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Objective: Our study aims to evaluate the predictive accuracy of functional liver remnant volume (FLRV) in post‐hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) among surgically‐treated jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed surgically‐treated jaundiced patients with HCCA between June, 2000 and June, 2018. The correlation between FRLV and PHLF were analyzed. The optimal cut off value of FLRV in jaundiced HCCA patients was also identified and its impact was furtherly evaluated. Results: A total of 224 jaundiced HCCA patients who received a standard curative resection (43 patients developed PHLF) were identified. Patients with PHLF shared more aggressive clinic‐pathological features and were generally in a more advanced stage than those without PHLF. An obvious inconsistent distribution of FLRV in patients with PHLF and those without PHLF were detected. FLRV (continuous data) had a high predictive accuracy in PHLF. The newly‐acquired cut off value (FLRV = 53.5%, sensitivity = 81.22%, specificity = 81.4%) showed a significantly higher predictive accuracy than conventional FLRV cut off value (AUC: 0.81 vs. 0.60, p < 0.05). Moreover, patients with FLRV lower than 53.5% also shared a significantly higher major morbidity rate as well as a worse prognosis, which were not detected for FLRV of 40%. Conclusion: For jaundiced patients with HCCA, a modified FLRV of 53.5% is recommended due to its great impact on PHLF, as well as its correlation with postoperative major morbidities as well as overall prognosis, which might help clinicians to stratify patients with different therapeutic regimes and outcomes. Future multi‐center studies for training and validation are required for further validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toona ciliata is a deciduous or semi-deciduous tree species and belongs to the Toona genus of the Meliaceae family. Owing to low natural regeneration and over-exploitation, the species is listed as an endangered species at level II in China and its conservation has received increasing concern. Here, we sampled 447 individuals from 29 populations across the range-wide distribution of the T. ciliata complex in China and assessed their genetic variation using two chloroplast DNA markers. The results showed that the overall haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity per site were high at h = 0.9767 and π = 0.0303 for the psbA-trnH fragment and h = 0.8999 and π = 0.0189 for the trnL-trnL fragment. Phylogenetic analysis supported the division of the natural distribution of T. ciliata complex into western and eastern regions. The genetic diversity was higher in the western region than in the eastern region, showing significant phylogeographic structure. Genetic differentiation among populations was moderate ( Φ s t = 42.87 % ), and the effects of isolation by distance (IBD) were significant. A neutrality test and mismatch distribution analysis indicated that the distribution of the T. ciliata complex generally did not expand, although a few local populations could likely expand after bottleneck effects. The overall results were complementary to and consolidated previous studies using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers. We finally discussed strategies for the genetic conservation of the T. ciliata complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although carbonatite-alkaline complexes are the primary source of the world's niobium (Nb) supply, the mineralization style is largely variable in these complexes and the processes behind their formation are still poorly understood. Exemplifying with our new observations on the ~430 Ma Miaoya and Shaxiongdong carbonatite-syenite complexes in the southern Qinling orogenic belt, central China, show that disseminated Nb mineralization in these two deposits is pervasive throughout the entire complexes in both syenite and carbonatite. Both magmatic and hydrothermal processes have contributed to Nb mineralization in both deposits, despite differences in the mineralization style. The Nb-bearing minerals in the mineralized Miaoya syenites include magmatic U-poor pyrochlore, rutile, and ilmenite with minor amounts of columbite, and hydrothermal columbite and rutile, whereas those in the mineralized carbonatites are mainly magmatic U-poor pyrochlore, uranpyrochlore, U-rich betafite, and rutile with minor amounts of columbite, and hydrothermal columbite and rutile. On the other hand, the Nb-bearing minerals in the mineralized Shaxiongdong syenites include magmatic U-poor pyrochlore, titanite, rutile, and ilmenite, and hydrothermal fersmite, rutile, and ilmenite, whereas those in the mineralized carbonatites are mainly magmatic U-poor pyrochlore without any hydrothermal Nb-bearing minerals. Field observations, whole-rock chemical and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions strongly constrained that assimilation of U-rich rocks (e.g., the hosting Yaolinghe and Meiziya Groups) and magma differentiation are responsible for diverse magmatic Nb mineralization in the two deposits. On the other hand, the diverse assemblages of hydrothermal Nb minerals in Miaoya and Shaxiongdong are mainly controlled by variations in the nature of the fluids, which is constrained to be genetically related to ~220 and ~420 Ma hydrothermal events, respectively. In summary, both magma evolution (e.g., differentiation, assimilation) and late hydrothermal overprinting are responsible for the diverse Nb mineralogy in carbonatite-alkaline complexes, a situation that is commonly observed worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyber reactive aggression (CRA) among college students is a prevalent and harmful phenomenon. Psychological characteristics, such as trait anger (TA), hostile attribution bias (HAB), and revenge motivation (RM), are known to contribute to reactive aggression. However, the interactions between these factors in the context of cyberspace and their contribution to CRA among college students have not been extensively studied. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the associations among psychological characteristics, demographic factors, and CRA among Chinese college students through Mixed Graphical Model (MGM) network and mediation effect analyses. A total of 926 participants completed questionnaires assessing TA, HAB, RM, and CRA. The study found both direct and indirect relationships between TA and CRA, with HAB and RM serving as mediating factors. Comparisons indicated that HAB had a more significant impact on the three indirect effects than RM. Furthermore, gender was found to be associated with TA and CRA, while the left-behind experience strongly influenced HAB but had no association with other variables. This study highlights the importance of considering psychological characteristics and demographic factors in understanding CRA among college students, suggesting that effective psychological interventions, such as anger management, and promoting positive attribution training, may help reduce CRA among college students and inform the development of targeted interventions to reduce cyber aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposes: The current study was performed to comparatively evaluate the similarities and differences between cases with radically re-resected incidental gallbladder carcinoma (RRIGBC) and those with primary radically resected gallbladder carcinoma (PRGBC). Methods: Comparative analysis between patients with RRIGBC and those with PRGBC were performed in terms of clinic-pathological features and long-terms survival. Results: A total of 330 surgically treated GBC patients with 110 patients with IGBC were identified. PRGBCs were generally in a more advanced tumor stage, sharing more aggressive tumor biological features and worse prognosis than those with RRIGBC. Subgroup analyses indicated a comparable prognosis among T1-2 patients between RRIGBC and PRGBC groups. However, among T3-4 patients, patients in the PRGBC group shared a much worse prognosis. Moreover, IGBC itself can be regarded as a prognostic factor but cannot be regarded as an independent prognostic factor. It is the tumor stage which really determined the overall prognosis. Conclusion: Patients with RRIGBC were generally in a much earlier tumor stage and shared a much better prognosis than those with PRGBC. IGBC itself can be regarded as a prognostic factor but cannot be regarded as the independent prognostic factors. It is the tumor stage which really determine the overall prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toona ciliata is an endangered species due to over‐cutting and low natural regeneration in China. Its genetic conservation is of an increasing concern. However, several varieties are recognized according to the leaf and flower traits, which complicates genetic conservation of T. ciliata. Here, we sequenced the whole chloroplast genome sequences of three samples for each of four varieties (T. ciliata var. ciliata, T. ciliata var. yunnanensis, T. ciliata var. pubescens, and T. ciliata var. henryi) in sympatry and assessed their phylogenetic relationship at a fine spatial scale. The four varieties had genome sizes ranged from 159,546 to 159,617 bp and had small variations in genome structure. Phylogenomic analysis indicated that the four varieties were genetically well‐mixed in branch groups. Genetic