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Porphyry-type molybdenum deposits, many of which are in China, supply most of the World's molybdenum. Of particular importance are the molybdenum deposits located in the Qinling-Dabie region that are responsible for more than half of China's molybdenum production. A feature that distinguishes this suite of deposits from the better-known Climax and Endako sub-types of porphyry molybdenum deposits is their formation from CO2-rich magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. The role of CO2, if any, in the transport of molybdenum by these fluids, however, is poorly understood. We conducted experiments on the partitioning of molybdenum between H2O-CO2, H2O-NaCl, and H2O-NaCl-CO2 fluids and a felsic melt at 850 °C and 100 and 200 MPa. Here we show that the exsolution of separate (immiscible) brine and vapor leads to the very high brine DMo values needed for efficient extraction of Mo from the magmas forming Dabie-type porphyry molybdenum deposits. Direct exsolution of immiscible CO2 vapour and brine from magma greatly enriches the brine in molybdenum, a likely factor in the genesis of the Dabie-type porphyry deposits that supply much of the World's molybdenum [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) deposition is a worldwide issue caused by human activity. Longterm deposition of N strongly influences plant productivity and community composition. However, it is still unclear how the microbial community responds to long-term N addition in a desert ecosystem. Therefore, a longterm experiment was conducted in the Gurbantonggut Desert in northwestern China in 2015. Four N addition rates, 0 (CK), 5 (N1), 20 (N2), and 80 (N3) kg N ha-1 yr.-1, were tested and the soil was sampled after 6 years of N addition. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) was used to analyze the soil microbial composition. The HTS results showed that N addition had no significant effect on the bacterial a-diversity and β-diversity (p > 0.05) but significantly reduced the archaeal β-diversity (p < 0.05). The fungal Chao1 and ACE indexes in the N2 treatment increased by 24.10 and 26.07%, respectively. In addition, N addition affected the bacterial and fungal community structures. For example, compared to CK, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria increased by 17.80%, and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was reduced by 44.46% under N3 treatment. Additionally, N addition also changed the bacterial and fungal community functions. The N3 treatment showed increased relative abundance of nitrate-reducing bacteria (27.06% higher than CK). The relative abundance of symbiotrophic fungi was increased in the N1 treatment (253.11% higher than CK). SOC and NH4+-N could explain 62% of the changes in the fungal community function. N addition can directly affect the bacterial community function or indirectly through NO3--N. These results suggest that different microbial groups may have various responses to N addition. Compared with bacteria and fungi, the effect of N addition was less on the archaeal community. Meanwhile, N-mediated changes of the soil properties play an essential role in changes in the microbial community. The results in the present study provided a reliable basis for an understanding of how the microbial community in a desert ecosystem adapts to long-term N deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicosulfuron is an herbicide widely used in corn fields. In northeast China, sugar beet is often planted adjacent to corn, resulting in frequent phytotoxicity of nicosulfuron drift in sugar beet fields. This study was conducted by spraying nicosulfuron to assess the phytotoxicity and clarify the mechanism of nicosulfuron toxicity on sugar beet. The results showed that nicosulfuron impaired growth and development by reducing photosynthetic capacity and disrupting antioxidant systems at a lethal dose of 81.83 g a.i. ha–1 . Nicosulfuron damaged the function of photosynthetic system II (PSII), lowered photosynthetic pigment content, and inhibited photosynthetic efficiency. Compared with the control, the electron transfer of PSII was blocked. The ability of PSII reaction centers to capture and utilize light energy was reduced, resulting in a weakened photosynthetic capacity. The maximum net photosynthetic rate (Amax), light saturation point (LSP), and apparent quantum yield (AQY) decreased gradually as the nicosulfuron dose increased, whereas the light compensation point (LCP) and dark respiration (Rd) increased. Nicosulfuron led to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in sugar beet leaf, a significant rise in malondialdehyde (MDA) content, electrolytic leakage (EL), and considerable oxidative damage to the antioxidant system. This study is beneficial for elucidating the