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In this study, a comprehensive analysis is presented on the complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic relationships of Devario shanensis, an endemic species to the Irrawaddy drainage in southwestern China. The complete mitogenome sequence of D. shanensis was sequenced to be 16,860 bp long and encompassed 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes and a non-coding control region. The overall AT content (61.1%) was much higher than GC content (38.9%). Phylogenetic analyses employing maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference methods on the complete mitogenomes, including D. shanensis and 13 other species, unveiled a close genomic relationship between D. shanensis and Devario interruptus. This work will contribute to the genetic resource enrichment and phylogenetic researches on genus Devario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, improving students' creativity is becoming an important goal of modern colleges and universities, especially in the domain of science and technology. The efforts made for this goal can be observed not only in classroom, but also in activities and competitions which were held out-of-school. This paper will firstly give a brief description of creativity. Then, it will point out several constraints in Chinese creativity development, and introduce the characteristics and the advantages of extracurricular activities in STI (scientific and technological innovation). Concretely, the paper will take, in case, two national competitions, studying their influences on the development of creativity and innovativeness, and discussing some main problems. Some deficiencies of Chinese out-of-school activities in students' creativity development will be summarized. In conclusion, the paper will propose some advices to Chinese higher education in this aspect.

Minimal research exists on polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), despite their significant contributions to domestic and international health protection. This study is the first to investigate the levels, profiles, and health risks of PCB residue in Pheretima, a typical TCM produced from earthworm. Seventy-seven Pheretima samples from different regions of China were analyzed for 45 PCB congeners. PCBs were found in all samples exhibiting species-dependent discrepancies. ∑45PCBs was ranging from 0.532 to 25.2 µg/kg (mean 4.46 µg/kg), with CB-11 being the most abundant congener contributing 71.8% ± 10.8% to ∑45PCBs, followed by CB-47, which were all non-Aroclor congeners called unintentionally produced PCBs (UP-PCBs). The average estimated daily intake of ∑45PCBs, ∑7ID-PCBs (indicative polychlorinated biphenyls), and CB-11 were 0.71, 0.04, and 0.51 ng/kg bw/d, respectively. The ∑HQ of PCBs in Pheretima samples was 2.97 × 10−4–2.46 × 10−2 (mean 2.77 × 10−3, 95th 4.21 × 10−3), while the ∑RQ ranged from 1.19 × 10−8 to 2.88 × 10−6 (mean 4.87 × 10−7, 95th 2.31 × 10−6). These findings indicate that Pheretima ingestion does not pose significant non-carcinogenic risks. However, certain individual samples exhibit an acceptable level of potential risks, particularly when considering that PCBs are recognized as endocrine disruptors and classified as probable carcinogens. These results contribute to the safety evaluation of traditional medicines and suggest the potential use of Pheretima as a bioindicator for PCB pollution. It is advisable to monitor UP-PCBs as indicator congeners and gather additional toxicological data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, this study presents the complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of Eonemachilus longidorsalis, an endemic species in southwest China. The mitogenome is a circular molecule of 16,569 bp in length with a base composition of 30.2% A, 27.3% T, 16.6% G, and 25.9% C. The phylogenetic analysis based on the complete mitogenomes shows that E. Longidorsalis clusters with Yunnanilus jiuchiensis, Yunnanilus pleurotaenia and Eonemachilus niger. This contribution may provide a valuable framework for completely resolving phylogenetic relationships of the family Nemacheilidae in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kidney disease is an important comorbidity in people living with HIV(PLWH), and is associated with poor outcomes. However, data on renal function of PLWH are limited in China so far. In this study we assessed the prevalence of kidney disease in patients either on antiretroviral therapy (ART) or not respectively in a single center in China and explored the possible risk factors associated. Methods: In the cross-sectional study, we recruited hospitalized adult PLWH. Demographic characteristics, clinical information and laboratory variables were collected. Kidney disease was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and/or isolated hematuria, proteinuria, microalbuminuria. We calculated the prevalence of kidney disease and used logistic regression to assess its associated risk factors. Results: A total of 501 adult PLWH were enrolled, 446 (89.0%) males and 55 (11.0%) females. The median age was 39 (IQR 30–50) years old. The prevalence of kidney disease was 19.0%, 22 (4.4%) patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, 53 (10.6%) patients with hematuria, 11 (2.2%) patients with proteinuria, and 40 (8.0%) patients with microalbuminuria. 297 (59.3%) patients were receiving ART. The patients on ART had a higher prevalence of renal disease than those had not been administrated with ART (22.6% vs. 13.7%, P = 0.013). On the multivariate logistic regression analysis among patients not on ART, lower haemoglobin (OR 0.994, 95%CI: 0.902–0.988, P = 0.013) were significantly associated with kidney disease. While among those on ART, older age (OR 1.034, 95%CI: 1.003–1.066, P = 0.032), lower haemoglobin (OR 0.968, 95%CI: 0.948–0.988, P = 0.002) and lower albumin (OR 0.912, 95%CI: 0.834–0.997, P = 0.044) were significantly associated with kidney disease. Conclusions: The prevalence of kidney disease among hospitalized PLWH in China is high, especially in patients on ART. A larger scale study on Chinese outpatient PLWH should be conducted, so as to precisely assess prevalence of kidney disease in general Chinese PLWH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first complete mitochondrial genome of the freshwater goby Rhinogobius davidi was determined by high-throughput sequencing. This genome was 16,627 bp in length and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 2 non-coding control regions. Phylogenetic analysis based on the amino acid sequences of 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes from R. davidi and 23 relatives suggested that R. davidi had a close mitogenome relationship with Rhinogobius giurinus. This complete genome of R. davidi will provide basal molecular data for future studies on taxonomy, comparative genomics, and adaptive evolution in Rhinogobius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sequenced and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Rhinogobius filamentosus, an endemic species in China. The complete mitochondrial genome was 16,510 base pairs long and contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs, 11,414 bp), 22 tRNA genes (1,555 bp), two rRNA genes (2,615 bp), two non-coding regions (D-loop: control region displacement loop, 478 bp; OL: origin of L-strand replication, 30 bp). The overall base composition of the genome was estimated to be T (25.4%), C (30.2%), A (27.6%) and G (16.7%), showing an AT bias (53%). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the genus Rhinogobius included two clades. For one clade, R. filamentosus clustered with R. duospilus, and they formed a sister-group relationship with other ten Rhinogobius species. This work would be essential in revealing the evolutionary relationships in Gobionellinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Efavirenz (EFV) 400 mg was noninferior to 600 mg among virologically suppressed patients • Adherence of two-tablet EFV 200 mg and one-tablet EFV 600 mg were similar • No improvement of neuropsychologic symptoms was observed in EFV 400 mg group • Mild improvement of liver enzymes and lipid profile was observed in EFV 400 mg group Efavirenz (EFV) 400 mg has been recommended to replace EFV 600 mg. There are only 200 mg and 600 mg dosage forms of EFV in China. Whether switching from one-tablet EFV 600 mg to two-tablet EFV 200 mg would weaken adherence or further affect efficacy or safety is unknown. Virologically suppressed people living with HIV with a regimen composed of one-tablet tenofovir (TDF), one-tablet lamivudine (3TC), and one-tablet EFV (600 mg) were randomized to continue original regimen or switch to two-tablet EFV (200 mg). Self-reported adherence questionnaires, 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used. Primary end point was the difference in proportions of participants with plasma HIV-RNA ≥ 50 copies/mL at week 48 with noninferiority margin of 4%. A total of 209 participants were randomized to the EFV 400 mg group and 211 to the EFV 600 mg. Primary end point result was −3.3% (95% CI −8.1–1.6). Further decrease of GGT (−3.1 vs. −0.3 U/L) and TC (−0.26 vs. 0.12 U/L) was observed in EFV 400 mg participants through 48 weeks. No significant changes in adherence, quality of life, and neuropsychologic condition were reported. EFV 400 mg was noninferior to EFV 600 mg and showed mild improvement of safety profile. Adherence was not weakened in patients taking EFV 400 mg. For patients taking EFV 600 mg with neuropsychologic symptoms, it would be better to switch to other drugs instead of EFV 400 mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese species of the genus Ditrigona Moore, 1888 are reviewed and an annotated catalogue is provided. Four new species are described from China: Ditrigona sinespina Jiang & Han, sp. nov., Ditrigona parva Jiang & Han, sp. nov., Ditrigona concava Guo & Han, sp. nov., and Ditrigona fusca Guo & Han, sp. nov. Deroca crystalla Chu & Wang, 1987 and Auzatella pentesticha Chu & Wang, 1987 are newly combined into, respectively, the derocina and quinaria species groups of Ditrigona. Ditrigona diana Wilkinson is newly recorded in China. This results in 43 species of Ditrigona for the fauna of China. Illustrations of habitus and genitalia of the new species and most known species are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aimed to analyze the incidence rates of new‐onset diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, liver injury, and renal injury during antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people living with HIV (PLWH) and determine the associated risk factors. Methods: This study included PLWH enrolled from Beijing Ditan Hospital from November 11, 2004, to December 29, 2018. The incidence rates of new‐onset diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, liver injury, and renal injury were calculated and stratified based on ART regimen, CD4 count, and HIV‐RNA. Risk factors were determined using Cox regression analysis. Results: Overall, 6747 participants were included. Moreover, 4.5%, 43.3%, 25.4%, 11.2%, and 6.2% of patients developed new‐onset diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, liver injury, and renal injury, respectively, with incidence rates of 1.7, 26.9, 10.2, 3.9, and 5.5 per 100 person‐years, respectively. Longitudinally, the incidence rates and percentages of these outcomes were highest in the first year of ART. The percentage of dyslipidemia was significantly higher in protease inhibitor (PI)‐based regimen than in non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)‐based regimen. However, the percentage of liver injury was significantly higher in NNRTI‐based regimen than in PI‐based regimen. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, low CD4 count (<200 cells/µL, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–1.57) and high HIV‐RNA (>105 copies/mL, aHR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.08–1.48) were risk factors for hypertriglyceridemia. Conclusions: Clinical outcomes, including new‐onset diabetes, dyslipidemia, and liver and renal injuries, are common in PLWH. Regular glucose, lipid, liver, and renal function monitoring is required during ART, especially in high‐risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental temperature serves as a major driver of adaptive changes in wild organisms. To discover the mechanisms underpinning cold tolerance in domestic animals, we sequenced the genomes of 28 cattle from warm and cold areas across China. By characterizing the population structure and demographic history, we identified two genetic clusters, i.e., northern and southern groups, as well as a common historic population peak at 30 kilo years ago. Genomic scan of cold-tolerant breeds determined potential candidate genes in the thermogenesis-related pathways that were under selection. Specifically, functional analysis identified a substitution of PRDM16 (p.P779L) in northern cattle, which maintains brown adipocyte formation by boosting thermogenesis-related gene expression, indicating a vital role of this gene in cold tolerance. These findings provide a basis for genetic variation in domestic cattle shaped by environmental temperature and highlight the role of reverse mutation in livestock species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV-associated malignancies are responsible for morbidity and mortality increasingly in the era of potent antiretroviral therapy. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of HIV-associated malignancies among inpatients, the immunodeficiency and the effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on spectrum of HIV-associated malignancies. A total of 438 cases were enrolled from 2007 to 2020 in Beijing Ditan Hospital. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data, managements, and outcomes were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Of 438 cases, 433 were assigned to non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) (n = 200, 45.7%) and AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs) (n = 233, 53.2%), 5 (1.1%) with lymphoma were not specified further. No significant change was observed in the proportion of NADCs and ADCs as time goes on. Of NADCs, lung cancer (n = 38, 19%) was the most common type, followed by thyroid cancer (n = 17, 8.5%). Patients with ADCs had lower CD4 counts(104.5/μL vs. 314/μL), less suppression of HIVRNA(OR 0.23, 95%CI 0.16–0.35) compared to those with NADCs. ART did not affect spectrum of NADCs, but affect that of ADCs (between patients with detectable and undetectable HIVRNA). ADCs remain frequent in China, and NADCs play an important role in morbidity and mortality of HIV positive population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of Devario kakhienensis, endemic minnow from southwest China, for the first time was presented. It was determined to be a 16,777 bp long circular molecule and the genome organization was consistent with that of Danioninae species published previously. Based on PCGs, the maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis supported the close genetic relationship between D. kakhienensis and Devario interruptus. These data would contribute toward the genetic resource enrichment, and provide a valuable framework for future research in completely resolving phylogenetic relationships with the family Danionidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whether intermittent low-level viremia (iLLV/blip) or persistent low-level viremia (pLLV) increases the risk of virologic failure (VF) in HIV-1 patients is controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence of blip/pLLV and the association between blip/pLLV and VF in a Chinese antiretroviral therapy cohort. Methods: HIV-1 patients who underwent antiretroviral therapy (ART) from 2005 to 2018 and had at least two viral load (VL) measurements after a minimum of 6 months ART treatment were included. VF was defined as one or more VL measurements of ≥ 1000 copies/mL. Blip was described as an isolated VL measurement between 50 and 999 copies/mL, and pLLV was defined as two or more consecutive VL measurements between 50 and 999 copies/mL. Blip and pLLV were categorized separately into three groups: 50– 200, 201– 400 and 401– 999 copies/mL. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to explore the association between blip/pLLV and VF. Results: In total, 8098 participants were enrolled in this long-term cohort study. A 94.3% of the participants were male and among which 77.3% were infected through homosexual transmission. Blip occurred in 4.0% (325/8098) of the patients with an incidence of 0.73 per 100 person-years (/100 PYS) of follow-up (95% CI: 0.71– 0.76), whereas pLLV occurred in 1.3% of the patients (102/8098) with an incidence of 0.23/100 PYS of follow-up (95% CI: 0.21– 0.25). All the three categories of pLLV were associated with VF: pLLV 50– 200 [aHR: 3.82 (1.95– 7.47)], pLLV 201– 400 [aHR: 5.36 (2.35– 12.22)] and pLLV 401– 999 [aHR: 13.51 (8.28– 22.02)]. However, blip is not significantly associated with VF in any category. Conclusion: Our study suggested that patients with pLLV had an increased risk of subsequent VF. Therefore, if pLLV occurs in patients, monitoring and corresponding measurements must be strengthened to avoid the subsequent VF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to sequence and annotate the complete mitochondrial DNA genome sequence of Traccatichthys pulcher. The mitochondrial genome comprised 16,583 bp, harboring 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a control region. The whole genome contained T (25.8%), C (26.9%), A (31.4%), and G (15.9%), showing an obvious AT bias (57.2%). Based on the concatenated protein sequences of 13 PCGs, a phylogenetic tree was reconstructed by the maximum likelihood method, and the topology revealed the monophyly of Traccatichthys, and the gathering of T. pulcher and M. pulcher. The mitochondrial DNA of T. pulcher (MZ853162.1) and M. pulcher (NC_031581.1) were aligned by the BLAST 2 sequences tool, which showed 97% similarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and non‐TIPS therapy (endoscopy and/or nonselective beta‐blockers [NSBB]) in patients with cirrhosis and active variceal hemorrhage who did not respond to high‐dose vasoactive drugs and required balloon tamponade for hemostasis. Methods: Medical records of cirrhotic patients who did not respond to high‐dose vasoactive drugs and required balloon tamponade for hemostasis at five university hospitals in China between January 2011 and December 2018 were reviewed. Treatment outcomes were compared between the TIPS and the non‐TIPS groups. Results: Treatment failure of variceal hemorrhage within 5 days was reported in six patients of the non‐TIPS group (N = 70) and none of the TIPS group (N = 66) (P =.028). The TIPS group had a higher 1‐year variceal rebleeding‐free rate compared with the non‐TIPS group (95.5% vs 60.0%, P <.001). One patient treated with TIPS and nine with non‐TIPS therapy experienced rebleeding within 5 days and 6 weeks after the intervention (P =.009). The cumulative 1‐year survival rate was higher in the TIPS group than in the non‐TIPS group (93.9% vs 78.6%, P =.01). The TIPS group had a higher incidence of hepatic encephalopathy within one year compared with the non‐TIPS group (18.2% vs 4.3%, P =.026). Conclusion: For patients with cirrhosis and active variceal bleeding who do not respond to high‐dose vasoactive agents and require a balloon tamponade for hemostasis, TIPS may be an appropriate treatment choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family of Gastromyzontidae originates from China and Southeast Asia, which is widely distributed in the southern part of the Yangtze River. In this study, we sequenced seven fish complete mitogenomes from three of all 18 genera in the Gastromyzontidae on the Illumina HiSeq platform. Lengths of seven complete mitochondrial genome sequences varied from 16,554 to 16,574 bp, with an AT bias of 53.6–54.9%. Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree was reconstructed using the connected protein sequences of 13 protein-coding genes of 34 species of fish. The phylogeny revealed that the genera Gastromyzon, Sewellia, and Erromyzon were monophyletic, and other genera Beaufortia, Vanmanenia, Formosania, and Pseudogastromyzon were paraphyletic or polyphyletic. Phylogeny corrected the taxonomic status of Metahomaloptera omeiensis, which should be categorized under the family of Gastromyzontidae rather than Balitoridae, denoting the significance of this study to the overall fisheries research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to elucidate the burden, risk factors, and prognosis of serious non-AIDS-defining events among admitted cART-naive AIDS patients in China. The evaluation of the burden, risk factors and prognosis of serious NADEs was carried out among 1309 cART-naive AIDS patients (median age: 38.2 years, range: 18–78 years) admitted in Beijing Ditan Hospital between January 2009 and December 2018. Among 1309 patients, 143 patients (10.9%) had at least one serious NADEs, including 49 (3.8%) with cerebrovascular diseases, 37 (2.8%) with non-AIDS-defining cancers, 28 (2.1%) with chronic kidney diseases, 26 (2.0%) with cardiovascular diseases, and 18 (1.4%) with liver cirrhosis. Serious NADEs distributed in different age and CD4 levels, especially with age ≥50 years and CD4 ≤350 cells/ul. Other traditional risk factors, including cigarette smoking (OR = 1.9, 95%CI = 1.3–2.8, p = 0.002), hypertension (OR = 2.5, 95%CI = 1.7–3.7, p<0.001), chronic HCV infection (OR = 2.8, 95%CI = 1.4–5.6, p = 0.004), and hypercholesterolemia (OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1.2–14.1, p = 0.026), were also associated with serious NADEs. Seventeen cases (1.3%) with serious NADEs died among hospitalized cART-naive AIDS patients, and severe pneumonia (HR = 5.5, 95%CI = 1.9–15.9, p<0.001) and AIDS-defining cancers (HR = 3.8, 95%CI = 1.1–13.2, p = 0.038) were identified as risk factors associated with an increased hazard of mortality among these patients with serious NADEs. Serious NADEs also occurred in cART-naive AIDS patients in China with low prevalence. Our results reminded physicians that early screening of serious NADEs, timely intervention of their risk factors, management of severe AIDS-defining events, multi-disciplinary cooperation, and early initiation of cART were essential to reduce the burden of serious NADEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to develop and validate a predictive model to evaluate in-hospital mortality risk in HIV/AIDS patients with PCP in China. 1001 HIV/AIDS patients with PCP admitted in the Beijing Ditan hospital from August 2009 to January 2018 were included in this study. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify independent risk factors of death, and a predictive model was devised based on risk factors. The overall in-hospital mortality was 17.3%. The patients were randomly assigned into derivation cohort (801cases) and validation cohort (200 cases) in 8:2 ratio, respectively, in which in derivation cohort we found that 7 predictors, including LDH >350U/L, HR>130 times/min, room air PaO2 <70mmHg, later admission to ICU, Anemia (HGB≤90g/L), CD4<50cells/ul, and development of a pneumothorax, were associated with poor prognosis in HIV/AIDS patients with PCP and were included in the predictive model. The model had excellent discrimination with AUC of 0.904 and 0.921 in derivation and validation cohort, respectively. The predicted scores were divided into two groups to assess the in-hospital mortality risk: low-risk group (0-11 points with mortality with 2.15-12.77%) and high-risk group (12-21 points with mortality with 38.78%-81.63%). The cumulative mortality rate also indicated significant difference between two groups with Kaplan-Meier curve (p<0.001). A predictive model to evaluate mortality in HIV/AIDS patients with PCP was constructed based on routine laboratory and clinical parameters, which may be a simple tool for physicians to assess the prognosis in HIV/AIDS patients with PCP in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We investigated the superiority of the 8th edition of the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) system for patients in China with gastric cancer.Methods: The survival outcomes of 1663 patients with gastric cancer undergoing radical resection were analyzed.Results: In the 8th edition system, homogeneous 5-year survival rates among different pathological TNM (pTNM) categories belonging to the same stage were observed. However, in the 7th edition system, the differences of 5-year survival rate among pTNM categories belonging to the same stage were observed in stages IIB (P = 0.010), IIIB (P = 0.004), and IIIC (P < 0.001). For patients in the pT1-3 (P < 0.001) and pT4a (P < 0.001) categories, there were significant differences in survival between patients in the pN3a and pN3b categories. Furthermore, partial cases (pT4bN0M0/T4aN2M0) of stage IIIB were downstaged to stage IIIA in the 8th edition system, and the 5-year survival rate of these patients was significantly better than that of patients in stage IIIB in the 8th edition system. Similarly, the 5-year survival rate of patients in p4bN2M0/T4aN3aM0 downstaged from stage IIIC to IIIB was significantly better than that of patients in stage IIIC. Compared with the 7th edition system, the 8th edition system had a higher likelihood ratio and linear trend chi-squared score and a smaller Akaike information criteria value.Conclusions: The 8th edition system is superior to the 7th edition system in terms of homogeneity, discriminatory ability, and monotonicity of gradients for Chinese patients with gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Herein, a local bentonite from Huangshan county (Anhui province, China) was purified and the purge bentonite sample was characterized by using FTIR and XRD to determine its chemical constituents and microstructures. The sample was chosen as an adsorbent to remove uranium ions from aqueous solutions as a function of various environmental parameters such as contact time, pH, ionic strength, foreign ions, humic acid and temperature under ambient conditions. The results indicated that the sorption of U(VI) on the bentonite was strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength. At pH<6.5, the sorption of U(VI) on the bentonite increased with increasing pH, whereas the sorption of U(VI) on bentonite decreased with increasing pH at pH>6.5. The presence of humic acid (HA) enhanced the sorption of U(VI) on bentonite obviously at low pH while it reduced the U(VI) sorption on bentonite at high pH values. The enhancement of U(VI) sorption on HA-bentonite hybrids at low pH was attributed to the strong surface complexation of surface adsorbed HA with U(VI) on bentonite surface, whereas the decrease of U(VI) sorption on bentonite at high pH was attributed to the formation of free HA-U complexes in solution. The Langmuir, Freundlich and D–R models were applied to simulate the sorption isotherms of U(VI) at three different temperatures of 298, 318 and 338K, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters (i.e., ∆H 0, ∆S 0 and ∆G 0) calculated from the temperature dependent sorption isotherms indicated that the sorption process of U(VI) on bentonite was an endothermic and spontaneous process. At low pH, the sorption of U(VI) was mainly dominated by outer-sphere surface complexation and ion exchange with H+/Na+ on bentonite surfaces, whereas inner-sphere surface complexation was the main sorption mechanism at high pH values. Based on the experimental results, bentonite is a very suitable material for the preconcentration and solidification of U(VI) ions from large volumes of aqueous solutions in U(VI) pollution cleanup. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Three new triterpenoid glycosides, named puberosides C-E (1-3), were isolated from the water-soluble fraction of Glochidion puberum (Linn.) Hutch. Their structures were determined as 3α-[(O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]-22α-trans-cinnamoyl-olean-12-ene-16α,28-diol, 3α-[(O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]-22α-cis-cinnamoyl-olean-12-ene-16α,28-diol, and 3α-[(O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-22α-benzoyloxy-olean-12-ene-16α,28-diol by the combination of 1D, 2D NMR, and MS spectral analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers that the spirit of religion in the etiquette of sacrifice of China has its modern meaning and value by analyzing the spirit of religion in the etiquette of funeral of China. Therefore, we should not ignore hut respect the traditional holiday such as Tomb- sweeping Day, and cultivate the conduct of modern Chinese by unique spirit of religion of Chinese people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A total of 32 surface sediments collected from the Yangtze River Estuary, Hangzhou Bay and the Qiantang River were analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The concentrations of ∑PBDEs (sum of 12 PBDE congeners without BDE 209) and BDE 209 varied from n.d. to 0.55 and from 0.16 to 94.6ng/g, respectively. The spatial variability of ∑PBDEs concentrations indicated that waste discharge from the urban areas might been the main source of PBDEs in the Yangtze River Delta. BDE 209 was the predominant congener (∼90–100%) detected among the 13 congeners, consistent with the fact that technical deca-BDE mixtures are presently the dominant technical PBDE mixtures used in China. Compared to published data acquired from other locales, PBDE congeners with less than four bromines were more abundant in the present study area. The hydrodynamic conditions may likely be a significant factor in dictating the observed levels and congener distribution patterns of PBDEs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tropical and subtropical China occupies a total area of about 215 Mha, but the contents and storage of soil organic carbon (C) on this land have not been well studied. This research was conducted in this concern by jointly using soil survey data and the regional soil map. It was estimated that the 0–20 cm C density of the soil subgroups in the region varied from 1.2 to 9.7 kg C m-2. In the major zonal soils, soil subgroup `young ∼' had generally a C density about 1.2–4.4 times lower than its other natural counterparts. Furthermore, subgroups of the cultivated soil gave a C density about 20–63% lower than their natural counterparts (except subgroup `young ∼'), showing remarkable C losses caused by cultivation. For soil groups in the east, brown soil had the highest C density (6.8 and 21.4 kg C m-2, for the upper 20 and 100 cm soil, respectively), followed by yellow soil, yellow brown soil and limestone soil (4.6–5.5 and 12.3–14.5 kg C m-2, idem). Torrid red soil, purplish soil and fluvo-aquic soil had the lowest C density (2.0–2.2 and 5.8–7.5 kg C m-2, idem) with the others ranking at a medium level. In the west, podzolic soil ranked the highest (17.9 and 55.8 kg C m-2, idem), followed by dark brown soil, brown soil and limestone soil (6.9–11.6 and 21–29 kg C m-2, idem), and again torrid red soil, purplish soil and fluvo-aquic soil ranked the lowest (3.9–5.1 and 11.4–14.1 kg C m-2, idem). Finally, a total of about 26.8±7.4 Pg organic C was estimated being stored in soils of the entire region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the profound impact of antiretroviral therapy in the control of AIDS mortality, central nervous system opportunistic infections remains a significant burden in AIDS patients. This retrospective study aims to elucidate the clinical characteristics, outcome and risk factors of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) poor prognosis in AIDS patients from a tertiary hospital in China.Methods: Clinical data from 128 patients admitted in Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University from November 2008 to November 2017 was collected. The cohort was stratified based on treatment outcome (effective 79%, and ineffective 21%), and Multivariate Logistic regression analysis used to identify risk factors of poor disease prognosis.Results: Age, incidence of cerebral infarction, the proportion of consciousness disorder, and fasting plasma glucose was higher in the ineffective treatment group than the effective treatment group. The duration of treatment in the induction period of the ineffective group was significantly shorter than that of the effective group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that the occurrence of cerebral hernia and consciousness disorder were risk factors for the prognosis of AIDS patients with CM infection, while the duration of treatment in the induction period was a indicative of a better prognosis in AIDS with CM infection complications. Finally, shunt decompression therapy correlated with a better disease outcome.Conclusions: This retrospective study exposes the main risk factors associated with worse disease prognosis in AIDS patients with CM infection complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: MAPK/ERK kinases transmit signals from many growth factors/kinase receptors during normal cell growth/differentiation, and their dysregulation is a hallmark of diverse types of cancers. A plethora of drugs were developed to block this kinase pathway for clinical application. With the exception of a recently identified agent, EQW, most of these inhibitors target upstream factors but not ERK1/2; no activator of ERK1/2 is currently available.Method: A library of compounds isolated from medicinal plants of China was screened for anti-cancer activities. Three limonoid compounds, termed A1541-43, originally isolated from the plant Melia azedarach, exhibiting strong anti-leukemic activity. The anti-neoplastic activity and the biological target of these compounds were explored using various methods, including western blotting, flow cytometry, molecular docking and animal model for leukemia.Results: Compounds A1541-43, exhibiting potent anti-leukemic activity, was shown to induce ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In contrast, the natural product Cedrelone, which shares structural similarities with A1541-43, functions as a potent inhibitor of ERK1/2. We provided evidence that A1541-43 and Cedrelone specifically target ERK1/2, but not the upstream MAPK/ERK pathway. Computational docking analysis predicts that compounds A1541-43 bind a region in ERK1/2 that is distinct from that to which Cedrelone and EQW bind. Interestingly, both A1541-43, which act as ERK1/2 agonists, and Cedrelone, which inhibit these kinases, exerted strong anti-proliferative activity against multiple leukemic cell lines, and induced robust apoptosis as well as erythroid and megakaryocytic differentiation in erythroleukemic cell lines. These compounds also suppressed tumor progression in a mouse model of erythroleukemia.Conclusions: This study identifies for the first time activators of ERK1/2 with therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancers driven by dysregulation of the MAPK/ERK pathway and possibly for other disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:HIV-related opportunistic infections (OIs) and malignancies continued to cause morbidity and mortality in Chinese HIV-infected individuals. The objective for this study is to elucidate the prevalence and spectrums of OIs and malignancies in HIV-infected patients in the Beijing Ditan Hospital. Methods:The evaluation of the prevalence and spectrums of OIs and malignancies was conducted by using the clinical data of 834 HIV-infected patients admitted in the Beijing Ditan hospital from January 1, 2009, to November 30, 2012. Results:The prevalence and spectrums of OIs and malignancies varied contingent on geographic region, transmission routes, and CD4 levels. We found that tuberculosis was most common OI and prevalence was 32.5%, followed by candidiasis(29.3%), Pneumocystis pneumonia(PCP)(22.4%), cytomegalovirus(CMV) infection(21.7%), other fungal infections(16.2%), mycobacterium avium complex(MAC)(11.3%), cryptococcosis(8.0%), progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy(PML)(4.4%), Cerebral Toxoplasmosis(3.5%) and Penicillium marneffei infection(1.4%); while Lymphoma(2.9%), Kaposi’s sarcoma(0.8%) and cervix carcinoma(0.3%) were emerged as common AIDS-defining malignancies. Pulmonary OI infections were the most prevalent morbidity and mortality in patients in the AIDS stage including pulmonary tuberculosis (26.6%) and PCP (22.4%). CMV infection(21.7%) was most common viral infection; Fungal OIs were one of most prevalent morbidity in patients in the AIDS stage, including oral candidiasis (29.3%), other fungal infection (16.2%), Cryptococcosis (8.0%) and Penicillium marneffei infection (1.4%). We found the low prevalence of AIDS-defining illnesses in central neural system in this study, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (4.4%), cerebral toxoplasmosis (3.5%), tuberculosis meningitis (3.2%), cryptococcal meningitis (2.4%) and CMV encephalitis (1.1%). In-hospital mortality rate was 4.3 per 100 person-years due to severe OIs, malignancies, and medical cost constraints. Conclusions:The prevalence and spectrums of OIs, malignancies and co-infections were discussed in this study. It would help increase the awareness for physicians to make a diagnosis and empirical treatment sooner and plan good management strategies, especially in resource limited regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: As a widespread toxic metal, arsenic had potential effect for hypertensive. We evaluated the association between urinary arsenic and the incidence of hypertension in adult residents along the Yangtze River of China. Methods: We conducted the study of 1358 adults 18 to 74 years of age from Chizhou, Maanshan, and Tongling of Anhui province, who participated in the baseline study in 2014 to 2015. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was used to measure urinary as of residents, and follow-up extended through 2016 to 2017. Results: We identified 275 hypertension events. The hazard ratios (HRs) of highest quartile arsenic compared with lowest quartile was 1.49 for hypertension events (95% confidence interval [Cl] = 1.05 to 2.12), and HRs (≥P20 vs

