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BACKGROUND: Experimental studies have shown that disinfection byproducts (DBPs) including haloacetic acids (HAAs) can cause liver toxicity, but evidence linking this association in humans is sparse. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore the associations between HAA exposures and liver injury. METHODS: We included 922 women between December 2018 and January 2020 from the Tongji Reproductive and Environmental (TREE) cohort study in Wuhan, China. Urinary HAA concentrations including trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) and dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and serum indicators of liver function, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were measured. Liver injury was defined as if any of serum indicator levels were above the 90th percentile. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were fitted to assess the associations of urinary HAA concentrations with the risk of liver injury and liver function indicators. Stratified analyses by age, body mass index (BMI), alcohol use, and passive smoking were also applied to evaluate the potential effect modifiers. RESULTS: There is little evidence of associations of urinary TCAA concentrations with liver injury risk and liver function indicators. However, urinary DCAA concentrations were associated with a higher risk of liver injury [odds ratios (OR) for 1-interquartile range (IQR) increase in natural log (ln) transformed DCAA concentrations: 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 1.98]. This association was observed only among nondrinkers (푝interaction =0.058). We also found that a 1-IQR increase in ln-transformed DCAA concentrations was positively associated with ALT levels (percentage change =6.06%; 95% CI: 0.48%, 11.95%) and negatively associated with AST/ALT (percentage change= -4.48%; 95% CI: -7.80%, -1.04%). In addition, urinary DCAA concentrations in relation to higher GGT levels was observed only among passive smokers (푝interaction =0.040). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that exposure to DCAA but not TCAA is associated with liver injury among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Maocun underground karst river system in the peak cluster depression is an important source of groundwater in southwest China. Multitracers and high resolution water‐level‐monitoring technology were used to assess and evaluate the hydrogeological structure and flow dynamics. The results showed that the spatial geological structures of the sites had high heterogeneity. Scatter plots of environmental tracers divided the sampling points into groups under different water flow patterns. The karstification was found to increase from sites XLB and LLS to sites BY, SGY and BDP to sites CY and DYQ, where the main water flow patterns at these site groups were diffuse water, both diffuse water and conduit water, and conduit water, respectively. The response times of the subsystems were found to be influenced by the spatial structure, the degree of karstification, and the volume of precipitation and frequency. The average response times of SGY, BDP, ZK, and Outlet in the selected precipitation scenarios were 5.17, 4.08, 16.42, and 5.83 h, respectively. In addition, the EC, δ13CDIC, 222Rn, and δ18O exhibited both linear or exponential relationships. Overall, three hydrogeological conceptual models were constructed showing: (1) high precipitation driving the deep water, resulting in a concentrated flow regime and regional groundwater flow field; (2) both concentrated and diffuse water flows existing under moderate precipitation, resulting in mixed water flow field; (3) the water cycle in the shallow karst aquifer system under low precipitation causing the local groundwater flow field to be dominated by diffuse water flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Experimental studies show that disinfection byproducts (DBPs) can inhibit oocyte maturation, decrease fertilization capacity, and impair embryo development, but human evidence is lacking. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the associations between exposure to drinking water DBPs and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. METHODS: The study included 1,048 women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment between December 2018 and January 2020 from a prospective cohort study, the Tongji Reproductive and Environmental study in Wuhan, China. Exposure to DBPs was assessed by dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) in up to four urine samples, which were collected on the day of both enrollment and oocyte retrieval. Multivariable generalized linear mixed models, accounting for multiple IVF cycles per woman, were applied to evaluate the associations between urinary biomarkers of DBP exposures and IVF outcomes. Stratified analyses were used to explore the potential effect modifiers. RESULTS: The included 1,048 women underwent 1,136 IVF cycles, with 960 (91.6%), 84 (8.0%), and 4 (0.4%) women contributing one cycle, two cycles, and three cycles, respectively. We found that elevated quartiles of urinary DCAA and TCAA concentrations were associated with reduced numbers of total oocytes and metaphase II oocytes and that urinary DCAA concentrations with a lower proportion of best-quality embryos (all 푝 for trends<0.05). Moreover, elevated quartiles of urinary DCAA concentrations were associated with decreased proportions of successful implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth (14%, 15%, and 15% decreases in adjusted means comparing the extreme quartiles, respectively; all 푝 for trends<0.05). Stratification analyses showed that the inverse associations of urinary TCAA concentrations with multiple IVF outcomes were stronger among women ≥30 y of age (푝 for interactions<0.05). DISCUSSION: Exposure to drinking water DBPs was inversely associated with some IVF outcomes among women undergoing ART treatment. Further study is necessary to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate estimate of carbonate weathering and the related carbon sink flux induced by anthropogenic H2SO4 is of great significance for improving understanding of the hydrogeochemical evolution and the global carbon cycle. Here, to quantitatively evaluate the influence of anthropogenic H2SO4 on different lithological carbonate weathering and the related carbon sink budget, karst spring water in the typical limestone and mixed limestone–dolomite catchments in Yaji and Beidiping affected by acid precipitation in southwest China were sampled monthly for the analysis of hydrochemical and δ13CDIC characteristics. Results show for the period of sampling (August 2013 to December 2014) that the average contribution rates of atmospheric inputs and carbonate weathering to total dissolved cations are 2.24% and 97.8%, and 3.09% and 96.9% in Yaji and Beidiping, respectively. The δ13CDIC values (−17.0% to −14.7‰) and the [Ca2+ + Mg2+]/[HCO3−] (0.98 to 1.25) and [Ca2+ + Mg2+]/[HCO3− + SO42−] (approximately 1) equivalent ratios of samples prove that H2CO3 and H2SO4 simultaneously participate in carbonate weathering. The contribution rates of H2SO4 to [Ca2+ + Mg2+] and [HCO3−] produced by carbonate weathering in Yaji and Beidiping are 0–30% and 0–18%, and 0–37% and 0–23%, with average values of 14% and 7%, and 19% and 11%, respectively, suggesting that the influence of H2SO4 on different lithological carbonate weathering is different. H2SO4 precipitation participating in carbonate weathering increases the weathering rate by 14–19%, whereas it decreases the flux of karst carbon sink by 7–11% in Southwest China. Therefore, anthropogenic acids have influenced the global carbon cycle and climate change by carbonate weathering due to the large karst areas in the world, and their influences on different lithological carbonate weathering should not be ignored in the regional and global carbon cycles in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To investigate the relationship between illness uncertainty, self‐perceived burden and quality of life and explore the mediating role of self‐perceived burden between illness uncertainty and quality of life in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia. Background: Patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia need long‐term, potentially lifelong therapy to control the disease, which affects their quality of life. There is a need for exploring potentially changeable factors to develop interventions. Little is known about the effects of illness uncertainty and self‐perceived burden on quality of life in this population. Design: A cross‐sectional study. Methods: A convenience sample of 248 patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia was recruited from four university hospitals from February to August 2020. Participants were assessed with the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, Self‐Perceived Burden Scale, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. The STROBE checklist was used to report the results. Results: Illness uncertainty and self‐perceived burden were negatively associated with quality of life in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia. Self‐perceived burden partially mediated the relationship between illness uncertainty and quality of life. The indirect effect was −0.101, accounting for 22.9% of the total effect. Conclusion: The findings revealed the relationship between illness uncertainty, self‐perceived burden and quality of life in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia. Self‐perceived burden exerted a mediating role between illness uncertainty and quality of life in this population. Relevance to clinical practice: This study alerts healthcare providers to pay attention to patients' illness uncertainty and self‐perceived burden, which can contribute to develop effective interventions to improve the quality of life among patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia in the clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil net nitrogen mineralisation (Nt) is crucial for nitrogen availability and ecosystem productivity. However, the patterns and drivers of Nt remain unclear under different management practices. We examined the biotic and abiotic determinants of Nt, using 11 treatments in Northern China fluvo‐aquic soil under wheat–maize rotation. Biotic properties, for example, soil microbial community, were determined based on phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) together with high‐throughput sequencing technologies. Abiotic properties were characterised by the content and stoichiometric ratios of soil nutrients. Animal manure applications (HNM, NM, M, FM) significantly increased the Nt (1.80–3.40 mg kg−1) and available phosphorus (Olsen‐P) (46.3–199.3 mg kg−1), compared with treatments with plant residues (NG, NS) incorporation. Fallow with animal manure (FM) had the highest Gram‐negative bacteria (G‐, 29.3 nmol g−1), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF, 4.57 nmol g−1) abundance, which was also significantly higher than that of the NG and NS. Structural Equation Modelling revealed that the content of total nutrient, including soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) rather than biotic properties, such as microbial community (λ = −0.26) and enzyme activities (λ = −0.16), had the strongest direct effect on Nt (λ = 0.85). Stoichiometric ratios of C, N, and P controlled Nt indirectly by mediating enzyme activities. Specifically, high Nt was associated with low Dothideomycetes, Tectomicrobia abundance that negatively correlated with SOC, TN, TP, Olsen‐P, and BG activity. Random forest model indicated that SOC and Olsen‐P contents were top‐rated determinants of Nt. Our result indicated that the content and stoichiometric ratios of SOC and N, P directly drive Nt or via microbial ways. Our study highlighted the importance of P to improve Nt: animal manure was thus recommended for nitrogen availability. Highlights: Animal manure significantly enhanced Nt rather than plant residue incorporationNt is negatively correlated with the AN:Olsen‐P ratio and Dothideomycetes abundanceStoichiometric ratios of nutrients associated with enzymes activities regulate NtSOC and Olsen‐P affected Nt as key factors under N enrichment conditions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsoil carbonate dissolution is the drives of atmosphere CO2 consumption, underground water alkalinity and karst landform. Specifically, the determining factors and corresponding dissolution models for subsoil carbonate dissolution rate ( R Carb ) remain under-researched in various seasons and soil profiles in situ with standard limestone tablets. They are the results of both ecosystem dynamics and hydrological processes. Thus, this study aimed to explore R Carb under different seasons, soil depths and water drainage conditions in a karst drainage basin and reveal the factors determining them. Six hundred eighty-four standard limestone tablets were exposed to fields in the subsoil of 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm deep, sixteen plots, five sites over every 3 to 4 months in a total of 423 days in the basin of the Miaoguang underground river in Southwest China. The determining factors, including soil CO2 concentration, moisture content, temperature, and pH, were monitored at the same time. The results are summarized in the following statements. R Carb , ranged from -0.39 to 18.15 mg cm−2 a−1, were in a clear seasonal pattern. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the observed soil factors revealed the mechanisms that in hot and rainy summer, high R Carb occurred in an open system with continuously supplemented CO2 (period I) and decreased with rainfall amount (period IV). Low R Carb occurred in a closed system with inactive biological CO2 production under cold weather (period II and III). Hence as soil temperature decreased, R Carb increased. R Carb increased with soil depths as the elevated soil CO2, temperature and available acid water. Dissolution occurred in an open system on an annual average scale, and a well-fitting equation of R Carb and soil factors were given. Local water drainage was critical in carbonate chemical dissolving with implications of formations of local karst landform. Due to no or less groundwater drain and spring seepage, R Carb measured in site B (a flat saddle with underlying dolomite bedrock) was nearly zero. Conversely, with water retention, R Carb was higher in gentle limestone hillslope or depression than in steep hillside because of longer water–rock interaction duration. In general, in karst drainage basin areas, R Carb was determined by multiple factors about seasons, soil depths, and water drainage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the hydrogeochemical processes of carbonate aquifers is essential for utilizing local karst groundwater resources sustainability. Integrating hydrochemistry, environmental isotopes and hydrogeological conditions was used to study hydrogeochemical characteristics of a closed karst groundwater basin located in Shandong Province, North China. The dominant hydrochemistry type was HCO3–SO4–Ca in the karst groundwater system. Carbonates dissolution (especially calcite dissolution) as the main rock chemical weathering dominated the chemical compositions of the carbonate aquifers. Hydrogeochemical evolution processes of the closed karst groundwater basin were mainly carbonates dissolution accompanied with weak influences of human activities and weak evaporation during the recharging of atmospheric precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important questions in the science of global carbon cycle is how to balance the atmospheric CO2 budget. However, there is a large terrestrial carbon sink is missing. The locations, magnitudes, variations, and mechanisms responsible for this terrestrial missing carbon sink are uncertain and the focus of much continuing debate. In order to provide a basis for the assessment of carbonate weathering-related carbon sink, this study investigated the spatial and temporal variations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and particulate organic carbon (POC), and used stable carbon isotopes and hydrochemical data to quantitatively estimate the proportion of DIC transformation to POC and analyze the potential influence of the transformation of DIC into OC on the carbon isotope composition in the Lijiang River (typical karst surface water), Southwest China. The results showed that DIC concentrations are high in winter and low in summer and increase from upstream to downstream. POC concentrations are high in summer and low in spring. δ13CPOC and δ13CDIC are negatively correlated in the Lijiang River. The δ13CDIC values are high in spring and low in summer, compared with the estimated δ13CDIC(cal.); the observed δ13CDIC values have a maximum positive shift in spring and similar in the summer; the δ13CPOC values decrease from upstream to downstream, and are high in summer and low in spring. These observations indicate that the isotopic compositions of both DIC and POC are significantly affected by aquatic photosynthesis that transforms DIC into OC. In-river primary production contribute 12–54% of POC, and the contributions of carbonate rock-sourced DIC to the riverine POC range from 7 to 30%, which suggests an important sink of atmospheric CO2 in river systems and should be taken into account in global carbon cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rhein is considered to have beneficial influence on diabetic nephropathy. Animal experiments suggested that the mechanisms of rhein against diabetic nephropathy may involve many processes, but the credibility of the evidence is unclear. Therefore, we conducted systematic review and meta-analysis of pre-clinical animal data to assess the current evidence for rhein effects and mechanisms in treating diabetic nephropathy. Methods: The databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP information database, Wanfang Data Information Site, and Chinese Biomedical Literature were searched for this review. SYRCLE's risk of bias tool for animal studies was applied to assess the methodological quality of studies. A meta-analysis was performed according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions by using RevMan 5.3 and STATA/SE 12.0 software. This study was registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42018105220. Results: Twenty-five studies involving 537 animals were included. There was significant association of rhein with levels of blood glucose (P < 0.05), serum creatinine (Scr) (P < 0.05), urine protein (P < 0.05), kidney tubules injury index (P < 0.05), relative area of kidney collagen (P < 0.05), transforming growth factor-β1 (P < 0.05), malondialdehyde (P < 0.05), and superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05) compared with that in the control group. No significant association between rhein and endothelin (P > 0.05) was found. Subgroup analysis showed that the hypoglycemic effect of rhein on type 2 diabetic nephropathy was better than on type 1 diabetic nephropathy (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggested that rhein has beneficial effects on animal models of diabetic nephropathy, and that the mechanisms are mostly involved with ameliorating levels of TGF-β1, renal fibrosis, metabolism, and oxidative stress status. However, some factors such as possible publication bias, methodological quality, and sample size may affect the accuracy of positive findings. These limitations suggested that a cautious interpretation of the positive results of this systematic review and meta-analysis is necessary. Therefore, high methodological quality and well-reported animal experiments are needed in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sufficient evidence indicates that orbiting space stations contain diverse microbial populations, which may threaten astronaut health and equipment reliability. Understanding the composition of microbial communities in space stations will facilitate further development of targeted biological safety prevention and maintenance practices. Therefore, this study systematically investigated the microbial community of China's Space Station (CSS). Air and surface samples from 46 sites on the CSS and Assembly Integration and Test (AIT) center were collected, from which 40 bacteria strains were isolated and identified. Most isolates were cold- and desiccation-resistant and adapted to oligotrophic conditions. Bacillus was the dominant bacterial genus detected by both cultivation-based and Illumina MiSeq amplicon sequencing methods. Microbial contamination on the CSS was correlated with encapsulation staff activities. Analysis by spread plate and qPCR revealed that the CSS surface contained 2.24 × 103–5.47 × 103 CFU/100 cm2 culturable bacteria and 9.32 × 105–5.64 × 106 16S rRNA gene copies/100cm2; BacLight™ analysis revealed that the viable/total bacterial cell ratio was 1.98–13.28%. This is the first study to provide important systematic insights into the microbiome of the CSS during assembly that describes the pre-launch microbial diversity of the space station. Our findings revealed the following. (1) Bacillus strains and staff activities should be considered major concerns for future biological safety. (2) Autotrophic and multi-resistant microbial communities were widespread in the AIT environment. Although harsh cleaning methods reduced the number of microorganisms, stress-resistant strains were not completely removed. (3) Sampling, storage and analytical methods for the space station were thoroughly optimized, and are expected to be applicable to low-biomass environments in general. Microbiology-related future works will follow up to comprehensively understand the changing characteristics of microbial communities in CSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate, intracellular protozoan that infects almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans, domesticated and wild animals. Recent studies of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from animals in different regions of China have shown a limited genetic diversity with the dominance of the ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype #9 named as "Chinese 1". However, there is not much published information regarding its prevalence in domestic animals from Guizhou province, a subtropical region in Southwest China. The objectives of this study were to determine seroprevalence and genetic diversity of T.gondii in pigs, dogs and cats in Guizhou province, Southwest China. Findings: The anti-T. gondii IgG were detected in 70.0%(49/70) pigs, 20.56%(22/107) dogs and 63.16(12/19) cats. The anti-T. gondii IgM were found in 0.93%(1/107) dogs, 21.53%(4/19) cats, but not in pigs. In addition, the toxoplasma circulating antigen (CAG) were detected in 16.9%18/70)pigs, 13.1% (14/107) dogs and 10.5%(2/19) cats. The T. gondii DNA were detected in 31.5%(22/70) pigs, 3.7%(4/107) dogs and 52.63%(10/19) cats. Five T. gondii isolates were obtained(3 from pigs and 2 from cats). The genotype of these five isolates belonged to the predominant genotype "Chinese 1". Conclusions: The high prevalence of T. gondii infection in pigs,cats and dogs indicated that the T. gondii infection is common in Guizhou province. Additionally, the T. gondii genotype "Chinese 1" was dominant in Southwest China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic diversity of 85 isolates of Phytophthora infestans collected in 2007 from Gansu province in China was determined and compared with 21 isolates collected before 2004. Among them, 70 belonged to the A1 mating type and 15 were self-fertile ( SF). The mitochondrial DNA haplotypes revealed both Ia (25%) and IIa (75%) haplotypes. Metalaxyl resistance occurred with high frequency (54%) in Gansu. Simple sequence repeat ( SSR) genotyping revealed 26 genotypes (13 from the Tianshui region) among the 85 isolates, and 18 genotypes among the 21 isolates collected before 2004, without overlap in genotypes detected in the two groups. Cluster analysis showed clear subdivisions within the different mating type isolates. Among Gansu's isolates, Nei's and Shannon's diversity indices were highest in isolates collected in Tianshui where both A1 and SF isolates were found. Analysis of molecular variance of isolates from Gansu indicated that 51% and 49% of the variance was explained by within-area and among-area variance, respectively. The results suggest that the occurrence of SF isolates increases the risk of sexual reproduction, the formation of oospore as initial inocula in the field, and affects the genotypic diversity in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over geological time scales, Earth degassing has a significant impact on atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO) concentrations, which are an important component of global carbon cycle models. In Tibet, structural conditions and associated widespread geothermal systems lead to carbon dioxide degassing during geothermal water migration. We characterized the hydrochemical conditions of two geothermal fields on the Tibetan Plateau. The chemical composition of geothermal waters was controlled by K-feldspar and albite. Geothermal waters in the Langjiu geothermal field were sodium chloride type and those of the Dagejia geothermal field were sodium bicarbonate type. Simulations of CO partial pressure within the two hydrogeothermal systems showed that CO degassing occurs during hot water migration from the aquifer to the surface. Carbon dioxide degassing flux from the Langjiu geothermal field was estimated to be ∼3.6×10 kg km a, and that from Dagejia was ∼3.3×10 kg km a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In total, 455 Monilinia isolates from stone fruits collected from several provinces (cities) in China from 2003 to 2009 were identified to species based on morphological characteristics, molecular identification, and the sequence of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions 1 and 2 and the 5.8S gene of the ribosomal RNA. Overall, four species were detected (Monilinia fructicola, M. fructigena, M. bAa, and Monilia polystroma). M. fructicola was the most prevalent (93.0%) followed by M. fructigena (4.8%), M. laxa (2.0%), and Monilia polystroma (0.2%). M. fructicola and M. fructigena were found on peach, plum, and apricot; M. baxa was found only on apricot, cherry (in an organic orchard), and wild peach; and Monilia polystroma was found only on plum in Heilongjiang. The pathogenicity of Monilinia fructicola, M. laxa, and M. fructigena did not significantly differ on wounded nectarine and apricot, indicating that the differences in frequency of occurrence were not linked to virulence. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS sequences showed that the isolates of M. laxa and M. fructigena from China differed from isolates of these species from other countries, and that the difference led to the separation of the isolates from China and those from other countries into different phylogenetic groups. Further study is needed to determine whether they are cryptic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Detrital zircon U–Pb data from sedimentary rocks in the Hengyang and Mayang basins, SE China reveal a change in basin provenance during or after Early Cretaceous. The results imply a provenance of the sediment from the North China Craton and Dabie Orogen for the Upper Triassic to Middle Jurassic sandstones and from the Indosinian granitic plutons in the South China Craton for the Lower Cretaceous sandstones. The 90–120Ma age group in the Upper Cretaceous sandstones in the Hengyang Basin is correlated with Cretaceous volcanism along the southeastern margin of South China, suggesting a coastal mountain belt have existed during the Late Cretaceous. The sediment provenance of the basins and topographic evolution revealed by the geochronological data in this study are consistent with a Mesozoic tectonic setting from Early Mesozoic intra-continental compression through late Mesozoic Pacific Plate subduction in SE China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Genetic diversity and structure within and between 17 populations of invasive Conyza sumatrensis (Asteraceae) around the world’s biggest hydroelectric dam (Three Gorges Dam (TGD) on the Yangtze River in China) and nearby localities were surveyed using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers to determine the spread pattern of this invader in TGD and nearby regions. A total of 434 individuals were analysed, for which 15 ISSR primers amplified 81 bands, with 54 (66.7%) being polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic loci within a population ranged from 31% to 58%, Nei’s gene diversity was 0.385 ± 0.056, and mean Shannon’s Index was 0.5815 ± 0.0833, indicating a high genetic variation in this self-fertile plant. Mass seed production and multiple introductions associated with dam construction and local development were thought to be responsible for the high level of genetic variation. Analysis of Molecular Variance revealed 36.5% of genetic variation residing within populations, 35.0% among populations within regions, and 28.5% among the three regions: TGD, upper reaches of TGD, and lower reaches of TGD. Most populations were genetically related to their nearest neighbors, while gene flow (mainly via seed movement) across TGD existed. Long-distance dispersal of seeds and pollen such as by water current, wind and human transportation could explain the low level of geographic structure of genetic variation. The highest genetic variation was found in a population in TGD, and most populations from TGD showed closer genetic relationship to the lower reaches population, which indicated that C. sumatrensis at TGD has likely experienced multiple introductions mainly from lower reaches, which is near the area of primary introduction (southern China) of C. sumatrensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred isolates of Phytophthora infestans collected from 10 provinces in China between 1998 and 2004 were analyzed for mating type, metalaxyl resistance, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype, allozyme genotype, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with the RG-57 probe. In addition, herbarium samples collected in China, Russia, Australia, and other Asian countries were also typed for mtDNA haplotype. The Ia haplotype was found during the first outbreaks of the disease in China (1938 and 1940), Japan (1901, 1930, and 1931), India (1913), Peninsular Malaysia (1950), Nepal (1954), The Philippines (1910), Australia (1917), Russia (1917), and Latvia (1935). In contrast, the Ib haplotype was found after 1950 in China on both potato and tomato (1952, 1954, 1956, and 1982) and in India (1968 and 1974). Another migration of a genotype found in Siberia called SIB-1 (Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase [Gpi] 100/100, Peptidase [Pep] 100/100, IIa mtDNA haplotype) was identified using RFLP fingerprints among 72% of the isolates and was widely distributed in the north and south of China and has also been reported in Japan. A new genotype named CN-II (Gpi 100/111, Pep 100/100, IIb mtDNA haplotype), found only in the south of China, and two additional genotypes (Gpi 100/100, Pep 100/100, la mtDNA haplotype) named CN-9 and CN-10 were identified. There were more diverse genotypes among isolates from Yunnan province than elsewhere. The SIB-I (IIa) genotype is identical to those from Siberia, suggesting later migration of this genotype from either Russia or Japan into China. The widespread predominance of SIB-I suggests that this genotype has enhanced fitness compared with other genotypes found. Movement of the pathogen into China via infected seed from several sources most likely accounts for the distribution of pathogen genotypes observed. MtDNA haplotype evidence and RFLP data suggest multiple migrations of the pathogen into China after the initial introduction of the la haplotype in the 1930s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ENGLISH as the world's lingua franca has become a focus of attention for many scholars. Since China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), the motivation to learn English has dramatically increased. This paper questions the need for English in China to conform to any of the existing standard varieties, arguing that this objective is both undesirable and virtually unattainable, especially in respect to pronunciation, and that Chinese learners should therefore be learning ‘China English’. In an investigation with over 1,200 Chinese students at her university, the writer discovered that the vast majority had never heard of either World English or China English, believing instead that proficiency in standard American or British English should be their goal. She proposes both a reorientation of English language learning in China and a radical revision of the materials used there for both practical and cultural reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study to determine the association between decline in thyroid function and long life span in Chinese centenarian families. It mentions assessment of relationship between thyroid hormones such as thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) of centenarians and centenarians' first-generation (F1) offspring and F1 offspring spouses. It concludes decline in thyroid function associated with age and its contribution to longevity in centenarians.