diversity from the whole chloroplast genome sequences of 12 samples was low among varieties (average π = 0.0003). Besides, we investigated genetic variation of 58 samples of the four varieties in sympatry using two markers (psaA and trnL‐trnF) and showed that genetic differentiation was generally insignificant among varieties (Фst = 0%–5%). Purifying selection occurred in all protein‐coding genes except for the ycf2 gene that was under weak positive selection. Most amino acid sites in all protein‐coding genes were under purifying selection except for a few sites that were under positive selection. The chloroplast genome‐based phylogeny did not support the morphology‐based classification. The overall results implicated that a conservation strategy based on the T. ciliata complex rather than on intraspecific taxon was more appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our study was performed to evaluate the significance of countable and treatable metastatic liver disease (CTMLD) in patients with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) after curative‐intent surgery. Methods: Resected GBC patients between September 2010 and January 2021 were reviewed. Comparative analyses between patients with CTMLD and those without it were performed. A propensity score matching analysis was conducted for further validation. Results: A total of 326 resected GBC patients were identified (33 with CTMLD). A significantly higher preoperative CA199 level was detected in those with CTMLD (p = 0.0160). Significantly higher incidences of major hepatectomy (p = 0.0010), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.0001), direct liver invasion (p < 0.0001), moderate to poor differentiation status (p < 0.0001), and T3–4 disease (p < 0.0001) were detected in patients with CTMLD. Even sharing comparable surgical margin status, patients with CTMLD still shared a significantly higher recurrence rate (93.9% vs. 57.3%, p < 0.0001) as well as a significantly higher recurrence rate within 6 months after surgery (63.6% vs. 14.7%, p < 0.0001). A significantly worse overall survival (median survival time: 12 vs. 33 months, p < 0.0001) or disease‐free survival (median recurrence‐free time: 6 vs. 30 months, p < 0.0001) was acquired in patients with CTMLD. After matching, a significantly higher early recurrence rate was still detected. Adjuvant chemotherapy seemed to have survival benefit for patients with CTMLD. Conclusion: CTMLD was an indicator of advanced disease and served as an independent predictor of early recurrence among resected GBC patients. Whether curative‐intent surgery is superior to nonsurgical treatment among GBC patients with CTMLD remains to be explored in future prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physalis pubescens L. is an annual or perennial plant in the family Solanaceae It is used in traditional medicine for treating sore throats, coughs, urinary discomfort, and astringent pain, and externally for pemphigus and eczema in northern China. The proliferation inhibitory activity and mechanisms of the ethyl acetate extract (PHY-EA) from the leaves of Physalis pubescens were investigated. High performance liquid chromatography was used to identify the chemical composition of PHY-EA; sulforhodamine B was used to detect the proliferation inhibitory effect of PHY-EA on MCF-7, CA-46, Hela, HepG2, B16, and other tumor cells; flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of PHY-EA on the lymphoma cell cycle and apoptosis; Western blot was used to detect the expression of the cycle- and apoptosis-related proteins. The expression of Ki-67 and cleaved caspase 3 was detected by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that PHY-EA contained physalin B, physalin O, and physalin L. PHY-EA blocked the cell cycle of G2/M→G0/G1 in lymphoma cells and induced apoptosis in tumor cells. Mouse transplantation tumor experiments showed that PHY-EA had a significant inhibitory effect on mouse transplantation tumors, and the tumor volume and weight were significantly reduced. In conclusion, PHY-EA has a good antiproliferative effect on Burkkit lymphoma, indicating its potential medicinal value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: To investigate the oral health literacy (OHL) of nurses and explore the factors affecting their OHL. Background: OHL is important for improving the oral health outcomes. Nurses' OHL may affect the oral health of themselves, families, and patients. Few studies have examined the OHL and its related factors among nurses. Design: A cross‐sectional design following the STROBE guideline. Methods: A total of 449 nurses were recruited from tertiary hospitals in the minority areas of southwest China. The participants completed an online questionnaire, which contained questions related to the OHL, sociodemographic factors, general health, oral health and related behaviours, oral health knowledge, attitudes, and oral health‐related quality of life. OHL was measured using the validated Chinese version of the short‐form Health Literacy of Dentistry (HeLD‐14) scale. Descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman's correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse the data. Results: The median HeLD‐14 score (p25–p75) was 50.0 (44.0–54.0). The regression model for OHL was found to be significant. The factors that influenced OHL included oral health knowledge, oral health attitudes, self‐reported oral health, annual household income, and dental flossing; these factors accounted for 13.9% of the variance in OHL. Conclusions: The nurse' OHL has room for improvement. Nurses' OHL could be improved by enriching their oral health knowledge, promoting their positive oral health attitudes, increasing their household income, and helping them build correct oral health behaviours. Relevance to clinical practice: The findings of the study could be used to make a case for changing nursing curricula. Oral health knowledge curriculum or programmes targeted towards nurses should be developed to improve their OHL. Patient or public contribution: No Patient or Public Contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser is a fast-growing deciduous tree species and belongs to the Neolamarckia genus of the Rubiaceae family. This species has great economic and medical values in addition to being an important timber species for multiple industrial purposes. However, few studies have examined the genetic diversity and population structure in the natural distribution of this species in China. Here, we applied both the haploid nrDNA ITS (619 bp for aligned sequences) and mtDNA (2 polymorphic loci) markers to investigate 10 natural populations (239 individuals in total) that covered most of the distribution of the species in China. The results showed that the nucleotide diversity was π = 0.1185 ± 0.0242 for the nrDNA ITS markers and π = 0.00038 ± 0.00052 for the mtDNA markers. The haplotype diversity for the mtDNA markers was h = 0.1952 ± 0.2532. The population genetic differentiation was small ( F s t n = 0.0294) for the nrDNA ITS markers but large ( F s t m = 0.6765) for the mtDNA markers. There were no significant effects of isolation by distance (IBD), by elevation, and by two climatic factors (annual average precipitation and tem perature). A geographic structure among populations ( N s t < G s t ) was absent. Phylogenetic analysis showed a highly genetic mixture among individuals of the ten populations. Pollen flow was substantially greater than seed flow ( m p / m s   ≫ 1.0) and played a dominant role in shaping population genetic structure. The nrDNA ITS sequences were neutral and all local populations did not undergo demographic expansion. The overall results provide fundamental information for the genetic conservation and breeding of this miraculous tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toona ciliata is an important timber species but is recognized as an endangered species at level II in China. Its genetic conservation is of increasing concern. Provenance trials and other breeding programs were conducted to develop seed transfer rules and multiplications. Here, we investigated twenty-nine populations sampled across the natural distribution of the T. ciliata complex using mtDNA and nrDNA ITS (ribosomal internal transcribed spacer) markers. Haplotype diversity was h = 0.190 ± 0.202 and nucleotide diversity was π = 0.000383 ± 0.000536 for mtDNA marker. Nucleotide diversity for ITS sequences was 0.00837 ± 0.000783. Haplotypes exhibited phylogeographic structure in spatial distribution. The extent of genetic differentiation was significant (Fst = 0.6994 ± 0.0079 for ITS and 0.8870 ± 0.0077 for mtDNA marker). Isolation by distance (IBD) and by elevation (IBE) occurred among populations. Phylogenetic relationships from mtDNA marker indicated three genetically distinct regions, each without IBD effects. Compared with pollen flow, seed flow was strongly impeded in the western region, but extensive in the central region, and less impeded in the eastern region. Most populations did not exhibit expansion, with only a few populations showing expansion after bottleneck effects. We discussed a strategy of region-based genetic conservation and proposed to conserve multiple populations in the western and eastern regions and a few populations in the central region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although soluble organic corrosion