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Rationale and Objectives: We aim to assess the performance of the Gail model and the fifth edition of ultrasound BI‐RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) in breast cancer for predicting axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM). Materials and Methods: We prospectively studied 958 female patients with breast cancer between 2018 and 2019 from 35 hospitals in China. Based on B‐mode, color Doppler, and elastography, radiologists classified the degree of suspicion based on the fifth edition of BI‐RADS. Individual breast cancer risk was assessed with the Gail model. The association between the US BI‐RADS category and the Gail model in terms of ALNM was analyzed. Results: We found that US BI‐RADS category was significantly and independently associated with ALNM (P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of BI‐RADS category 5 for predicting ALNM were 63.6%, 71.6%, and 68.6%, respectively. Combining the Gail model with the BI‐RADS category showed a significantly higher sensitivity than using the BI‐RADS category alone (67.8% vs. 63.6%, P < 0.001). The diagnostic accuracy of the BI‐RADS category combined with the Gail model was better than that of the Gail model alone (area under the curve: 0.71 vs. 0.50, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Based on the conventional ultrasound and elastography, the fifth edition of ultrasound BI‐RADS category could be used to predict the ALNM of breast cancer. ALNM was likely to occur in patients with BI‐RADS category 5. The Gail model could improve the diagnostic sensitivity of the US BI‐RADS category for predicting ALNM in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the modern era, urban freshwater bodies play a significant role in global carbon (C) budgeting, therefore, impacting climate change under rising global mean temperature. However, the trend, magnitude and drivers of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in these urban freshwater bodies of China remain uncertain. This study investigated temporal changes in GHG emissions in urban water bodies, including artificial lakes, reservoirs, aquaculture ponds and rivers, within a year in Nanjing city in the areas of the Yangtze River delta of China. In addition, meteorological and hydrochemical parameters were measured to elucidate the key drivers of GHG emissions. The results showed that the average annual flux of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) in aquaculture ponds was estimated to be 1355.6 mg CO2 m−2 day−1 and 116.6 mg CH4 m−2 day−1, followed by that of artificial lakes were 1172.2 mg CO2 m−2 day−1 and 44.1 mg CH4 m−2 day−1, rivers reached 775.9 mg CO2 m−2 day−1 and 23.9 mg CH4 m−2 day−1 and reservoirs were 170.1 mg CO2 m−2 day−1 and 7.2 mg CH4 m−2 day−1, respectively. The results further suggest that although artificial lakes and aquaculture ponds occupied only 23% of the cumulative area under lakes and ponds in the Yangtze River delta, contribute approximately 43%, about 27.5 Gg C, of total fluxes. Furthermore, high concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and low dissolved oxygen (DO) coincided with the high GHG emissions. The study suggests that DO, DOC, temperature and wind speed are the key factors impacting the potential of GHG emissions in urban freshwater ecosystems. Strategic mitigation measures in the vicinity of the urban freshwater bodies could efficiently reduce carbon emissions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of transgenic soybean has produced numerous economic benefits; however the potential impact of root exudates upon soil ecological systems and rhizospheric soil microbial diversity has also received intensive attention. In the present study, the influence of saline-alkali tolerant transgenic soybean of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase on bacterial community structure and soil phosphatase during growth stages was investigated. The results showed that, compared with nontransgenic soybean as a control, the rhizospheric soil pH of transgenic soybean significantly decreased at the seedling stage. Compared to HN35, organic P content was 13.5% and 25.4% greater at the pod-filling stage and maturity, respectively. The acid phosphatase activity of SRTS was significantly better than HN35 by 12.74% at seedling, 14.03% at flowering, and 59.29% at podding, while alkaline phosphatase achieved maximum activity in the flowering stage and was markedly lower than HN35 by 13.25% at pod-filling. The 454 pyrosequencing technique was employed to investigate bacterial diversity, with a total of 25,499 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) obtained from the 10 samples. Notably, the effect of SRTS on microbial richness and diversity of rhizospheric soil was marked at the stage of podding and pod-filling. Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the dominant phyla among all samples. Compared with HN35, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria was lower by 2.01%, 2.06%, and 5.28% at the stage of seedling, at pod-bearing, and at maturity. In genus level, the relative abundance of Gp6, Sphingomonas sp., and GP4 was significantly inhibited by SRTS at the stage of pod-bearing and pod-filling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Tarim Block is characterized by a double layer structure consisting of a Precambrian basement and Neoproterozoic to Cambrian cover series. It experienced different stages of tectonic evolution since its generation, with similarities and dissimilarities to the North and South China Blocks in many aspects. This has brought about complexities in understanding the tectonic processes of crustal growth and reworking in the Tarim Block. In this contribution, we provide a comprehensive synthesis on the regional geology and analytical data. Based on the study herein, we constructed its tectonic framework and main evolution stages and its sedimentary-magmatic-metamorphic concurrence to the main tectonic events. In the Archean, the 2.80–2.57Ga Archaean TTG was intruded by the ca.2.53Ga high Ba-Sr granite, leading to the formation of the Archean proto crust of the Tarim. During the Proterozoic, two periods of tectono-metamorphic events occurred in the Orosirian–Statherian period (2.0–1.8Ga) and the late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic (1.0–0.9Ga), respectively. They were concurrent with the global assembly of Columbia and Rodinia supercontinents, respectively. Since 760Ma, Tarim and other landmasses started to split from Rodinia in response to the Rodinian breakup. In the middle to late Neoproterozoic, the Rodinia breakup resulted in the diverse and voluminous intriguing igneous activities along the northern margin of the Tarim. In the Early Cambrian, the Tarim Block drifted away from the other parts of Rodinian landmass in response to the Pan-African tectonic event. During the late Neoproterozoic to the Carboniferous, the early Paleozoic Northern Kunlun orogen was produced by collision of the Qaidam with the southern margin of Tarim, whereas in the late Paleozoic the southern Tianshan orogen was brought about due to collision between the Yili terrane and the northern margin of Tarim. In the Permian, a large igneous province occurred in Tarim, which is the last igneous activity in this block. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we report zircon U–Pb age, chemical compositions of rock-forming minerals, and whole-rock elemental and Sr–Nd isotopic data for the No. II mafic-ultramafic intrusive complex (N2MC) in the Quruqtagh area at the northeastern margin of the Tarim Block, northwestern China to evaluate its petrogenesis and tectonic significance. The N2MC with an exposure area of ca. 12km2 has a funnel-shaped cross-section and intruded the Paleoproterozoic basement. U–Pb zircon dating gives a crystallization age of 760±6Ma. Rock types of the N2MC include lherzolite, pyroxenite, gabbro and minor diorite. Major elements geochemistry of these rocks exhibits a tholeiitic trend with a wide range of SiO2 contents (38.8–60wt.