This study uses benthic macroinvertebrates as indicators to analyze the variational characteristics of benthic biodiversity under persistent environmental pressures, such as rapid economic and population growth, large-scale urbanization, rapid tourism development, intensified port activities, and extreme human disturbances such as reclamation and dredging, in the Xiamen sea area during 1980–2016. From 1980 to 1990, benthic biodiversity in the area generally remained high, with a species richness of 13, individual abundance of 584 ind/m2, biomass of 79.58 g/m2, and a Shannon diversity index (H′) of 3.26. Under persistent environmental pressure, this biodiversity significantly declined from 2005 to 2007, but improved during 2013–2016 as a result of measures such as establishing reserves, prohibiting aquaculture, and controlling the inflow of pollutants. Under the extreme disturbance caused by reclamation, the average species richness, individual abundance, and H ′ of the Tong'an Bay (TB) and the Dadeng sea area (DS) declined considerably. The DS closer to the open sea experienced a benthic biodiversity decrease (25.2% on average) that was significantly less than the decrease in the semi-enclosed TB with a smaller area (55.8% on average), which stopped declining after the sharp drop in the first year after reclamation. This contrasts with TB, where benthic biodiversity six years after reclamation remained considerably lower than before reclamation. However, the decrease in the local total species richness caused by reclamation can be recovered, regardless of whether it is in the open DS or the semi-enclosed TB. Under the extreme disturbance of dredging, individual abundance and biomass in the dredging areas were significantly lower than the average for the study area in 2005–2012. However, following the completion of dredging in 2012, benthic biodiversity noticeably increased in 2013–2016 to higher than the average of the area, indicating that dredging could improve the quality of benthic habitats and increase benthic biodiversity in sea areas with heavy sedimentation and pollution. [Display omitted] • Benthic biodiversity in Xiamen Sea area has significant spatiotemporal difference. • Benthic biodiversity in Xiamen Sea area declined in 2005–2012 and then recovered in 2013–2016. • Reserve is beneficial to benthic biodiversity protection in the earlier years. • Reclamation has a long-lasting impact in small enclosed bay, but a limited impact on local total species richness. • Dredging caused benthic biodiversity to decrease in short time, but improved benthic habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Carbonate weathering is enhanced by anthropogenic H 2 SO 4. • Distinct impacts of acid precipitation on carbonate and silicate catchments. • Soil buffering effect leads to a limited effect of acid precipitation on chemical weathering in silicate catchments. • Considerable reduction of carbon sink flux by H 2 SO 4 affects carbon cycle and climate change. Accurately quantifying the carbon sink effect resulting from chemical weathering caused by anthropogenic H 2 SO 4 is imperative to improve the assessment of the global carbon budget. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of precise understanding regarding the impact of anthropogenic H 2 SO 4 on CO 2 consumption during chemical weathering. Here, spring water samples were collected monthly from three catchments with distinct bedrock lithologies affected by severe acid precipitation in Southwest China for analyses of hydrogeochemistry and δ13C DIC to quantitatively estimate the effect of anthropogenic H 2 SO 4 on the weathering carbon sink budget. The results show that carbonates contribute 97.4 %, 95.0 % and 88.8 % of the total cationic load using a straightforward method in the Beidiping carbonate catchment, as well as in the Shegengyan and Bianyan silicate catchments, respectively. The [Ca2++Mg2+]/[HCO 3 −] (0.98–1.19) and [Ca2++Mg2+]/[HCO 3 −+SO 4 2−] (approximately 1) equivalent ratios, and δ13C DIC values (−16.8 to −8.0 ‰) of the samples suggest that besides H 2 CO 3 , H 2 SO 4 is involved in carbonate weathering. The stoichiometry of the chemical compositions of spring water indicates that the presence of H 2 SO 4 enhances carbonate weathering rates by 14.8 %, 8.1 % and 7.5 % while decreasing the CO 2 consumption by 8.2 %, 4.3 % and 4.0 % in Beidiping, Shegengyan and Bianyan, respectively. Thus the reduced proportion of karst carbon sink in the carbonate catchment is approximately 2 times that in the silicate catchment, suggesting that carbonate weathering in the karst catchment is more sensitive to acid precipitation. The impact of acid precipitation on rock weathering in the silicate catchment is constrained by the soil buffering effect. Our study highlights the important role of anthropogenic H 2 SO 4 in carbonate weathering, which should be critically evaluated in regional and global carbon cycles in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The types and intensity of anthropogenic pressure in the same sea area may differ spatially and may change as time passes, but response of benthic biotic indices to different pressure is different, which makes it unreasonable to use the same benthic biotic indices in a large sea area. We provided a new way of thinking as to selecting benthic biotic indices according to pressure type. The study took six bays under eutrophication and sediment heavy metal pollution to different levels in Fujian coastal water, East China sea, as examples, analysed the response of five benthic biotic indices, namely AZTI marine biotic index (AMBI), multivariate AMBI (M-AMBI), Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H′), benthic opportunistic polychaetes amphipods (BOPA) and benthic polychaetes amphipods (BPA), to eutrophication factors and sediment heavy metal pollution factors firstly. The result indicated that AMBI well responded to dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP); M-AMBI responded soundly in the range of DIN >0.131 mg L−1 and DIP >0.022 mg L−1 and responded universally to heavy metals; H′ responded to only Hg and Cd; BOPA has response to eutrophication condition of DIN >0.242 mg L−1; BPA had response to DIN, Cu and As. Then, suitable indices were selected based on the four pressure scenarios in the study area. AMBI was selected in no pressure scenario; M-AMBI was chosen under only eutrophication pressure and under dual pressure; H' was preferred in only heavy metal pressure scenario (mainly Hg pollution). At last, the density plot of the distribution of the selected indices in the evaluation grades under different pressure scenarios proved the proposal of selecting benthic biotic indices according to pressure types feasible. This study can offer some new insights into rapidly choosing indices to evaluate the coastal benthic ecological quality status. [Display omitted] • It was unreasonable to use a same benthic biotic index in a large sea area. • A new way to select benthic biotic indices according to pressure type was provided. • The application conditions of AMBI, M-AMBI, H' , BOPA and BPA were determined. • AMBI well responded to eutrophication, but didn't respond to heavy metals at all. • M-AMBI respond soundly to eutrophication and responded universally to heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The process of CO 2 outgassing from water in a karst spring-fed creek was explored. • Two distinguishable types of CO 2 outgassing exist along the flow path of stream. • The flux of CO 2 outgassing is affected by flow discharge and streambed morphology. • Calcite precipitation causes ~ 4–20% return of CO 2 to the atmosphere at Changliushui. • Limited precipitation-associated CO 2 outgassing would occur in low-order streams. Whether carbonate weathering on land represents an important terrestrial carbon sink has long been debated as the CO 2 sequestered by the dissolution of carbonate may return to the atmosphere through CO 2 outgassing from groundwater-feeding surface waters. In headwater area of karst terrain, the CO 2 outgassing frequently happens in spring-fed streams, but its flux and influencing factors still remain under-researched. In this study, we conducted a monthly monitoring of hydrochemical and isotopic compositions of stream water along a karst spring-fed creek at Changliushui, SW China that has a steep gradient and in which tufa deposition occurs, in order to explore the process of CO 2 outgassing and elucidate the outgassing flux across space and time and its influencing factors. The analyses of downstream geochemical evolution have revealed that two distinguishable types of CO 2 outgassing exist along the flow path: (i) outgassing of physically dissolved soil CO 2 during the process of carbonate dissolution, as the primary CO 2 outgassing, and (ii) an additional outgassing of the CO 2 arising from the precipitation of calcite. At a short distance from the spring, the aqueous CO 2 escapes from water to a large degree through molecular diffusion driven by high gradient of partial pressure of CO 2 (P CO 2) between the water and the atmosphere. Such CO 2 outgassing concomitantly causes the saturation index with respect to calcite (SI c) to rise, resulting in subsequent calcite precipitation and thus more CO 2 outgassing. Spatiotemporal variations in the mass transfer of CO 2 and CO 2 outgassing flux show that the rates of both types of CO 2 outgassing are significantly influenced by hydrodynamic conditions, such as flow discharge and streambed morphology. In particular, lower rates of CO 2 outgassing are observed at higher flow discharge, and vice versa. In the studied reach of stream, the primary and additional CO 2 outgassing have caused about 21%–35% and 4%–20% of the total soil CO 2 sequestered in DIC of the feeding spring water to be released back to the atmosphere, respectively and the higher flow discharge, the less CO 2 return. Based on these findings, we postulate that the CO 2 outgassing, especially that induced by calcite precipitation should be relatively smaller in streams which have a lower gradient and elevated discharge rate and where the mixing or dilution of tributaries and increased in-stream metabolism occur. This provides more evidence for the previous conclusion that the H 2 O-carbonate-CO 2 -aquatic phototroph interaction could represent a net carbon sink at least over short timescales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed precipitation and river water samples from the Lijiang River basin with the aim of understanding the important role of acid rain components, especially NH 4 , in chemical weathering of karst areas. First, analysis of the hydrochemical characteristics revealed the following: In the precipitation samples, the volume-weighted mean pH was 4.91, and the acid rain rate was 65%. The major ion composition was characterized by a dominance of NH 4 , Ca, SO 4 and NO 3 , accounting for 40.0%, 35.3%, 46.3% and 30.5%, respectively, of the total cation and anion concentrations. In the river water samples, the pH ranged from 6.75 to 9.16, with an average of 7.55. The major hydrogeochemical species in the river water samples were Ca–HCO 3 and Mg–HCO 3. Second, by employing chloride-normalized ratios of the other major ions in precipitation, we estimated that the contributions of SO 4 and NO 3 from the atmosphere to the river were53.6% and 35.0%, respectively. Third, combining the hydrochemical index with the value of δ13C DIC and using the hydrochemical composition method showed that the proportion of carbonate weathered (R) by NH 4 , H 2 SO 4 and HNO 3 from acid rain accounted for 9.3%, 9.4% and 3.1% of the total weathering rate, respectively, and the proportions in the upper reaches were significantly higher than those in the lower reaches of the river. The average values of the carbonate weathering proportion (R) and the carbonate weathering rate (CWR) due to acid rain were approximately 22.0% and 2.1 t/km2/yr, respectively. Taken together, our results revealed that carbonate weathering by acid rain can significantly increase the carbonate weathering rate, which is essential information for accurate estimation of the carbon cycle (namely, inorganic carbon sources and sinks). Image 1 • Analysis of hydrochemical characteristics of precipitation and river water. • NH 4 (H), H 2 SO 4 and HNO 3 may provide the required protons for weathering reactions. • Carbonate weathering by acid rain can significantly increase weathering rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Experimental studies have shown that disinfection byproducts (DBPs) including haloacetic acids (HAAs) can cause liver toxicity, but evidence linking this association in humans is sparse., Objectives: We aimed to explore the associations between HAA exposures and liver injury., Methods: We included 922 women between December 2018 and January 2020 from the Tongji Reproductive and Environmental (TREE) cohort study in Wuhan, China. Urinary HAA concentrations including trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) and dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and serum indicators of liver function, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were measured. Liver injury was defined as if any of serum indicator levels were above the 90th percentile. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were fitted to assess the associations of urinary HAA concentrations with the risk of liver injury and liver function indicators. Stratified analyses by age, body mass index (BMI), alcohol use, and passive smoking were also applied to evaluate the potential effect modifiers., Results: There is little evidence of associations of urinary TCAA concentrations with liver injury risk and liver function indicators. However, urinary DCAA concentrations were associated with a higher risk of liver injury [odds ratios (OR) for 1-interquartile range (IQR) increase in natural log (ln) transformed DCAA concentrations: 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 1.98]. This association was observed only among nondrinkers ( p interaction = 0.058 ). We also found that a 1-IQR increase in ln-transformed DCAA concentrations was positively associated with ALT levels (percentage change = 6.06 % ; 95% CI: 0.48%, 11.95%) and negatively associated with AST/ALT (percentage change = - 4.48 % ; 95% CI: - 7.80 % , - 1.04 % ). In addition, urinary DCAA concentrations in relation to higher GGT levels was observed only among passive smokers ( p interaction = 0.040 )., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that exposure to DCAA but not TCAA is associated with liver injury among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13386.