[Display omitted] • The "ampliative" Spiraea japonica complex was put forward. • Phylogeographical pattern is related to the regionalization of East Asian flora. • Genetic and diterpenoid alkaloids data support a transition belt in central China. • Diversification and demographic dynamics were shaped by the geological events. • Polyploidization contributed to the population expansion in east China. Each subkingdom of East Asian flora (EAF) has a unique evolutionary history, but which has rarely been described based on phylogeographic studies of EAF species. The Spiraea japonica L. complex, which is widespread in East Asia (EA), has received considerable attention because of the presence of diterpenoid alkaloids (DAs). It provides a proxy for understanding the genetic diversity and DA distribution patterns of species under various environmental conditions associated with the geological background in EA. In the present study, the plastome and chloroplast/nuclear DNA of 71 populations belonging to the S. japonica complex and its congeners were sequenced, combined with DA identification, environmental analyses, and ecological niche modelling, to investigate their phylogenetic relationships, genetic and DAs distribution patterns, biogeography, and demographic dynamics. An "ampliative" S. japonica complex was put forward, comprising all species of Sect. Calospira Ser. Japonicae , of which three evolutionary units carrying their respective unique types of DAs were identified and associated with the regionalization of EAF (referring to the Hengduan Mountains, central China, and east China). Moreover, a transition belt in central China with its biogeographic significance was revealed by genetic and DA distribution patterns from the perspective of ecological adaptation. The origin and onset differentiation of the "ampliative" S. japonica complex was estimated in the early Miocene (22.01/19.44 Ma). The formation of Japanese populations (6.75 Ma) was facilitated by the land bridge, which subsequently had a fairly stable demographic history. The populations in east China have undergone a founder effect after the Last Glacial Maximum, which may have been promoted by the expansion potential of polyploidization. Overall, the in-situ origin and diversification of the "ampliative" S. japonica complex since the early Miocene is a vertical section of the formation and development of modern EAF and was shaped by the geological history of each subkingdom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the drug resistance characteristics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates to four first-line antituberculous drugs (ATDs) from tuberculosis (TB) patients with AIDS in Beijing, China. All M. tuberculosis strains were isolated from specimens from TB patients with AIDS hospitalised between April 2010 and October 2012. Isolates were cultured by mycobacterial culture methods and were identified by multilocus PCR. Drug sensitivity testing was performed by the proportion method with the following first-line ATDs: isoniazid; rifampicin; streptomycin; and ethambutol. Results were compared with the drug resistance status of M. tuberculosis strains isolated from TB patients without HIV infection in Beijing. Among 41 M. tuberculosis isolates from TB patients with AIDS, the rates of total drug resistance (58.5%), initial drug resistance (46.7%) and acquired drug resistance (90.9%) were significantly higher than in TB patients without HIV infection (34.1%, 24.5% and 48.5%, respectively; P < 0.05). In TB patients with AIDS, the rates of acquired drug resistance (90.9%) and acquired multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) (54.5%) were significantly higher than the rates of initial drug resistance (46.7%) and initial MDR-TB (10.0%) ( P < 0.05). In patients with TB without HIV infection, the rate of acquired drug resistance (48.5%) was significantly higher than the rate of initial drug resistance (24.5%) ( P < 0.05). M. tuberculosis drug resistance in TB patients with AIDS is significantly more serious than in TB patients without HIV infection. These results showed that more attention should be paid to M. tuberculosis drug resistance in AIDS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three novel β-carboline alkaloids characterized with a unique degraded monoterpenoid moiety, gelebolines A–C (1–3), together with 11 known alkaloids of different types, were isolated from the roots of Gelsemium elegans. The structures of new alkaloids were established on the basis of analysis of spectroscopic data. It is the first example for report of β-carboline from genus Gelsemium (Loganiaceae). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Three new tuberostemoamide-type alkaloids, stemtuberolines A-C (1 – 3), four new stenine-type alkaloids, stemtuberolines D-G (4 – 7), together with five known Stemona alkaloids (8–12), were isolated from the roots of Stemona tuberosa. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis. Stemtuberoline C (3) exhibited significant anti-TMV activity with an inhibition rate of 60.48% at the concentration of 50 μ g /mL, while that of ningnamycin, the positive control, was 52.89%. Unlabelled Image • Three new tuberostemoamide-type alkaloids were isolated from the roots of Stemona tuberosa. • Four new stenine-type alkaloids were isolated from the roots of Stemona tuberosa. • Stemtuberoline C (3) exhibited significant anti-TMV activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Abnormal cervical cytology is commonly observed in women with human immunodeficiency virus (WWH)., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 130 WWH and 147 age-matched healthy controls, who underwent gynecological examinations at Beijing Ditan Hospital. The presence of abnormal cervical cytology in WWH was predicted after performing a logistic regression analysis., Results: Multivariate logistic regression revealed 3 independent factors, among which CD4 cell count ≥350 cells/μL was the protective factor, while human papillomavirus infection and abnormal vaginal pH were the risk factors., Conclusions: Vaginal microecological disorders can increase the risk of abnormal cervical cytology in WWH., Competing Interests: Potential conflicts of interest. All authors: No reported conflicts. All authors have submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest. Conflicts that the editors consider relevant to the content of the manuscript have been disclosed., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

In order to provide a guide for plant selection of ecological restoration at antimony (Sb) mining ecological damaged sites, species composition, importance value, niche, and interspecific associations of tree, shrub, and herb layers were examined at Sb mining site in Nandan City, Guangxi, China. The results showed that 23 vascular plant species were recorded at the Sb mining ecological damaged site, belonging to 22 genera and 13 families, primarily Gramineae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae. The highest importance values for trees, shrubs, and herbs were observed in Rhus chinensis (56.7%), Coriaria nepalensis (56.3%), and Eremochloa ciliaris (44.0%), which were characterized by fairly large niche widths of 1.58, 1.32 and 1.57, respectively. The highest niche overlap values were found between R. chinensis and Triadica sebifera in the tree layer, and between Thysanolaena latifolia and Bidens pilosa in the herb layer, with the value of 0.68 and 0.99, respectively. Shrub layer exhibited a lower range of niche overlap (0.30-0.42), suggesting significant niche differentiation among different species. In the tree and shrub layers, most species showed insignificantly negative associations, the proportion was 83.3% and 66.7%, respectively, indicating that the plant community was not stable. Herb layer generally exhibited significantly positive correlations, with 52.4% of species pairs showing positive correlation, indicating weak resource competition among species. Overall, plant community at Sb mining ecological damaged site was unstable. In the process of ecological restoration, trees and shrubs that can adapt to the conditions and have positive associations should be prioritized in species selection, such as R. chinensis , C. lanceolata , C. nepalensis , and B. nivea . This will promote vegetation positive succession, rehabilitate the ecosystem and ensure sustainable development at Sb mining ecological damaged sites.