%). On the other hand, they are systematically enriched in LILE, LREE and depleted in HFSE and HREE, thus leading to low HFSE/LREE ratios (e.g., Nb/La≈0.3). Isotopically, the studied rocks are characterized by negative whole-rock εNd(t) values (−7.6 to −2.8) and variable high (87Sr/86Sr) i (0.7095–0.7059). These features, together with chemical compositions of the rock-forming minerals and the presence of the primary phlogopite and hornblende, suggest that N2MC was likely formed via crystal fractionation/cumulation (with negligible crustal contamination) of a tholeiitic magma derived from a metasomatized subcontinental lithosphere mantle (SCLM) in an extensional environment. The enrichment of the mantle source could be ascribed to the metasomatism by subducted-slab-released fluids before partial melting. Overall, reported Neoproterozoic igneous rocks throughout the Tarim Block constitute two major phases of Neoproterozoic igneous activities, i.e., ca. 825–800Ma and ca. 780–745Ma, respectively. Similar to that of many other Rodinian continents, this feature is interpreted to be related to the two phases of Neoproterozoic mantle plume activity under the Rodinia. Furthermore, there exist two types of mafic-ultramafic complex at Quruqtagh, i.e., the ca. 820Ma carbonatite-bearing and the ca. 760Ma tholeiitic, which could reflect the presence of two different mantle sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pyrolysis experiments on northern Songliao basin oil shale were carried out by Rock-Eval analyzer at five different heating rates of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C/min. Pyrolysis characteristics of oil shale were investigated at different heating rates. Kinetic parameters of oil shale pyrolysis were determined by using Friedman procedure and global first-order kinetics. From Friedman procedure, it is concluded that most reactions occur with the activation energy of 165-545 kJ/mol. The linear relationship between activation energy and logarithm of frequency factor was obtained. The values of activation energy and frequency factor, deduced from the first-order equation case, are used to predict pyrolysis time. It is found that pyrolysis time is correlating with pyrolysis temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Field populations of Helicoverpa assulta (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from the main tobacco-growing regions of China were investigated for their resistance to the conventional insecticidal chemicals fenvalerate (pyrethroid), phoxim (organophosphate), and methomyl (carbamate) during 2004–2005 using a micro-topical method under laboratory conditions. The studied strains exhibited an increased resistance to fenvalerate by 5.83–17,622-fold compared to the control strain. The highest levels of resistance to fenvalerate were 1042–17,622-fold and observed for 12 out of the 25 studied strains. Four strains showed a resistance level increased by 189–823-fold and 5 strains showed very low resistance to fenvalerate (<10). Substantial resistance to phoxim was observed only in one strain (50.8-fold), which was collected from Anhui in East China (AH1). Significant resistance to methomyl was detected in two strains with increases of 37.1- and 31.6-fold, respectively. These were collected from Anhui (AH1) and Yunnan (YN1) in East China and Southwest China. The impacts of H. assulta resistance to these insecticides on its management in China are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Elevated arsenic (As) concentration and salinity (TDS > 1000 mg/L) seriously affect the groundwater quality in the Hetao Basin, China, however, the origin of groundwater salinity and its influence for As mobilization has not been widely studied. In this study, the influence of evaporite minerals weathering on groundwater salinity and As mobilization were investigated by lithological and mineralogical analysis of sediments from two boreholes in combination with groundwater hydrogeochemical characteristics analysis in the northwestern Hetao Basin. Results from a water-leaching method suggest that Na and Ca related sulphates dominate the evaporite minerals in sediment samples. Groundwater salinization mainly results from evaporation and Na+/Ca2+ cation exchange followed by sulphate and silicate minerals weathering. Saturated indices for calcite, dolomite and unsaturated indices for gypsum as well as negative correlation between pH and SO 4 2- suggest that groundwater chemistry does not reach equilibrium with continual carbonates precipitation by an excessive Ca supply from Ca related sulphates weathering. The groundwater pH decrease and Ca2+ release during weathering of Ca related sulphates can retard As desorption from Fe (oxyhydr)oxides and clay minerals. Furthermore, pyrite minerals were also found in the sediments induced by high sulphide flux and it can cause As sequestration. However, modeling results suggest the occurrence of thio-As species in the study area, which can potentially enhance the As mobilization. This study contributes to the ongoing research into As mobilization in the groundwater of lacustrine basins. • Silicate and sulphate minerals weathering controlled groundwater chemical composition. • pH decreases and Ca2+ release induced by Ca sulphates weathering retard As desorption. • Pyrite and thio-As species formation are suggested in the aquifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Variants in planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway genes have been repeatedly implicated in the pathogenesis of NTDs in both mouse models and in human cohorts. Mouse models indicate that the homogenous disruption of the Ptk7 gene, a PCP regulator, results in craniorachischisis; while embryos that are doubly heterozygous for Ptk7XST87 and Vangl2Lp mutations present with spina bifida. Methods: In this study, we initially sequenced exons of the human PTK7 gene in 192 spina bifida patients and 190 controls from a California population. A phase II validation study was performed in 343 Chinese NTD cohort. Functional assays including immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation were used to study identified variants effect on PTK7 function. Results: We identified three rare (MAF <0.001) missense heterozygous PTK7 variants (NM_001270398.1:c.581C>T, p.Arg630Ser and p.Tyr725Phe) in the spina bifida patients. In our functional analyses, p.Arg630Ser affected PTK7 mutant protein stability and increased interaction with Dvl2, while the p.Thr186Met variant decreased PTK7 interactions with Dvl2. No novel predicted‐to‐be‐damaging variant or function‐disrupted PTK7 variant was identified among the control subjects. We subsequently re‐sequenced the PTK7 CDS region in 343 NTDs from China to validate the association between PTK7 and NTDs. The frequency of PTK7 rare missense variants in the Chinese NTD samples is significantly higher than in gnomAD controls. Conclusion: Our study suggests that rare missense variants in PTK7 contribute to the genetic risk of NTDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Neoproterozoic igneous rocks are widely distributed in the Quruqtagh along the northern margin of the Tarim, NW China. Here we report ages, petrography, and geochemistry of two (No. I and No. IV) Neoproterozoic bimodal intrusive complexes and Zhongtuzhan ultramafic dykes in the Quruqtagh, in order to construct a new model of Neoproterozoic tectonic evolution of the Tarim during the breakup of Rodinia. The No. I (∼20km2) and No. IV (∼10km2) bimodal intrusive complexes in Quruqtagh are composed of gabbroic and granitic rocks. New U–Pb ages of the zircons from the two intrusive complexes demonstrate that they were coevally emplaced at ca. 735Ma. The Zhongtuzhan ultramafic dykes were emplaced at ca. 802Ma, broadly coeval with the nearby Qieganbulake ultamafic-mafic–carbonatite complex. The gabbroic rocks from both No. I and No. IV complexes exhibit tholeiitic characters, enrichment in LILE and LREE, and depletion in HFSE and HREE. Isotopically, they are characterized by wide range of whole-rock ɛNd(t) values (0 to −0) and variable high (87Sr/86Sr) i (0.7095–0.7059). Zircons from the gabbroic samples of the No. I and No. IV complexes have slightly different ɛHf(t) (−1.5–0.9 and −2.5 to −0.5, respectively), indicating Nd–Hf isotopic decoupling. Zircons from Zhongtuzhan ultramafic dykes have pronounced negative ɛHf(t) (−14.9 to −11.9), resembling the Hf isotopic compositions of the baddeleyites from the Qieganbulake carbonatite. These features, combined with the presence of the primary phlogopite and hornblende, suggest that the gabbroic rocks were likely formed via combined crustal assimilation and crystal fractionation/cumulation (AFC effects) of a tholeiitic magma originally derived from a metasomatized subcontinental lithosphere mantle (SCLM). In comparison, the granites mingled into the No. I complex display adakitic signatures and pronounced negative ɛNd(t) values (≤−12), and were derived from partial melting of mafic lower crust due to the underplating of the coeval mafic magma. Our results, in conjunction with previous data in literature, indicate that the Neoproterozoic igneous activities in Quruqtagh could be broadly divided into four phases. They are as follows: (1) the ca. 820–800Ma ultramafic–mafic–carbonatite complex and voluminous adakitic granites and mafic dyke swarm; (2) the ca. 780–760Ma tholeiitic ultramafic–mafic complex and voluminous mafic dyke swarm; (3) the ca. 740–735Ma bimodal complex and bimodal volcanic series; and (4) minor 650–635Ma mafic dykes. The Neoproterozoic igneous activities waned since 740Ma as a result of the dispersing of Tarim from Rodinia. The presence of voluminous mafic rocks of arc-signature and the calc-alkaline granites in this area is due to the interaction between the Rodinian plume and oceanic crust subduction under the Tarim continent before 760Ma. As the Tarim Block was at the periphery of the Rodinia, subduction along the northern margin of the Tarim could last from late Mesoproterozoic to mid-Neoproterozoic (ca. 760Ma). During the subduction, the Rodinian plume (pulses of 825–800 and 780–740Ma) could heat the lithospheric mantle under the continental arc along the northern margin of Tarim, leading to the formation of the voluminous and diverse igneous rocks of arc-signatures. The subduction ceased at ca. 760Ma. The ca. 735Ma bimodal intrusive complex and the coeval Beiyixi basalt unconformably overlying on the ca. 820–800Ma granites, might indicate the dispersing of the Tarim from