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Rural‒urban migration is accompanied by urbanization in China, and its effect on individual well-being has received much scholarly attention. However, research on whether and how rural‒urban migration affects rural migrants' health is still lacking. Using nationally representative data from three waves of the China Labor Force Dynamic Survey, this research investigates the impact of rural‒urban migration on the health of rural migrants and its potential mechanisms. We find that controlling for the endogeneity issue, rural‒urban migration has a negative impact on rural migrants' health, lowering their self-rated health (SRH) and increasing their probability of illness. Analyses of potential mechanisms show that subjective social status is crucial in explaining the negative effects of rural‒urban migration on SRH and illness. To better understand the health deterioration of rural‒urban migrants, the local social and cultural contexts in China should be considered so that targeted measures can be implemented to promote migrants' health more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary angle closure disease (PACD) is a major cause of blindness worldwide. It has a high prevalence in East Asia, especially in China, which leads to a higher incidence of blindness than open-angle glaucoma. The aim of this study was to directly observe the circumlental space (CLS) in laser peripheral iridotomized eyes with PACD and to determine whether this structure plays a role in the pathogenesis of PACD. Fifty eyes of 50 patients with PACD, who had received laser peripheral iridotomy performed with neodymium:yttrium–aluminum-garnet were recruited from glaucoma clinics from March 2021 to May 2022, including 17 primary angle closure suspect (PACS), 16 primary angle closure (PAC) and 17 primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). They were classified into two groups based on whether the ciliary process and the crystalline lens equator were in contact using slit-lamp photograph: the attached group and the unattached group. The demographic, clinical characteristics and anterior segment parameters measured from ultrasound biomicroscopy were compared between the attached group and the unattached group. Thirty-three eyes were assigned to the attached group and 17 eyes belonged to the unattached group. In the unattached group, the mean CLS was 0.10 ± 0.07 mm. No significant differences were identified between the different diagnosis groups in age, sex, best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, white-to-white, axial length, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, flat keratometry, steep keratometry or iridotomy diameter (p > 0.05). The unattached group had shorter trabecular-ciliary process distance (p = 0.021) and larger ciliary process area (p = 0.001) compared with the attached group. Small CLS and its potential effect (partial ciliary block) might be considered as one of the mechanisms of PACD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The K-feldspar mineral is an insoluble potassium resource with a high potassium content and the most extensive and abundant reserves. To address the insufficient supply of soluble potassium fertilizers in China, the application of appropriate processing methods to extract potassium from K-feldspar and transform it into a soluble potassium fertilizer is of great significance. To date, various techniques have been developed to extract potassium from K-feldspar and produce a soluble potassium fertilizer. This review summarizes the main methods, i.e., the hydrothermal, high-temperature pyrolysis, microbial decomposition, and low-temperature methods, for potassium extraction from K-feldspar. The mechanisms, efficiencies, impact parameters, and research progress of each potassium extraction method are comprehensively discussed. This study also compares the merits and drawbacks of the individual methods in terms of potassium extraction efficiency and practical operating conditions. The species of additives, reaction temperature, reaction time, particle size of K-feldspar, and dosage of additives significantly affected the potassium extraction efficiency. Moreover, the combination of different methods was very effective in improving the potassium extraction efficiency. This review elaborates the research prospects and potential strategies for the efficient utilization of the K-feldspar mineral as a fertilizer resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the causal effects of air pollution on individual-level health care expenditure in China. We employ a nationally-representative panel dataset of the China Health and Nutrition Survey from 1991 to 2015 to estimate the impacts of air pollution on various types of health care expenditures. Using thermal inversions as an instrumental variable for air pollution, we fnd that exposure to air pollution in the past year (12 months) leads to an increase in total health care expenditure and health care utilization. In particular, with a 1 µg/m3 increase in average PM2.5 concentrations, total health care spending would rise by 5.1% and the probability of health care utilization would rise by 0.98% point. The increases are mainly driven by changes in hospital care and preventive care costs. Our mechanism evidence suggests that air pollution might affect health care expenditure by increasing weight and the probability of getting sick while reducing sleep time and the chances of walking to work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores how middle managers deal with knowledge inflows whilst striving to achieve ambidexterity. This is enabled through a two-dimensional conceptual framework involving knowledge sources (vertical or horizontal) and acquisition activities (structural and contextual). We based our study upon interviews conducted with 64 managers from hypermarket retailers in China, in addition to field observations and secondary data. Our findings reveal that these middle managers leverage different combinations of structural and contextual mechanisms to govern the vertical (top-down and bottom-up) knowledge inflows within their business units. Structural mechanisms comprise differentiation and integration. For their part, contextual mechanisms consist of a combination of discipline, stretch, support and trust. These combinations also enable horizontal knowledge inflows to be managed from outside the business unit. These also enable middle managers' ambidexterity, first at the business unit level and second at the organization level. Our findings offer managerial guidelines for handling knowledge inflows from various sources and with different patterns. They also assist middle managers with their contribution to their firms' pursuit of organizational ambidexterity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital trade is an advanced form of digital transformation in the field of trade. China has made significant strides in the realm of digital trade, particularly in the domain of cross-border e-commerce. It is worthwhile to consider whether the dividend of digital trade benefits enterprises and fosters new competitive advantages at the micro level. This study constructs a framework for analyzing enterprise competitiveness under the background of digital trade. The digital trade development index is measured comprehensively across five dimensions with entropy weight method and TOPSIS, reflecting China's regional diversity. A two-way fixed effects (TWFE) model is utilized to verify the influence of digital trade on enterprise competitiveness based on panel data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2020. The study finds that digital trade has a positive effect on enterprise competitiveness, mainly strengthening the scale factor. Furthermore, the influence of digital trade on enterprises exhibits heterogeneous characteristics. Through moderation effect testing, it is found that the positive effect of digital trade is stronger for enterprises with high participation in digital trade and market competition, while it is weakened for enterprises with high proportion of overseas business. Enterprises in China that participate in and benefit from the digital trade are mainly from non-technology-intensive industries and located in regions with better digital innovation environments, where they are more likely to adapt to the development of digital trade. Both state-owned and non-state-owned enterprises are equally affected by digital trade. Through mechanism testing, the study finds that digital trade promotes enterprise competitiveness mainly through three channels: asset expansion, cost reduction, and efficiency improvement. This research analyzes the micro-level impact effects of digital trade development on individual entities, expanding research perspectives into this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural carbon emission reduction is an important issue in environmental protection and development in China and the world. The farmland spatial transition is an important path for agricultural modernization in developing countries such as China. How can farmland spatial transition promote agricultural carbon emission reduction? This paper aims to explore the mechanisms and spatial-temporal effects of farmland spatial transition on agricultural carbon emission density. To study the mechanisms and effects, we establish the random effect model, the threshold model, and the GTWR model with 2018 counties in China from 2000 to 2020. The research shows the farmland spatial transition mainly promotes agricultural carbon emission reduction through the interaction mechanism of large-scale production and specialized production, intermediary, and threshold mechanisms of agricultural technology. The result also shows that specialized farmland management is the main driving force of agricultural carbon emission reduction for farmland spatial transition. Moreover, the impact of farmland spatial transition on agricultural carbon emission reduction has significant spatial and temporal differences. The most significant regions are located in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River plain, while the least are the north and southwest. Besides, the impact of the farmland spatial transition on agricultural carbon emissions