effects of nicosulfuron toxicity on sugar beet, in terms of phytotoxicity, photosynthetic physiology, and antioxidative defense system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. In China, in particular, lung cancer mortality has markedly increased and is likely to continue to rise. RNA-binding proteins are pivotal to the development and progression of a variety of cancer types, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). RNA-binding motif protein 47 (RBM47) has been found to act as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer and NSCLC. However, to the best of our knowledge, RBM47 expression in NSCLC tissues has yet to be investigated. Analysis via the online database, Gene Expression Omnibus, revealed that RBM47 was upregulated in NSCLC and associated with pathological type, suggesting that RBM47 may play different roles in lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma. In the present study, the expression of RBM47 was examined by immunohistochemistry in 175 pairs of tumor and adjacent non-cancerous tissues resected from patients with NSCLC. The results indicated that the expression of RBM47 was significantly increased in NSCLC samples compared with that in the matched non-cancerous samples. Furthermore, RBM47 expression was higher in Xuanwei compared with that in non-Xuanwei NSCLC, suggesting that RBM47 is a more sensitive biomarker in Xuanwei NSCLC, and that it may serve as a candidate therapeutic target. In addition, RBM47 expression was associated with the pathological type, however not with the age, sex, lymph node metastasis, pT stage or pathological Tumor-Node-Metastasis stage of the patients. The increased expression level of RBM47 may indicate a worse overall survival rate for patients with NSCLC. In addition, multivariate survival analysis showed that the Xuanwei area is associated with poor prognosis for patients with NSCLC. In conclusion, the present study revealed that the upregulation of RBM47 accelerated the malignant progression of NSCLC, indicating that RBM47 may be a potential biomarker for NSCLC progression and a therapeutic target for NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genesis of andesitic and dioritic rocks in continental arcs is hotly debated, and proposed models include slab melting, juvenile mafic lower-crustal melting, mafic and felsic magma mixing, and mantle-derived melts that underwent a MASH (melting, assimilation, storage, and homogenization) process. The controversy comes from the possibility of their polygenesis and the ambiguity of bulk-rock isotope tracers, not to mention the processes of magma evolution. Here, we report on our investigations in the southern Yidun Terrane (a Triassic continental arc in SW China) into the petrogenesis of two stages of the dioritic Xiuwacu intrusions (phases 1 and 2), the mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) hosted by the phase 1 intrusion, as well as the andesitic Hongshan intrusions. We used U-Pb zircon dating, in situ zircon Hf-O isotope analyses, bulk-rock Sr-Nd isotope analyses, and trace element analyses of the zircons from different stages of the intrusions and the MMEs to shed light on their sources and mantle–crust interactions involved in their petrogenesis. Our results suggest that the Xiuwacu MMEs from the phase 1 intrusion crystallized from a melt. Their variable zircon Hf-O isotopic compositions (εHf(t) = +0.4 to +5.3 and δ18O = 4.80‰ to 7.79‰) indicate they were formed by the mixing of mantle-derived basaltic melts and felsic melts. The phase 1 intrusion have an origin similar to that of the MMEs, as indicated by their homogeneous zircon Hf-O isotopic compositions (εHf(t) = +1.3 to +3.9 and δ18O = 6.58‰ to 7.31‰), which fall within the range of the isotopic compositions of the MMEs. The discovery of several inherited zircons and a small recrystallized felsic microgranular enclave hosted by an MME reveals that the MMEs contain relatively more felsic components. Even so, the MMEs still have lower silica contents (62.1–63.4 wt%) than those of the phase 1 intrusion (63.4–70.5 wt%), and this indicates that direct magma mixing of basaltic and felsic melts generated the andesitic MMEs, whereas a crystal fractionation process is required for the dioritic phase 1 intrusion. The porphyritic phase 2 and Hongshan intrusions formed at ~216 Ma, after the phase 1 intrusion, and they had higher oxygen fugacities and crystallization temperatures than the phase 1 intrusion. Given the conclusions of previous researchers that slab breakoff probably occurred at ~216 Ma, we propose that the Xiuwacu phase 2 and Hongshan intrusions formed during the slab breakoff process, the former by partial melting of the newly underplated basaltic lower crust in the MASH zone, and the latter by differentiation of mantle-derived basaltic melts at relatively