Background: Experimental studies show that disinfection byproducts (DBPs) can inhibit oocyte maturation, decrease fertilization capacity, and impair embryo development, but human evidence is lacking., Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the associations between exposure to drinking water DBPs and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes., Methods: The study included 1,048 women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment between December 2018 and January 2020 from a prospective cohort study, the Tongji Reproductive and Environmental study in Wuhan, China. Exposure to DBPs was assessed by dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) in up to four urine samples, which were collected on the day of both enrollment and oocyte retrieval. Multivariable generalized linear mixed models, accounting for multiple IVF cycles per woman, were applied to evaluate the associations between urinary biomarkers of DBP exposures and IVF outcomes. Stratified analyses were used to explore the potential effect modifiers., Results: The included 1,048 women underwent 1,136 IVF cycles, with 960 (91.6%), 84 (8.0%), and 4 (0.4%) women contributing one cycle, two cycles, and three cycles, respectively. We found that elevated quartiles of urinary DCAA and TCAA concentrations were associated with reduced numbers of total oocytes and metaphase II oocytes and that urinary DCAA concentrations with a lower proportion of best-quality embryos (all p for trends < 0.05 ). Moreover, elevated quartiles of urinary DCAA concentrations were associated with decreased proportions of successful implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth (14%, 15%, and 15% decreases in adjusted means comparing the extreme quartiles, respectively; all p for trends < 0.05 ). Stratification analyses showed that the inverse associations of urinary TCAA concentrations with multiple IVF outcomes were stronger among women ≥ 30 y of age ( p for interactions < 0.05 )., Discussion: Exposure to drinking water DBPs was inversely associated with some IVF outcomes among women undergoing ART treatment. Further study is necessary to confirm our findings. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12447.