reduction has a "V" shape over time, indicating China's agricultural carbon emission reduction is facing enormous economic and social development challenges. Our research reveals the various mechanisms and spatial-temporal effects of the transition of farmland spatial morphology on agricultural carbon emission with an evaluation framework, which is crucial to low-carbon agriculture with proper farmland use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome has attracted a lot of attention in the new century, and an increasing number of relevant studies have been published. Therefore, we performed a bibliometric analysis of these publications, hoping to show the current research hotspots and future research trends. Methods: The articles on were selected from the Web of Science Core Collection. Countries, authors, references and keywords in the field were visualized and analyzed using CiteSpace and VOSViewer software. Results: A total of 1014 articles on urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome were identified, with "chronic pelvic pain syndrome" being the most common keyword, with a strong association with "interstitial cystitis" and "chronic prostatitis". The hotspot of urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome research has gradually shifted from chronic prostatitis / urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome to cystitis/bladder pain syndrome over the past few years. Future research tends to focus on urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome etiology, including oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusion: Research on urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome is steadily growing. The United States has made the most prominent contribution in this area, and the share of China's contribution is expected to grow further. The etiology of urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome, including inflammation and oxidative stress, have been the focus of current research and developmental trends in the future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To better understand the development of therapy for asthma, grasp the core paradigm associated with the transformation of cognition of asthma treatment and asthma, explore potential and effective therapies for asthma, discover new biomarkers and mechanisms related to asthma treatment, find novel targets for anti-asthma drugs, and predict the future trends of asthma therapy, we used a bibliometric analysis to research articles related to the therapies for asthma published from 1983 to 2022. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted to analyze the articles associated with therapy for asthma with the help of the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database from January 1, 1983 to August 14, 2022. The CiteSpace 6.1.R2 software and VOS viewer 6.1.8 software were utilized to analyze the overall structure of the network, network clusters, links between clusters, key nodes, and pathways. Results: A total of 3902 publications related to therapies on asthma were published in 3211 academic journals by a total of 14,655 authors in 3476 organizations from 87 countries or regions from 1983 to 2022. The United States published the most articles (n = 1143), followed by England (n = 574) and China (n = 405). However, the centrality of China was 0.4, higher than the United States (centrality = 0.16) and Singapore (centrality = 0.11). Akdis Cezmi published the most papers. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology published the most studies on therapies for asthma. Asthma was the most frequent keyword (n = 594). The betweenness centrality value of keywords that were greater than 0.1 included airway inflammation (centrality = 0.22), double blind (centrality = 0.18), asthma (centrality = 0.17), inflammation (centrality = 0.12), and inhaled corticosteroid (centrality = 0.11). Conclusions: The results from this biometric review provide insight into the development of therapy for asthma, the paradigm of recognition of this field, the approach of discovering new targets, exploration and combination of new mechanisms, and the frontier trend of this field in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To realize the great goal of attaining peak carbon in 2030 and carbon neutrality in 2060, agricultural carbon mitigation must be an essential activity in China. Policy-oriented agricultural insurance is accepted as an effective income guarantee and risk transfer tool, which can not only disperse the risk of agricultural operation but also guide green agricultural production. In this study, based on panel data from 2012 to 2018 in China, a multistage dynamic DID model is constructed to systematically explore the effect of policy-oriented agricultural insurance on green agricultural development, primarily to clarify the specific mechanism of the effect. The results show that agricultural carbon emission is increasing year by year and the implementation of policy-oriented agricultural insurance has a significant positive impact on reducing agricultural carbon emissions. We further find that the promotion effect of agricultural insurance on carbon emission reduction increases with the expansion of agricultural technicians and the decrease of agricultural chemical utilization. In terms of spatial heterogeneity, the impact of the policy-oriented agricultural insurance on reducing agricultural carbon emissions is stronger in central and western regions than in eastern regions. At the same time, this paper provides operational suggestions for low-carbon agricultural development and the formulation of relevant macroeconomic agricultural policies. Our findings support the positive effect of policy-oriented agricultural insurance and provide significant policy implications for agricultural carbon emission reduction and control actions in China and other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the water quality test data of 257 groups of phreatic groundwater and 165 groups of confined groundwater in the Nanchang area and the redox conditions, acid–base conditions and the organic matter content in groundwater, we identified hydrochemical characteristics and genesis of groundwater with high Fe and Mn contents in Nanchang. The results showed that Fe and Mn exceeded the standard in both phreatic and confined groundwater. The over-standard rates of Fe and Mn in groundwater were 8.56–11.52% and 33.07–36.36%, respectively. The degree of pollution Fe and Mn in the confined groundwater is higher than that in the phreatic groundwater, and the degree of pollution caused by Mn is higher than that caused by Fe. The high Fe and Mn contents in groundwater were caused by the release of Fe and Mn minerals from the native environment due to changes in the groundwater environment of the study area. A mild redox environment (Eh < 100) and low pH value are favorable for Fe and Mn enrichment in groundwater. The presence of organic matter accelerates microbial activity and promotes the release of Fe and Mn from aquifer sediments. Therefore, the change in the native environment played an important role in the increase in Fe and Mn content in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal fibrosis, characterized by the destruction of renal tubules and interstitial capillaries and the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, is a common outcome of chronic renal diseases and has a wide spectrum of etiologies. Fibrosis can affect any organ and has similar pathological mechanisms. Fuzheng Huayu formula (FZHY), as the approved anti-liver fibrosis medicine in China, also can inhibit the kidney fibrosis induced by HgCl2 or unilateral ureteral obstruction. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of FZHY on renal fibrosis. This study aimed to identify the mechanisms of FZHY acts on renal fibrosis through network pharmacological analysis and in vivo experiments. Data from online databases were mined and screened to predict the target related genes of FZHY acts on renal fibrosis. The STRING and Cytoscape were used to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks for FZHY and CKD target proteins. Mouse models with CKD induced by Aristolochic Acid I (AAI) were used to validate the effects of FZHY on renal fibrosis and their underlying mechanisms by detecting kidney function, renal fibrosis, and related intersection genes. A total of 129 FZHY–CKD crossover proteins were filtered and constructed into a protein–protein interaction network complex and designated as the potential targets of FZHY. One of the highest-scoring genes, FOS, and its related signaling pathways were more activated in CKD. The results demonstrated that FZHY can exert an anti-renal fibrosis effect by improving the levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen and alleviating excessive collagen deposition in kidney tissue, FZHY also could reduce the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and inhibit the expression of MAPK/FOS signal molecules. Our study findings provide insights into predicting the effects of FZHY on CKD through network pharmacology. FZHY can protect the kidney from inflammatory injury caused by AAI and can antagonize inflammatory factor-stimulated MAPK/FOS activation in fibrotic kidneys. These effects constitute the mechanisms of FZHY for renal fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of current global rural decline, land consolidation has been adopted with the objectives of promoting rural vitalization and regional sustainable development. In this paper, we provide a theoretical framework for rural restructuring driven by comprehensive land consolidation (CLC). The framework describes three key mechanisms of rural spatial, economic, and social restructuring driven by CLC: improving spatial patterns and functions, vitalizing the collective economy, and reshaping the social community. Based on the theoretical framework, we present a case that exemplifies the micro processes of rural restructuring. Taking spatial restructuring as the material basis and carrier, CLC promotes economic restructuring from traditional agricultural production to modern agricultural production and industrial integration, as well as social restructuring from a traditional rural society to urbanization, communitization, and a society with diversified culture. After CLC, it is very important to further enhance the sustainability of the collective economic development and enhance the cohesion and prosperity of the social community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is found that overgeneral Autobiographic Memory (AM) disturbance is related to affective disorder such as depression. This article reviewed the conception and mechanism of overgeneral AM, which including Affection Regulation, Functional Avoidance, Capture & Rumination, Impaired Executive Control and the CaR-FA-X model. The relationship between depression and overgeneral AM is also reviewed, in both adult and adolescent patients, overgeneral AM is a risk factor of depressive disorder and AM deficits might be trait-like in depressive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Internet gaming disorder (IGD), recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), significantly impacts adolescent mental and physical health. With a global prevalence of 3.05%, rates are higher in Asia, especially among adolescents and males. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated IGD due to increased gaming time from isolation and anxiety. Vulnerable groups include adolescents with poor academic performance, introverted personalities, and comorbid mental disorders. IGD mechanisms remain unclear, lacking prospective research. Based on Skinner's reinforcement theory, the purpose of this study is to explore the mechanisms of IGD from individual and environmental perspectives, incorporating age-related changes and game features, and to develop intelligent monitoring models for early intervention in high-risk adolescents., Methods: This prospective cohort study will investigate IGD mechanisms in middle and high school students in Shenzhen, China. Data will be collected via online surveys and Python-based web scraping, with a 3-year follow-up and assessments every 6 months. Unstructured data obtained through Python-based web scraping will be structured using natural language processing techniques. Collected data will include personal characteristics, gaming usage, academic experiences, and psycho-behavioral-social factors. Baseline data will train and test predictive models, while follow-up data will validate them. Data preprocessing, normalization, and analysis will be performed. Predictive models, including Cox proportional hazards and Weibull regression, will be evaluated through cross-validation, confusion matrix, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the curve (AUC), and root mean square error (RMSE)., Discussion: The study aims to understand the interplay between individual and environmental factors in IGD, incorporating age-related changes and game features. Active monitoring and early intervention are critical for preventing IGD. Despite limitations in geographic scope and biological data collection, the study's innovative design and methodologies offer valuable contributions to public health, promoting effective interventions for high-risk individuals., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Personality has an impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older adults. However, the relationship and mechanisms of the 2 variables are controversial, and few studies have been conducted on older adults., Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between personality and HRQoL and the mediating and moderating roles of sleep quality and place of residence in this relationship., Methods: A total of 4123 adults 60 years and older were from the Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents survey. Participants were asked to complete the Big Five Inventory, the Brief version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and EQ-5D-5L. A backpropagation neural network was used to explore the order of factors contributing to HRQoL. Path analysis was performed to evaluate the mediation hypothesis., Results: As of August 31, 2022, we enrolled 4123 older adults 60 years and older. Neuroticism and extraversion were strong influencing factors of HRQoL (normalized importance >50%). The results of the mediation analysis suggested that neuroticism and extraversion may enhance and diminish, respectively, HRQoL (index: β=-.262, P<.001; visual analog scale: β=-.193, P<.001) by increasing and decreasing brief version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (neuroticism: β=.17, P<.001; extraversion: β=-.069, P<.001). The multigroup analysis suggested a significant moderating effect of the place of residence (EQ-5D-5L index: P<.001; EQ-5D-5L visual analog scale: P<.001). No significant direct effect was observed between extraversion and EQ-5D-5L index in urban older residents (β=.037, P=.73)., Conclusions: This study sheds light on the potential mechanisms of personality and HRQoL among older Chinese adults and can help health care providers and relevant departments take reasonable measures to promote healthy aging., (© Xing-Xuan Dong, Yueqing Huang, Yi-Fan Miao, Hui-Hui Hu, Chen-Wei Pan, Tianyang Zhang, Yibo Wu. Originally published in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance (https://publichealth.jmir.org).)

Objectives: This study aimed to examine whether China's Targeted Poverty Alleviation (TPA) program mitigates depression and explores the mechanisms through which the TPA program affects individuals' depression., Methods: Using the data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) survey from 2012 to 2020, we employ a Difference-in-Difference model to analyze the effect of the TPA program on individuals' depression levels., Results: Our findings indicate that the TPA program reduces depression scores by 0.116 points, accounting for 6.82% of the standard deviation of depression scores. Further analyses indicate that these effects are mediated through improvements in local medical conditions, reductions in household healthcare spending, increases in household entertainment expenditures, and greater likelihood of living in family., Conclusion: This study showed that the TPA program significantly mitigates individuals' depression levels. The possible channels include (1) improving local medical conditions, (2) cutting down household healthcare spending, (3) increasing household entertainment expenses, and (4) increasing the likelihood of living in family., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they do not have any conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Yang, Xiong and Tang.)

Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng, two well-known herbs with enormous medical value in Asian countries, have a long usage history in China for the therapy of some diseases, such as stroke. Ginsenoside Rb1 is one of most important active ingredients in Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng. In the last two decades, more attention has focused on ginsenoside Rb1 as an antioxidative, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory agent that can protect the nervous system. In the review, we summarize the neuroprotective roles of ginsenoside Rb1 and its potential mechanisms in central nervous system diseases (CNSDs), including neurodegenerative diseases, cerebral ischemia injury, depression and spinal cord injury. In conclusion, ginsenoside Rb1 has a potential neuroprotection due to its inhibition of oxidative stress, apoptosis, neuroinflammation and autophagy in CNSDs and may be a promising candidate agent for clinical therapy of CNSDs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation is directly related to disease progression and contributes significantly to the global burden of disease. Pothos chinensis (Raf.) Merr. (PCM) is commonly used in Yao medicine in China to treat tumors, and orthopedic illnesses such as knee osteoarthritis, and rheumatic bone discomfort. PCM was found to have significant anti-inflammatory properties in previous studies. To explore the active compounds of PCM and their anti-inflammatory pharmacological mechanisms through an integrated strategy of serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology, and serum metabolomics. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of the chemical components of PCM were performed using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and UPLC, respectively, and the prototype components of PCM absorbed into the blood were analyzed. Based on the characterized absorbed into blood components, potential targets and signaling pathways of PCM anti-inflammatory were found using network pharmacology. Furthermore, metabolomics studies using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS identified biomarkers and metabolic pathways related to the anti-inflammatory effects of PCM. Finally, the hypothesized mechanisms were verified by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Forty chemical components from PCM were identified for the first time, and seven of them were quantitatively analyzed, while five serum migratory prototype components were found. Network pharmacology KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that arachidonic acid metabolism, Tyrosine metabolism, TNF signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, and phenylalanine metabolism were the main signaling pathways of PCM anti-inflammatory. Pharmacodynamic results showed that PCM ameliorated liver injury and inflammatory cell infiltration and downregulated protein expression of IL-1β, NF-κB p65, and MyD88 in the liver. Metabolomics studies identified 53 different serum metabolites, mainly related to purine and pyrimidine metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. The comprehensive results demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory modulatory network of PCM was related to 5 metabolites, 3 metabolic pathways, 7 targets, and 4 active components of PCM. In addition, molecular docking identified the binding ability between the active ingredients and the core targets, and the anti-inflammatory efficacy of the active ingredients was verified by in vitro experiments. Our study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effect of PCM, and these findings provide new insights into the active ingredients and metabolic mechanisms of PCM in anti-inflammation. [Display omitted] • The chemical composition of PCM was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. • PCM modulates LPS-induced inflammatory responses, which is closely related to the inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling. • The four active components in PCM were identified and the anti-inflammatory mechanism was preliminarily verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Carbamazepine (CBZ) decreased food consumption and growth in yellow catfish. • CBZ exposure increased cannibalism rate of the yelllow catfish. • CBZ altered gene networks associated with neurotransmitter dysfunction in brain. • CBZ changed the gene networks related to the immune system in liver. Carbamazepine (CBZ) is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Due to its persistence and low removal rate in wastewater treatment plants, it is frequently detected in the environment, raising concerns regarding its potential adverse effects on aquatic organisms and ecosystems. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of CBZ on the behavior and growth of juvenile yellow catfish Tachysurus fulvidraco , a native and economically important species in China. Fish were exposed to CBZ at three concentrations of 1, 10, or 100 µg/L for 14 days. The fish exposed to 10 and 100 μg/L of CBZ exhibited decreased feeding, and a significant increase in cannibalistic tendencies was observed in fish exposed to 100 μg/L CBZ. Acetylcholinesterase activity was increased in the brain of fish exposed to 100 μg/L CBZ. CBZ also inhibited the growth of yellow catfish. To better elucidate mechanisms of toxicity, transcriptomics was conducted in both the brain and liver. In the brain, gene networks associated with neurotransmitter dysfunction were altered by CBZ, as well as networks associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolism. In the liver, gene networks associated with the immune system were altered by CBZ. The current study improves comprehension of the sub-lethal effects of CBZ and reveals novel insight into molecular and biochemical pathways disrupted by CBZ, identifying putative key events associated with reduced growth and altered behavior. This study emphasizes the necessity for improved comprehension of the effects of pharmaceutical contaminants on fish at environmentally relevant levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the credit repayment effectiveness when microcredit is operating in combination with the counter‐guarantee mechanism. We use a sample of 176 poor urban borrowers from the Guangzhou Municipal Labor and Social Security Bureau (GZMLSSB). Their loans were guaranteed by the Guangzhou Financing Guarantee Center (GZFGC), then counter‐guaranteed by borrowers. The size of loans offered to urban borrowers varies from 20,000 RMB to 30,000 RMB per individual per year (60,000 RMB if part of a partnership and maximum of 50,000 RMB per individual in a given loan cycle). We estimated the model using a conditional mixed process given the binary dependent variable and a binary endogenous explanatory variable in the model. We find that the real estate mortgage as a financial counter‐guarantee mechanism has no effects, but a training certificate as a non‐financial counter‐guarantee mechanism has a negative impact on the microcredit repayment rate. Group lending and focusing on women have no impact as well. The findings help to minimize the management cost of pre‐default and default risk on microcredit loans in GZMLSSB and other similar projects by targeting university graduates. Our study is the first to assess the impact of microcredit mechanisms together with counter‐guarantee on loan repayments in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the frequency and severity of inland river seawater intrusion has increased in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) of China. Based on time series of water salinity data, river discharges, tides, and wind records for the period 2003–2015, this study aims to examine the regular pattern and underlying mechanisms of the seawater intrusion in the Modaomen channel of the PRE. Toward this end, the autocorrelation and spectral analysis are used to quantify the periodicity of runoff, tide, and water salinity and to infer the regular patterns of seawater intrusion. The Pearson correlation and the LMG metric are used to examine the effects of influencing factors on seawater intrusion. Results indicate that seawater intrusion in the Modaomen channel has distinct annual (369 days) and half-monthly (14.8 days) cycles, corresponding well with annual and half-monthly tidal cycles. Spatially, the frequency, severity, and periodicity of seawater intrusion decrease with increased landward distance away from the channel mouth. The prevention of seawater intrusion by incoming river flow becomes more remarkable as freshwater flows downstream. Shifts in wind speed and direction can strengthen or weaken seawater intrusion, depending on if wind is in the opposite or same direction of river flow. Further analysis using the LMG metric suggests that river discharge plays a dominant role in governing seawater intrusion. Overall, river discharges, tides, and wind are three major forces triggering the inland river seawater intrusion and account for, respectively, 46%, 15%, and 15% of the variation of water salinity in the Modaomen channel. The study is featured in not only identifying the major factors in driving seawater intrusion but also quantifying their relative contribution. Thus, the findings are important for water resources manager to predict and manage inland river seawater intrusion in the PRE of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides are transported and transformed in soil and can enter surface water through various pathways. They undergo hydrolysis, oxidation, and photoconversion in surface water. Isotianil is a new fungicide that effectively controls rice blast. However, there are limited reports on its degradation. Herein, the hydrolysis and photolysis of isotianil in water and its degradation in soil samples from five provinces of China were investigated. The degradation products of isotianil were identified using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-Q exactive hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry, and four compounds were discovered for the first time. The degradation pathways of isotianil were inferred, and the reaction active site and degradation mechanism of isotianil were clarified based on density functional theory calculations. The ecotoxicity of the degradation product M118 (aminobenzonitrile) was found to be moderate toward Daphnia magna , which was predicted and confirmed by Ecological Structure Activity Relationships and the experiment, respectively. The results of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the fate of isotianil in the environment.

As the main substance in some traditional Chinese medicines, cucurbitacins have been used to treat hepatitis for decades in China. Currently, the use of cucurbitacins against cancer and other diseases has achieved towering popularity among researchers worldwide, as detailed in this review with summarized tables. Numerous studies have reported the potential tumor-killing activities of cucurbitacins in multiple aspects of human malignancies. Continuous research on its anticancer activity mechanisms also brings a glimmer of light to the treatment of patients with lung cancer. In line with the promising roles of cucurbitacins against cancer, through various molecular signaling pathways, it is justifiable to propose the use of cucurbitacins as a potential mainline chemotherapy before the onset and after the diagnosis of lung cancers. Here, this article mainly summarized the findings about the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of cucurbitacins on lung cancer pathogenesis and treatment. In addition, we also discussed the safety and efficacy of their application for further research and even clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The juice leaked from broken phloem of Paulownia elongate S. Y. Hu has been used to cure acute inflammation resulted from stung injury by poisonous insects for a long time in China, but its potential mechanism remains unclear. The present study was designed to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of total flavonoids from the phloem of P. elongate S. Y. Hu in RAW264. 7 cells. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) was measured by Griess and mRNA of pro-inflammatory mediators was analyzed by q-PCR. Cell viability was measured using cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay. The protein level was analyzed by Western blot. The results showed that the total flavonoids of P. elongate significantly inhibited the production of the pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, interleukin (IL)-lβ and interleukin (IL)-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW264. 7 cells. Total flavonoids of P. elongate exerted potential anti-inflammatory activity through the regulation of several signaling pathways. Total flavonoids of P. elongate inhibited JAK/STAT by blocking JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation levels. This is the first report on anti-inflammatory activity of total flavonoids from the phloem of P. elongate, which suggests that the total flavonoids of P. elongate may have great potential for the development of anti-inflammatory drug to treat inflammatory disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The juice leaked from broken phloem of Paulownia elongate S. Y. Hu has been used to cure acute inflammation resulted from stung injury by poisonous insects for a long time in China, but its potential mechanism remains unclear. The present study was designed to evaluate anti -inflammatory activity and mechanism of total flavonoids from the phloem of P. elongate S. Y. Hu in RAW264. 7 cells. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO ) was measured by Griess and mRNA of pro-inflammatory mediators was analyzed by q-PCR. Cell viability was measured using cell counting kit ( CCK ) -8 assay. The protein level was analyzed by Western blot. The results showed that the total flavonoids of P. elongate significantly inhibited the production of the pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, interleukin (IL) -lfl and interleukin (IL) -6 in LI'S-stimulated RAW264. 7 cells. Total flavonoids of P. elongate exerted potential anti-inflammatory activity through the regulation of several signaling pathways. Total flavonoids of P. elongate inhibited JAK/SfAT by blocking JAK2 and STATI phosphorylation levels. This is the first report on anti-inflammatory activity of total flavonoids from the phloem of P. elongate, which suggests that the total flavonoids of P. ewngate may have great potential for the development of anti-inflammatory drug to treat inflammatory disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the long-term effects of health insurance on children's educational attainment in a developing country. Utilizing the county-by-county rollout of the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme in rural China, we find that exposure to the health insurance program in early life leads to improved educational attainment in adulthood. Empirical tests suggest that a short-term increase in health care utilization is unlikely to be a potential channel. We provide some evidence for the channel that health insurance reduces household financial burdens and increases household expenditure on children's nutrition., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