inhibitors (OCIs) have been observed globally in surface water, data on their exposures in sediments are still scarce. In this study, a comprehensive investigation on spatial variations and potential sources of OCIs were conducted in riverine sediments from the Pearl River Delta (PRD), one of the most developed and urbanized areas in China. Of 12 OCIs, 7 were detected with the total concentrations ranging from 81.8 to 401.2 ng/g. When the results were compared with those of the water phase, OCIs in the riverine sediments exhibited relatively low concentrations, which was likely due to their low Kow, and they were not expected to be adsorbed onto sediments. The spatial variation of OCIs suggested that the discharge of sewage treatment plants (STPs) effluent could be a major source of OCIs in the PRD region. The total concentrations of OCIs had a significant positive correlation with total organic carbon (TOC) contents, suggesting that they have similar sources. This study strongly indicated that the high consumption of OCIs have led to their wide exposure in different environments in the PRD region and additional ecotoxicological data are needed to evaluate their potential risks in riverine sediments in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toona ciliata and Toona sinensis belong to the Toona genus of the Meliaceae family and are important timber species in China. T. ciliata is an endangered species at level II due to overcutting and a low rate of natural regeneration. T. sinensis was cultivated as an economic and nutritious tree for more than 2000 years. The two species differ in flower and leaf morphological traits, reproductive systems, and range size of natural distribution. To reveal the potential molecular basis of these divergences, we examined the similarities and differences in their whole genome sequences. Results indicate that T. ciliata had a higher number of expanded gene families than T. sinensis. The whole genome duplication (WGD) occurred before their speciation. The long-terminal repeats (LTRs) insertion was earlier in the T. ciliata genome (3.2985 ± 2.5007 Mya) than in the T. sinensis genome (3.1516 ± 2.2097 Mya). Twenty-five gene families in the T. ciliata genome were detected to be under positive selection compared with background branches of ten different land species. The T. ciliata genome was highly collinear with the T. sinensis genome, but had low collinearity with the genomes of more distant species. These genomic and evolutionary divergences are potentially associated with the differences between T. ciliata and T. sinensis in terms of their reproductive systems and ecological adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria cases have dramatically declined in China along the Myanmar border, attributed mainly to adoption of the 1-3-7 surveillance and response approach. No indigenous cases have been reported in China since 2017. Counties in the middle and southern part of the border area have a higher risk for malaria importation and reestablishment after elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the cost-effectiveness of nebulized budesonide and intravenous methylprednisolone in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in a real-world setting. Materials and methods: Data from 291 patients with AECOPD were collected from the information system of a tertiary hospital in China. Patients were categorized into two groups: those treated with nebulized budesonide (n = 148) and those treated with intravenous methylprednisolone (n = 143). Clinical efficacy and the rate of no readmission within 1 year after discharge were used as effect indicators, and a cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. Logistic regression, generalized linear regression, and bootstrap methods were used for sensitivity analyses. Results: There was no statistical difference between the budesonide and methylprednisolone groups in clinical efficacy rates (94.6% vs. 93.7%). The cost-minimization analysis shows that budesonide is not cost-effective owing to higher total cost. In terms of readmission rates, budesonide was again not cost-effective, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of 22276.62 CNY, which is higher than the willingness to pay (WTP) of 20206.20 CNY, the mean per admission expenditure in China. The sensitivity analyses confirm that these results are robust. Conclusion: Compared with intravenous methylprednisolone, nebulized budesonide is not a cost-effective strategy for AECOPD patients in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining absolute ages of orogenic faults is critical to understanding the deformation process in the upper crust, but obtaining age remains a problem due to the lack of readily available techniques. Carbonates occur as veins in faults in a range of geological settings, and thus it is a suitable mineral for U-Pb geochronology. Here, we apply the new approach of U-Pb dating on syn-tectonic dolomite veins from the Gelouang gold deposit in the western Qinling Orogen to unravel the absolute timing of the fault formation shedding new light on the regional upper crustal deformation archive. In situ LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of dolomite yielding a successful age of 115–112 Ma demonstrates that the dolomite precipitated coeval with tectonic events ascribed to the post-orogenic deformation phase in the Qinling Orogen. This event is possibly correlated with broader intracontinental processes and might be an inevitable response to the extensional deformation of the Qinling Orogen. The presented LA-ICP-MS dolomite U-Pb age successfully represents the age of a specific structure that encompasses the intracontinental process in the Qinling Orogen. Moreover, it demonstrates the utility of the method to decipher a response to complex deformation histories on a regional scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common diabetic microvascular complication and a major cause of acquired vision loss. Finding effective biomarkers for the early identification and diagnosis of DR is crucial. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the accuracy of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the diagnosis of DR via a meta-analysis of previously published diagnostic studies. This study has been registered on the PROSPERO website, with the number CRD42022323238. Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China Wanfang database, and China Knowledge Network database to identify relevant articles published from the time of database creation to April 10, 2022. Stata 14.0 software was used to calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic ratio (DOR), and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to assess the accuracy of miRNAs in the diagnosis of DR. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using Cochran-Q test and I² statistic for quantitative analysis. The random-effect model was selected due to significant heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis and regression analysis were also performed to determine the potential sources of heterogeneity. Results: We included 25 articles detailing 52 studies with 1987 patients with DR and 1771 non-DR controls. The findings demonstrated overall sensitivity (0.82, 95% CI: 0.78 ~ 0.85), specificity (0.84, 95% CI: 0.81 ~ 0.86), PLR (5.0, 95% CI: 4.2 ~ 5.9), NLR (0.22, 95% CI: 0.18 ~ 0.26), and the area under the summary ROC curve (0.90, 95% CI: 0.87 ~ 0.92). Furthermore, we performed subgroup analysis and found that panels of multiple miRNAs could enhance the pooled sensitivity (sensitivity, specificity, and AUC values were 0.89, 0.87, and 0.94, respectively). Conclusion: The meta-analysis showed that miRNAs can be used as potential diagnostic markers for DR, with high accuracy of diagnoses observed with the detection of miRNAs in plasma and serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To explore the efficacy of Minocycline hydrochloride combined with multiple antibiotic pastes in the treatment of chronic periodontitis with concomitant pulp lesions in elderly patients, as well as to analyze the changes in the levels of inflammatory markers. Methods. 