Australia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presented a study on shale gas reservoir of Longmaxi Formation of Lower Silurian in southern Sichuan Basin. The reservoir porosity was measured using nitrogen adsorption method. The pore volume, pore specific surface area and pore size distribution were studied through the isotherms and DFF analysis. Based on all of these, discussed the main factors to control the nanopore structure and the nanopore's influence on shale gas accumulation. The results show that, the pore structure of the shale gas reservoir of Longmaxi Formation is relatively complex, which is composed of nanopores and possesses a certain ruleless structure (the amorphous pore), pores are open in style and mainly consist of the cylinder pores with two ends open and parallel-plate pores with four sides open. It is concluded that openness degree of the pores improved with the increase of the vertical depth, the sizes of the main nanopores are in a range of 2 ~40 nm, which take up 88.39% of the total volume of pores and 98.85% of specific surface area. Most of the pore volume is occupied by the mesopores which are 2 ~ 50 nm in size. The micropores and mesopores of which the diameters are less than 50 nm dominate the main pore specific surface. The main internal factor to control the volume and the pore specific surface of nanopores of the shale gas reservoir in Longmaxi Formation is TOC content. It is also the important substance to provide the main storage space. The nanopores have a strong ability to absorb shale gas, the interior of which is structured filled with the shale gas, thus increase shale gas storage capacity and finally make the model characteristic complicated. The open nanopores can improve the shale gas desorbing efficiency and the permeability of the reservoirs, and then improve the shale gas production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Zircon U–Pb ages and geochemical data are reported for the Piqiang oxide-bearing ultramfic–mafic complex, the Bachu mafic dyke swarm, the Yingan and Kaipaizileike basalts and the Halajun A-type granites in the Tarim Block, Northwest China. The Piqiang complex and the Halajun A-type granites were emplaced at ca. 276Ma and ca. 278Ma, respectively. Together with previously reported geochronological data, the diverse intrusive and extrusive rocks in Tarim show a peak age at ca. 275Ma. Elemental and Nd isotope geochemistry suggests that the spatially and temporally related Piqiang complex (including some dolerite dykes or stocks) and the Halajun A-type granites were formed via crystal fractionation/accumulation of a common plume-derived parental mafic magma (melting degree >10%), coupled with variable extents of crustal contamination. Crystal fractionation/accumulation in one or several magma chambers resulted in the diversity of rocks types. The Bachu mafic dyke swarm shares a similar mantle source with the intrusive rocks in the Piqiang–Halajun area but with a relatively lower degree of partial melting (~5%). In contrast, the basalts were derived from a time-integrated, enriched lithospheric mantle source as suggested by their high-Ti, LREE- and LILE-enriched trace element signature and negative εNd(t) values (−2.0 ~ −2.6). The synchronous yet diverse range of Permian igneous rocks in Tarim can best be accounted for by a Permian mantle plume, which is about 15Ma earlier than the Emeishan plume in southwestern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a heterogeneous disease with seven major psoriasis susceptibility loci reported so far on chromosomes 1p, 1q, 3q, 4q, 6p, 17q, and 19p, respectively. To investigate the psoriasis susceptibility loci in Chinese Hans, a genome-wide scan was performed with two-point and multipoint parametric and nonparametric linkage analyses in 61 multiplex families. These families were Chinese Hans residing in east and south-east China, comprising 189 affected and 166 unaffected individuals. We detected evidence for linkage at 6p21 (PSORS1) with nonparametric linkage scores > 3 in the range of 39.9–62.3 cM and a maximum multipoint nonparametric linkage score of 4.58 (p=0.000032). Parametric analysis revealed a maximum two-point heterogeneity lod score of 4.30 with 58% as the proportion of linked families (α) and a maximum multipoint heterogeneity lod score of 4.25 (α=53%) under the assumption of a dominant model. We could not confirm a previous reported locus (PSORS3) on distal chromosome 4q; however, a region of highly suggestive linkage was identified proximal to this proposed locus. Multipoint nonparametric analysis demonstrated nonparametric linkage scores > 3 throughout a region between 152.5 cM and 165.1 cM (from pter) with a maximum peak of 3.69 (p=0.00033) at 157.9 cM, which locates D4S413. A maximum multipoint heterogeneity lod score of 2.31 (α=46%) was reached at 163.1 cM. With two-point parametric linkage analysis, we observed the highest lod score of 2.43 and heterogeneity lod score of 3.94 (α=77%) at marker D4S1597. Our results showed that chromosomes 6p and 4q may contain genes involved in the susceptibility to psoriasis vulgaris in a Chinese Han population. Other regions with weaker evidence for linkage could also hide minor susceptibility genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northern peatlands are important carbon pools; however, differences in the structure and function of microbiomes inhabiting contrasting geochemical zones within these peatlands have rarely been emphasized. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomic profiling, and detailed geochemical analyses, we investigated the taxonomic composition and genetic potential across various geochemical zones of a typical northern peatland profile in the Changbai Mountains region (Northeastern China). Specifically, we focused on elucidating the turnover of organic carbon, sulfur (S), nitrogen (N), and methane (CH 4 ). Three geochemical zones were identified and characterized according to porewater and solid-phase analyses: the redox interface (<10 cm), shallow peat (10-100 cm), and deep peat (>100 cm). The redox interface and upper shallow peat demonstrated a high availability of labile carbon, which decreased toward deeper peat. In deep peat, anaerobic respiration and methanogenesis were likely constrained by thermodynamics, rather than solely driven by available carbon, as the acetate concentrations reached 90 μmol·L -1 . Both the microbial community composition and metabolic potentials were significantly different (p < 0.05) among the redox interface, shallow peat, and deep peat. The redox interface demonstrated a close interaction between N, S, and CH 4 cycling, mainly driven by Thermodesulfovibrionia, Bradyrhizobium, and Syntrophorhabdia metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). The archaeal Bathyarchaeia were indicated to play a significant role in the organic carbon, N, and S cycling in shallow peat. Although constrained by anaerobic respiration and methanogenesis, deep peat exhibited a higher metabolic potential for organic carbon degradation, primarily mediated by Acidobacteriota. In terms of CH 4 turnover, subsurface peat (10-20 cm) was a CH 4 production hotspot, with a net turnover rate of ∼2.9 nmol·cm -3 ·d -1 , while the acetoclastic, hydrogenotrophic, and methylotrophic methanogenic pathways all potentially contributed to CH 4 production. The results of this study improve our understanding of biogeochemical cycles and CH 4 turnover along peatland profiles., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Atmospheric deposition provides a stable iron source for peatlands. The influences of Fe input on methane (CH 4 ) productions and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We conducted a microcosm experiment with peat sediments collected from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of China to explore the effects of ferrihydrite reductionfor CH 4 productions in peatlands by using geochemical analyses including 57 Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (3D-EEM) in combination with high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results showed that ferrihydrite reduction significantly increased CH 4 production, being 30 times of that under the control. Selective extractions for iron oxides and 57 Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy measurements revealed that no crystalline secondary iron minerals were formed during the ferrihydrite reduction process. The addition of ferrihydrite enhanced the degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in peat soil, resulting in a reduction in the concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Furthermore, the relative abundance of typical fermentative microorganisms in peat sediments, including Acidobacteriota and Bacteroidota, significantly increased. Such a result indicated that reduction of ferrihydrite accelerated organic matter decomposition and increased substrate concentration required for methanogenesis. Furthermore, a co-increase in relative abundance of Geobacter , Geothrix , and Methanobacterium in the ferrihydrite-amended group suggested a potential synergistic interaction that may promote the CH 4 production. Our results demonstrated that ferrihydrite reduction could significantly enhance CH 4 production and play a vital role in regulating CH 4 emissions in peatlands.