Background: Although chronic diseases have become a public health dilemma in China, evidence regarding their relationship to a healthy lifestyle in the Chinese population remains limited., Methods: Based on data obtained from a survey conducted by China's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), odds ratios (OR) corresponding to 95% confidential intervals (CIs) related to healthy lifestyle factors were calculated using ordinal logistic regression., Results: Most participants in our study presented 1 to 3 healthy lifestyle factors, and only 0.35% of men presented all 6 factors evaluated. Eighty-three percent of participants had at least one chronic disease. A decrease in chronic disease morbidity was followed by an increase in healthy lifestyle factors number. For the three chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, and/or dyslipidemia), a lack of physical activity represented 1.231 times (95% CI, 1.013-1.497) higher risk than being physically active. A body mass index (BMI) outside the range of 18.5-24.9 kg/m 2 was associated with a higher risk of 1.361 times (95% CI, 1.139-1.625) compared to a BMI within 18.5-24.9 kg/m 2 . Comparing participants with healthy lifestyle factor ≤1, the OR for participants with 2, 3 and 4-6 healthy lifestyle factors were 0.675, and 0.425 (0.634 and 0.341 for men), respectively., Conclusions: Chronic diseases have become one of the leading health burdens in China, while healthy lifestyles have not kept pace. The inverse association between an increasing number of healthy lifestyle factors and chronic disease risk indicates an urgent public need to popularize a healthy lifestyle pattern., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest We declare that we do not have any commercial or associative interest that represents a conflict of interest in connection with the work submitted., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Nitrate (NO 3 - ) pollution is a common phenomenon in karst underground rivers, which are important water sources in karst landscapes. For drinking water safety and environmental protection, it is crucial to accurately identify NO 3 - sources and their migration and transformation processes in the Lihu Underground River. In this study, water samples of the Lihu Underground River in Guangxi were collected in May 2014, October 2014, January 2015, and July 2015, and water chemical and dual isotopic (δ 15 N-NO 3 - and δ 18 O-NO 3 - ) approaches were used to evaluate the NO 3 - characteristics and sources in the Lihu Underground River. The concentration of NO 3 - in the Lihu Underground River ranged from 1.16 to 19.78 mg·L -1 , with an average of 9.30 mg·L -1 , which is more than 37% of the WHO standard (10 mg·L -1 ). The concentrations of NO 3 - in the wet season (May 2014 and July 2015) were slightly lower than those in the dry season (from October 2014 to January 2015) at most sampling sites due to dilution effects. The migration and transformation processes of NO 3 - were analyzed by comparing the measured and calculated concentrations of NO 3 - in the Lihu Underground River. In the dry season (from October 2014 to January 2015), the variation in NO 3 - concentration upstream and midstream of the Lihu Underground River was affected by exogenous input and nitrification. From midstream to the outlet of Xiaolongdong, it is affected by self-purification factors, including physical processes, chemical processes, and biological processes. In the wet season (May 2014 and July 2015), the dilution and mixing effects were the main factors controlling the variation in NO 3 - concentration in the Lihu Underground River. The contribution rates of potential NO 3 - sources (incl. atmospheric precipitation (AP), NO 3 - fertilizer (NF), NH 4 + in fertilizer and rainfall (NFA), soil organic nitrogen (SON), and manure and sewage (M&S)) were quantitatively evaluated by using the IsoSource model. The results showed that in May 2014, the main sources of NO 3 - were M&S and NF, with contribution rates of 46% and 41%, respectively. In October 2014, NO 3 - sources were M&S with a contribution rate of 47%, followed by NFA with a contribution rate of 31%. In January 2015, NO 3 - sources in groundwater were M&S, with a contribution rate of 53%, followed by NFA (34%). In July 2015, the main NO 3 - sources were M&S and NF, whose contribution rates were 54% and 39%, respectively., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are suggested to be important for invasions by many exotic plants. However, it is not yet known how associations between AMF and invasive plant populations change in mountains ranges and how changed associations affect further expansion of different populations in new habitats. We conducted a field survey to detect AMF colonization rate of the invasive Galinsoga quadriradiata along an elevational gradient ranging from 223 to 1947 masl in the Qinling and Bashan Mountains, China. Additionally, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to compare plant growth performance among five elevational populations. In the field, total plant mass and seed production, as well as root AMF colonization rate, significantly decreased with elevation. When populations were grown in a novel soil environment in the greenhouse, the high-altitude populations achieved higher seed and total mass at lower AMF colonization rate than the low-altitude populations. Moreover, high AMF association was related to high intraspecific competition within low-altitude populations and limited seed production. Our results revealed that the associations between AMF and G. quadriradiata decrease with altitude in mountain ranges, and this may indicate that differentiation of association between AMF and elevational populations occurs during range expansion of G. quadriradiata. The results of the greenhouse experiment suggest that the high-altitude populations are more aggressive than the low-altitude populations in a non-stressful environment.