100 patients suffering from chronic periodontitis with concomitant pulp lesions treated in our hospital from July 2018 to January 2020 were selected as the study subjects, and were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 50) or a control group (n = 50). Patients in the experimental group were treated with Minocycline hydrochloride combined with multiple antibiotic pastes, while those in the control group were treated with Minocycline hydrochloride alone. The treatment efficacy in the two groups was then assessed using such factors as periodontal probing depth, dental plaque index, gingival index, periodontal attachment level, and the presence or absence of adverse effects. We also measured and compared the levels of inflammatory markers such as CRP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, and others in both groups, before treatment, as well as after a week of treatment. Results. There was a statistically significant difference in the treatment efficacy between the two groups (P < 0.05), with a higher treatment efficacy seen in the experimental group as compared to the control group. When compared to the control group, the experimental group had lower depths of periodontal probing, lower dental plaque indices, lower gingival indices, lower periodontal attachment levels, as well a significantly lower incidence of adverse reactions (P < 0.05). Before treatment, the levels of inflammatory markers such as CRP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-5, and IL-6 were elevated in both groups. After a week of treatment, there were reductions in the levels of inflammatory markers in both groups, but a more significant reduction was seen in the experimental than in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Minocycline hydrochloride combined with various antibiotic pastes is more effective in the treatment of chronic periodontitis with concomitant pulp lesions in elderly patients than monotherapy with Minocycline hydrochloride alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paleo‐Pacific subduction generated a prolonged active continental margin along the coast of the South China Block (SCB). A Triassic magmatic gap was argued to have occurred and was ascribed to flat‐slab subduction of an oceanic plateau. We study for the first time a >330‐m‐long core of typical arc volcanics dated at ca. 218 Ma from the Meiji Atoll in the southern South China Sea (SCS). Paleomagnetism suggests 4.1°± 1.5° of post‐eruption southward drift. These observations clearly support the existence of a Triassic arc in the SCB and imply that part of the arc later split off and drifted southward during the opening of the SCS in the Oligocene. Our results better constrain the lateral extent of the proposed flat‐slab subduction along the margin of the SCB. Moreover, we provide direct evidence of how the breakaway of ribbon continents operated in active continental margins, a recurrent scenario that has been invoked for Phanerozoic tectonics and continental growth throughout Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The 24-item Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) is the most widely-used and well-validated tool for measuring recovery for people with mental illness. The current study aims to assess the reliability and validity of an 8-item short form of RAS (RAS-8) among a Chinese sample of people living with schizophrenia.Methods: A sample of 400 people living with schizophrenia were recruited for scale validation. Internal consistency was tested by calculating Cronbach's α. Test-retest reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the total score and weighted kappa for each item. Factor structure was tested with confirmatory factor analysis, and concurrent validity was examined by investigating the correlation of the RAS-8 with patient symptoms, disability, depression, anxiety, patient functioning, quality of life and general health.Results: The RAS-8 full scale and subscales showed good internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.87 to 0.92. ICC of 0.99 and weighted kappa ranged from 0.62 to 0.88, which generally indicates good test-retest reliability. The findings supported an a priori two-factor structure, χ2/df = 2.93, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.07, SRMR = 0.035. Concurrent validity of the RAS-8 was further supported by its significant negative correlations with patient symptoms (r =  -0.24, p < 0.01), disability (r =  -0.30, p < 0.01), depression (r =  -0.16, p < 0.05), and anxiety (r =  -0.14, p < 0.05), and its significant positive relationships with patient functioning (r = 0.26, p < 0.01), quality of life (r = 0.39, p < 0.01) and general health (r = 0.34, p < 0.01).Conclusions: This study confirmed the reliability and validity of an 8-item short-form RAS for people living with schizophrenia in Chinese communities. The validation of the RAS-8 allows for its use as an alternative for the full RAS as a rapid assessment tool in clinical and research settings. The findings are discussed for their implications for application and validation with other populations and in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is crucial to clarify the physiological responses of wheat (T. aestivum) plants to source-sink manipulation and assimilation transportation under drought stress during domestication of dryland wheat. In this research, a two-year field experiment was conducted using nine wheat cultivars in a semiarid site of northwest China. The source-sink manipulation treatments including defoliation of flag leaves and 50% removal of ears were applied at the anthesis stage under two levels of drought stress conditions i.e. progressive water supply (PWS) and rainfed drought treatment (RDT). Our results indicated that drought stress reduced the dry weight of leaves, sheaths and stems, as well as caused a significant yield reduction. High ploidy wheat exhibits a greater capacity to sustain higher grain yields when subjected to drought stress, primarily due to its stronger buffer capacity between source supply and sink demand. All wheat species with different ploidy levels had a certain degree of source limitation and sink restriction. During the domestication of wheat, the type of source and sink might be ploidy-dependent with progressive water deficit, but similar interactive relationships. The source-sink ratio of tetraploid species was the largest, while that of hexaploid species was the lowest. • Progressive water supply (PWS) mediated source-sink relation in wheat. • High ploidy wheat had higher grain yield than low one under drought stress. • It was due to stronger buffer capacity between source supplies and sink demand. • Source-sink ratio was the highest in tetraploid, and the lowest in hexaploid. • All ploidy wheat showed certain degree of source limitation and sink restriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence and spread of multidrug resistance poses a significant risk to malaria control and eradication goals in the world. There has been no indigenous malaria cases reported in China since 2017, and China is approaching national malaria elimination. Therefore, anti-malarial drug resistance surveillance and tracking the emergence and spread of imported drug-resistant malaria cases will be necessary in a post-elimination phase in China. Methods: Dried blood spots were obtained from Plasmodium falciparum-infected cases returned from Africa to China between 2012 and 2015, prior to anti-malarial drug treatment. Whole DNA were extracted and known polymorphisms relating to drug resistance of pfcrt, pfmdr1 gene, and the propeller domain of pfk13 were evaluated by nested PCR and sequencing. The haplotypes and prevalence of these three genes were evaluated separately. Chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test were used to evaluate differences among the different sub-regions of Africa. A P value < 0.05 was used to evaluate differences with statistical significance. The maps were created using ArcGIS. Results: A total of 731 P. falciparum isolates were sequenced at the pfcrt locus. The wild type CVMNK was the most prevalent haplotype with prevalence of 62.8% and 29.8% of the isolates showed the triple mutant haplotype CVIET. A total of 434 P. falciparum isolates were successfully sequenced and pfmdr1 allelic variants were observed in only codons 86, 184 and 1246. Twelve haplotypes were identified and the prevalence of the wild type pfmdr1 NYD was 44.1%. The single mutant pfmdr1 in codons 86 and 184 was predominant but the haplotype NYY with single mutation in codon 1246 was not observed. The double mutant haplotype YFD was common in Africa. About 1,357 isolates were successfully sequenced of pfk13-propeller domain, the wild type was found in 1,308 samples (96.4%) whereby 49 samples (3.6%) had mutation in pfk13. Of 49 samples with pfk13 mutations, 22 non-synonymous and 4 synonymous polymorphic sites were confirmed. The A578S was the most common mutation in pfk13-propeller domain and three mutations associated with artemisinin resistance (M476I, R539T, P553L) were identified in three isolates. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that could give insight into potential issues with anti-malarial drug resistance to inform national drug policy in China in order to treat imported cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Metal exposure levels exhibited obvious variations between species. • Cu and Zn were the most accumulated elements. • Most trace metals declined over the last one to two decades. • Metals in the cultured organisms was far lower than those in wild marine organisms. Trace metal (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) exposures, distribution and bioaccumulation were investigated in marine organisms from Guangdong coastal regions, South China. The results showed that all of the selected metals were observed in marine organisms with a predomination of Cu and Zn. The metal exposure levels exhibited obvious variations between species with the decreasing order of crab>shellfish>shrimp>fish. The higher metals enrichment seen in shellfish and crab species primarily attributed to their living habits and the higher sediment background values of trace metals. Endpoint bioaccumulation factor (BAF fd) was used to characterize the bioaccumulation potentials of marine organisms to trace metals, of which Cu and Zn were the most accumulated elements. The exposure of trace metals in the cultured organisms was far lower than those in wild marine organisms, which is probably due to the effect of growth dilution. Comparisons with previous studies demonstrated that the concentration profiles of most trace metals declined over the last one to two decades, except Cu, that increased indistinctively. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysosplenium nudicaule Bunge, Tibetan name 'Yajima,' growing in the highlands of China is a perennial herb belonging to the genus Chrysosplenium Saxifragaceae. As a traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used to treat digestive diseases for hundreds of years. The complete chloroplast genome of Chrysosplenium nudicaule is 152,775 bp in length and comprises two inverted repeats (IR, 25,962 bp), a large single-copy region (LSC, 83,533 bp), and a small single-copy region (SSC, 17,318 bp). It harbors 112 genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, four ribosomal RNA genes, and 30 transfer RNA genes. In addition, the rpl32 gene was deleted. The GC content of the whole chloroplast genome is 37.54%. This chloroplast genome resource will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of C. nudicaule in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balantioides coli (syn. Balantidium coli) is an important zoonotic but usually neglected protozoa infecting human and a great number of animals, and the pig was considered to be the most important natural host and reservoir. However, no information about the infection of B. coli in pigs in northwestern China was available. In the present study, the prevalence and genetic diversity of B. coli in pigs in Shaanxi province were investigated. A total of 560 fecal samples were collected from pigs of four age groups in five different geographical regions and analyzed by using PCR targeting the ITS1-5.8S rRNA-ITS2 gene fragment. The infection of B. coli was detected in all age groups and regions, with the total prevalence of 16.8% (94/560). Significant differences (P < 0.01) in prevalence were found among four investigated age groups, with the highest in fatteners (38.8%) and the lowest in adults (5.7%). The prevalence was also significantly (P < 0.01) different among pigs from five sampling regions. Sequence analysis revealed two genetic variants, namely, A and B, in these investigated pigs, and both of them were detected in all age groups and regions, with the latter as the predominant one. Further, sixty-eight different haplotypes were found, with 19 and 49 belonged to genetic variants A and B, respectively. The findings in the present study indicated wide distribution and high diversity of B. coli in pigs in Shaanxi province and provided fundamental data for implementing control strategies on B. coli infection in pigs as well as other hosts in this province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although multidrug therapy (MDT) has been widely used for the treatment of leprosy for nearly 40 y, the disease remains a public health concern in some areas. The early detection of leprosy cases is vital to interrupt Mycobacterium leprae transmission, but currently diagnosis is typically achieved during the recognition of clinical symptoms by professional staff performing physical examinations in conjunction with microbiological assessment of slit skin smears (SSSs) and histopathology. In the last 10 y, serum antibody detection tests have emerged to aid leprosy diagnosis. Here we evaluated the ability of antigens NDO-BSA and LID-1 (ML0405 and ML2331) and the conjugate of these, NDO-LID, to detect antibodies in the sera of 113 leprosy patients and 166 control individuals in Yunnan province in southwest China. We found that each antigen was readily detected by sera from multibacillary (MB) patients, with sensitivities of 97.3%, 97.3% and 98.6% for NDO-BSA, LID-1 and NDO-LID, respectively. Even among paucibacillary (PB) patients the antigens detected antibodies in 74.4%, 56.4% and 69.2% of serum samples, respectively. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis indicated that, irrespective of the leprosy case classification as MB or PB, the detection efficiency obtained with NDO-LID was better than that obtained with the other two antigens (with LID-1 being a slightly better than NDO-BSA). Our results indicate the utility of NDO-LID in assisting in the diagnosis of PB and MB leprosy patients and that these antibody detection assays represent powerful diagnostic tools. We suggest that could be implemented into the procedures of local health centres in leprosy-endemic regions to assist in earlier diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prediction of early postoperative recurrence is of great significance for follow‐up treatment. However, there are few studies available that focus on high‐risk factors of early postoperative recurrence or even the definition the exact time of early recurrence for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Thus, we aimed to examine the optimal cut‐off value for defining the early in patients with R0 resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma and to investigate prognostic factors associated with early recurrence. Two hundred and fifty‐eight patients with R0 resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma between 2000 and 2015 were included. The minimum P value approach was used to define the optimal cut‐off of early recurrence. The prognostic factors associated with early recurrence were investigated. The optimal cut‐off value for dividing patients into early and non‐early recurrence groups after R0 resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma was 12 months. Sixty‐two patients were recorded as early recurrence, and the remaining 196 patients were labeled as non‐early recurrence. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.756, 95% CI 1.409‐5.393; P = 0.003), poor differentiation (OR = 1.653; 95% CI 1.040‐2.632; P = 0.034), increased postoperative CA 19‐9 levels (OR = 1.965, 95% CI 1.282‐3.013; P = 0.002), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio > 3.41 (OR = 5.125, 95% CI 2.419‐10.857; P < 0.001) and age > 60 years (OR = 2.018, 95% CI 1.032‐3.947; P = 0.040) were independent determinants of early and non‐early recurrence. Poor differentiation (HR = 2.609, 95% CI 1.600‐4.252; P < 0.001), Bismuth classification type III/IV (HR = 2.510, 95% CI 1.298‐4.852; P = 0.006) and perineural invasion (HR=2.380, 95% CI 1.271‐4.457; P = 0.007) were independent factors of overall survival in the subgroup of patients who developed early recurrence. The optimal cut‐off value for dividing early recurrence after R0 resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma was 12 months. Tumor differentiation, Bismuth classification, and perineural invasion were independent factors of overall survival in the subgroup of patients with early recurrence. Patients with risk factors should be monitored closely after curative surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the effects of moderate and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) with selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP) during aortic arch surgery in adult patients and to offer the evidence for the detection of the temperature which provides best brain protection in the subjects who accept aortic arch reconstruction surgery. Methods: A total of 109 patients undergoing surgery of the aortic arch were divided into the moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest group (Group I) and the deep hypothermic circulatory arrest group (Group II). We recorded the data of the patients and their cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, aortic clamping time, SACP time and postoperative anesthetized recovery time, tracheal intubation time, time in the intensive care unit (ICU) and postoperative neurologic dysfunction. Results: Patient characteristics were similar in the two groups. There were four patients who died in Group II and 1 patient in Group I. There were no significant differences in aortic clamping time of each group (111.4±58.4 vs. 115.9±16.2) min; SACP time (27.4±5.9 vs. 23.5±6.1) min of the moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest group and the deep hypothermic circulatory arrest group; there were significant differences in cardiopulmonary bypass time (207.4±20.9 vs. 263.8±22.6) min, postoperative anesthetized recovery time (19.0±11.1 vs. 36.8±25.3) hours, extubation time (46.4±15.1 vs. 64.4±6.0) hours; length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) (4.7±1.7 vs. 8±2.3) days and postoperative neurologic dysfunction in the two groups. Conclusion: Compared to deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest can provide better brain protection and achieve good clinical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sludge is an important source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, both in the form of direct process emissions and as a result of indirect carbon-derived energy consumption during processing. In this study, the carbon budgets of two sludge disposal processes at two well-known sludge disposal sites in China (for biodrying and heat-drying pretreatments, both followed by mono-incineration) were quantified and compared. Total GHG emissions from heat drying combined with mono-incineration was 0.1731 tCO2e t−1, while 0.0882 tCO2e t−1was emitted from biodrying combined with mono-incineration. Based on these findings, a significant reduction (approximately 50%) in total GHG emissions was obtained by biodrying instead of heat drying prior to sludge incineration. Implications: Sludge treatment results in direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Moisture reduction followed by incineration is commonly used to dispose of sludge in China; however, few studies have compared the effects of different drying pretreatment options on GHG emissions during such processes. Therefore, in this study, the carbon budgets of sludge incineration were analyzed and compared following different pretreatment drying technologies (biodrying and heat drying). The results indicate that biodrying combined with incineration generated approximately half of the GHG emissions compared to heat drying followed by incineration. Accordingly, biodrying may represent a more environment-friendly sludge pretreatment prior to incineration. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: The etiology of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD), an endemic osteochondropathy, is largely unknown. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) plays a central role in the initiation and progression of cartilage destruction; however, no study has reported on the relationship between KBD and MMP-1. This study was to investigate the role of MMP-1 in the pathogenesis and progression of KBD. Methods: Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping was conducted for 274 KBD cases and 248 healthy controls using the Sequenom MassARRAY system. Additionally, the expression of MMP-1 in the knee articular cartilage of 22 KBD patients and 21 controls was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and the concentration of MMP-1 in their joint fluid was also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The results showed that two SNPs (rs470221 and rs1144396) had a weak association with increased KBD risk; however, the significance of these results did not survive Bonferroni's correction. Moreover, the percentages of cells expressing MMP-1 in each layer of cartilage were significantly higher in the KBD group than in the controls (F = 11.41-28.31, P = 0.002-0.000). The concentration of MMP-1 in KBD joint fluid was significantly higher than that in the controls (t = 9.83, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The increased expression of MMP-1 has a potential effect on the risk of KBD in the northwest Chinese Han population. However, six selected SNPs in the MMP-1 gene might not be useful as significant markers for predicting KBD susceptibility in Chinese Han population. Therefore, future studies in the association of MMP-1 with KBD should focus on other candidate SNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nursing students' and nurses' attitudes toward caring for the dying need to be explored. The Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying (FATCOD) scale has not previously been used in the Chinese language. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the FATCOD scale. A convenience sample of 154 nurses and 200 nursing students was recruited. The Chinese version of the FATCOD was used to test construct validity, concurrent validity, convergent validity, and internal consistency. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the Chinese version of the FATCOD scale, Form B (FATCOD-B-C) was 0.790. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for each subscale ranged from 0.610 to 0.863. The test-retest reliability was satisfactory (r = 0.959, P < 0.001). The overall content validity index was 0.92. Seven factors were identified in exploratory factor analysis. The results provide preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the FATCOD-B-C in nurses and nursing students. Additional psychometric testing is recommended to confirm the factor analysis, but this study provides further evidence of the applicability of the FATCOD-B-C in clinical care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between alterations in thyroid function and cognitive deficits has been investigated in several previous studies. Hypo-or hyperthyroidism and, to a lesser extent, subclinical thyroid dysfunction can negatively affect cognitive performance. However, limited data are available on the potential association of thyroid function with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the elderly Chinese population. Methods: In the present study focusing on a population of elderly Chinese individuals ≥ 50 years of age, 77 cognitively normal controls, 64 patients with MCI, and 154 patients diagnosed with AD underwent assessment of thyroid status using thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels as variables. Cognitive function was evaluated with the aid of comprehensive neuropsychological tests, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Memory and Executive Screening (MES). Results: Overall, 88.1 % of the subjects displayed normal thyroid function, 4.7 % were diagnosed with clinical hypothyroidism, 3.1 % with subclinical hypothyroidism, and 4.1 % with subclinical hyperthyroidism. After adjusting for covariates (age, sex, education years and body mass index), no association was evident between mild cognitive impairment or AD and thyroid dysfunction. However, lower serum TSH was correlated with risk of AD (odds ratio [OR]: 2.78, 95 % confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.11-6.99). Conclusion: Neither hypothyroidism nor subclinical hyperthyroidism was associated with AD and MCI in this population-based elderly Chinese cohort. Our findings need to be confirmed in a longitudinal study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree diameter at breast height (dbh) and height are the most important variables used in forest inventory and management as well as forest carbon-stock estimation. In order to identify the key stand variables that influence the tree height-dbh relationship and to develop and validate a suit of models for predicting tree height, data from 5961 tree samples aged from 6 years to 53 years and collected from 80 Chinese-fir plantation plots were used to fit 39 models, including 33 nonlinear models and 6 linear models, were developed and evaluated into two groups. The results showed that composite models performed better in height estimate than one-independent-variable models. Nonlinear composite Model 34 and linear composite Model 6 were recommended for predicting tree height in Chinese fir plantations with a dbh range between 4 cm and 40 cm when the dbh data for each tree and the quadratic mean dbh of the stand (Dq) and mean height of the stand (Hm) were available. Moreover, Hm could be estimated by using the formula Hm=11.707×ln(Dq)-18.032. Clearly, Dq was the primary stand variable that influenced the height-dbh relationship. The parameters of the models varied according to stand age and site. The inappropriate application of provincial or regional height-dbh models for predicting small tree height at local scale may result in larger uncertainties. The method and the recommended models developed in this study were statistically reliable for applications in growth and yield estimation for even-aged Chinese-fir plantation in Huitong and Changsha. The models could be extended to other regions and to other tree species only after verification in subtropical China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microarray analysis was used to investigate the changes of gene expression of ischemic stroke and acupuncture intervention in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) rat brain. Results showed that acupuncture intervention had a remarkable improvement in neural deficit score, cerebral blood flow, and cerebral infarction volume of MCAo rats.Microarray analysis showed that a total of 627 different expression genes were regulated in ischemic stroke. 417 genes were upregulated and 210 genes were downregulated. A total of 361 different expression genes were regulated after acupuncture intervention. Three genes were upregulated and 358 genes were downregulated. The expression of novel genes after acupuncture intervention, including Tph1 and Olr883, was further analyzed by Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Upregulation of Tph1 and downregulation of Olr883 indicated that the therapeutic effect of acupuncture for ischemic strokemay be closely related to the suppression of poststroke depression and regulation of olfactory transduction. In conclusion, the present study may enrich our understanding of the multiple pathological process of ischemic brain injury and indicate possible mechanisms of acupuncture on ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical weathering of silicate rocks (especially basalt) is an important sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and has an important impact on long-term carbon cycle and storage. Lithium (Li) isotopes have been regarded as a good tracer of chemical weathering, however, the behavior of Li isotopes in tropical settings is poorly understood. In this study, we studied the Li elemental and isotopic variation in the solid weathering products (soil and saprolite) from a highly-weathered (CIA ∼100%) basalt weathering profile (>15 m thick, including soil, saprolite, semi-weathered rock and fresh basalt) on the tropical Hainan Island in South China. The weathering products have 1.99–58.1 ppm Li, mostly below the average fresh basalt value (4.6 ppm, n = 5). The δ7Li values (−14.3 to 8.9‰) of the solid weathering products exhibit complex stratigraphic variation across the weathering profile. The Li and Mn