Chinese tongue sole ( Cynoglossus semilaevis ) is an economically important marine fish species with a ZZ/ZW sex determination mechanism, which can be influenced by temperature. Alternative splicing (AS) is an important mechanism regulating the expression of genes related to sex determination and gonadal differentiation, but has rarely been reported in fish. In this study, to explore the molecular regulatory mechanisms of sex determination and gonadal differentiation, we combined isoform and RNA sequencing (Iso-Seq and RNA-Seq) to perform transcriptome profiling of male and female gonads in C. semilaevis . In total, 81 883 and 32 341 full-length transcripts were obtained in males and females, respectively. A total of 8 279 AS genes were identified, including 2 639 genes showing differential AS (DAS) between males and females. Many intersecting DAS genes and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in the meiotic cell cycle pathway, and genes related to gonadal differentiation, such as esrrb and wt1a , were found to have sex-specific isoforms. Thus, this study revealed AS events in the gonadal transcriptomes of male and female C. semilaevis , described the characteristics of active transcription in the testes, and identified candidate genes for studying the regulatory mechanisms of AS during gonadal differentiation.

Duplication of MECP2 (Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2) causes severe mental illness called MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), yet the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here we show, in Tg(MECP2) transgenic mouse brain or cultured neural progenitor cells (NPCs), that elevated MeCP2 expression promotes NPC differentiation into neurons. Ectopic expression of MeCP2 inhibits ADAM10 and thus the NOTCH pathway during NPC differentiation. In human cells, this downregulation on ADAM10 was mediated by miRNA-197, which is upregulated by MeCP2. Surprisingly, miR-197 binds to the ADAM10 3'-UTR via its 3' side, not the canonical seed sequence on the 5' side. In mouse cells, a noncoding RNA Gm28836 is used to replace the function of miR-197 between MeCP2 and ADAM10. Similar to MeCP2, overexpressing miR-197 also promotes NPCs differentiation into neurons. Interestingly, three rare missense mutations (H371R, E394K, and G428S) in MECP2, which we identified in a Han Chinese autism spectrum disorders (ASD) cohort showed loss-of-function effects in NPC differentiation assay. These mutations cannot upregulate miR-197. Overexpressing miR-197 together with these MeCP2 mutations could rescue the downregulation on ADAM10. Not only the inhibitor of miR-197 could reverse the effect of overexpressed MeCP2 on NPCs differentiation, but also overexpression of miR-197 could reverse the NPCs differentiation defects caused by MECP2 mutations. Our results revealed that a regulatory axis involving MeCP2, miR-197, ADAM10, and NOTCH signaling is critical for NPC differentiation, which is affected by both MeCP2 duplication and mutation.

