgical resection., Methods: We reviewed the diagnostic reports for incidental PCLs between 2013 and 2016. Images of PCLs would be re-evaluated. Clinical and imaging data were recorded. The chi-square and independent t-test were conducted for categorical and continuous variables., Results: The prevalence of PCLs was 1.91% (1038/54210) and 3.36% (1282/38099) on CT and MRI respectively, and increased with increasing age (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the annual prevalence of PCLs on CT (P = 0.796) and MRI (P = 0.213) from 2013 to 2016 while the number of examinations was increasing every year. The annual detection rate of MRI for small PCLs (< 20 mm) was significantly higher than CT (P < 0.001), but was not significantly different for large PCLs (≥20 mm). The rate of surgical resection of PCLs (≥20 mm) in MRI group was higher than CT (55.2% vs. 37.0%, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: The detection rate of PCLs on CT and MRI tended to be stable despite increasing scan volumes. Female had a slightly more frequency of PCLs than male. MRI detected more small PCLs(< 20 mm) and had higher impact on surgical resection of large PCL(≥20 mm) compared with CT.

Five new compounds including two stilbenes, designated thujasutchins A (1) and B (2), two phenolic compounds namely thujasutchins C (3) and D (4), as well as one sesquiterpene thujasutchin E (5), were isolated from the 95% ethanolic extract from the trunks and roots of Thuja sutchuenensis. Their structures were determined by means of extensively spectroscopic analysis including UV, IR, HRESIMS, 1 H and 13 C NMR (COSY, HSQC, HMBC). Moreover, compounds 1, 3-5 were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activities against SF-268, MCF-7, HepG-2, and A549 tumor cell lines., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Two pairs of novel enantiomeric flavonoids (1a, 1b and 2a, 2b), along with one new lignan (3), were isolated from the aerial parts of Abrus precatorius. All of these enantiomeric flavonoids featured an unprecedented propylated flavonoid skeleton representing a new family of flavonoid, and the new lignan was found to have an attractive arachidate ester side chain. Their structures were extensively elucidated by means of detailed NMR and mass spectroscopic analysis. Moreover, biological evaluation of antibacterial activity for these compounds against Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli were conducted., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In China, a rapid expansion of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreaks has occurred since 2004, and HFMD has become an important issue in China. There are more than 20 types of enterovirus causing HFMD, of which coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) and enterovirus 71 (EV71) are the most common. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of HFMD caused by EV71 and CA16 in Linyi, Shandong province, China, from 2009 to 2017. The stool specimens and throat samples of 5,324 patients with HFMD were obtained for nucleic acid detection of enterovirus. A total of 4,040 HFMD cases were caused by viral pathogens. Of these, 1,706 cases were positive for EV71 and 1,266 were positive for CA16. These 2 virus strains appeared alternately in Linyi city. The incidence of EV71-positive and CA16-positive cases was highest in children aged 0-5 years, with male patients being predominant. This outbreak of HMFD caused by EV71 and CA16 mainly occurred between April and July and appeared alternately between the years 2011 and 2017. These results demonstrated that the epidemiological analysis of EV71 and CA16 can provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of the disease.

Aims: To identify potential novel gene mutations in Chinese patients with dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH)., Methods: We enrolled 8 Chinese patients with familial DSH, 5 Chinese patients with sporadic DSH, and 100 randomly selected healthy individuals in this study. The genome of each participant was extracted from peripheral blood samples. Sanger sequencing of the ADAR1 gene was performed after polymerase chain reaction amplifications. Comparisons between the DNA sequences of the affected individuals and the NCBI database were performed., Results: We detected eight novel heterozygous mutations and five previously reported mutations in the ADAR1 gene in our patients. The novel mutations include c.1934 + 3A>G, c.2749A>G, c.2311insA, c.3233G>A, c.3019 + 1G>T, c.2894C>A, c.1202&#95;1205del, and c.2280C>A. These detected novel mutations are predicted to induce two frame-shift mutations, one nonsense mutation, three missense mutations, and two splice-site mutations., Conclusions: The findings of this study expand our knowledge of the range of ADAR1 gene mutations in DSH and will contribute to identifying correlations between the various DSH phenotypes and genotypes. Furthermore, they may provide insight into the underlying pathogenic mechanism.