This paper investigates how education affects mental health outcomes by exploiting the compulsory schooling laws implemented in the mid-1980s in China. The laws generated dramatic kinks with small jumps in educational attainment across cohorts. Using a regression probability jump and kink design, our results show that one year of schooling reduces mental health disorders by 0.09 standard deviations. Better-educated individuals are significantly less likely to have felt depressed, nervous or agitated in the past month and less likely to feel hopeless about the future, that everything is difficult or that life is meaningless. The positive effects of education on mental health are more profound for females and individuals from rural areas. Our mechanism analysis suggests that education-induced resources, cognitive skills, and social integration play significant roles in the effects of education on mental health outcomes in the long run; in total, they can explain more than 60% of the education gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid/alkali contamination of expansive soils, which has been probed in recent years, gives rise to unexpected structural failure when exposed. However, a systematic research aiming at evaluating volumetric behavior of natural illitic clays when subjected to acid/alkali solution as pore fluid and its microlevel analysis is not well established. A series of oedometer tests and microanalytical experiments (X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) have been carried out to investigate the effects of acid and alkali contamination on swelling and compressibility of natural expansive clays from Heilongjiang province in China and to identify the underlying controlling mechanisms. Distilled water, sulfuric acid of pH 3, and caustic soda of pH 13 were selected as three different pore fluids. The results show that compared to samples inundated with water, specimens exhibit greater swelling and lower compressibility after being exposed to acid solution, and lower swelling and greater compressibility after being subjected to alkali solution. In three different soaking solutions, all samples present an increasing tendency for swelling deformation with dry density from 1.4 to 1.8 g/cm3, while the highest compressibility occurs at dry density around 1.5 g/cm3. The microanalysis revealed that soils undergo reactions, including desiliconization and cation exchange, due to the acid and alkali erosion, which correspondingly leads to changes in soil mineralogy and texture. Acid and alkali contamination results in disintegration and loose structure, and acid exerts more destructive impacts than alkali do. The sulfuric acid promoted the dissolution of tetrahedral cations, while the caustic soda improved the dissolution of octahedral cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is the cornerstone of economic development in China to serve a solid foundation for food security over the last three decades. However, the rapid increases in crop and animal production have caused serious non-point pollution, while farmers have received limited benefits, where the countryside and natural habitats have been insufficiently protected. Since great contributions have been made to mitigate the pollution over past decades, the pollution induced by agriculture are still great challenge. Since 2018, the rural revitalization led by the construction of ecological civilization marks the beginning of a new era in the treatment of agricultural non-point source pollution with higher requirements. In this study, an attempt was made on the shortage, and challenges of agricultural non-point source pollution control in modern agriculture. Currently, a systematical investigation is still lacking, particularly on the occurrence mechanism of environmental pollutants at the interface, microorganism and molecular scale. In the phase of pollutant migration, transformation and absorption, there is a lack of accurate traceability technology. In the aspect of model simulation, the parametrization of non-point source pollution mechanism, rationalization of model parameters and modularization of management measures need to be strengthened. In terms of technology, the traditional mode of relying on single source governance that "fixes the point and the line but not the watershed" cannot achieve the effect of overall optimization. This study focused on the major existing challenges of agro-ecological environment in China, further to propose that ecological cycle of agricultural industries practicing with a watershed orientation. The watershed management can be the core of agricultural non-point source pollution control. The traditional linear production mode of "resources-product-waste discharge" in the main grain production areas can be transformed into the combination of multi-dimensional and multi-levels of watershed, recycling, and benefit-oriented. Excessive nitrogen and phosphorus from manure can contribute to substantial damage and costs to the environment and human health. Meanwhile, animal manure is the major source of additional nutrients and crucial for maintaining soil organic matter and crop yield in traditional farming systems. The integration of cropping and livestock with cycling industrial chain can be considered as a key technology to control agricultural non-point source pollution. A better understanding the non-point pollution is necessary to take the lead in modern agricultural operations. Substantial promotion of agricultural non-point source pollution control depends mainly on a multi-dimensional governance participation, a sound system of laws, regulations and policies, strong regulatory system, scientific and technological system, and effective performance evaluation system. The involvement of farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs in pollution control action is a systematic maintenance to ensure the full control of agricultural non-point source pollution. Two ways can be: 1) Working directly with transferring knowledge to farmers through organized farmer cooperatives; and 2) enterprise-based approaches embodying relevant scientific results into commercial products. The theory has been testified with the typical example of agricultural non-point source pollution control in Qintaihe watershed of Binzhou, Shandong Province. An ecological recycling industrial chain of cropping and breeding has been built in Binzhou. A recycling path of waste recycling was explored with "double wheel drive" of government enterprises and "escort" of scientific research institutions. Local leading enterprises have played an important role with the advantages of industrial techniques for non-point source pollution control, integrating the recycling of agricultural organic waste into the clean planting of high-quality wheat planting and ecological pig breeding, and further to bridge the gap of agricultural pollution control and development of agricultural modernization industry. The finding can provide a valuable guidance for the construction of ecological and environmental system for the agricultural practices in the new era of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel approach to mitigate the environmental concerns associated with cement industry is to replace Portland cement with low carbon alternative materials such as fly ash-based geopolymer cement. Hence, reactive MgO-activated low-calcium Class F fly ash was employed in comparison to Na2SO4-activated fly ash to stabilize a lacustrine soil reused potentially in soft coastal reclamation projects and as reinforced aggregates for anti-corrosion in marine engineering. The microstructural and strength properties were investigated with series of tests including X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry/differential thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and unconfined compressive strength (UCS). The results demonstrate that the main hydration products in reactive MgO- and Na2SO4-fly ash-solidified soils are, respectively, magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) gel and sodium aluminosilicate hydrate (N-A-S-H) gel. This finding is reconfirmed by the weight loss of solidified samples at 40–200 °C, which is correspondingly attributed to the dehydration of magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) gel and sodium aluminosilicate hydrate (N-A-S-H) gel. The morphology and bonding ability of hydration products affects the microstructure and long-term strength of solidified soils. The microstructural change identified from SEM images coincides well with the quantitative evolution of pore structure. The pores with radius of 0.01–1 µm, i.e., micropore and mesopore, are supposed to be the dominant pores in reactive MgO- and Na2SO4-activated fly ash-solidified soils. The comparison of UCS indicates reactive MgO-activated low-Ca fly ash behaves much superior to Na2SO4-activated fly ash in enhancing the long-term compressive strength of soils. This study provides insight into the promising potential of low-Ca fly ash activated by immerging material – reactive MgO to replace cement in soil improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is