Congenital heart defects (CHDs), the most common congenital human birth anomalies, involves complex genetic factors. Wnt/β-catenin pathway is critical for cardiogenesis and proved to be associated with numerous congenital heart abnormities. AXIN2 has a unique role in Wnt/β-catenin pathway, as it is not only an important inhibitor but also a direct target of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. However, whether AXIN2 is associated with human CHDs has not been reported. In our present study, we found a differential expression of Axin2 mRNA during the development of mouse heart, indicating its importance in mouse cardiac development. Then using targeted next-generation sequencing, we found two novel case-specific rare mutations [c.28 C > T (p.L10F), c.395 A > G (p.K132R)] in the sequencing region of AXIN2. In vitro functional analysis suggested that L10F might be a loss-of-function mutation and K132R is a gain-of-function mutation. Both mutations disrupted Wnt/β-catenin pathway and failed to rescue CHD phenotype caused by Axin2 knockdown in zebrafish model. Collectively, our study indicates that rare mutations in AXIN2 might contribute to the risk of human CHDs and a balanced canonical Wnt pathway is critical for cardiac development process. To our knowledge, it is the first study of AXIN2 mutations associated with human CHDs, providing new insights into CHD etiology.

Background: Mortality rates for patients with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections have improved only modestly in recent decades and S. aureus infections remain a major clinical challenge This study investigated the in vitro antimicrobial activity of erevacycline (erava) against clinical S. aureus isolates from China, as well as the heteroresistance frequency of erava and sequence types (STs) represented in the sample., Results: A sample of 328 non-duplicate clinical S. aureus isolates, including 138 methecillin-resistant (MRSA) and 190 methecillin-sensitive (MSSA) isolates, were collected retrospectively in China. Erava exhibited excellent in vitro activity (MIC 50  ≤ 0.25 mg/L) against MRSA and MSSA, including isolates harboring Tet specific resistance genes. The frequency of erava heteroresistance in MSSA with erava MICs = 0.5 mg/L was 13.79% (4/29); no MRSA with erava MICs ≤0.5 mg/L exhibited heteroresistance. Heteroresistance- derived clones had no 30S ribosome subunit mutations, but their erava MICs (range, 1-4 mg/L) were suppressed dramatically in the presence of efflux protein inhibitors., Conclusions: Conclusively, erava exhibited excellent in vitro activity against S. aureus, however hints of erava heteroresistance risk and MIC creep were detected, particularly among MSSA with MICs of 0.5 mg/L.

