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Based on the significant weather report, CG lightning, composite radar reflectivity, and ERA5 reanalysis data, we first studied the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of four types (only severe convective wind (SCW); SCW and hail; SCW and short-duration heavy rainfall (SDHR); and SCW, hail, and SDHR) of convective weather events related to SCW during the warm season (May to September) from 2011 to 2018 in North China. Second, severe convective cases producing SCW were selected to statistically analyze the initiation, decay, lifetime, and organizational characteristics of convective systems. Finally, using ERA5 reanalysis data and conventional surface observation data, preconvective soundings were constructed to explore the differences in environmental conditions for initiating convective systems between SCW and non-SCW. The results indicate that mixed-type of SCW and SDHR events occur more frequently over plains, while other types of convective weather occur more frequently over mountains. The frequency peak of SCW occurs in June, while mixed convective weather peaks in July. The initiation time of convective systems is concentrated between 1000 and 1300 BST, with apeak at 1200 BST. Over mountains, the daily peaks of ordinary and significant SCW generally occur at 1700–1800 BST and 1600–1700 BST, respectively, while over plains, the peak of ordinary SCW typically lags behind that of mountains by 1–2 hours. Additionally, SCW systems are mainly initiated over mountains, with most lifetimes lasting 7–13 hours. Nonlinear convective systems produce the most SCW events, followed by trailing-stratiform convective systems. The convective available potential energy (CAPE), downdraft convective available potential energy, and the temperature difference between 850 and 500 hPa can all distinguish between SCW systems and non-SCW systems occurring over plains. Compared to non-SCW convective systems, SCW convective systems over mountains are more likely to occur in environments with less precipitable water, while SCW convective systems over plains are more likely to occur in environments with higher CAPE and stronger deep-layer wind shear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Picea pungens (Engelm.), known for its blue-green needles, has become a likable ornamental species in northeast China since 2000. Nonetheless, a lack of propagation methods that can maintain genetic fidelity and develop seedlings at a large scale prevents the further expansion of the species. Somatic embryogenesis (SE), paired with cryopreservation technologies, may provide a valid alternative. Picea pungens SE is not new, but its practical application has been limited due to low efficiencies in SE initiation and maturation as well as a lack of effective cryopreservation technology. In this study, experiments were carried out to overcome the limitations by modifying culture media. For initiation, the efficiency was enhanced by adjusting concentrations of 2.4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzyl amino–purine (6-BA) or sucrose supplemented to the induction medium. The concentrations of 4.0 mg/L 2,4-D, 2 mg/L 6-BA, and 5 to 10 g/L sucrose were found optimal in maximizing initiation efficiency. For maturation, the efficiency, expressed as the number of mature somatic embryos per gram of fresh mass cultured (E/gFM), varied greatly with the choices of the basal medium and concentration of abscisic acid (ABA) of the maturation medium. Based on our results, the judicial choices were using the DCR medium as the basal medium and 10 mg/L ABA. The maturation efficiency could also be improved by adjusting the maturation medium's osmotic pressure by manipulating the concentrations of carbohydrate and Gelrite and culture density. While the maturation medium, using sucrose as carbohydrate source or supplemented with a low (<8 g/L) Gelrite concentration, facilitated maturation, optimal selections were truly genotype-dependent. Our results also suggest that, while the optimal culture density varied with genotype, in general it is needless to culture more than 100 mg embryogenesis tissues per dish (size: 10 × 1.5 cm). Based on this study, the optimum pretreatment for embryogenesis tissue cryopreservation was culturing the tissues on the proliferation medium with 0.4 mol/L sorbitol for 24 h, followed by treatment with 5% Dimethyl sulfoxide. This study significantly improved the initiation (achieved a frequency of 0.56) and embryo maturation efficiencies (achieved 1030 E/gFM) and established an effective preculturing protocol for cryopreservation (recovered 1354 E/gFM) for the species. The protocols developed here, paired with the available ones for other SE steps in the literature, form a well-refined SE technology intended for commercial application to Picea pungens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At least 30% of newly diagnosed people living with HIV (PLHIV) have delayed antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation globally, resulting in irreversible impaired immune function and increased risk of HIV transmission. This study aimed to explore the decision-making process of ART initiation in China. A phenomenological research design was used and semi-structured, in-depth interviews based on dual-system theory were conducted. Participants were selected using purposive sampling between December 11, 2021 and June 25, 2022. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was performed utilizing the software NVivo 12. A total of 34 PLHIV were interviewed. The heuristic system and the analytic system were involved in the complex decision-making process for ART initiation. Acceptability, negative emotion, and stigma were all parts of the heuristic system. The analytic system included the perception of ART benefits, positive support, and misconception. Two systems interacted with each other in the decision-making of ART initiation. PLHIV's initiation decision was determined by the components of the dominant system. This theory-driven qualitative study provided valuable insights on the decision-making process of ART initiation among newly diagnosed PLHIV., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

The role of power in an English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom in secondary education has been widely investigated by action researchers such as Angel Lin in Hong Kong. Nonetheless, few studies have addressed this specific issue in tertiary education. This study aims to bridge the gap by using the framework of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to uncover the relationship between language and power at the tertiary level. In class, the teacher used power and varied linguistic features to facilitate classroom teaching and learning. In this aspect, the socio-cognitive conditions that contribute to teaching and learning at tertiary setting are illuminated. The major methods are the tools (i.e., three questions) of CDA for analyzing the transcriptions of one English lesson, taken from the Hong Kong Corpus of Spoken English. A qualitative discourse analysis is used to interpret the selected spoken data; this article is concerned with understanding the distinctive ways of language use and the reasons behind it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposes 1) To study the breastfeeding initiation, duration and exclusivity rates, and common reasons for early weaning in Chinese mothers with epilepsy (MWE); 2) To identify potential perinatal breastfeeding correlations with selected sociodemographic and clinical factors. Methods A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 281 MWE attending hospitals in South-west China from February 2014 to July 2015. Data about breastfeeding behaviors, sociodemographic, obstetric, and epileptic variables were collected. Descriptive analyses, followed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, were utilized to examine associations with breastfeeding, its duration and exclusivity. Results Breastfeeding initiation rate in MWE was 59.4%. At 3 months post partum total breastfeeding rate was 49.5% and exclusive breastfeeding rate was 36.3%. At 6 months, about one third (33.1%) of MWE had continued breastfeeding their babies and 12.8% of enrolled infants were exclusively breastfed. During lactation, fear of exposure of the babies to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) via breast milk, frequent seizures, and insufficient breast milk supply were the commonest reasons for early cessation of breastfeeding. Mothers with epilepsy who had babies delivered at full term were more inclined to breastfeed their babies. Mothers who had gestational non-active epilepsy were more likely to engage in long-term breastfeeding. AED polytherapy was associated with poor breastfeeding behaviors in all aspects. Conclusion MWE in our study had a lower prevalence of breastfeeding than what would be expected in the general population, where approximately 95% breastfeed. Good seizure control and optimal antiepileptic therapy during gestation and lactation were associated with a higher rate of breastfeeding. Targeted intervention programs enhancing antenatal care services and breastfeeding consultation are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gender differences in illicit drug use are becoming increasingly recognized. However, there are few studies concerning differences between male and female heroin users in China. Objectives: The study aimed to explore gender differences in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, drug-related behaviors, and treatment history among a heroin-using population in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four cities in December 2013. A total of 788 participants were recruited from several types of sites in each city: compulsory detoxification centers, methadone maintenance treatment clinics, and detention facilities. The data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire. Analysis of variance, chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine gender differences in