the country with the largest elderly population in the world. Age‐related ischemic vascular disease is on a rapidly increasing trend and has brought a huge burden on the whole society. Vascular aging, characterized by vascular dysfunction and aging of the vasculature, plays a key role in the pathogenesis of ischemic vascular disease, morbidity, and mortality of the elderly. This review describes mechanisms and depicts the novel interventional strategies of vascular aging. We propose the significance of vascular aging for early detection, early prevention, and early treatment of age‐related ischemic disease and effective improvement of the quality of life in the elderly population. Finally, future directions to develop novel interventions targeting ischemic disease are presented to prevent age‐related vascular pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment is one of the main anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gases (GHGs). To mitigate the GHG emissions of the MSW sector, it is crucial to describe their emissions evolutions and mechanisms and propose localized mitigation measures on that basis. The logarithmic mean Divisia index model is used to identify the driving forces of MSW-related GHG emissions and explore the mitigation potential. Jiangsu, a typical province in China with 13 prefecture-level cities, is selected as the case study. The results showed that GHG emissions from Jiangsu's MSW treatment has increased by nearly 2.5 Mt in the last 20 years, as incineration replaces landfills. Economic development was the dominant positive driving force, and MSW generation intensity was the dominant negative driving force. Scenario analysis revealed that the carbon peak of MSW management could appear if MSW source separation and recycling (SSR) were implemented, reducing GHG accumulation emissions by approximately 0.3–0.4 Gt during 2022–2060. Referencing the SSR of the Shanghai pattern will generate the greatest mitigation potential of GHG emissions among the different scenario designs. Finally, policy recommendations for priority cities, consideration of population and economic factors, optimization of MSW treatment structures and improvements to SSR are proposed, which could help local- and national-level decision makers in China and other countries design policy guides to promote carbon neutrality, while simultaneously linking current research areas to waste management practices as well as promoting practices in environment and sustainability. [Display omitted] • Greenhouse gas emission of municipal solid waste sector was estimated in 13 cities. • Spatial-temporal evolution of greenhouse gas emission was depicted. • Driving force effects on greenhouse gas emission were quantified. • Carbon neutrality promoting policies were suggested in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urbanization-environment nexus has been widely studied and discussed in academia and practice. However, previous studies have primarily relied on empirical analyses using outcome indicators such as CO 2 emissions and often overlooked the role of policy and governance, which is not compatible with China's unique top-down urbanization model. To address this gap, this study presents a new perspective on the urbanization-environmental nexus by analyzing the impacts of ecological policy considerations on urbanization. It is the first to provide theoretical deductions and empirical extensions of such effects, using general equilibrium models, welfare analysis, and regression analysis with Chinese provincial data. The study draws three key findings. Firstly, it provides both theoretical models and empirical evidence from China that substantiate the negative impacts of ecological policy considerations on urbanization. Secondly, the study highlights the regional heterogeneity of the impacts, which are more significant across central and western regions of China and in regions without pilot cities of pollution rights trading (PRT) or carbon emission trading (CET) schemes. Finally, the study identifies two effective mechanisms for realizing the negative effects: reducing urban gas supply and labor-intensive industrial output. In order to strike a balance between urbanization and eco-environment, it is crucial to upgrade and implement the green transformation of urban energy systems and labor-intensive industrial production modes. These conclusions enrich our theoretical and empirical understanding of the urbanization-environment nexus, and emphasize the critical role of policy making and government intervention in achieving sustainable urbanization and ecological civilization construction in China. • The negative impact of ecological policy considerations on urbanization is substantiated. • Such negative impact is regionally heterogeneous. • Impacts are more evident in the central, western and non-pilot regions. • The upgrading and green transformation of energy system and labor-intensive industrial production are crucial mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the relationship between asthma and COVID-19. We searched the existing literature and researches to analyze the possible reasons. The possible reasons for the very low COVID-19 infection in asthma patients in China may be as follows: the expression of ACE2 in asthma patients is relatively low; the use of ICS in asthma patients may have protective effect; data bias and ethnic differences are also possible reasons, too. The relationship between asthma patients and COVID-19 has not been completely clear, which needs further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The dark OH was produced from polluted river sediments oxygenation. • The cumulative OH concentrations were 57–1479 μmol/kg. • Oxygenation of river sediments was an important source of OH production. • Sediment Fe(II) was the main contributor to OH production. • Production of OH was important for carbon cycling and micropollutant fate. Abstract Hydroxyl radical (OH) is the most powerful reactive oxygen species that plays a critical role in the redox transformation of elements and contaminants. While recent advances have recognized the dark production of hydroxyl radical (OH) from oxygenation of natural waters and subsurface sediments at anoxic-oxic interfaces, much less is known regarding the dark production of OH from river sediments, the important component in environments. In this study, we collected 22 polluted river sediments spanning a large gradient and area along the main stem of Maozhou river watershed of southern China. Using a combination of field measurements, bench-scale experiments, and complementary characterization techniques, we provided robust evidence that the transportation of river sediment from anoxic to oxic conditions triggered the extensive production of OH. The cumulative OH concentrations produced within 48 h across all sediments ranged from 57 to 1479 μmol/kg (or 88–2294 μM in sediment pore water), much higher than those reported previously from subsurface sediments and anoxic waters. Sediment Fe(II) is the main contributor to OH production, although organic carbon may also contribute to a degree. Because river sediments contained abundant Fe(II) and organic carbon, and the anoxic-oxic interfaces are ubiquitous in river sediments, we expect that the extensive dark production of OH from oxygenation of river sediments is widespread and represents a previously under-appreciated source of OH production. Findings of this study provide novel insights for the understanding of carbon cycling and micropollutant fate, which are valuable for designing efficient sediment remediation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CO 2 carbonation technique is innovatively introduced in sludge reinforcement. • Carbonation enhances resistance of MgO-fly ash solidified sludge to durability damage. • Phase transition of magnesium carbonates occurs in water immersion & cyclic dry-wet. • Durability damage induces transition between interparticle pore and interaggregate pore. • Hydrated magnesium carbonates are the intrinsic mechanisms for improving durability. The reactive MgO-fly ash blends are employed for stabilizing lacustrine sludge through absorbing gaseous CO 2 , which is a prospective and sustainable technique combined of carbonation and solidification. The mechanical and microstructural variation of carbonated MgO-fly ash solidified sludge subjected to three durability tests (i.e. water immersion, cyclic dry-wet, cyclic freeze–thaw) is investigated through unconfined compressive strength (UCS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests. The obtained results demonstrate that the CO 2 carbonation reaction can greatly enhance the resistance of MgO-fly ash solidified sludge to environmental changes, and the stress–strain behaviour depends mainly on types of durability tests, damage period and carbonation mode. The main carbonation products detected in CO 2 -MgO-fly ash-sludge system are the elongated prismatic hydromagnesite (skeleton constructing), flower-/bone-like and flaky dypingite and nesquehonite (pore filling and particle cementing). The coupled action of skeleton constructing-filling-cementing enables the CO 2 carbonated specimens to be qualified with higher strength, better water stability, and stronger resistance to dry-wet and freeze-thaw cycles. Especially, the continuous immersion in water leads to transition of some interparticle pores into intra-aggregate pores and phase transformation of dypingite and nesquehonite to hydromagnesite. The cyclic dry-wet exposure causes partial transition of intra-aggregate pores into interparticle pores and phase transformation from dypingite and nesquehonite to hydromagnesite. However, no visible transformation between carbonation products can be recognized for specimens under freeze-thaw cycles, except an increased amount of large pores with radius around 10 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The heating effect of urban blue-green infrastructure (UBGI) is significant at 4 meters from water. • Neural network-predicted models are established to discuss coupling mechanisms in depth. • A new microclimate influence (MI) model of the heating effect of UBGI is quantified. • Thermal comfort indexes of individuals staying in UBGI are obtained. In response to climate change, urban