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to investigate biofilm formation characteristics in clinical Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolates with erythromycin (ERY) resistance from China and further analyze their correlations with antimicrobial susceptibility and molecular characteristics., Methodology: A total of 276 clinical isolates of ERY-resistant S. aureus, including 142 methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains and 134 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) strains, were retrospectively collected in China. Biofilms were determined by crystal violet staining and ERY resistance genes (ermA, ermB and ermC) were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Inducible clindamycin resistance was examined by D test and multilocus sequence typing, and clonal complexes (CCs) based on housekeeping genes were further determined., Results: The frequency of biofilm formation among ERY-resistant S. aureus was 40.9% (113/276) in total and no significant difference was found for the frequency of biofilm formation between ERY-resistant MRSA and ERY-resistant MSSA (44.4% vs 37.3%, P > 0.05). In ERY-resistant MRSA isolates, the frequency of biofilm formation in ermA-positive, gentamicin-resistant and ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates was higher than that in ermA-negative, gentamicin-sensitive and ciprofloxacin-sensitive isolates, respectively (63.9% vs 23.6%, P < 0.01; 60.3% vs 27.5%, P < 0.01; 65.2% vs 26.3%, P < 0.01). In addition, tetracycline resistance facilitated biofilm formation in both ERY-resistant MRSA and MSSA and the frequency of biofilm formation in CC239- or CC7S. aureus isolates with ERY resistance was significantly higher compared with that in CC59S. aureus (both P < 0.01)., Conclusion: The ermA gene, and gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline resistance facilitate biofilm formation in ERY-resistant MRSA isolates and, moreover, ERY-resistant S. aureus isolates with positive biofilm formation exhibited clonality clustering regarding CC239 and CC7., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are one of the most common human birth defects worldwide. TBX20 is a crucial transcription factor for the development of embryonic cardiovascular system. Previous studies have demonstrated that mutations in the TBX20 coding region contribute to familial and sporadic CHD occurrence. However, it remains largely unknown whether variants in the TBX20 regulatory region are also related to CHDs. In this study, we sequenced the 2 kb region upstream of the TBX20 transcription start site in 228 CHD patients and 292 controls in a Han Chinese population. Among the 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified, six SNPs are in strong linkage disequilibrium and the minor alleles are associated with lower CHD risk (for rs10235849 chosen as tag SNP, p = 0.0069, OR (95% CI) = 0.68 (0.51-0.90)). Functional analysis showed that the minor alleles have lower transcriptional activity than major alleles in both human heart tissues and three cell lines. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay suggested that TBX20 minor alleles may exhibit higher binding affinity with certain transcription repressors. Our results indicate that a moderately lower TBX20 activity potentially reduces CHD risk in the Han Chinese population, providing new insight in the study of CHD etiology.

Aim: To explore potential interactions among Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), CagA status, interleukin (IL)-1B-31 genotypes, and non-cardiac gastric cancer (GC) risk., Methods: A case-control study of non-cardia GC was performed at 3 hospitals located in Xi'an, China, between September 2008 and July 2010. We included 171 patients with histologically diagnosed primary non-cardia GC and 367 population based controls (matched by sex, age and city of residence). A standardized questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding potential risk factors, including pork consumption. H. pylori CagA status was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and IL-1B-31 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression was used to explore potential interactions among the factors., Results: The CagA appeared to confer an increased risk of GC (OR = 1.81, 95%CI: 1.25-2.61). The main associations with IL-1B-31C allele here were 0.98 (95%CI: 0.59-1.63) for CC vs TT and 0.99 (95%CI: 0.64-1.51) for C Carriers vs TT. However, no associations were observed for CagA or IL-1B-31 genotype status among subjects who reported low pork consumption (P for interaction = 0.11). In contrast, high pork consumption and IL-1B-31C genotypes appeared to synergistically increase GC risk (P for interaction = 0.048) after adjusting for confounding factors, particularly among subjects with CagA (OR = 3.07, 95%CI: 1.17-10.79). We did not observe effect modification of pork consumption by H. pylori CagA status, or between H. pylori CagA status and IL-1B-31 genotypes after adjustment for pork consumption and other factors., Conclusion: These interaction relationships among CagA, IL-1B-31 and pork consumption may have implications for development of the preventive strategies for the early detection of non-cardiac GC.

Background: Genome-wide association studies on components of the one-carbon metabolic pathway revealed that human vitamin B12 levels could be significantly influenced by variations in the fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2), cubilin (CUBN), and transcobalamin-I (TCN1) genes. An altered vitamin B12 level is an important factor that disturbs the homeostasis of the folate metabolism pathway, which in turn can potentially lead to the development of congenital heart disease (CHD). Therefore, we investigated the association between the variants of vitamin B12-related genes and CHD in Han Chinese populations., Methods and Results: Six variants of the vitamin B12-related genes were selected for analysis in two independent case-control studies, with a total of 868 CHD patients and 931 controls. The variant rs11254363 of the CUBN gene was associated with a decreased risk of developing CHD in both the separate and combined case-control studies. Combined samples from the two cohorts had a significant decrease in CHD risk for the G allele (OR = 0.48, P = 1.7×10⁻⁵) and AG+GG genotypes (OR = 0.49, P = 4×10⁻⁵), compared with the wild-type A allele and AA genotype, respectively., Conclusions: Considering the G allele of variant rs11254363 of the CUBN gene was associated with an increased level of circulating vitamin B12. This result suggested that the carriers of the G allele would benefit from the protection offered by the high vitamin B12 concentration during critical heart development stages. This finding shed light on the unexpected role of CUBN in CHD development and highlighted the interplay of diet, genetics, and human birth defects.