Background: Previous studies have separately linked either perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) or heavy metal exposure with kidney dysfunction. However, the relationships of co-exposure to PFAAs and heavy metals with kidney function are still unclear., Objectives: To explore the associations between exposure to PFAAs and heavy metals mixtures and kidney function in adults., Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional community-based population study in Guangzhou, China, enrolling 1312 adults from November 2018 to August 2019. We quantified 13 PFAAs in serum and 14 heavy metals in plasma. We chose estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) as outcomes of interest. Distributed lag non-linear models (DLNMs) were used to check nonlinearity of individual pollutant with kidney function. Joint associations of pollutant mixtures on kidney function were assessed by Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) models. We further explored modification effects of gender., Results: Most individual PFAA and heavy metal were associated with declined kidney function in single-pollutant models. We also observed significant dose-response relationships of pollutant mixtures with reduced eGFR levels and increased odds of CKD in BKMR models. Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS), arsenic (As) and strontium (Sr) were the predominant contributors among pollutant mixtures. A change in log PFHpS, As and Sr concentrations from the 25th to the 75th percentile were associated with a decrease in eGFR of -5.42 (95% confidence interval (CI): -6.86, -3.98), -2.14 (95% CI: -3.70, -0.58) and -1.87 (95% CI: -3.03, -0.72) mL/min/1.73 m 2 , respectively, when other pollutants were at their median values. In addition, the observed associations were more obvious in females., Conclusions: We provided new evidence that co-exposure to PFAAs and heavy metals mixtures was associated with reduced kidney function in adults and PFHpS, As and Sr appeared to be the major contributors. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms., 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 © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a widespread developmental disorder of the nervous system with an unclear etiology and pathogenesis. Its global incidence is currently increasing, and no effective drugs are available to improve its core symptoms. Nonpharmaceutical therapy can effectively relieve the core symptoms of autism, has fewer side effects than drugs, and is easily accepted by patients. This systematic and network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of non-pharmaceutical therapy on autism to explore preferable therapeutic options for autism., Methods: Online databases, including the China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], SinoMed, Wanfang Database [WF], China Science and Technology Journal Database [VIP], MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library will be searched for randomized controlled trials of nonpharmacological interventions for autism published before October 2021. Two researchers will be independently responsible for the literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. Standard paired and Bayesian network meta-analyses will be performed using RevMan 5.3 Software and GEMTC 0.14.3, to compare the efficacy and safety of different nonpharmacological regimens., Results: The results of this systematic and network meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication., Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive and reliable evidence-based reference for the efficacy and safety of different non-pharmacological interventions for autism., Prospero Registration Number: CRD 42021275571., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2022 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Background: We aimed to clarify the characteristics, risk factors, and prognosis of stroke among HAART-naive people living with HIV (PLWH) in China., Methods: We selected HAART-naive PLWH admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2019. Demographic and clinical data were obtained by searching an anonymous electronic case system. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the characteristics and predictors of stroke among all HAART-naive PLWH and evaluate the risk factors of mortality in HAART-naive PLWH with stroke., Results: Stroke was diagnosed in 105 cases (3.7%) of 2867 HAART-naive PLWH. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that age of 30-55 years (OR 1.903, 95% CI 1.005-3.603, p = 0.048), age of ≥ 55 years (OR 4.104, 95% CI 1.928-8.737, p < 0.001), and CD4 count of < 200 cells/µL (OR 2.005, 95% CI 1.008-3.985, p = 0.047) were associated with increased odds of stroke. Diabetes (OR 3.268, 95% CI 1.744-6.125, p < 0.001), hypertension (OR 2.301, 95% CI 1.425-3.717, p = 0.001), syphilis (OR 2.003, 95% CI 1.300-3.089, p = 0.002), and complicated AIDS-defining CNS diseases (OR 7.719, 95% CI 4.348-13.703, p < 0.001) were risk factors for stroke. Of the 105 stroke patients, 12 (11.4%) died during hospitalisation, and the risk factors for mortality among patients with stroke were age of > 65 years (AHR: 8.783, 95% CI 1.522-50.668, p = 0.015), complicated severe pneumonia (AHR: 3.940, 95% CI 1.106-14.029, p = 0.034), and AIDS-defining CNS diseases (AHR: 19.766, 95% CI 3.586-108.961, p = 0.001)., Conclusions: For HAART-naive people living with HIV (PLWH), stroke occurred in various age groups, and early screening for stroke, timely intervention for risk factors among patients in various age groups, and controlling the CD4 count are extremely important in reducing the burden of stroke., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park has the most representative and largest contiguous tropical rainforest in China, which has advantages in exploring the realization mechanism of ecological product value in national parks. Based on the basic framework of "The Technical Guideline on Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP)", we constructed a GEP accounting system in line with the characteristics of tropical rain forest national park, and calculated the GEP of Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park in 2019. The results showed that the GEP of Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park in 2019 was 204.513 billion yuan, and the GEP per unit area was 0.046 billion yuan·km -2 . Among all the service types, the value of material services was 4.850 billion yuan, accounting for 2.4% of the total GEP in the national park. The ecosystem regulation service value was 168.891 billion yuan, accounting for 82.6%. The value of cultural services was 30.772 billion yuan, accounting for 15.0%. Among different ecosystem types, the unit area value of the tropical rain forest ecosystem represented by mountain rain forest, lowland rain forest, deciduous monsoon forest, and tropical cloud forest was much higher than that of plantation or other ecosystems, indicating the dominant role of tropical rain forest ecosystem in providing ecosystem services. In addition, based on the GEP accounting results of the national park, we put forward relevant suggestions for further exploring the realization path and realization mechanism of ecological product value.

Ten new nortriterpenes, euphorbiumrins A-J (1-10), together with three known analogues (11-13) were isolated from the latex of Euphorbia resinifera. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses (IR, UV, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR). Their inhibitions on tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) were evaluated and compound 5 exhibited significant anti-TYLCV activity with an inhibition rate of 71.7% at concentration of 40 μg/mL., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study explored the relevance between rs1695 and susceptibility to the lung cancer in the Chinese Han population. Stratification analysis was conducted on the basis of age, gender, smoking status, tumor-related family history, and pathological type to observe relations between rs1695 and susceptibility to lung cancer in the subgroups., Methods: A case-control study was performed with 974 lung cancer patients who were pathologically diagnosed and 1005 healthy cases based on physical examination to analyze the association between rs1695 and the risk of lung cancer., Results: The frequencies of the AA, GA, and GG genotypes of rs1695 were 68.4%, 28.7%, and 2.9% in cases and 64.8%, 30.8%, and 4.2% in controls, respectively. After adjustment for age, gender, smoking status, and family history, it appears that the rs1695 G allele decreases the risk of lung cancer (OR = 0.811, 95% CI 0.684-0.961, P  = 0.016). Moreover, compared with the AA genotype, the GA + GG genotype decreased lung cancer susceptibility (OR = 0.808, 95% CI 0.663-0.985, P  = 0.035) and the GG genotype (OR = 0.591, 95% CI 0.347-0.988, P  = 0.048). In a stratified analysis, the risk of lung cancer in the G allele carriers decreased among the males, patients without a tumor-related family history, and patients with lung adenocarcinoma, especially in smokers., Conclusion: The polymorphism of locus rs1695 is related to the risk of lung cancer and is expected to be a target for the prediction of lung cancer.