Based on the online monitoring data of gaseous pollutants and components in PM 2.5 from Chengdu super observatory of atmospheric environment, the meteorological factors and component characteristics of three haze pollution process in Chengdu from 2019 to 2020 were analyzed. The CMB model was adopted to simulate the sources and variation trends of PM 2.5 pollution during the study period, and the causes of each pollution process were analyzed. The results showed that all the three pollution processes occurred under adverse meteorological conditions, where the relative humidity and temperature continued to rise and the wind speed and boundary layer height continued to decrease. The average daily relative humidity was greater than 70%, average daily temperature was greater than 8℃, average daily wind speed was less than 0.8 m ·s -1 , and average daily boundary layer height was less than 650 m. During the three events of pollution, the main components were NO 3 - , OC, NH 4 + , and SO 4 2- . Among them, the mass concentration and proportion of NO 3 - increased by 1.47-2.09 and 0.22-0.35 times, respectively, during the pollution period as compared to those during the clean period. NO 3 - was a key component of PM 2.5 pollution during winter in Chengdu. During the three pollution processes, the mean values of SOR and NOR were 0.40 and 0.27, respectively, and the secondary transformation degree of SO 2 and NO x was high. The conversion of SO 2 to SO 4 2- was mainly dominated by heterogeneous oxidation at night, and the conversion of NO x to NO 3 - was dominated by heterogeneous hydrolysis. The characteristics of the three processes were slightly different. Process Ⅰ showed evident secondary nitrate-dominated characteristics. During the period of rising PM 2.5 concentration in process Ⅱ, it was mainly affected by coal emissions, but during the periods of high PM 2.5 concentration, it was mainly affected by NO 3 - . Process Ⅲ was also a nitrate-dominated process, but emissions of fossil fuel combustion had increased during certain polluted periods. Secondary nitrate, secondary sulfate, motor vehicles, and coal combustion were the main pollution sources during the study period. The PM 2.5 concentration was positively correlated with the contribution of secondary nitrate and negatively correlated with the contribution of dust source.