high pressures. Unlabelled Image • Direct basaltic and felsic melts mixing generate the andesitic MMEs. • Crystal fractionation of basaltic magmas is critical to form dioritic magmas. • Partial melting of newly underplated lower crust is significant during slab break-off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giardia duodenalis is one of the most common enteric parasites of humans and animals, including companion animals, livestock and wildlife. To date, the information about the prevalence and molecular characterization of G. duodenalis infection in white yaks was limited. In the present study, a total of 208 white yak fecal samples were collected from Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County (TTAC) between September 2013 and March 2014. Of the 208 white yak fecal samples, four samples (1.92%, all collected in March 2014) tested G. duodenalis-positive by PCR amplification of triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) gene. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of G. duodenalis assemblage E. The present study revealed the presence and genotype of G. duodenalis in white yaks for the first time, and extended the host range of G. duodenalis. These results provided useful information for further genotyping or subtyping studies of G. duodenalis in white yaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better study occurrence and development mechanism and characteristics of strong convective weather in Weifang, reduce the harm brought by disastrous weather, such as gale and hail, extract available forecast index for future strong convective weather forecast work in spring and summer, and improve forecast accuracy, diagnostic analysis of the strong convective weather process was conducted. By using conventional weather data for profile and sounding analysis, and combining short-term numerical forecast products for cause analysis, such as radar and satellite cloud chart, occurrence characteristics and type of such strong convective weather were obtained Results showed that the important reason of the strong convective weather occurrence was high-altitude trough split out in eastward movement process of northeast cold vortex, in the afternoon of 2™ when hail occurred, temperature rise was obvious at low layer, and energy was sufficient. High-altitude trough with forward tilting structure made that dry cold air at high layer overlapped on warm wet air at lower layer, thereby causing stable stratification formation and triggering the occurrence of strong convective weather. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of voluntary behavior among Chinese urban residents have important implications to understanding the development of citizenship and the future development of philanthropy sector in China. This article, which is based on a nationwide survey, studies the relationship between human capital, i. e. education level, economic status and health conditions, and voluntary behavior in China. It is found that 37% of the respondents have participated in voluntary activities in the past year. Among them, the better educated and healthier respondents are more likely to have participated in these activities. The results are statistically significant. However, citizens' economic conditions appear to have a negative relationship with the likelihood of engaging in voluntary activities. Better-off citizens are less likely to participate in voluntary activities. This phenomenon may be caused by increased opportunity costs for the better-off citizens. It might also mean that, despite improved economic conditions, the sense of citizenship and social responsibility has yet to grow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a genome-wide association study of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by genotyping 1,077 individuals with ESCC and 1,733 control subjects of Chinese Han descent. We selected 18 promising SNPs for replication in an additional 7,673 cases of ESCC and 11,013 control subjects of Chinese Han descent and 303 cases of ESCC and 537 control subjects of Chinese Uygur-Kazakh descent. We identified two previously unknown susceptibility loci for ESCC: PLCE1 at 10q23 (PHan combined for ESCC = 7.46 × 10−56, odds ratio (OR) = 1.43; PUygur-Kazakh for ESCC = 5.70 × 10−4, OR = 1.53) and C20orf54 at 20p13 (PHan combined for ESCC = 1.21 × 10−11, OR = 0.86; PUygur-Kazakh for ESCC = 7.88 × 10−3, OR = 0.66). We also confirmed association in 2,766 cases of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma cases and the same 11,013 control subjects (PLCE1, PHan for GCA = 1.74 × 10−39, OR = 1.55 and C20orf54, PHan for GCA = 3.02 × 10−3, OR = 0.91). PLCE1 and C20orf54 have important biological implications for both ESCC and GCA. PLCE1 might regulate cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis and angiogenesis. C20orf54 is responsible for transporting riboflavin, and deficiency of riboflavin has been documented as a risk factor for ESCC and GCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black fungus, with high nutritional and medicinal value, has been cultivated in China for a long time, and Heilongjiang alone accounts for about 40% of the global output. At present, the cultivation of black fungus derives mainly from the inheritance of relatively primitive practices and experience of farmers, resulting in inconsistent quality of fungus. In this study, a smart control system for the precision cultivation of black fungus was designed by using intelligent detection and control technology. The system includes a precision culture test environment and remote control system. The precision cultivation environment contains four sub-independent environments. The key parameters such as temperature, humidity, and light behavior were collected and can be adjusted individually, according to the precision cultivation stages. The intelligent remote control system included a controller cabinet, sensors unit, temperature control unit, humidity control unit, light control unit, and information transmitting unit. The controller cabinet includes a key controller which can auto-control the temperature, humidity, and lightly adjust components according to the precision cultivation conditions and processing. The temperature sensors were installed in a 3D array close to the fungus bags about 5 cm in rooms. The light tape was installed on the six walls and also had three colors (Red, Blue, and Green) which could be controlled independently in each room. The control strategy through the analysis of the data collected by all sensors, the current cultivate situation of the cultivation environment was obtained, and the heater, fan, light, and nozzle were regulated according to the strategy to maintain a suitable precision cultivation environment for fungus. To verify the feasibility of the precision cultivation processing and control system, the test result shows that the error of temperature control was about 0°C-1°C, the error of humidity control was about 1%-4%, and the error of illuminance control was about 0-50 lx; All the verification results show that the control system for precision cultivation has high precision and can meet the needs of exploring the "Black 29" fungus cultivation experiment environment. Based on the orthogonal experiment, the best combination of the temperature and humidity for each growth stage was also investigated in this study, further proving the reliability and feasibility of the control system for the precision cultivation of Auricularia auricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common perception is that oxidized magma is critical for the formation of a porphyry Cu ± Mo ± Au ore deposit. We have used an ore-bearing pluton (Tongchang) and an ore-barren pluton (Shilicun) in the western rim of the South China block to test this idea and to determine other important controls on ore genesis. Zircon U Pb ages indicate that the Tongchang and Shilicun plutons were emplaced at 36.3 ± 0.2 Ma and 35.2 ± 0.4 Ma, respectively, broadly coinciding with strike-slip faulting in the region and continental collision that occurred ~300 km to the west. These two plutons are all characterized by significant light REE enrichments and pronounced negative Nb Ta anomalies, similar to the bulk crust. Apatite separates from these two plutons all have elevated initial 87Sr/86Sr (Tongchang, 0.70690 to 0.70796; Shilicun, 0.70703 to 0.70726) and negative ε Nd (t) (Tongchang, −6.2 to −7.3; Shilicun, −4.5 to −5.8). The mean ε Hf (t) and δ18O of zircon from these plutons are −1.4 and 6.8‰ for Tongchang, and −0.3 and 6.5‰ for Shilicun. The Sr-Nd-Hf isotope compositions are all within the ranges of the Neoproterozoic mafic arc lower crust in the region. Whole-rock U-Nb-Ta systematics indicate that the Tongchang and Shilicun plutons originated from an amphibole-bearing source and a garnet-bearing source, respectively, implying a shallower and more H 2 O-rich mafic source for the former than the latter. Quartz trace element data indicate that the Tongchang pluton was emplaced at a shallower depth than the Shilicun pluton. Zircon Ce4+/Ce3+ and whole-rock V/Sc ratios, and apatite SO 3 and MnO contents indicate that the parental magmas of both plutons are as oxidized as those of some porphyry Cu deposits in northern Chile, but the parental magma of the Tongchang pluton is less oxidized than that of the Shilicun pluton. Apatite Cl-F-OH systematics and higher abundant hydrous silicate minerals such as amphibole and biotite in the Tongchang pluton than the Shilicun pluton indicate that the parental magma of the Tongchang pluton has higher Cl and H 2 O content than that of the Shilicun