enrichments coincide spatially, with the Mn-rich samples having the highest Li content and lowest δ7Li value. Lithium is enriched in the semi-weathered basalt sample, but its δ7Li value (−2.7‰) is close to that of fresh basalts (0.7–5.3‰, avg. 3.0‰, n = 5). Strontium isotope data show that the weathering profile is affected by marine aerosol input, and the marine strontium may have been leached to the profile bottom or out of it under extreme weathering. Sequential extraction results indicate that Li in the soil, saprolites (lower part), and semi-weathered basalt occurs mainly in the residual phase, while Li in the saprolites (middle part) occurs largely in Fe–Mn oxides. We suggest that Li isotope fractionation in the upper, middle and lower parts of the profile was controlled by, respectively, marine aerosol input and secondary mineral leaching, dissolution/re-precipitation of Fe–Mn oxides, and neoformation of secondary minerals from heavy pore water. Our results show that the preferential light Li isotope uptake by Fe–Mn oxides may have been the main cause for the major Li isotope fractionation in the Wenchang weathering profile. • The δ7Li values of weathering products show wide range (−14.3 to 8.9‰). • The external-Li was mainly derived from marine aerosol deposition. • Mn-rich samples have the highest Li content and lightest δ7Li value. • Fe–Mn oxides have the potential to enrich lithium and fractionate Li isotopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through participating the planning and implementation of Guangdong University of Technology lab-safety-week, the paper analyzed the type of education and summarized the experience and the shortage, then rethought about the lab safety management work in domestic technical universities. It found out that under the existing conditions, only through the mode innovation of laboratory safety work inspection and implement, and enhancing its operability, the lab-safety management and safety performance can be effectively improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Hg exposure is rather high in all the selected ten bays. [•] Hg variations in history were correlated with the trend of economic development of China. [•] Stronger correlations were found between higher Hg and organic matter and particle size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ten antibiotics belonging to three groups (macrolides, fluoroquinolones and sulfonamides) were investigated in riverine runoff of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) and Pearl River Estuary (PRE), South China for assessing the importance of riverine runoff in the transportation of contaminants from terrestrial sources to the open ocean. All antibiotics were detected in the eight outlets with concentrations ranging from 0.7 to 127 ng L−1. The annual mass loadings of antibiotics from the PRD to the PRE and coast were 193 tons with 102 tons from the fluoroquinolone group. It showed that antibiotics decreased from the riverine outlets to the PRE and open ocean. Risk assessment showed that most of these antibiotics showed various ecological risks to the relevant aquatic organisms, in which ofloxacin (OFL), erythromycin (ETM) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) posed high ecological risks to the studied aquatic environments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The heavy metal concentrations of soil and dust samples from roadside, residential areas, parks, campus sport grounds, and commercial sites were studied in Guangzhou, South China. Heavy metals in samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer following acidic digestion with HClO + HF + HNO. High concentrations, especially of Cd, Pb, and Zn, were found with mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the urban dusts being 4.22 ± 1.21, 62.2 ± 27.1, 116 ± 30, 31.9 ± 12.6, 72.6 ± 17.9, and 504 ± 191 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. The respective levels in urban soils (0.23 ± 0.19, 22.4 ± 13.8, 41.6 ± 29.4, 11.1 ± 5.3, 65.4 ± 40.2, and 277 ± 214 mg/kg dry weight, respectively), were significantly lower. The integrated pollution index of six metals varied from 0.25 to 3.4 and from 2.5 to 8.4 in urban soils and dusts, respectively, with 61 % of urban soil samples being classified as moderately to highly polluted and all dust samples being classified as highly polluted. The statistical analysis results for the urban dust showed good agreement between principal component analysis and cluster analysis, but distinctly different elemental associations and clustering patterns were observed among heavy metals in the urban soils. The results of multivariate statistic analysis indicated that Cr and Ni concentrations were mainly of natural origin, while Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were derived from anthropogenic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The concentrations and spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been investigated in two adjacent bays of Zhanjiang and Leizhou, China. The total concentrations of the 16 USEPA priority PAHs were ranged from 41.96 to 933.90ng/g dry weight with an average concentration of 315.98ng/g and ranged from 21.72 to 319.61ng/g with an average concentration of 103.91ng/g in Zhanjiang and Leizhou Bays, respectively. The spatial distribution of PAHs was site-specific and appeared to be somewhat positively correlated with TOC and negatively correlated with sediment grain size in the two bays. The values of Phe/Ant, BaA/228 and InP/276 were higher than 10, less than 0.2, and from 0.2 to 0.5, respectively, indicating that the sources of PAHs in the two bays were mainly from petroleum and its combustion, which predominantly originated from those ships and boats coming and going in the two bays. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Low molecular-mass nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOs) and 4-nonylphenol (NP) are biodegradation products of higher molecular mass NPEOs used as surface active agents, and they are endocrine-disrupting contaminants. In this study, surface soil (0-20 cm) samples and different vegetable samples were collected from 27 representative vegetable farms located in Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Huizhou within the Pearl River Delta region, South China, and NP and nonylphenol monoethoxylate (NPEO) were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The results show that NP and NPEO were detected in soil and vegetable samples. The concentrations of NP and NPEO in soil samples ranged from nondetectable (ND) to 7.22 μg kg dry weight (dw) and from ND to 8.24 μg kg dw, respectively. The average concentrations of both NP and NPEO in soil samples decreased in the following order: Dongguan > Huizhou > Shenzhen. The levels of NP and NPEO in vegetable samples varied from 1.11 to 4.73 μg kg dw and from 1.32 to 5.33 μg kg dw, respectively. The greatest levels of both NP and NPEO were observed in water spinach, and the lowest levels of NP and NPEO were recorded in cowpea. The bioconcentration factors (the ratio of contaminant concentration in plant tissue to soil concentration) of NP and NPEO were <1.0 (mean 0.535 and 0.550, respectively). The occurrences of NP and NPEO in this study are compared with other studies, and their potential sources are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Human exposure to particulate matter emitted from on-road motor vehicles includes complex mixtures of heavy metals from tyres, brakes, part wear, and resuspended road sediment. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of 14 platinum-group and other traffic-related heavy metals in road sediment within the metropolitan area of Guangzhou, China, with a view to identifying their sources and assessing the extent of anthropogenic influence on heavy metal contamination of road sediment. Materials and methods: Thirty-five samples of road sediment were collected. The concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, La, Ce, Mo, Cd, Pb, Ba, and Rh were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Pt and Pd were analyzed by isotopic dilution-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical analysis and enrichment factor methods were employed to identify the sources of these heavy metals and to assess anthropogenic influences on their occurrence. Results and discussion: The mean concentrations of Pt, Pd, Rh, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, La, Ce, Mo, Cd, Pb, and Ba in the road sediment samples were 68.24, 93.15, 23.85, 147.5, 712.3, 47.24, 177.5, 1254, 47.50, 96.62, 4.91, 3.00, 198.1, and 641.3 ng g, respectively. Very weak to significant linear positive correlations were found among the various heavy metals. The elemental composition of road sediment was dominated by five principal components. Three clusters were identified through cluster analysis, and enrichment factors were calculated relative to soils in China. The sources and degree of contamination of the heavy metals are discussed based on the results. Conclusions: The mean concentrations of heavy metals are higher than background values, especially for Pt, Pd, Rh, Cd, and Zn. Four main sources are identified: (1) Pt, Pd, and Rh were derived from traffic sources; (2) La, Ce, Mn, and Ba were derived mainly from natural sources; (3) Cr, Ni, Cu, Mo, Cd, and Pb showed mixed traffic-industry sources; and (4) Zn originated mainly from