Surface water suffering from nitrate (NO 3 - ) contamination in karst area is not only harmful to human health as drinking water but can also affect the process of carbonate rock weathering, so it is crucial to trace the sources and transformations of NO 3 - in karst surface water. In this study, an investigation of water chemical data and NO 3 - isotopes (δ 15 sources of individual potential sources (incl. soil organic nitrogen (SON), atmospheric precipitation (AP), manure and sewage wastes (M&S), and chemical fertilizer (CF)) in the Lijiang River (typical karst surface water), Guilin, Southwest China. δ 18 O) was used to elucidate the transformations of NO 3 - and quantify a proportional apportionment of NO 3 - sources of individual potential sources (incl. soil organic nitrogen (SON), atmospheric precipitation (AP), manure and sewage wastes (M&S), and chemical fertilizer (CF)) in the Lijiang River (typical karst surface water), Guilin, Southwest China. δ 15 N-NO 3 - and δ 18 O-NO 3 - values of water samples from the Lijiang River range from 2.14 to 13.50‰ (mean, 6.59‰) and from - 2.44 to 6.97‰ (mean, 3.76‰), respectively. A positive correlation between Cl - and NO 3 - but no correlations between NO 3 - and δ 15 N-NO 3 - or δ 18 O-NO 3 - are found and the δ 18 O-NO 3 - values fitted the theoretical δ 18 O-NO 3 - values produced from nitrification, suggesting that the genesis of NO 3 - in waters of the Lijiang River is affected by nitrification processes and the mixing process has a major effect on NO 3 - transportation. Results of the Bayesian stable isotope mixing model show that the M&S and SON are the main NO 3 - source through the whole year (accounting for ~ 61% and 65% of the total NO 3 - in the wet and dry season, respectively), followed by CF (~ 29%). Furthermore, we find that nitrification of nitrogen in fertilizers, soil, and manure and sewage can promote the carbonate rock weathering. The estimated contribution of such nitrification to the weathering of carbonate rocks accounts for about 11% of the total carbonate rock weathering flux (calculated by HCO 3 - ) in the Lijiang River. This finding indicates that the weathering of carbonate rock is probably affected by nitrogen nitrification processes in karst catchment.

Background: Phthalate metabolites in follicular fluid (FF) may negatively affect normal folliculogenesis; however, the predictors of phthalate metabolite concentrations in urine and FF and relationships between urine and FF phthalate metabolite concentrations among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) are poorly understood., Objective: To investigate predictors of phthalate metabolites in urine and FF and correlations between urine and FF phthalate metabolite concentrations among women undergoing IVF., Method: We recruited 305 women seeking infertility treatment at a reproductive center in Wuhan, China, from October to November 2016. Information regarding demographic characteristics, personal care product use and plastic material contact was obtained through direct interviews. Concentrations of 8 phthalate metabolites in urine and FF samples were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Associations regarding metabolite concentrations in urine and FF samples were analysed by Spearman's correlation and linear regression. Generalized linear regression was used to examine potential predictors of phthalate metabolite concentrations in urine and FF., Results: Weak to moderate associations between urine and FF samples were found for monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) (correlation coefficient: MEP, 0.350; MEOHP, 0.377); no associations were observed for other metabolites. The predictive powers of urinary metabolite concentrations in determining FF metabolite concentrations were uniformly low, with R 2  ≤ 0.113. Body mass index (BMI) and educational level were inversely associated with the urinary concentrations of certain metabolites. Higher household income, intake of bottled drinks within 48 h, and use of shower gel and soap were frequently associated with higher urinary metabolite concentrations. BMI, higher household income and use of disposable plastic cups within 48 h were associated with higher metabolite concentrations in FF., Conclusion: Phthalate metabolite concentrations in urine and FF vary according to sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle factors. Phthalate metabolite concentrations in urine may not be appropriate for estimating ovary phthalate exposure., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Left atrial enlargement is associated with increased risk for stroke. However, few studies that evaluated the correlation between left atrial size and ischemic stroke severity. In this study, we aim to evaluate the association between left atrial size and stroke severity, especially with cardioembolic and cryptogenic stroke in the Chinese population., Methods: A total of 1271 patients with acute ischemic stroke were included in this study. Echocardiographic left atrial diameter was measured and indexed to height. Stroke severity was assessed at admission with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Moderate-to-severe neurologic deficit was defined as NIHSS greater than or equal to 5. Patients were divided into mild, moderate, or severe abnormal left atrial size by tertile distribution. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of severe stroke after adjustment., Results: Among all enrolled patients, 328 (25.8%) were classified into moderate-to severe stroke severity (NIHSS ≥ 5). In the multivariable model, compared with the lowest tertile of left atrial size, the odds ratio for moderate-to-severe neurologic deficit was 0.902 (95% CI, 0.644-1.264, P = .550) when left atrial size was the highest tertile. Of all patients, 190 patients were further categorized as cardioembolic and cryptogenic subtypes, and 70 (36.8%) were classified into moderate-to-severe stroke severity. After adjusting for confounders, compared with the lowest tertile, the top tertile of left atrial size was significantly associated with moderate-to-severe stroke (3.156, 95% CI, 1.143-8.711, P = .027)., Conclusion: Left atrial enlargement was associated with more severe initial neurologic deficits of embolic subtypes (cardioembolic and cryptogenic stroke) in patients with acute ischemic stroke., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: This study aimed to develop a new model on the basis of the National Early Warning Score to predict intensive care unit admission and the mortality of patients with acute pancreatitis., Methods: Patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis in the emergency department were enrolled. The values of the National Early Warning Score, Modified Early Warning Score, and Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis in predicting intensive care unit admission and mortality of patients with acute pancreatitis were evaluated., Results: A total of 379 patients with acute pancreatitis were enrolled; 77 patients (20.3%) were admitted to the intensive care unit and 14 (3.7%) died. The National Early Warning Score and calcium level were identified as independent risk factors of intensive care unit admission. Serum calcium exhibited a moderate correlation with National Early Warning Score (r = -0.46; P < 0.001), Modified Early Warning Score (r = -0.37; P < 0.001), and Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (r = -0.39; P < 0.001). A new model called National Early Warning Score-calcium was developed by combining National Early Warning Score and calcium blood test result, which had larger areas under the curve for predicting intensive care unit admission and mortality than the other 3 scoring systems., Discussion: A new model developed by combining National Early Warning Score and calcium exhibited better value in predicting the prognosis of acute pancreatitis than the models involving National Early Warning Score, Modified Early Warning Score, and Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis alone., (Copyright © 2019 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