pluton. Our results show that oxidized magma is important but this alone cannot make a porphyry Cu ± Mo ± Au ore deposit. High contents of H 2 O-Cl in magma and shallow depth of emplacement are also important. • Both plutons are different in magmatic fO 2 , H 2 O-Cl contents, and emplacement depth. • Oxidized magma is important but this alone cannot make a porphyry Cu deposit. • High H 2 O-Cl contents and shallow emplacement depth of magma are also important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tengchong–Lianghe tin belt in western Yunnan Province, southwest China, is the most important tin mineralization belt in the Sanjiang Tethyan Metallogenic Domain (STMD). There are two large tin deposits in this belt: the Paleogene Lailishan and the Late Cretaceous Xiaolonghe deposits. The two deposits are spatially and temporally associated with the Lailishan and Xiaolonghe granitic plutons, respectively. Recent studies suggest that the Lailishan and Xiaolonghe granitic plutons exhibit most of the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of A-type granites. In this study, we discuss the He, Ar, and S isotopes of pyrite samples from the two large tin deposits to trace ore-forming fluids and elements. We also review the relationship between A-type granites and tin deposits from a new perspective. The δ 34 S CDT values of the Lailishan tin deposit range from +4.9‰ to +6.7‰, with an average value of +5.53‰. The δ 34 S CDT values of the Xiaolonghe tin deposit range from +5.0‰ to +8.1‰, with an average value of +6.33‰. These values are slightly higher than those of the granites (0‰ to +5.7‰) in the Tengchong–Lianghe area, indicating mainly magmatic sources for the sulfur of ore-forming fluids with a small amount of S from the wall rocks. The Lailishan tin deposit has 3 He/ 4 He values of 1.57–3.46 Ra, with an average value of 2.078 Ra, and 40 Ar/ 36 Ar values of 382.00–622.99, with an average value of 459.67. The Xiaolonghe tin deposit has 3 He/ 4 He values of 0.53–0.88 Ra, with an average value of 0.686 Ra, and 40 Ar/ 36 Ar values of 301.06–348.43, with an average value of 322.04. These values suggest that ore-forming fluids of the Lailishan and Xiaolonghe tin deposits have mixed crustal, mantle, and a small volume of meteoric water sources in different proportions. The mantle 4 He values and 3 He/ 4 He values of the Lailihsan tin deposit (26–44%, 1.57–3.46 Ra) are markedly higher than those of the Xiaolonghe tin deposit (8–15%, 0.53–0.88 Ra), implying increased crust–mantle interaction in the Paleogene relative to the Late Cretaceous in western Yunnan. This interaction may be attributed to the upwelling of the asthenosphere through the break-off of the Neo-Tethyan slab during the main collisional period (65–41 Ma) of India–Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Fruit, vegetable, seafood, and dairy intake may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, but this relationship is unclear. We aimed to examine the associations between fruit, vegetable, seafood, and dairy intake and type 2 diabetes prevalence in a Chinese population.Methods and Study Design: A total of 4,343 individuals aged 35-74 years participated in a population-based cross-sectional study in Qingdao, China. The frequency and quantity of fruit, vegetable, seafood, and dairy intake were determined using a standard food frequency questionnaire. Diabetes was classified according to the WHO/IDF 2006 criteria. Logistic regression analysis was employed to estimate odds ratio (OR) for type 2 diabetes in relation to fruit, vegetable, seafood, and dairy intake in a multivariable model.Results: The multivariate-adjusted ORs (95% confidence interval) for the presence of type 2 diabetes were 0.68 (0.46-0.98), 0.50 (0.37-0.68), and 0.91 (0.66-1.25), respectively, for the highest versus the lowest groups regarding total fruit and vegetable, fruit or vegetable intake in women. The ORs for type 2 diabetes prevalence regarding the quantity of fruit and vegetable, fruit, and yogurt intake were 0.88 (0.78-0.99), 0.71 (0.61-0.82), and 0.56 (0.32-0.98) in women, but not in men. Seafood consumption was inversely associated with diabetes risk in men, but not in women; the corresponding figures were 0.58 (0.35-0.96) and 0.92 (0.63-1.36), respectively.Conclusions: Fruit, vegetable, and yogurt intake in women and seafood intake in men were inversely associated with type 2 diabetes prevalence in this Chinese population. These findings require confirmation in a prospective study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Schistosomiasis japonica and soil-transmitted helminthiasis are endemic parasitic diseases in the People’s Republic of China (PR China). As very few studies have reported on the distribution and interaction of multiple species helminth infections, we carried out a comparative study of