Background: Homocysteine is known to be an independent risk factor for congenital heart disease (CHD). Methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) is essential for the adequate remethylation of homocysteine, which is the dominant pathway for homocysteine removal during early embryonic development., Methods and Results: Here, we report that the c.56+781 A>C (rs326119) variant of intron-1 of MTRR significantly increases the risk of CHD in the Han Chinese population. In 3 independent case-control studies involving a total of 2340 CHD patients and 2270 healthy control participants from different geographic areas, we observed that patients carrying the heterozygous AC and homozygous CC genotype had a 1.40-fold (odds ratio=1.40; P=2.32×10(-7)) and 1.84-fold (odds ratio=1.84; P=2.3×10(-11)) increased risk, respectively, of developing CHD than those carrying the wild-type AA genotype. Both in vivo quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of MTRR mRNA in cardiac tissue samples from CHD patients and in vitro luciferase assays in transfected cells demonstrated that the c.56+781 C allele profoundly decreased MTRR transcription. Further analysis demonstrated that the c.56+781 C allele manifested reduced CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α binding affinity. In addition, healthy individuals with the homozygous CC genotype had significantly elevated levels of plasma homocysteine compared with the wild-type AA carriers., Conclusions: We have demonstrated that the MTRR c.56+781 A>C variant is an important genetic marker for increased CHD risk because this variant results in functionally reduced MTRR expression at the transcriptional level. Our results accentuate the significance of functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms in noncoding regions of the homocysteine/folate metabolism pathway core genes for their potential contributions to the origin of CHD.

Background: Clinical research indicates that periconceptional administration of folic acid can reduce the occurrence of congenital cardiac septal defects (CCSDs). The vital roles of folate exhibits in three ways: the unique methyl donor for DNA expression regulation, the de novo biosynthesis of purine and pyrimidine for DNA construction, and the serum homocysteine removal. Thymidylate synthase (TYMS) is the solo catalysis enzyme for the de novo synthesis of dTMP, which is the essential precursor of DNA biosynthesis and repair process. To examine the role of TYMS in Congenital Cardiac Septal Defects (CCSDs) risk, we investigated whether genetic polymorphisms in the TYMS gene associated with the CCSDs in a Han Chinese population., Method: Polymorphisms in the noncoding region of TYMS were identified via direct sequencing in 32 unrelated individuals composed of half CCSDs and half control subjects. Nine SNPs and two insertion/deletion polymorphisms were genotyped from two independent case-control studies involving a total of 529 CCSDs patients and 876 healthy control participants. The associations were examined by both single polymorphism and haplotype tests using logistic regression., Result: We found that TYMS polymorphisms were not related to the altered CCSDs risk, and even to the changed risk of VSDs subgroup, when tested in both studied groups separately or in combination. In the haplotype analysis, there were no haplotypes significantly associated with risks for CCSDs either., Conclusion: Our results show no association between common genetic polymorphisms of the regulatory region of the TYMS gene and CCSDs in the Han Chinese population.

Objective: To determine the genetic cause of sex reversal in a Chinese family., Methods: Two sisters aged 21 and 20 years old were referred for primary amenorrhoea and poor secondary sexual development. They were subjected to clinical, endocrinologic and ultrasonographic investigation, and molecular analysis including cytogenetics, array CGH, SRY and SF-1 mutation screening., Results: A novel 15bp micro-duplication in the SF-1 gene in patients affected by 46,XY sex-reversal phenotype without dysgenesis., Conclusion: The novel 15bp duplication of SF-1 gene affecting 46,XY females with diverse phenotypic spectrum. This provides new information for genetic counselling of disorders of sex development.

Isolates of Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) are divided into four molecular lineages based on host range and geographical origins. Basal-BR is one of the four lineages and represented a new emergent lineage in East Asia. In one previous paper, we report the occurrence of basal-BR isolates in China. Here, we presented the first two complete genomic sequences of Chinese TuMV basal-BR isolates, WFLB06 and TANX2. The genomes of both isolates were 9833 nucleotides excluding the poly(A) tail, and had identical genomic structure. Most of their genes shared the highest identities with Japanese isolates. Recombination analysis showed that WFLB06 was an interlineage recombinant of basal-BR and Asian-BR parents, while TANX2 was an intralineage recombinant of basal-BR parents, and these two isolates represented two novel recombination patterns of TuMV. The ratio of nonsynonymous and synonymous substitution for the P1 gene of Chinese TuMV population was the highest and amounted to 12 times higher than that for the NIa-Pro gene, which implies that the selection pressure on the P1 gene was the highest among the genes present in the genome.

By using traditional ecological footprint method and its modification, emergy ecological footprint method, the sustainable development status of Heilongjiang Province in 2005 was analyzed. The results showed that the ecological deficits of Heilongjiang Province in 2005 based on emergy and conventional ecological footprint methods were 1.919 and 0.6256 hm2 x cap(-1), respectively. The ecological footprint value based on the two methods both exceeded its carrying capacity, which indicated that the social and economic development of the study area was not sustainable. Emergy ecological footprint method was used to discuss the relationships between human's material demand and ecosystem resources supply, and more stable parameters such as emergy transformity and emergy density were introduced into emergy ecological footprint method, which overcame some of the shortcomings of conventional ecological method.

Ephelides are one of the most common lesions of skin pigmentation mainly on sun-exposed skin. Although they are benign pigmented spots, ephelides cause an increasing concern because of the wide-spreading cosmetic attention of society and possible association with skin cancer. However, there have been few reports on the prevalence of ephelides. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of ephelides and the possible role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of ephelides in the Han Chinese adolescents. Assessment of the skin was conducted in college students of the Anhui Medical University in China. Information on common skin conditions including ephelides were collected from 9697 Han Chinese college students. A total of 1,841 ephelides cases and 582 normal controls were identified and they, along with their first-degree relatives, provided information on ephelides conditions. The odds ratio was used to estimate the relative risk of ephelides between the first-degree relatives of cases and controls. The overall prevalence of ephelides was estimated to be 19.0% in college students. Ephelides are more common in female students (26.1%) than in males (12.1%; chi(2) = 06.7, P < 0.05). The mean ages of onset for males and females were 12.42 years (+/-4.61) and 12.88 years (+/-3.90; t = 2.11, P < 0.05), respectively. Positive family history was observed in 932 of the 1,841(50.6%) patients. The severity of ephelides in females of light skin was found to be significantly higher than that in males with skin of similar color (U = 3.904, P < 0.001). The risk of having ephelides among first-degree relatives of cases was significantly higher than that for the relatives of normal controls (odds ratio 5.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.61-7.18, P < 0.001). Our study provided the first information on the prevalence of ephelides in Chinese adolescents and suggests that familial factors are important in determining individual susceptibility to ephelides.