socio-demographic characteristics, drug-related behaviors, and treatment history. Results: Female heroin users were more likely to be unemployed, have more education, and use heroin with their spouse/companion (p <.05). Male heroin users were more likely to be in detention facilities and MMT clinics, and relapse when they felt hopeless (p <.05). Conclusions/Importance: Although there were some similarities between male and female heroin users, significant gender differences do exist in some aspects of socio-demographic characteristics and heroin use. The data provide evidence that interventions aimed at preventing the initiation of heroin use and reducing relapse should take gender into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years there has been a steady influx of immigrants into Hong Kong from Mainland China, where breastfeeding patterns differ. Studies in other regions have found substantial differences in breastfeeding rates between native-born and immigrant mothers. The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with breastfeeding initiation in Hong Kong born and Mainland China born mothers living in Hong Kong.Methods: We used a multi-center cross-sectional study design and recruited 2761 new mothers from the postnatal wards of all eight public hospitals in Hong Kong that offer obstetric services. We assessed breastfeeding status as well as various socio-demographic, maternal and birth characteristics. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify the predictors of breastfeeding initiation in Hong Kong born and Mainland China born participants.Results: 80.3 % of Hong Kong and 81.1 % of Mainland Chinese born women initiated breastfeeding. In the fully adjusted models, multiparity (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.53, 95 % CI 0.43-0.66) and maternal smoking (OR 0.29, 95 % CI 0.18-0.45) were strongly associated with failure to initiate breastfeeding in both Hong Kong and Mainland China born participants. In Hong Kong born mothers, participants with lower maternal education and those who had a cesarean section were significantly less likely to breastfeed. For Mainland China born mothers, paternal smoking (OR 0.70, 95 % CI 0.49-0.99) and having a pregnancy-related health problem (OR 0.60, 95 % CI 0.38-0.94) were both additional risk factors for not breastfeeding.Conclusion: This study has identified predictors of breastfeeding initiation in Hong Kong and Mainland China born mothers. Given the current high breastfeeding initiation rates among both groups, antenatal breastfeeding education and promotion programmes need to specifically intervene with sub-groups of pregnant women at risk for not breastfeeding so that their efforts are more strategic and cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the association between adolescent sexual debut and age at new-type drug initiation among a sample of young adult new-type drug users. A total of 276 participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in Shanghai, China. The analyses were restricted to a total of 201 participants aged between 18 and 30 years. The average age at sexual debut and age at first new-type drug use were 18.8 and 20.9 years, respectively. About 94% of participants reported having sexual experience (n = 188); of those, 137 (72.9%) had sexual debut before they first used new-type drugs, while 32 (17.0%) initiated both events at the same age. After adjustment for age, income, education, and sexual orientation, adolescent sexual debut was independently associated with younger age at new-type drug initiation. Adolescent sexual debut is associated with early onset of new-type drug use. Our findings underscore the importance of implementing sex-education programs for adolescents in schools in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The World Health Organization recommends that newborn infants be breastfed within the first hour of life, a practice that improves infant health and reduces neonatal mortality. The objectives of this study were to report the rate of breastfeeding initiation within 1 hour of birth in Jiangyou, China, to determine its impact on 'full breastfeeding' at discharge, and to investigate factors associated with early breastfeeding initiation. Methods A prospective cohort study of infant feeding practices was undertaken during 2010 and 2011 in Jiangyou, 2 years after an earthquake caused extensive damage. A total of 695 mothers were recruited from hospitals and health centers and interviewed at discharge. Results In this study, 9.1 percent of women began breastfeeding within 1 hour postpartum. Mothers who initiated breastfeeding early were more likely to be fully breastfeeding at discharge ( OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.23-3.60). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that giving birth at a health center was associated with delayed breastfeeding initiation ( OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.04-0.32), whereas attending antenatal classes ( OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.36-4.87) and receiving encouragement from hospital staff to initiate breastfeeding ( OR 5.60, 95% CI 2.31-13.55) were correlated with putting the baby to the breast soon after delivery. Conclusions Early breastfeeding initiation rate was low and the use of prelacteal foods was widespread in Jiangyou. Early breastfeeding initiation was associated with higher 'full breastfeeding' rates at discharge. It is important to educate doctors and nurses to assist mothers with early breastfeeding initiation and to discourage the use of non-breastmilk prelacteal feeds. ( BIRTH 40:2 June 2013) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To identify the prevalence of breastfeeding initiation and the determinants of the breastfeeding initiation in Xinjiang, PR China, 2003–2004. Methods: A cohort study of infant feeding practices was undertaken in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, PR China. A total 1219 mothers were randomly recruited in five hospitals or institutes located in urban and rural areas during 2003 and 2004. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore factors associated with breastfeeding initiation. Results: Before discharge from hospital, 92.2% of the mothers were breastfeeding including 66.2% who were exclusively breastfed. A total of 88 mothers (7.8%) were not breastfeeding on discharge from hospital. Breastfeeding before discharge was positively associated giving breastmilk as the first feed (OR 4.05, CI 1.30–12.65) feeding on demand (OR 4.33, CI 1.69–11.08), when the mother felt she had been given enough information about breastfeeding, belonging to a minority ethnic group (OR 3.13, CI 1.21–5.05) and giving birth in spring or summer. Conclusions: This study has documented breastfeeding initiation rate and associated factors with it in Xinjiang, PR China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mine waste debris flows are a type of man-made debris flow that commonly lead to major disasters. In this study, the Xiaotong Gully, which is located in the Xiaoqinling gold mining area in China and contains a typical mine waste debris flow gully, was selected as the study area. Since a debris flow can be classified as either a geotechnical debris flow or hydraulic debris flow based on its initiation mode, we conducted 46 experimental model tests to explore the initiation conditions of these two different types of debris flows. According to our tests, the initiation conditions of hydraulic debris flows were mainly affected by the flume gradient, the water content of the mine waste, the inflow discharge, the water supply modes, and the clay particle content. A larger flume gradient and higher mine waste water content were more conducive to initiating a hydraulic debris flow. However, the influence of the water supply mode on the initiation of a hydraulic debris flow was complex (influenced by factors such as water content of mine waste, runoff discharge rate and rainfall intensity). The critical runoff of a hydraulic debris flow, which starts with a parabolic relationship to the clay particle content of the mine waste, decreased with increasing clay particle content and then increased. There was a minimum critical runoff when the clay content of the mine waste was 30%. The initiation conditions of a geotechnical debris flow were mainly affected by the flume gradient, the water content, and the clay particle content. The critical gradient of a geotechnical debris flow decreased with increasing water content and had a parabolic relationship to the clay particle content. In tests 31–46 of this study, the second and third critical slopes both decreased and then increased with increasing clay particle content. These preliminary research results provide a scientific reference for subsequent research on the prevention and mitigation of mine waste debris flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Purpose : Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) possibly emerges as well as remits in adolescence. To explore the development and transition of NSSI, this study examined the association between a wide range of interpersonal and intrapersonal predictors of NSSI initiation and cessation. (2) Methods : Chinese adolescents ( N = 913) completed self-reported surveys at baseline and at a six-month follow-up. The sample included 625 adolescents who reported no NSSI and 288 adolescents who reported engagement in NSSI at baseline. (3) Results : Among the adolescents without NSSI at baseline, 24.3% engaged in NSSI at follow-up (NSSI initiation group). Among the adolescents with NSSI at baseline, 33.3% reported no NSSI at follow-up (NSSI cessation group). Loneliness, beliefs about adversity, problem behavior, and prosocial behavior were the significant factors in predicting subsequent NSSI initiation. None of the potential predicting factors were associated with subsequent NSSI cessation. (4) Conclusions : These results indicate the importance of intrapersonal factors in Chinese culture, which could be used to identify at-risk adolescents and to design interventions.