With data for distributions and diversities of macroinvertebrates from 12 main subtidal zones in the bays of Fujian on August 2010, we investigated species composition, biodiversity and community structure, as well as their relationships with environmental factors. The results showed that 382 macroinvertebrates were recorded, which included 170 annelids, 75 crustaceans, 78 mollusks, 19 echinodermata, and 40 other species. The species richness, individual abundance, biomass and biodiversity indices showed significantly spatial variability. The average of species richness was (55±21), with the highest (92) in Luoyuan Bay and the lowest species (25) in Jiuzhen Bay. Polychaetes was dominant species in each bay, with an average percentage of (51.8±5.5)%. Zhaoan Bay had the highest average individual abundance with (1330±1094) ind·m -2 , followed by Fuqing Bay, Xiamen Bay and Meizhou Bay, while Quanzhou bay had the lowest. Xinghua Bay had the highest average biomass with (821.2±2387.7) g·m -2 , followed by Fuqing Bay and Xiamen Bay. Both richness index and Shannon diversity were much higher in Luoyuan Bay, Meizhou Bay, Shenhu Bay, Xiamen Bay and Dongshan Bay, and their values were low in Fuqing Bay and Jiuzhen Bay. The mean value for d and H across all bays was (0.80±0.09) and (2.73±0.64), respectively. The macroinvertebrates of the study area were divided into 14 groups using a criterion of 20% similarity. The stations in Luoyuan Bay had the highest similarity and the lowest spatial variability, and followed by Sansha Bay, Fuqing Bay, Shenhu Bay and Zhaoan Bay. The higher variability of community composition was found among the stations for the rest bays. On the basis of Spearman correlations among species richness, biodiversity indices and environmental factors, as well as PCA analy-sis, Cu in the sediment, water depth, and dissolved inorganic phosphorus in bottom water were the main factors driving the spatial variability of composition and distribution of macroinvertebrates in the study area.

Dynamic variations and sources of nitrate during dry season in the Lijiang River were analyzed using the nitrate concentrations and 15 N and 18 O isotope techniques, from the samples obtained from 13 sections in the Lijiang River from September 28, 2016 to December 28, 2016. Results show that the nitrate concentrations range from 0.46 to 18.48 mg·L -1 , with an average of 6.18 mg·L -1 , and that the nitrate levels are low during the dry season. Nitrate concentrations in the Lijiang River increase slowly from September to December, mainly being influenced by rainfall, runoff, and human activity. Nitrate concentrations in the Lijiang River from upstream to downstream show a trend of "increase-decrease-increase." Nitrate in the Lijiang River during the dry season mainly originates from organic nitrogen in soil, human and animal feces, sewage (largely living sewage), human and animal waste, and tourism. In order to better protect the water quality of the Lijiang River, the urban sewage pipe network must be expanded, in addition to building small sewage treatment facilities and strengthening tourism management and environmental awareness.

Background: Elevated phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity is reported to be involved in the development of schizophrenia. Further study revealed an association between PLA2 groups XIIA (PLA2G12A) polymorphism and patients with schizophrenia in a northeast Chinese Han population., Objective: This study will further examine whether PLA2G12A rs3087494 polymorphism is associated with patients with schizophrenia in a southern Chinese Han population., Methods: This polymorphism was genotyped in 438 patients with schizophrenia (diagnosed according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV) and 876 healthy controls using a case-control design. Demographic and clinical data were collected in all subjects., Results: The allele and genotype frequencies of PLA2G12A rs3087494 polymorphism significantly differed between groups (both, p < .001). These differences still were significant by adjusting for sex and age. However, there was no difference in age at onset among 3 genotype groups in patients with schizophrenia by adjusting for the variables (F = 0.22, p = .80). Stepwise multivariate regression analysis showed that this polymorphism was not associated with age at onset in patients with schizophrenia (β = .008, t = .07, p = .94)., Conclusions: Our results indicated that even though PLA2G12A rs3087494 polymorphism did not influence age at onset in patients with schizophrenia, it may play an important role in the susceptibility to schizophrenia in a southern Chinese Han population., (Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

High myopia (HM) is a leading cause of mid-way blindness with a high heritability in East Asia. Although only a few disease genes have been reported, a small proportion of patients could be identified with genetic predispositions. In order to expand the mutation spectrum of the causative genes in Chinese adult population, we investigated three genes, SLC39A5, LEPREL1 and LRPAP1, in a cohort of 187 independent Chinese patients with high myopia. Sanger sequencing was used to find possible pathogenic mutations, which were further screened in normal controls. After a pipeline of database and predictive assessments filtering, we, thereby, identified totally seven heterozygous mutations in the three genes. Among them, three novel missense mutations, c.860C > T, p.Pro287Leu and c.956G > C, p.Arg319Thr in SLC39A5, c.1982A > G, p.Lys661Arg in LEPREL1, were identified as potentially causative mutations. Additionally, the two heterozygous mutations (c.1582G > A, p.Ala528Thr; c.1982A > G, p.Lys661Arg) in one patient in LEPREL1 gene were reported in this study. Our findings will not only augment the mutation spectrum of these three genes, but also provide insights of the contribution of these genes to adult high myopia in Chinese. However, further studies are still needed to address the pathogenicity of each of the mutations reported in this study.

Centenarians are a good healthy aging model. Interestingly, centenarians' offspring are prone to achieve longevity. Here we recruited 60 longevity families and investigated the blood biochemical indexes of family members to seek candidate factors associated with familial longevity. First, associations of blood indexes with age were tested. Second, associations of blood parameters in centenarians (CEN) with their first generation of offspring (F1) and F1 spouses (F1SP) were analyzed. Third, genes involved in regulating target factors were investigated. We found that total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) increased with age (20-80 years), but decreased in CEN. Similarly, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and blood creatinine (BCr) increased with age (20-80 years), but were maintained on a plateau in CEN. Importantly, we first revealed dual changes in blood pressure, i.e., decreased diastolic blood pressure but increased systolic blood pressure in CEN, which associated with altered CST3 expression. Genetic analysis revealed a significant association of blood uric acid (BUA) and BCr in CEN with F1 but not with F1SP, suggesting they may be heritable traits. Taken together, our results suggest serum lipids, kidney function and especially diastolic pressure rather than systolic pressure were improved in CEN or their offspring, suggesting these factors may play an important role in familial longevity.