industrial sources. Enrichment factor analysis supported this source identification and further indicated that contamination of road sediment in Guangzhou is extremely high for Pt, Pd, and Rh; moderate to very high for Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Mo; and minimal for Cr, Ni, La, Ce, and Ba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishing harbors are widely distributed in coastal regions in China. However, few studies about pollution by heavy metals in those fishing harbors have been reported. In this study, a total of 49 surface sediment samples were collected from nine harbors along the coastline of China to illuminate heavy metals pollution and their potential ecological risk. Results indicated that Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd are four main elements causing pollution with high concentrations detected in the selected harbors. These four metals from three harbors located in the Pearl River Delta are remarkably higher than those in other regions. The main finding of the study is that Cu was observed with rather high concentration in sediments, with the highest up to 1249 mg kg−1. Cu is widely used in antifouling paint for fishing ships, which may have been released into seawater and accumulated in marine sediment. High correlations of Cu, Pb and Zn with total organic carbon in sediments from these harbors indicate that the harbors may act as an important heavy metals source to the coastal environment of China. The potential ecological risk posed by Cu and Cd in the harbors of the Pearl River Delta region is from moderate to very high. Hence, there is an urgent need for more studies in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the geochemical and biogeochemical characteristics of heavy metal elements within the soil-plant system in the Hetai mine-abandoned areas and wasteland, China. The cytogenetic toxic effects of gold mine wastelands environment on the chromosome and micronucleus were analyzed by genetic methods. The results showed that abundances of Au and Au-associated heavy metal elements such as Cu, As, Cd, Pb and Hg in soils, plants and the pigments in those abandoned mine areas were much higher than those in the background region. The cell structures of the plants in the abandoned mine areas were anomalous and aberrant, and there were many nano-metal particles diffused in the cells. Moreover, the heavy metal elements in those abandoned mine areas had entered the ultrastructure and caused toxicities to the organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic study of the granulometric properties and the occurrence and distribution of rare earth elements (REE) within surface sediments from ten bays situated along the coast of Southeast China has facilitated a more rigorous understanding of constraints on sediment provenance in the area. The results show that REE concentrations are similar within a single bay, but vary considerably (133.58-251.77 mg/kg) among the bays. The chondrite-normalized distribution patterns show the typical enrichment of light REEs (LREEs: La-Eu) relative to heavy REEs (HREEs: Gd-Lu), and an apparent depletion of Eu, which is diagnostic of a terrigenous sediment source. Obvious enrichments of the middle REEs (MREEs: Sm-Ho) in the PAAS-normalized (Post-Archean Australian Shale) distribution patterns of these bay sediments are similar to results reported from large rivers in China. Comparing the REE composition of the bay sediments with those of adjoining fluvial sediments and with the bedrock of the surrounding drainage basins, the latter are indicated as the dominant sediment source. The uniform REE distribution patterns, and MREE enrichments, prove that the sediments are derived from the material transported by the streams and rivers that discharge into the bays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction China has become a major economic influence in Asia and globally. The country is in the position to further develop its workers' insurance and compensation system. This paper aims to introduce the existing workers' compensation policies, explain how these policies guide the operation of the occupational rehabilitation system for injured workers, and suggest ways to further develop an effective and sustainable system for the country. Methods Major government policies and initiative documents and existing literature on occupational rehabilitation were critically reviewed. Shortfalls in our current system were identified and potential further development regimes were propose. Results Since 2004, China has implemented its national policy on providing timely and comprehensive rehabilitation and return-to-work interventions for workers who are injured at work. The three-tier medical and occupational rehabilitation system appears effective for enabling injured workers to access these services. Such a system is regarded as the most optimal for the country in spearheading the development of quality occupational rehabilitation services, and at the same time incorporating the existing expertise in acute medical care and rehabilitation within the public medical and health system. Problems encountered in the system can be classified under the culture, system and competence building aspects. Conclusion The future workers' insurance and compensation system can probably put more emphasis on using bio-psychosocial and work disability prevention models in guiding its service development and delivery. Efforts need to be placed on building the competence of professionals in the system who provide services for injured workers. The empowerment of important stakeholders in the workers' insurance and compensation system and their inclusion in the planning of service delivery are crucial for developing a sustainable and effective system for China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four fluoroquinolone antibiotics (norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, lomefloxacin, and enrofloxacin) in tap water in Guangzhou and Macao were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography fluorescence detection. The results showed that all target antibiotics were detected in high rate both in Guangzhou (77.5%) and Macao (100%), ranging from 1.0 to 679.7 ng/L (SD ≤ 37.6) in Guangzhou, and from 2.0 to 37.0 ng/L (SD ≤ 2.5) in Macao. The fluoroquinolone antibiotics pollution in tap water widely distributes in Guangzhou and Macao. In addition, the effect of rainfall on concentration of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in south China was also investigated. Our result indicates that the antibiotic concentration in tap water in Guangzhou tends to obviously reduce at the beginning of rainy season, even decreases below the limit of quantification immediately. Thus, it was clarified that the heavy rain in south China has the function of reducing the fluoroquinolone antibiotics concentrations in tap water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose To report the usage of PGD for α-thalassaemia with the --SEA genotype. Method A PGD protocol using fluorescent gap PCR was performed for 51 cycles on 43 couples with the --SEA genotype. Allele drop-out and amplification failure rates were retrospectively analyzed. Results A total of 472 embryos were biopsied. Amplification was achieved in 390 blastomeres, accounting for an amplification rate of 82.6%. In total, 120 wild-type, 94 heterozygotes and 140 homozygous mutant embryos were diagnosed. The successful diagnosis rate was 75.0%. The ADO rate in 49 blastomeres from six donated embryos was 16.4%. One hundred and fifty four embryos were transferred, resulting in 25 clinica pregnancies with an implantation rate of 24.0%. Conclusions Single-round fluorescent gap PCR is a feasible and effective strategy in the PGD for α-thalassaemia with the --SEA genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new cycloartane triterpene glycosides, (3',12β)-O-diacetyl-cimigenol-3-O-β-d-xylopyranoside (1), (4',25)-O-diacetyl-cimigenol-3-O-β-d-xylopyranoside (2), 2'-O-acetyl-25-O-methyl-cimigenol-3-O-β-d-xylopyranoside (3), 2'-O-acetyl-25-O-ethyl-cimigenol-3-O-β-d-xylopyranoside (4), 3'-O-acetyl-cimicifugoside (5), and 4'-O-acetyl-23-epi-26-deoxycimifugoside (6), were isolated from the rhizomes of Actaea asiatica. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical methods and spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 1, 2, 4-6 exhibited positive cytotoxic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The spatial and temporal distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been investigated in Daya Bay, China. The total concentration of the 16 USEPA priority PAHs in surface sediments ranged from 42.5 to 158.2ng/gdry weight with a mean concentration of 126.2ng/g. The spatial distribution of PAHs was site-specific and combustion processes were the main source of PAHs in the surface sediments. Total 16 priority PAH concentration in the cores 8 and 10 ranged from 77.4 to 305.7ng/g and from 118.1 to 319.9ng/g respectively. The variation of the 16 PAH concentrations in both cores followed the economic development in China very well and was also influenced by input pathways. Some of the PAHs were petrogenic in core 8 while pyrolytic source was dominant in core 10. In addition, pyrolytic PAHs in both cores were mainly from the coal and/or grass and wood combustion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]