blue-green infrastructure (UBGI) improves the microclimate of the built environment. In previous research, UBGI (consisting of water and greenery) is found to be a cold source in the summer, alleviating urban thermal stress. However, studies on the heating effect of UBGI in the winter are limited. This effect can improve environmental temperature, which is beneficial to human thermal comfort in the cold season. Therefore, this study conducted the objective and subjective evaluation of the winter microclimate of UBGI through field measurement and questionnaire in China's cold regions. The coupling mechanisms of UBGI on winter microclimate were quantified by using the artificial neural network (ANN), and the thermal demand characteristic of UBGI users was established. The study results showed that the heating effect of water and greenery was most significant at a distance of 4 m from the water in the winter. Neural network-predicted models are established to discuss coupling mechanisms in depth. The new microclimate influence (MI) model of coupling mechanisms was proposed based on the ANN. In addition, when the air temperature was 9.07–14.75℃, the UBGI not only satisfied the thermal comfort demand but also had a greater comfort level than general urban underlying surfaces did. The universal thermal climate index (UTCI) evaluation based on the coupling mechanisms for UBGI users was obtained. This study offers scientific guidance and reference for the planning and redevelopment of UBGI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ginseng is well-known as one of the most valuable and commonly used Chinese medicines not only in ancient China but also worldwide including East, Russia, Southeast Asia, North America and some Western European countries. Ginsenosides, as one of the main high active components of Ginseng, have various pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antianaphylaxis, anti-depression, and anticancer activities. Ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2), one of the major bioactive ginsenosides in Panax ginseng, also exhibits versatile pharmacological activities, such as increasing non-specific resistance and specific immune response, improving cardiac function and fibrosis, anti-inflammatory effects and antitumor effects, which may serve as an excellent medicinal potential., Purpose: As one of hundreds of ginsenosides being identified from ginseng, Rh2 exerts a markedly pharmacological effect on various diseases without severe toxicity, it has attracted many researchers 'attention. Although Rh2 plays important roles in some animal models and cell lines to simulate human diseases, its underlying molecular mechanisms have yet to be determined. During the past ten years, nearly 450 studies on Rh2 in the treatment of complex disease have been reported, however, up to now, no comprehensive reviews about the roles of Rh2 in animal models and cellular lines of human nonmalignant and malignant diseases have been conducted., Method: We searched articles on ginsenoside-related diseases from December 2010 to February 2023 in peer-reviewed and nonclinical databases, which include Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, China national knowledge internet and Medline, and using the following keywords: Ginsenoside Rh2, Human diseases, Cancer, Mechanisms, Chinese herbal medicine, Natural products and Signaling pathway., Results: Therefore, in this review, we make a comprehensive summary on the roles of Rh2 and support the potential mechanisms of Rh2 according to the disease classification, including nonmalignant disease such as ulcerative colitis, neuropathic pain, Asthma, myocardial injury, depression and malignant disease such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and gastric cancer. Finally, the combination therapy of Rh2 and other medications in human diseases are summarized, apart from that, there are other problems such as the bioavailability of oral administration Rh2 to be overcome in following research., Conclusion: These findings provide strong evidence that Ginsenoside Rh2 plays important roles in the treatment of nonmalignant and malignant diseases., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Autoimmune eye diseases (AEDs), a collection of autoimmune inflammatory ocular conditions resulting from the dysregulation of immune system at the ocular level, can target both intraocular and periorbital structures leading to severe visual deficit and blindness globally. The roles of air pollution and meteorological factors in the initiation and progression of AEDs have been increasingly attractive, among which the systemic and local mechanisms are both involved in. Exposure to excessive air pollution and extreme meteorological conditions including PM 2.5 /PM 0.1 , environmental tobacco smoke, insufficient sunshine, and high temperature, etc., can disturb Th17/Treg balance, regulate macrophage polarization, activate neutrophils, induce systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, decrease retinal blood flow, promote tissue fibrosis, activate sympathetic nervous system, adversely affect nutrients synthetization, as well as induce heat stress, therefore may together deteriorate AEDs. The crosstalk among inflammation, oxidative stress and dysregulated immune system appeared to be prominent. In the present review, we will concern and summarize the potential mechanisms underlying linkages of air pollution and meteorological factors to ocular autoimmune and inflammatory responses. Moreover, we concentrate on the specific roles of air pollutants and meteorological factors in several major AEDs including uveitis, Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO), ocular allergic disease (OAD), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy (DR), etc., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive, spore-forming obligate anaerobe responsible for antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Its virulence is associated with the production of endotoxins A and B and endospores, which can cause symptoms, such as diarrhoea, toxic megacolon, and pseudomembranous colitis. Given the increasing elderly population and the well-recognized problem of over-prescribing of broad-spectrum antibiotics, it is critical to have an understanding of molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility in China. This study analyzed the toxin types and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) results of 74 clinical isolates of C. difficile after the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) screening test and anaerobic culture. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of four different antibiotics were determined for all of the isolates, and the bacterial resistance mechanisms were investigated. Sixty-five strains (75%) were toxigenic, including 54 tcdA -positive, tcdB -positive, and cdtA / cdtB -negative strains (A + B + CDT − ) and nine A − B + CDT − strains. Eleven strains (14.9%) were non-toxigenic. All clinical isolates were classified into 26 MLST genotypes, with the predominant type being ST-54 (18.9%). All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin. The tetracycline, clindamycin, and levofloxacin resistance rates were 1.4%, 36.5%, and 20.3%, respectively. The expression of tet (M), erm (B), and mutations of g yrA and/or gyrB were observed in the tetracycline-, clindamycin-, and levofloxacin-resistant isolates, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses in detail the relevant mechanisms that affect the development of Chinese outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). It first describes the current situation in China and the influences these mechanisms have on the development of OFDI. It then points out current problems, discusses the effects of those problems, and illustrates the roles of the relevant mechanisms. China's foreign direct investment in Canada is growing, which has increased the economic ties between the two countries, but Chinese enterprises are facing strengthened scrutiny in the acquisition of Canadian companies. This article also examines the practices and experiences of other countries in this field and presents suggestions and ideas on how to establish and improve the mechanisms in the growth of Chinese transnational corporations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A probability-based index is calculated to represent concurrent heatwaves and droughts. • Physical mechanisms of concurrent heatwaves and droughts are recognized. • Independent predictors are used to construct a physical-empirical prediction model. Concurrent heatwaves and droughts that occur over northeastern China (NEC) bring severe threats to human lives and crop production. Despite the great efforts taken in previous studies, realistic prediction of these concurrent extreme events remains a challenge. In the present study, a probability-based index that simultaneously considers precipitation deficiency and high temperature is calculated to represent concurrent heatwaves and droughts in July–August over NEC. Based on this index, the characteristics of concurrent heatwaves and droughts over NEC in July–August are investigated using the year-to-year increment approach. The results indicate that the occurrence of concurrent heatwaves and droughts over NEC is closely related to the Polar-Eurasian teleconnection pattern and the Pacific-Japan teleconnection pattern. Further analyses indicate that the sea ice content in the Barents Sea in March ( SICBS ), the La Niña-like sea surface temperature (SST) in February ( SST-PC1 ), and the northwestern Siberia soil moisture in April ( SM ) are coincidently linked to the two teleconnection patterns mentioned above. Based on their corresponding physical mechanisms, these three independent predictors are chosen to construct a physical-empirical prediction model for the prediction of concurrent heatwaves and droughts over NEC. Results suggest that this physical-empirical prediction model performs well with a high correlation coefficient and a low root mean squared error between the observed and predicted concurrent heatwaves and droughts over NEC during the period of 1979–2018. Moreover, the cross-validation test and independent hindcasts both suggest that the physical-empirical model proposed in the present study with the three