Objective: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a relatively common extraarticular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that contributes significantly to disease burden and excess mortality. The purpose of this study was to identify peripheral blood markers of RA-associated ILD that can facilitate earlier diagnosis and provide insight regarding the pathogenesis of this potentially devastating disease complication., Methods: Patients with RA who were enrolled in a well-characterized Chinese identification cohort or a US replication cohort were subclassified as having RA-no ILD, RA-mild ILD, or RA-advanced ILD, based on high-resolution computed tomography scans of the chest. Multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and Luminex xMAP technology were used to assess 36 cytokines/chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and acute-phase proteins in the identification cohort. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used to quantify the strength of association between RA-ILD and biomarkers of interest., Results: MMP-7 and interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10)/CXCL10 were identified by multiplex ELISA as potential biomarkers for RA-ILD in 133 RA patients comprising the Chinese identification cohort (50 RA-no ILD, 41 RA-ILD, 42 RA-indeterminate ILD). The findings were confirmed by standard solid-phase sandwich ELISA in the Chinese identification cohort as well as an independent cohort of US patients with RA and different stages of ILD (22 RA-no ILD, 49 RA-ILD, 15 RA-indeterminate ILD), with statistically significant associations in both unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses., Conclusion: Levels of MMP-7 and IP-10/CXCL10 are elevated in the serum of RA patients with ILD, whether mild or advanced, supporting their value as pathogenically relevant biomarkers that can contribute to noninvasive detection of this extraarticular disease complication., (Copyright © 2015 by the American College of Rheumatology.)

Background: Neurodermatitis is a common chronic skin disease. Although not life-threatening, it can produce an important psychosocial burden, sleep disturbance and sexual dysfunction. Patients with neurodermatitis tend to have poor social skills or interpersonal resources and a lack of flexibility. However quality of life (QoL) of patients with neurodermatitis has seldom investigated. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of neurodermatitis on patients' QoL using the Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire, and assess its feasibility and internal consistency., Methods: One hundred and fifty consecutive outpatients seeking treatment for neurodermatitis and 250 patients with psoriasis in the Department of Dermatology, the Second Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, were assessed for eligibility for this prospective study from July 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011. Demographic data and disease-related characteristics were collected., Results: The overall mean DLQI score for neurodermatits (9.34) was lower than that for psoriasis (13.32) (P < 0.001). Patients with neurodermatitis scored significantly lower for all items except Q1 (symptoms) and Q9 (sexual difficulties). No strong relationship between disease-related characteristics and quality of life could be found. The inter-item correlation averaged 0.415 and Cronbach's alpha was 0.889, indicating high internal consistency., Conclusion: This is the first study to attempt to measure the impact of neurodermatitis for both male and female patients on QoL. Neurodermatitis moderately affected the QoL of the patients.

Heavy metal pollution is a major environmental problem of mine wasteland. Finding out the tolerant plants, which can adapt to the local climate and the soil conditions, is the premise of vegetation restoration. An extensive vegetation survey and sampling were conducted in Huayuan Mn and Pb/Zn mineland, 76 species belonging to 69 genera and 39 families were recorded. The main dominant species and their associated soils were determined for heavy metal concentrations. The results showed that soil Pb, Zn and Cd levels exceeded the threshold levels of Class II of China Environmental Quality Standard for Soils, which suggested minesoils might be polluted by the three elements. The main dominant plants can adapt to the unfavorable edaphic conditions of mineland and were tolerant to heavy metals. There were great variations of metal uptake and accumulation among different plant species. They were classified into three types according to the metal concentrations in the plant shoots and roots: the accumulator, e. g. Camellia oleifera and Dicranopteris dichotoma, absorbed a large amount of heavy metals by the roots and transported to the shoots, which can be used to clean up the soils containing light to moderate toxic metal concentration and with high-value; the root compartment, e. g. Rubus tephrodes, R. corchorifolius, R. chroosepalus, Artemisia princeps and Pteridium aquilinum also absorbed a large amount of heavy metals but held in the roots; and the excluder, e. g. Miscanthus sinensis, Imperata cylindrica, Indocalamus tessellatus and Toddalia asiatica, absorbed less heavy metals than the accumulators. The root compartment and the excluder were more suitable for remediation of the mine wastelands with high heavy metal concentration, low-value and extensive area.

Background/aims: To assess the incidence of gastric cancer development in gastric benign ulcer patients and to evaluate the value of biopsy by taking specimens from both the base and edges of ulcers in contrast to the traditional biopsy which takes specimens from the edges of ulcers only., Methodology: An endoscopic followup of more than 1 year was conducted on 456 gastric ulcer patients in our hospital for a duration over 8 years. We collected clinical, endoscopic and pathological data and obtained at least 6 biopsies from both the edges and the bases of ulcers healing or complete healing, respectively and assessed H. pylori infection., Results: Gastric cancers developed in 11 (2.41%) of 456 GU patients. In the experimental group, 3 cases that were diagnosed by histology showed adenocarcinoma with specimens taken from the ulcer bases and in the other 5 cases the specimens were taken from the ulcer edges. The detection rate of gastric cancer from gastric ulcer between experimental group and control group was statistically significant (4.57% vs. 1.07%, p<0.05)., Conclusions: Gastric ulcer may develop into gastric cancer over a certain period of time in patients infected with H. pylori. Biopsies from ulcer bases and edges at the second or subsequent endoscopies may lead to defection of gastric cancer earlier and more effectively than the biopsies which take specimens from the edges of ulcers only.