Abstract: Assessing renal function accurately is important for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) recommended three equations to calculate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). There is evidence that eGFR based on the combination of serum creatinine and cystatin C is the most accurate of the three equations. But there is limited data on the comparison of three CKD-EPI equations in Chinese HIV/AIDS patients. The aim of our study was to compare the three CKD-EPI equations in Chinese HIV/AIDS population and assess renal function.Cross-sectional, single center, prospective study.One hundred seventy two Chinese adult HIV/AIDS patients were enrolled, including 145 (84.3%) males and 27 (15.7%) females. Mean age was 40(±12) years old. Overall mean eGFR based on serum creatinine, cystatin C and the combination of the 2 markers was 112.6(±19.0) mL/min/1.73 m2, 92.0(±24.2)mL/min/1.73 m2, and 101.7(±21.8)mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively (P = .000). The eGFR calculated by serum creatinine alone is higher than eGFR calculated by combination of serum creatinine and cystatin C, and eGFR calculated by cystatin C individual is lower than eGFR calculated by combination of the 2 markers.Of the 3 CKD-EPI equations, the CKD-EPIscr-cys equation may have the most accuracy in evaluating renal function in Chinese HIV/AIDS patients while the CKD-EPIscr equation may overestimate renal function and the CKD-EPIcys equation may underestimate renal function., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interests to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Six rocaglaol derivatives were isolated from Dysoxylum gotadhora, and those compounds showed good cytotoxic activity with IC 50 values ranging from 10 to 350 ng/mL against five different cancer cells. Obviously, further total synthesis of rocaglaol derivatives for medical chemistry study is of great significance. Then, twenty six rocaglaol derivatives including 25 new compounds were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against three human cancer cell lines: human colon cancer cells (HCT116), colorectal cancer stem cells (P6C), and human red leukocyte leukemia cells (HEL), using MTT assay. Most of derivatives showed good cytotoxic activities, with the lowest IC 50 being 3.2 nM for HEL cells, which was 169 times stronger than that of the positive control (doxorubicin). Further mechanism study indicated that 11k could significantly suppress MAPK pathway in HCT116 cells, which may responsible for induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Studies have reported that low bone mineral density (BMD) is prevalent in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients; however, the factors that contribute to HIV-related BMD changes are yet to be fully understood. Due to the application of dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) among a select group of hospitals only, the prevalence and risk factors of low BMD in HIV-infected populations have not been intensively investigated in China. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors associated with BMD changes among antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive HIV-positive patients in China., Methods: The assessment of the prevalence of and risk factors associated with BMD changes was conducted among 156 ART-naive HIV-infected patients. Demographic and clinical data, as well as results of fasting blood tests were obtained from patients. Further, all patients underwent DXA scans to determine BMD, which was then used to classify patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis. The risk factors of reduced BMD were then evaluated using binary logistic regression., Results: Among the 156 ART-naive HIV-infected participants, osteopenia and osteoporosis were diagnosed in 48.7% (76/156) and 4.5% (7/156) of patients, respectively. The lumbar spine was most likely to have reduced BMD (49.4% [77/156]), and the proportion of osteopenia in the left hip (32.7% [51/156]) was higher than in the right hip (24.4% [38/156]). In the lumbar spine, bone loss rate in the L1 section (60.9% [95/156]) was the most significant (L2, 53.2% [83/156]; L3, 45.5% [71/156]; L4, 52.6% [82/156]). Further analysis showed that, compared with the neck (26.9% [42/156] in the left, 18.6% [29/156] in the right) and the interior (15.4% [24/156] in the left, 13.5% [21/156] in the right), the trochanter had the greatest probability of reduced BMD (46.2% [72/156] in the left, 28.8% [45/156] in the right). In the risk factor analysis, low body mass index (BMI: <18.5 kg/m2) was positively associated with reduced BMD (Exp (B) = 39.743, 95% confidence interval: 3.234-488.399, P = 0.004), and was specifically positively correlated with BMD values at three sites (r = 0.335 at right hip, r = 0.327 at left hip, r = 0.311 at lumbar spine)., Conclusion: Reduced BMD was found in the majority of ART-naive HIV-infected patients and BMI was identified as an additional risk factor for reduced BMD. Our results show that BMD reduction was simultaneously present in the left hip, right hip, and lumbar spine among nearly one fifth of patients. Our work highlights the importance of closely monitoring BMD in ART-naive patients and provides a foundation for the clinical intervention of bone demineralization in them., (Copyright © 2020 The Chinese Medical Association, produced by Wolters Kluwer, Inc. under the CC-BY-NC-ND license.)

Two new lignans ( 1 - 2 ), along with five known compounds ( 3 - 7 ) with different structures were isolated from leaves and twigs of Cleistanthus concinnus Croizat. The new lignans were elucidated as (7'R,8'S)-3,3',5'-trimethoxy-4,4'-dihydroxy-7-en-7',9- epoxy-8,8'-lignan ( 1 ) and (7'R,8'S)-3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'-dihydroxy-7-en-7',9-epoxy-8, 8'-lignan ( 2 ) by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis including 1D and 2D NMR as well as HREIMS and comparing their NMR data with known compounds in the literature. Among these isolated compounds, compound 1 , 2 , 3 , and 6 were tested for anti- inflammatory effects by inhibiting NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Compound 1 , 2 , and 6 exhibit NO inhibitory activity.[Formula: see text].

Two new steroidal alkaloids (1-2), together with seven known related steroidal alkaloids (3-9), were isolated from the rhizomes of Veratrum nigrum L. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, and by comparison with literature data. Compound 1 possessed a rare 1, 3-oxazolidine unit within varazine-type alkaloids, and 2 was a 9-hydroxy-4-one derivative of 3-veratroylgermine. All isolates were evaluated inhibit tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) activity. Compounds 5 and 7 (40 μg/mL) showed a significant anti-TYLCV activity in the host Nicotiana benthamiana with inhibition rates 74.6% and 63.4%, respectively, which are higher than that of the positive control ningnanmycin (51.4%)., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Seven new diterpenoid alkaloids, acotarines A-G (1-7), along with four known diterpenoid alkaloids, were isolated from Aconitum taronense. Their structures were established by 1D, 2D NMR spectra and HRESIMS data. Acotarine A (1) represents a franchetine-type alkaloid characterized by a N-butanone moiety. All the compounds were tested for their activities to induce lysosomal biogenesis through LysoTracker Red staining, compounds acotarines B (2), E (5), F (6), indaconitine (8), 7,8-epoxy-franchetine (9), and 6-epiforesticine (10) showed inducing lysosomal biogenesis activity., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

All gibbon species (Primates: Hylobatidae) are facing high extinction risk due to habitat loss and hunting. The Hainan gibbon Nomascus hainanus is the world's most critically endangered primate, and one of the priority conservation actions identified is to establish artificial canopy corridors to reconnect fragmented forests. The effectiveness of artificial canopy bridge as a conservation tool for wild gibbons has not been widely tested, and the results are rarely published. We constructed the first canopy bridge for Hainan gibbon in 2015 to facilitate passage at a natural landslide; mountaineering-grade ropes were tied to sturdy trees with the help of professional tree climbers and a camera trap was installed to monitor wildlife usage. Hainan gibbon started using the rope bridge after 176 days, and usage frequency increased with time. All members in the gibbon group crossed the 15.8 m rope bridge except adult male. Climbing was the predominant locomotor mode followed by brachiation. This study highlights the use and value of rope bridges to connect forest gaps for wild gibbons living in fragmented forests. While restoring natural forest corridors should be a priority conservation intervention, artificial canopy bridges may be a useful short-term solution.