Background: Statin remains a mainstay in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Statin utilization has evolved over time in many countries, but data on this topic from China are quite limited. This study aimed to investigate the changing trends of statins prescription, as well as detail the statin utilization through a successive longitudinal study., Methods: The prescription database was established based on electronic health records retrieved from the hospital information system of Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University from January 2012 to December 2018 in Shanghai, China. The prescription rates and proportions of different statin types and doses among all patients were examined. Sub-analyses were performed when stratifying the patients by age, gender, dose intensity, and preventative intervention., Results: During the study period, a total of 51,083 patients, who were prescribed for statins, were included in this study (mean [SD] age, 59.78 [±13.16] years; 53.60% male, n = 27, 378). The overall statins prescription rate in which patients increased from 2012 (1.24, 95% CI: 1.21-1.27%) to 2018 (3.16, 95% CI: 3.11-3.20%), P < 0.001. Over 90% of patients were given a moderate dose of statins. Patients with a history of coronary and cerebrovascular events (over 32%) were more likely to be prescribed with statins for preventative intervention. Furthermore, our study has witnessed a significant rise in statin therapy in primary and secondary prevention., Conclusions: In conclusion, statins were frequently prescribed and steadily increased over time in our study period. There were also changes in statin drug choices and dosages. A coordinated effort among the patient, clinical pharmacist, stakeholders and health system is still needed to improve statin utilization in clinical practice in the future.

Objectives: To evaluate the initiation and completion and timeliness of inactivated hepatitis A vaccine (HAV-I) series, to identify the missed opportunities for HAV-I series, and to examine determinants associated with the completion of HAV-I., Methods: Children born from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2014 and registered in Zhejiang provincial immunization information system (ZJIIS), were enrolled in this study. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the initiation and completion, the timeliness and the missed opportunities for HAV-I. Logistic regression analysis was applied to explore the determinants of the completeness of HAV-I., Results: The initiation rate of HAV-I increased from 8.1% for the 2005 birth cohort to 13.2% for the 2014 birth cohort. The completion rate of HAV-I increased from 4.2% for the 2005 birth cohort to 7.8% for the 2014 birth cohort. The timeliness rate of the 1 st dose of HAV-I increased from 38.2% for the 2005 birth cohort to 57.9% for the 2014 birth cohort. The timeliness rate the 2 nd dose of HAV-I increased from 17.3% for the 2005 birth cohort to 35.3% for the 2014 birth cohort. 78.3% of the children who did not initiated any hepatitis A vaccine, had at least one immunization clinic visit after their 18 th month of age. 36.0% of the children who received the 1 st dose of HAV-I but did not receive the 2 nd dose, had at least one immunization clinic visit after 6 months from the date of receiving the 1 st dose of HAV-I. The determinants including year of birth, socio-economic development level of municipals, place of delivery, receipt of MMR/VarV were associated with the completion of HAV-I series., Conclusion: Although the initiation and completion of HAV-I series had improved in recent years, these indicators were still lower than those for other vaccines scheduled at the similar age. It is important for providers to identify every opportunity for HAV-I vaccination and to assure that children get protection from this vaccine-preventable disease.

Background: This study investigated circumstances of initiating new-type drug use among adult new-type drug users and differences among those who first used methamphetamine, ecstasy and ketamine., Methods: A total of 276 participants were recruited, using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) from nine seeds recruited through NGOs, social workers and outreach workers in Shanghai, China., Results: Methamphetamine was the most frequently reported first new-type drug used (37.1%), followed by ecstasy (35.6%) and ketamine (20.0%). 38.7% of participants initiated new-type drug use before the age of 21 years. 47.8% knew at initiation that club drugs can be harmful. Most were introduced to new-type drug use by friends, spouses or boy/girlfriends. The three most common reasons for initiation were curiosity, peer influence, and wishing to dull one's emotions. Those first using methamphetamine were more likely to be female, have a monthly individual income less than 3000 Yuan (approx. $476), initiate use at 21 years or older and at private setting than those first using ecstasy and ketamine., Conclusions: There is an urgent need for drug education efforts in China to raise awareness of the harms of new-type drugs, as well as to increase knowledge about the paradox of new-type drug effects. Drug prevention and intervention programs should be tailore to target populations and their social context., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)