Demodex has been considered to be related with multiple skin disorders, but controversy persists. In this case-control study, a survey was conducted with 860 dermatosis patients aged 12 to 84 years in Xi'an, China to identify the association between facial dermatosis and Demodex. Amongst the patients, 539 suffered from facial dermatosis and 321 suffered from non-facial dermatosis. Demodex mites were sampled and examined using the skin pressurization method. Multivariate regression analysis was applied to analyze the association between facial dermatosis and Demodex infestation, and to identify the risk factors of Demodex infestation. The results showed that total detection rate of Demodex was 43.0%. Patients aged above 30 years had higher odds of Demodex infestation than those under 30 years. Compared to patients with neutral skin, patients with mixed, oily, or dry skin were more likely to be infested with Demodex (odds ratios (ORs) were 2.5, 2.4, and 1.6, respectively). Moreover, Demodex infestation was found to be statistically associated with rosacea (OR=8.1), steroid-induced dermatitis (OR=2.7), seborrheic dermatitis (OR=2.2), and primary irritation dermatitis (OR=2.1). In particular, ORs calculated from the severe infestation (≥5 mites/cm(2)) rate were significantly higher than those of the total rate. Therefore, we concluded that Demodex is associated with rosacea, steroid-induced dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and primary irritation dermatitis. The rate of severe infestation is found to be more correlated with various dermatosis than the total infestation rate. The risk factors of Demodex infestation, age, and skin types were identified. Our study also suggested that good hygiene practice might reduce the chances of demodicosis and Demodex infestation.

Objective: To investigate the pathogen spectrum constitution of HEV related to acute meningitis/encephalitis syndrome (AMES) and to analyze the genetic characterization of the echovirus 30 (Echo30) isolates., Methods: Cerebrospinal fluid, stool, and/or throat swab specimens from 101 AMES cases were collected for virus isolation with RD and HEp-2 cell lines in Linyi city from April to December, 2010. After typing by neutralization test, the entire VP1 gene of the isolates were amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced. Homologous comparison was carried out and phylogenetic analysis were performed., Results: HEVs were isolated from 47 specimens of 34 patients (4 from cerebrospinal fluid, 18 from throut swab and 25 from stool), with 11 Echo30 isolates identified by microneutralization assay and molecular typing method. In alignment of VP1 sequences with global Echo30 isolates, relative high nucleotide homologies (91.2% - 95.4%) with Taian, Zhangqiu and Jiangsu isolates and high divergences (17.9% -19.6%) with prototype strain were observed. Nucleotide divergences among Linyi isolates were 0 - 10.2%, and 3 lineages were revealed via phylogenetic analysis, reflecting 3 transmission chains of Echo30 co-circulated in Linyi city, 2010., Conclusion: Echo30 was the predominant serotype of AMES cases in Linyi city, 2010. These isolates possessed considerable divergence with Echo30 from other countries.

To investigate the genetic characteristics of poliovirus isolates from environmental sewage surveillance in Shandong province, we collected sewage samples in Jinan and Linyi City. Serotyping and VP1/ 3D sequencing were performed on polioviruses isolated from the concentrated sewage samples, and VP1 mutation and recombination were analyzed. Thirty-two of sewage samples were collected, and polioviruses were detected in 10 of the samples with a positive rate of 31.3%. Eighteen Sabin strains were isolated including three type 1, nine type 2, and six type 3 polioviruses, and the number of nucleotide substitutions in VP1 coding region varied from 0 to 4. Recombination was found in three Sabin 2 and four Sabin 3 polioviruses. Analysis of neurovirulence sites of VP1 revealed that one Sabin 1 vaccine strain had a nucleotide change of A to G at nt 2749, one Sabin 2 strain had a nucleotide change of A to G at nt 2908, three Sabin 2 strains had a nucleotide change of U to C at nt 2909, and all six Sabin 3 strains had a nucleotide change of C to U at nt 2493. Poliovirus vaccine strains could be isolated from environmental sewage with a high rate of gene recombination and back mutation of neuvirulence-associated sites. None of wild-type poliovirus or vaccine-derived poliovirus was detected.