The complete genomic sequence of an isolate of Tobacco vein banding mosaic virus (TVBMV-YND) from Yunnan, China was determined by sequencing overlapping cDNA fragments obtained by RT-PCR with degenerate and/or specific primers. The genome is composed of 9,570 nucleotides (nt) excluding the 3'-terminal poly (A) tail and contains one single open reading frame of 9,240 nt encoding a large polyprotein of 3,079 amino acids with predicted Mr of 348.6 kDa. Phylogenetic analysis of complete genomic sequences confirmed that TVBMV is a distinct species of the genus Potyvirus. Different parts of TVBMV-YND genome shared different levels of identity with other species of potyviruses, while most parts showed greatest identity with Chilli veinal mottle virus among the potyviruses with available complete genomic sequences. TVBMV-YND had a rare Q/N cleavage site for NIb/CP and uncommon RITC motif in HC-Pro that is crucial for aphid transmission of potyviruses.

Thelaziosis is one of the parasitic zoonoses which affects the eyes of humans and domestic animals. This review covers its distribution, morphology and life cycle of the parasite, pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the disease.

Objective: To explore the clinical usage of the methods and tools of the 10-year's risk estimation of ischemic cardiovascular disease (ICVD) in Chinese., Methods: The risk of ICVD in 2287 middle-aged Qingdao people was evaluated by the methods and tools of the 10-year's risk estimation of ICVD in Chinese, which was developed by Cardiovascular Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences., Results: (1) 98.16% of male and 99.39% of female had a 10-year absolute risk of ICVD less than 10%. 0.19% of male and 0.15% of female had a 10-year absolute risk of ICVD higher than 20%. (2) In the low risk group (absolute risk < 10%) detection rate of abnormal SBP, FBG, TC, BMI was 100%, 20.8%, 75%, 87.5% respectively. While in the high risk group (absolute risk > or = 20%) detection rate of abnormal SBP, FBG, TC, BMI was 7.31%, 3.4%, 37.74%, 59.26% respectively., Conclusions: The prediction models and simplified tools for estimating 10-year-risk of ICVD in Chinese can predict satisfactorily the occurrence of cardiovascular disease in Qingdao area.

Background: A common functional polymorphism (Val/Met) in the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (COMT) that markedly affects enzyme activity has been shown to affect executive cognition and the physiology of the prefrontal cortex in humans. It is hypothesized that the high activity Val allele slightly increases risk for schizophrenia through its effect on dopamine-mediated prefrontal information processing., Methods: We compared the allele/genotype frequencies of the Val/Met polymorphism in a large independent patient-control sample (862 patient and 928 healthy control subjects) from Han Chinese population, and an update meta-analysis was performed to assess the collective evidence across individual studies., Results: No statistically significant differences were found in allele or genotype frequencies between patient and normal control subjects, although a nonsignificant overrepresentation of the Val allele in schizophrenia patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .94-1.26) was suggested. Comparatively, the meta-analysis of all published population-based association studies showed statistically significant evidence for heterogeneity among the group of studies. Stratification of the studies by ethnicity of the samples yielded no significant evidence for an association with the Val allele in Asian population (OR = .96, 95% CI = .85-1.09), nor in European population (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = .95-1.19)., Conclusions: Our data provide minimal evidence that the Val allele is a susceptibility factor for schizophrenia in either European or Asian populations.

Background: Vitiligo occurs with a frequency of 0.1% to 2% in various populations and is classified into several subtypes by its clinical presentation. Although genetic factors are thought to be involved in the cause of vitiligo, the genetic models for different phenotypes of vitiligo are unknown., Objective: Our purpose was to explore potential genetic models for different phenotypes of vitiligo and analyze genetic epidemiologic characteristics of vitiligo in a Chinese population., Methods: Information from 2247 patients and members in their families was collected using a uniform questionnaire. Patients' clinical characteristics and their family history were analyzed using software. A complex segregation analysis was conducted to propose potential genetic models for vitiligo., Results: Different subtypes of vitiligo had different ages of disease onset. In relatives of patients with vitiligo, the risk of developing vitiligo increased with increasing relatedness to the patients with vitiligo. A polygenic additive model was the best model for focal vitiligo, vitiligo vulgaris, acrofacial vitiligo, and segmental vitiligo with approximately 50% heritability in each. For universal vitiligo, the best model was an environmental model., Conclusion: This study indicated that different phenotypes of vitiligo had different pathogeneses and genetic backgrounds. Onset of vitiligo is possibly affected by both genetic backgrounds and common environmental factors.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the Sal I, Nru I and Mse I restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) of factor IX gene in Chinese Han people. The frequencies of FIX-192 and FIX-793 for A and G, and FIX-698 for T and C were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in unrelated normal Chinese Han people. A sample of 214, 210 and 206 unrelated X chromosomes were analyzed for FIX-192 and FIX-793 and FIX-698, respectively. The results showed that the frequencies for FIX-192 were 0.878 for A and 0.122 for G, with a heterozygosity rate of 0.213, and the frequencies for FIX-793 were 0.552 for A and 0.448 for G, with a heterozygosity rate of 0.494, the frequencies for FIX-698 were 0.311 for T and 0.689 for C, with a heterozygosity rate of 0.429. It was concluded that the SalIand NruI and MseI RFLPs of FIX gene may be useful markers for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis in Chinese families with hemophilia B patients.