independent predictors has good prediction skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzene is a recognized environmental leukemogen, however, the mechanisms for its carcinogenesis have not been fully elucidated. Recently, miR-221, a suggested oncogene involved in a number of malignancies, has been detected with elevated expression levels in blood cells of patients with leukemia. To explore whether benzene exposure has an effect on the expression of miR-221, a population based cross-sectional study was conducted in southern China, with 97 petrol station attendants as the exposure group and 103 general residents as the control group. Plasma benzene was analyzed by using GC∖MS. miR-221 in peripheral blood lymphocytes were measured by qRT-PCR and the ΔCt value for each sample was calculated by normalizing the Ct value for miR-221 with U6 RNA (i.e., ΔCt = Ct miR-221 − Ct U6 ). Potential confounding factors were taken into account. Pearson correlation, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed in statistical analysis. The results showed that the air concentrations of benzene were significantly higher in petrol stations than in control sites ( P < 0.05); The levels of benzene and miR-221 in exposure group were both significantly higher than in control group ( P < 0.05) and there was a significant positive correlation between the two indexes ( r = 0.851, P < 0.05); An association between benzene levels and the ΔCt values for miR-221 was identified by univariate and multivariate logistic analysis (OR 0.274; 95%CI 0.117, 0.396). Our investigation indicates that benzene exposure may be related to elevated miR-221 expression in human lymphocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both developed and developing countries have committed to reduce their emissions through the increased use of renewable energy. This paper aims to compare renewable energy deployment in developed and developing countries represented by Australia and China. The paper firstly argues the validity of comparison of renewable energy deployment in Australia and China. Then, the governance structures in both countries are compared; the paper also compares management mechanisms in terms of funding and incentive support, renewable energy grid-connection and coordination between different levels of governments in both countries. Moreover, the current status of renewable energy development in two countries is summarized. From the study, it can be concluded both countries have set a Renewable Energy Target and promulgated legislation and regulations to enlarge the scale of renewable energy; China shows a stronger commitment to renewable energy than Australia. However, Renewable Energy Certificate mechanism is implemented more effectively in Australia than in China. The paper suggests: augmenting and rebuilding the electricity network and strengthening coordination between different levels of governments for both countries; enhancing manufacturing facilities and incentives for the solar and wind industry for Australia, while developing more-detailed implementation legislation and renewable power quota system for China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Does agglomeration of space lead to carbon efficiency? This paper uses spatial models to analyze the impact and mechanism of producer services agglomeration on carbon efficiency of manufacturing industry based on the data from 286 prefecture-level cities and above in China. As urban spatial agglomeration is strongly influenced by the land-use policy and characterized by variegated degrees of industrial agglomeration, it shows various carbon efficiencies in China's context. The results indicate that urban producer services agglomeration has both direct and indirect positive effects on carbon efficiency of manufacturing industry, whilst the indirect spillover effects have prominent spatial attenuation characteristics with an effective boundary of 350 kilometers. Moreover, the agglomeration of low-end producer services shows a significant positive indirect effect on carbon efficiency, whilst the high-end has both direct and indirect significant positive impacts. In addition, the direct and indirect impacts of producer services agglomeration on carbon efficiency of manufacturing industry is different under city sizes. The mechanism analysis reveals that urban producer services agglomeration improves carbon efficiency of manufacturing industry through scale, technology spillover, and competition effects. And the marginal impact of these three effects on carbon efficiency of manufacturing industry increases as the producer services agglomeration rises. Besides, among the marginal impact of these three effects, the technology spillover effect is greater than the scale and competition effects. • Urban producer services agglomeration positively affects carbon efficiency of manufacturing industry directly and indirectly. • Indirect spillover effects have obvious spatial attenuation characteristics with an effective boundary of 350 kilometers. • Producer services agglomeration on the efficiency of manufacturing carbon emissions vary to city sizes. • The carbon efficiency of manufacturing industry is promoted by scale, technology spillover, and competition effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Dendrobium aurantiacum var. denneanumis widespread in southern China, locally known as “Shihu”, “Huangcao” or “Fengdou”, has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for antipyretic, immunomodulatory, anti-aging effects and eye benefiting. Aim of this study To investigate the effects of gigantol extracted from the stem of D. aurantiacum var. denneanum on the formation of galactose-induced cataractogenesis and the potential mechanisms underlying these effects. Materials and methods Cataract lens models were induced by d -galactose both in vitro and in vivo . The transparency of the rat lenses in vitro and in vivo was observed with an anatomical microscope and a slit lamp microscope. The differential protein and action targets of gigantol were determined and compared among the control group, model group, and gigantol group using two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry (MS). Enzyme kinetics was used to show the ability of gigantol to respress aldose reductase (AR) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). was used to detect repression of the expression of AR and iNOS genes. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation were used to predict the interaction points and combination patterns between gigantol, AR, and iNOS. Results Gigantol was found to prevent galactose-induced damage to the rat lenses both in vitro and in vivo , to delay lens turbidity, and to keep the lenses transparent. Differential proteomes, MS, and RT-qPCR showed AR and iNOS to be the target proteins of gigantol. Gigantol reduced the galactose-induced AR and iNOS mRNA expression by 51.2% and 60.9%, respectively. The IC50 of gigantol for inhibition of AR and iNOS activities were 65.67 μg/mL and 8.768 μg/mL, respectively. Gigantol–AR binding sites were Trp111, His110, Tyr48, and Trp20, and gigantol–iNOS binding sites were Ile195 and Gln257. The main forms of interaction were hydrophobic forces, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals forces. Conclusion Gigantol extracted from D. aurantiacum var. denneanum was found to inhibit galactose-induced formation of cataracts through repression of the gene expression and activity of AR and iNOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating hydroclimatic changes during key periods such as the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA, 1000–1300 AD) and the Little Ice Age (LIA, 1400–1900 AD) is of fundamental importance for quantifying the responses of precipitation to greenhouse gas-induced warming on regional and global scales. This study synthesizes the most up-to-date and comprehensive proxy moisture/precipitation records during the past 1000 years in China and surroundings. The proxy data collected include 34 records from arid central Asia (ACA) and 37 records from monsoonal Asia. Our results demonstrate a pattern of generally coherent regional moisture variations during the MCA and LIA. In mid-latitude Asia north of 30°N, monsoonal northern China (North China and Northeast China) was generally wetter, while ACA (Northwest China and Central Asia) was generally drier during the MCA than in the LIA (a West–East mode). The boundary between wetter northern China and drier ACA was roughly consistent with the modern summer monsoon boundary. In monsoonal China to the east of 105°E, the northern part was generally wetter, while the southern part was generally drier during the MCA than in the LIA (a North–South mode), with a boundary roughly along the Huai River at about 34°N. These spatial patterns of moisture/precipitation variations are also identified by instrumental data during the past 50 years. In order to understand the possible mechanisms related to the moisture variations during the MCA and LIA, we investigate the major SST and atmospheric modes (e.g. the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)) which affect the moisture/precipitation variations in the study region using both the instrumental data and the reconstructed time series. It is found that the ENSO may play an important role in determining hydroclimatic variability over China and surroundings on a multi-centennial time-scale; and that the foregoing spatial patterns could be attributed to the La Niña-like (El Niño-like) condition during the MCA (LIA). In addition, AMO and NAO may also have their own contributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has a high incidence of gastric cancer. Secondary prevention of gastric cancer is a major public health problem that must be solved urgently. Modern medicine focuses on the pathogenesis of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC), and it has been found that there are a variety of abnormal gene expression patterns in PLGC. This study summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms of PLGC from various clinical studies; this will provide a reference for studying the therapeutic mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the treatment of PLGC from the combined points of view of Traditional Chinese and Conventional medicine.