Hypertension is the most common and lethal risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Numerous variants have been associated with hypertension, however, most of which failed to get replication due to ethnic differences. In this study, we analyzed associations of 10 newly reported single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Europeans with hypertension in Chinese. A total of 1766 samples consisting of 880 subjects with hypertension and 886 controls were collected and the SNPs were genotyped using multiple assays based on the SNaPshot mini-sequencing approach. Our results revealed a significant genotypic association of rs4746172 of VCL with hypertension with a lower frequency of minor allele in male subjects (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.54-0.92, p = 0.011) but not in females. To validate the result, we genotyped the SNPs in another Chinese population with 546 individuals, and got a consistent association for the rs4746172 (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.38-0.82, p = 2.4 × 10(-3)) in males. The VCL-encoding protein was involved in cardiomyopathy that associated with hypertension, therefore our results suggest the rs4746172 of VCL may be a novel target for clinical interventions to reduce CVD risk by regulating blood pressure in male Chinese.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate, intracellular protozoan that infects almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans, domesticated and wild animals. Recent studies of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from animals in different regions of China have shown a limited genetic diversity with the dominance of the ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype #9 named as "Chinese 1". However, there is not much published information regarding its prevalence in domestic animals from Guizhou province, a subtropical region in Southwest China. The objectives of this study were to determine seroprevalence and genetic diversity of T .gondii in pigs, dogs and cats in Guizhou province, Southwest China., Findings: The anti-T. gondii IgG were detected in 70.0%(49/70) pigs, 20.56%(22/107) dogs and 63.16(12/19) cats. The anti-T. gondii IgM were found in 0.93%(1/107) dogs, 21.53%(4/19) cats, but not in pigs. In addition, the toxoplasma circulating antigen (CAG) were detected in 16.9%18/70)pigs, 13.1% (14/107) dogs and 10.5%(2/19) cats. The T. gondii DNA were detected in 31.5%(22/70) pigs, 3.7%(4/107) dogs and 52.63%(10/19) cats. Five T. gondii isolates were obtained(3 from pigs and 2 from cats). The genotype of these five isolates belonged to the predominant genotype "Chinese 1"., Conclusions: The high prevalence of T. gondii infection in pigs,cats and dogs indicated that the T. gondii infection is common in Guizhou province. Additionally, the T. gondii genotype "Chinese 1" was dominant in Southwest China.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, current treatment, and clinical characteristics of asthma, as well as the risk factors for this disease, among children aged 0-14 years in 2010 in urban Zhongshan, China., Methods: A total of 10 336 children aged 0-14 years were selected from urban Zhongshan by cluster random sampling. The Third National Childhood Asthma Epidemiological Questionnaire 2010 was used to analyze the prevalence, current treatment, and clinical characteristics of childhood asthma, as well as the risk factors for this disease., Results: Asthma was diagnosed in 179 cases (1.73%). The prevalence of asthma in male children was significantly higher than that in female children (2.25% vs 1.16%; P<0.01). Of the 179 patients, severe attacks were common in 104 cases (58.1%), 110 cases (61.5%) had slow onset, 102 cases (57.0%) had gradually relieved conditions, 61 cases (34.1%) suffered from asthma during seasonal transition, and 150 cases (83.8%) developed asthma due to respiratory tract infection. Among all asthmatic children, 71.5% had been treated with inhaled corticosteroids, and 71.5% had been treated with bronchodilator. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a history of penicillin allergy, a family history of allergy, food allergy, eczema, allergic rhinitis, cesarean delivery, family mould, and perinatal passive smoking were independent risk factors for childhood asthma., Conclusions: The prevalence of childhood asthma in urban Zhongshan is on a high level, and is associated with gender. The treatment of asthma has been standardized, but still needs further improvement. The onset of asthma attack is influenced by various factors.

Objective: To assess the level of an inpatient population's awareness about hepatitis and primary liver cancer (PLC), the most common type of which is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and then to initiate education of this group., Methods: A survey was conducted with 1300 participants within the inpatient unit in representative tertiary hospitals in the Chaoshan area of China. Structured questionnaires contained demographic data and statements about different aspects of liver cancer and hepatitis. The questionnaires were completed by trained medical practitioners after they had conducted the interviews., Results: One way ANOVA showed that the sample population lacked adequate knowledge about HCC and hepatitis. Stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the participant's level of education had the greatest impact on their total knowledge score when other variables remained constant., Conclusions: The study demonstrated: a general lack of awareness amongst the participants about the preventative strategies, and the management options available for people with primary liver cancer and hepatitis; education level was an important factor affecting knowledge levels. The demonstrated deficiencies in people's knowledge about hepatitis and HCC, and their lack of subsequent protective behaviours are likely to play an important role in HCC and hepatitis transmission or prevention.

Aim: Candida albicans causes a wide range of infections in the oral mucosa, especially candidiasis. A strong association has been found between C. albicans and dental caries. In this study, we investigated the presence and genotypic distribution of C. albicans in the dental biofilm of Chinese children with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC)., Design: Dental biofilm samples were collected from 41 Chinese children (21 children with S-ECC and 20 children without caries) aged 3-6 years. Samples collected were cultured in CHROMagar Candida (CA) medium. Cellular DNA of typical C. albicans isolates in the CA medium was isolated, and PCR using primers reported to span a transposable intron region in the 25S rRNA gene was performed to determine genotypic subgroups., Results: C. albicans was detected in 57.1% of individuals with S-ECC. Additionally, three genotypic subgroups of C. albicans (genotypes A, B, and C) were found in children with S-ECC, and genotype A was dominant., Conclusions: C. albicans is an important component of dental biofilm associated with S-ECC, and C. albicans genotypic subgroup A is the dominant strain in the dental biofilm of children with S-ECC., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Jialing River is a 1st grade tributary of upstream Yangzi River. In two years, Samples were collected monthly in Wentang Gorge section of Jialing River and analyzed multi-parameters including hydrochemistry and isotopes. Thus, a general result was concluded that the hydrochemical characteristic of Jialing River in Wentang gorge is controlled by weathering of stratum and the hydrochemical type is HCO3(-) -Ca. Most irons were influenced by dilution, which had higher concentrations in dry season than that in rainy season, but nitrate. Nitrate, which was controlled by human activities, has higher concentrations in rainy season. However, some other analyst revealed weathering impacts. The contrast ratio of (Ca(2+) + Mg2+) and HCO3- were between 0.5-1, the same as (Ca(2+) + Mg2+) and (HCO3(-) + SO4(2-)), Which implied that the weathering impacts in this basin was mainly carbonated and sulfate weathering of carbonated, and sulphate rocks weathering was not so significant. The values of delta13C(HCO3- in Jialing River were -8.74 per thousand(-) - 7.36 per thousand, and delta34S(SO)(4)2 - was 14.43 per thousand in dry season and 12.21 per thousand in rainy season. The data of isotopes inferred that, in rainy season sulfate weathering of carbonated and sulphate rocks weathering both had more impacts and sulphate rocks weathering played a more important role than sulfate weathering of carbonated, but, in dry season, carbonated weathering of carbonated was more meaningful.

Objective: To investigate the chemical constituents of the roots of Berchemia lineate as a medicinal plant of Yao nationality in China., Methods: Compounds were isolated by various column chromatography and elucidated by physicochemical and spectral analysis., Results: Nine compounds were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of the roots of Berchemia lineate and their structures were identified as palmitic acid (1), octadecanoic acid (2), beta-sitosterol (3), stigmasterol (4), fernenol (5), chrysophanol (6), physcion (7), floribundiquinone D (8), 2-acetylphyscion(9) respectively., Conclusion: Compounds 1-4,7-9 are isolated from this plant for the first time,and compounds land 2 are firstly isolated from this genus.

This study aimed to evaluate emerging trends of drug resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) among 290 former blood donor HIV-1 infected patients in Hubei, China, from 2004 to 2006, all of whom had received anti-HIV-1 therapy. The presence of NRTI- and NNRTI-associated mutations were established by sequencing; genotypic and predicted phenotypic drug resistance were evaluated using HIVdb Program version 5.0.1 (http://hivdb.stanford.edu/pages/algs/HIVdb.html ). Genotypic drug resistance analysis showed significant increases in percentages of patients carrying HIV-1 strains with M41L, T215Y/F, D67N, K103N, G190A/S, Y181C/F or L210W mutations. Of the variants' predicted phenotypic drug resistance, highly significant increases were detected in percentages of patients carrying HIV-1 with high resistance to zidovudine (AZT) or stavudine (D4T) in NRTIs, and to delavirdine (DLV), efavirenz (EFV) or nevirapine (NVP) in NNRTIs; intermediate resistance to abacavir (ABC), AZT, D4T, didanosine (DDI) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in NRTIs, and to etravirine (ETR) in NNRTIs; and low and potential low resistance to lamivudine (3TC), ABC, emtricitabine (FTC) or TDF in NRTIs, and to ETR in NNRTIs.