households in a rural village and a peri-urban setting in the Dongting Lake area of Hunan province in November and December 2006 to determine the extent of single and multiple species infections, the underlying risk factors for infection, and the relationships with clinical manifestations and self-reported morbidity. In each household, stool samples were collected and subjected to the Kato-Katz method for identifying Schistosoma japonicum, Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura infections. Clinical examinations were performed and questionnaire surveys conducted at both household and individual subject levels. Complete parasitological, clinical and questionnaire data were obtained for 1,298 inhabitants of the two settings. The overall prevalences of single infections of S. japonicum, A. lumbricoides, hookworm and T. trichiura were 6.5%, 5.5%, 3.0% and 0.8%, respectively; the majority of the infections were of light intensity. We found significant negative associations between wealth and infections with S. japonicum and A. lumbricoides. Clinical manifestations of splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and anaemia were prevalent (9.0%, 3.7% and 10.9%, respectively), the latter two being significantly (P <0.05) associated with schistosomiasis. Self-reported symptoms were more common among females but there was considerable under-reporting in both sexes when relying only on spontaneous recall. Our findings may guide the design and targeting of a more equitable, comprehensive and integrated parasitic disease control programme in Hunan province and in other areas of PR China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining artemether (AM) and praziquantel (PZQ) in different regimens for treating acute schistosomiasis japonica. Methods We undertook a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial within four specialized schistosomiasis hospitals in the Dongting Lake region, Hunan province, China, between May 2003 and December 2005. Study participants were randomized into one of four treatment regimes: group A received 60 mg/kg PZQ + 6 mg/kg AM; group B received 60 mg/kg PZQ + AM placebo; group C received 120 mg/kg PZQ + 6 mg/kg AM; and group D received 120 mg/kg PZQ + AM placebo. All participants were followed up over a 45-day period. The primary endpoint of the trial was human infection status (determined by positive stool examination). Secondary endpoints involved clinical observations and blood biochemistry, including monitoring haemoglobin and alanine aminotransferase levels over time. Findings Treatment efficacies of the four different treatment regimens were 98.0%, 96.4%, 97.7% and 95.7% for group A, B, C, and D respectively (P > 0.05). The group B had a greater treatment efficacy (96.4%) than the group D (95.7%) (P > 0.05). Group A treatment was better for clearance of fever (P < 0.05) and resulted in a shorter hospitalization time (P < 0.05). Conclusion This is the first report of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial for evaluating combined chemotherapy with AM and two different dosages (60 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg) of PZQ in the treatment of acute schistosomiasis japonica in China. The combination of AM and PZQ chemotherapy did not improve treatment efficacy compared with PZQ alone. PZQ given as a dosage of 60 mg/kg (1 day, 3 × 20 mg/kg doses at 4-5 hour intervals) may be as effective as a dosage of 120 mg/kg (6 days, 20 mg/kg for each day split into 3 doses at 4-5 hour intervals). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite the increasing research on cancer patient caregivers, there is still a lack of detailed understanding about the experiences of spouses caring for elderly colorectal cancer patients. This study aimed to fill this gap by examining the caregiving experiences of spouses during palliative chemotherapy for elderly Chinese colorectal cancer patients., Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, we recruited spousal caregivers of elderly colorectal cancer patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data., Results: Sixteen caregivers aged 60 to 82 years participated in the interviews. The analysis revealed three main themes: ambivalence, multiple role adaptation to conflicts, and the coexistence of hope and pressure. These themes shed light on the behaviors of older caregivers and the challenges they face, including physical and psychosocial issues associated with aging., Conclusion: This study highlights the significant stress and challenges experienced by older caregivers, characterized by intertwined emotions such as anxiety about their spouses' health deterioration, exhaustion from long-term care responsibilities, and anticipation of treatment outcomes., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: SLC16a genes encode H + -coupled monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). MCTs are involved in maintaining interstitial fluids' pH and regulating insulin's binding affinity to its receptor, which is a potential mechanism for the onset of diabetes. In this research, we make explorations of the association between the rs312457 genotype of the SLC16a13 gene and diabetes in the Chinese population., Methods: It included 384 type 2 diabetes patients and 1,468 healthy control subjects in total. We measured the anthropometric parameters, glycaemic index, homeostasis model assessment-B cell (HOMA-%B), lipid profile, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The associations between the rs312457 genotype and type 2 diabetes were analyzed., Results: The rs312457 genotype was markedly in relation to type 2 diabetes ( P = 0.002). The frequency of the rs312457 risk allele (G) was 4.8%, higher than that of the wild-type allele (A) in patients of type 2 diabetes, indicating that allele (G)'s presence seemed to make the risk of type 2 diabetes go up. Compared to the GA and AA genotypes, the GG genotype of rs312457 significantly increased the risk of contracting diabetes mellitus ( P ≤ 0.001). Moreover, the rs312457 genotype was associated with HOMA-%B. Subjects harbored the GG genotype of rs312457, whose HOMA-%B level went down in comparison with that in subjects harboring the AA genotype ( P = 0.023)., Conclusion: Our results revealed that the rs312457 genotype of the SLC16a13 gene was correlated with the development of diabetes mellitus in the Chinese population., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interests., (Copyright © 2021 Hui Zheng et al.)

Objective: To clarify and evaluate the morbidity of schistosome infection and the effectiveness of chemotherapy among fishermen on East Dongting Lake., Methods: Information on water-contact, history of infection and of praziquantel (PZQ) treatment among fishermen was collected. Kato-Katz method and miracidium hatching test were applied to detect the pathogens in stool specimen. Serum antibodies against soluble egg antigen (SEA) were detected with ELISA and IHA. B-ultrasonic examination was used to determine the pathological changes of liver and spleen. Chemotherapy [PZQ 40 mg/(kg x d)] was given to the fishermen followed by a re-examination after a transmission season., Results: The first investigation (six months before chemotherapy) showed that among 268 people inquired, 90.7% were frequently or intermittently contacting water, 24.0% were treated with PZQ each year, 39.4% had never been treated in the recent five years. Stool positive rate was 68.1% (111/163) and the geometric mean eggs per gram feces (EPG) were 48.77. Males had a higher infection rate (76.0%) and intensity (62.97 EPG) compared with that of females (58.7% infection rate and 30.42 EPG). The highest positive rate (83.3%) was in the age group of 11 to 20 years old. The prevalence of those who frequently or intermittently contacted water and were never treated before was 76.3% (106/139) and 79.7% (51/64), respectively. Serological positive rate was 88.0% (IHA) or 78.7% (ELISA). B-ultrasound revealed 77.4% (82/106) of the fishermen showing pathological changes in liver and/or spleen due to schistosomiasis. 37.7% of the patients showed II-III stage liver fibrosis (male: 53.0%, female: 15%), 58.5% hepatomegaly and 19.8% splenomegaly. The second investigation (six months after chemotherapy with PZQ) showed a stool positive rate of 35.4% and an average EPG 36.13 in the treatment group which were considerably lower than 56.5% infection rate and 68.47 EPG in the group without treatment. In 39 patients treated, the reversion rate from egg positive to negative was 48.7%, pathological change in liver and spleen declined by 40.6%., Conclusion: The prevalence and morbidity of schistosomiasis in fishermen on Dongting Lake were high due to frequent exposure to the affected water, and chemotherapy can effectively reduce the prevalence, the intensity of infection and morbidity of the fishermen.

To increase continuing education accessibility, nurses around the world are turning to Web-based instruction. However, for Internet education to be successful, particularly in developing countries, nurses must have access to computers and the Internet as well as positive attitudes toward this form of learning. As part of a distance education project for nurses of the Tianjin Municipality in China, a survey of nurses was conducted to examine their sources of professional knowledge as well as their computer and Internet access and attitudes. The attitudes of the nurses were generally positive, and there was evidence of rapidly increasing use of and access to computers and the Internet. This article reports the results of that survey and their implications for Web-based teaching of Chinese nurses.