Objective: This study intends to summarize 5 years of intraoperative hybrid procedure (IHP) experience with neonates and young children having congenital heart disease (CHD)., Methods: From March 2003 to March 2009, a total of 152 consecutive patients younger than 2 years old who had undergone IHP were enrolled. In the balloon plasty group (n = 72), transventricular pulmonary valvuloplasty, or transaortic balloon dilatation were performed for pulmonary atresia, pulmonary stenosis, or coactation of the aorta. In the device group (n = 43), transventricular device closure was performed for ventricular septal defect (VSD), or transatrial device closure for atrial septal defect (ASD). In the collateral arteries occlusion group (n = 37), the major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MPCAs) were occluded with coils for tetralogy of Fallot or other cyanotic CHDs. All procedures were image guided and performed in a specially designed hybrid operation room. All surviving patients were followed up, and the major adverse cardiovascular events that occurred were recorded., Results: In the balloon plasty group, all patients received successful transventricular valvuloplasty or transaortic balloon angioplasty. However, severe right ventricle outflow obstruction was observed in 2 cases. One patient was transferred to regular open-heart surgery immediately, and another underwent regular open-heart procedure after discharge. Furthermore, 1 neonate with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum died from liver failure 6 months after IHP. In the device closure group, the device closure failed to be performed in 3 cases (2 with ASD and 1 with VSD). One young child with VSD died from pneumonia, even after successful device closure. No device malposition was observed in the device closure group during follow-up. All patients who received MPCA occlusion and associated open-heart correction were eventually discharged., Conclusion: IHP could avoid or shorten the application of cardiopulmonary bypass and reduce surgical trauma for selected young children with CHD. Although IHP is feasible and safe, the image outfits, image-guided technology, and IHP-related devices should be developed and improved.

Background: Scabies is a highly contagious disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, and the disease is still a major public health problem in many resource-poor regions. Apart from the skin lesions or substantial morbidity, scabies also leads to social stigma. However, quality of life (QoL) has not been investigated in patients with scabies., Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of scabies on patients' QoL using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire, and assess its feasibility and internal consistency., Methods: One hundred consecutive outpatients seeking treatment for scabies in the Department of Dermatology, the Second Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, were assessed for eligibility for this prospective study from 8 August 2008 to 20 December 2008. Sulphur (10%) was selected in the treatment of scabies., Results: A total of 96 patients completed the study. Among them, 78 (81.25%) of patients were considered cured at the end of the study. The mean ± SD DLQI score in our study was 10.09 ± 5.96. QoL of most of (71.9%) our patients has moderately affected. Questions 1 (symptoms), 2 (embarrassment), 7 (work or study) and 9 (sexual difficulties) had the most impact on patients with scabies. Domain 1 (symptoms and feelings) and 5 (personal relationships) scored higher than other domains. There was significant progress of QoL after treatment in our patients. No strong relationship between disease-related characteristics and QoL could be found., Conclusion: Scabies moderately affected the QoL of the patients. Sulphur could be considered as an effective treatment for patients with scabies., (© 2010 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology © 2010 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)

A novel hepatitis B virus (HBV) strain (W29) was isolated from serum samples in the northwest of China. Phylogenetic and distance analyses indicate that this strain is grouped with a series of distinct strains discovered in Vietnam and Laos that have been proposed to be a new genotype I. TreeOrderScan and GroupScan methods were used to study the intergenotype recombination of this special group. Recombination plots and tree maps of W29 and these putative genotype I strains exhibit distinct characteristics that are unexpected in typical genotype C strains of HBV. The amino acids of P gene, S gene, X gene, and C gene of all genotypes (including subtypes) were compared, and eight unique sites were found in genotype I. In vitro and in vivo experiments were also conducted to determine phenotypic characteristics between W29 and other representative strains of different genotypes obtained from China. Secretion of HBsAg in Huh7 cells is uniformly abundant among genotypes A, B, C, and I (W29), but not genotype D. HBeAg secretion is low in genotype I (W29), whose level is close to genotype A and much lower than genotypes B, C, and D. Results from the acute hydrodynamic injection mouse model also exhibit a similar pattern. From an overview of the results, the viral markers of W29 (I1) in Huh7 cells and mice had a more similar level to genotype A than genotype C, although the latter was closer to W29 in distance analysis. All evidence suggests that W29, together with other related strains found in Vietnam and Laos, should be classified into a new genotype.

The characteristics of 30 carriers with occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) were compared with those of 30 individuals diagnosed as being HBV carriers at the time of blood donation, 60 asymptomatic carriers, and 60 chronic hepatitis patients. The prevalence of genotype C was significantly higher in carriers with OBIs than in any other HBsAg-positive (HBsAg(+)) group (P < 0.001). Specific amino acid substitutions in the regions from amino acids 117 to 121 and amino acids 144 to 147 located in the major hydrophilic region of the S gene were associated with carriers with OBIs (P < 0.01 for carriers with OBIs versus HBsAg(+) donors, carriers with OBIs versus HBsAg(+) asymptomatic carriers, and carriers with OBIs versus HBsAg(+) chronic hepatitis patients). G145R was the major variation in the HBV isolates responsible for local occult HBV infections.

A point prevalence study of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Chinese blood donors was conducted, and the prevalences of antibodies against HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM among Chinese blood donors were 32.60% and 0.94%, respectively. HEV viremia was 0.07%.