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Novel Bi2WO6-coupled Fe3O4 magnetic photocatalysts with excellent and stable photocatalytic activity for degrading tetracycline hydrochloride and RhB were successfully synthesized via a facile solvothermal route. Through the characterization of the as-prepared magnetic photocatalysts by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, it was found that the as-prepared magnetic photocatalysts were synthesized by the coupling of Bi2WO6 and Fe3O4, and introduction of appropriated Fe3O4 can improve nanospheres morphology and visible-light response. Among them, BFe2 (0.16% Fe3O4) exhibited the best photocatalytic activity for degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), reaching 81.53% after 90 min. Meanwhile, the as-prepared magnetic photocatalysts showed great separation and recycle property. Moreover, the results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated that the well conductivity of Fe3O4 can promote photogenerated charge carriers transfer and inhibit recombination of electron-hole pairs, so that Bi2WO6/Fe3O4 exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity on degradation of TCH and RhB. Hence, this work provides a principle method to synthesize Bi2 WO6/Fe3O4 with excellent photocatalytic performance for actual application, in addition, it showed that introduction of Fe3O4 not only can provide magnetism, but also can enhance photocatalytic activity of Bi2 WO6/Fe3O4 magnetic photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The Amur tiger and leopard, once roaming over the Eurasian continent, are now endangered and confined to the Sikhote-Alin Mountains, Russia-a landscape that has been increasingly fragmented due to human activities. The ultimate fate of these big cats depends on whether they can resettle in their previous main historical range in NE China. Recent sightings of these animals along the China-Russia border have aroused new hope, but direct evidence is lacking. Objectives: The main objectives of our study were (1) to determine the abundance and spatiotemporal patterns of tigers, leopards, and primary prey; (2) to investigate factors influencing the resettlement of the two big cats; and (3) to propose a landscape-scale conservation plan to secure the long-term sustainability of the Amur tiger and leopard. Methods: We monitored the two felids, their prey, and human activities, with 380 camera-trap stations, for a total of 175,127 trap days and over an area of 6000 km in NE China. We used the constraint line method to characterize cattle grazing and human influences on tigers, leopards, and their prey species. Results: Our results show that, unexpectedly, at least 26 tigers and 42 leopards are present within China, which are confined primarily to a narrow area along the border with Russia. We have further identified that cattle grazing and human disturbances are the key hurdles to the dispersal of the tigers and leopards farther into China where suitable habitat is potentially available. Conclusions: Amur tigers and leopards are returning to China, indeed, but their long-term resettlement is not likely without active and timely conservation efforts on landscape and regional scales. To overcome the hurdles to the resettlement of tigers and leopards in China, we propose a 'Tiger and Leopard Resettlement Program' that will engage the government, local communities, and researchers, so that the long-term sustainability of the Amur tigers and leopards can be ensured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel soluble terpolymer (P8FO-Th-BT) containing 9,9-dioctylfluorene, thiophene, and 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole units were synthesized by Still coupling reaction. The single layer and multi-layer organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on P8FO-Th-BT was fabricated. A deep red-emission device with the configuration of ITO/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)/P8FO-Th-BT:N,N′-di(3-methylphenyl)-N,N′-diphenyl-(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4-diamine (TPD) (weight ratio being 1:1)/2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BCP, 15nm)/tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3, 15nm)/LiF(5Å)/Al(150nm) was obtained, and the maximum luminance was measured to be 226cd/m2 at the bias voltage of 10V. The electroluminescent peak located at 708nm, and the spectrum covered both the red and infrared regions. Moreover, the Commission International De L’Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates of the device were inalterable when the bias voltage varied, which was beneficial to the application on display. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) indicated for antithrombosis. A branded formulation of subcutaneously administered enoxaparin has been available in China since 2000, and a generic formulation is being developed. In a literature search of the key term enoxaparin (publication years not restricted), no published data were identified regarding the pharmacokinetic profile of generic enoxaparin in Chinese subjects. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the bioequivalence of generic (test) and branded (reference) formulations of enoxaparin 60 mg (6000 IU anti-Xa) SC in healthy subjects for the purpose of meeting regulatory requirements for marketing the generic formulation in China. Methods: Healthy Chinese male volunteers were eligible for this single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label, 2-period crossover study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive the test and reference formulations of enoxaparin 60 mg SC injection (fasting state) in randomized order, with the 2 study periods separated by a 1-week washout period. For the assessment of anti-Xa and anti-IIa activities (surrogates used to describe the pharmacokinetic properties and bioavailability of LMWH), heparin clotting assay, and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), blood samples were obtained before (hour 0; baseline) and at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 24 hours after study drug administration. The 2 formulations were to be considered bioequivalent if the 90% CIs for the logarithm-transformed values of Cmax, Tmax, AUC0−t, and AUC0−∞ fell within the predetermined range of 80% to 125%. Tolerability was assessed by questioning subjects about symptoms of possible adverse events and using laboratory analysis (hematology, biochemistry, hepatic function tests, and urinalysis). Results: Twenty-two subjects participated in the study (mean [SD] age, 21.10 [1.02] years [range, 19–23 years]; weight, 64.07 [5.93] kg [range, 54–75 kg]; and height, 173 [5] cm [range, 163–187 cm]). For anti-Xa activity, the 90% CIs of Cmax, AUC0−t, and AUC0−∞ were 100.4% to 106.7%, 100.7% to 105.8%, and 100.7% to 106.1%, respectively. Corresponding values for anti-IIa activity were 85.0% to 102.4%, 80.4% to 94.8%, and 80.1% to 96.0%. For the hepa-rin clotting assay, the values were 97.4% to 102.4%, 98.2% to 102.4%, and 96.0% to 102.7%; and for aPTT, values were 98.2% to 104.3%, 97.4% to 101.6%, and 93.4% to 117.4%. No adverse events were reported during the study. Conclusions: Based on the 90% CIs of anti-Xa and anti-IIa activities, heparin clotting assay results, and aPTT in these healthy Chinese male subjects, the test and reference formulations of enoxaparin 60 mg SC met the regulatory requirements for bio-equivalence. Both formulations were well tolerated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two tetrafunctional poly-isocyanate energetic curing agents with different molecular weight (EO03-1 and EO03-3) were synthesized via reaction of azido polyether polyol with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). The reaction conditions and post processing steps were investigated. There was an exothermic peak at 252.89 °C referring to the thermal decomposition of azido group in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) plot of EO03-3 and the glass transition temperature (Tg) was found at -47.13 °C. Thermal decomposition peak of GAP/EO03-3 elastomer was found to be at 254.56 °C and the Tg was found at -45.78 °C. To estimate the potential utility of EO03 in solid rocket propellants, an nitric acid ester, triethylene glycol dinitrate (TEGDN), was added to GAP/EO03-3 system as an energetic plasticizer. It was homogeneous even as the amount of TEGDN was equal to GAP/EO03-3 system and Tg of GAP/EO03-3/50%TEGDN was found at -69.08 °C. Mechanical properties of GAP/EO03 and GAP/EO03-3/chain extender were also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Structure with a large amount of α phase and a small amount of β phase showed better corrosion performance. • Diffusion phenomenon caused by water cooling was more apparent than air cooling. • AM Ti-6Al-4V with higher< 110 >oriented texture possessed preferable corrosion resistance. • Preferentially growth of the oxide film in the direction of< 110 >//ND improved the sample corrosion resistance. • The increase in β phase content and elimination of fine α' martensite are benefit to increase corrosion resistance. The effects of heat treatment on the microstructure of additively manufactured (AM) Ti-6Al-4V were investigated. The relationship between the microstructure characteristics and the surface activity of AM Ti-6Al-4V was explored. Electrochemical analysis results revealed that AM Ti-6Al-4V annealed at 940 °C exhibited a stronger ability to corrosion resistance, followed by an alloy cooled at 1020 °C. The Ti-6Al-4V alloy with aging treatment at 540 °C showed a higher corrosion rate. The difference in the corrosion rate of the specimens was obtained through corrosion experiment conducted using a 0.5 mol L–1 hydrochloric acid-hydrofluoric acid solution, and the results of the initial stage of immersion were consistent with the electrochemical measurements. Variations in the phase content and texture were the main factors affecting the corrosion resistance of Ti-6Al-4V. An increase in the β phase and a decrease in the α' grains were beneficial to improving the corrosion resistance performance. Specimens with a higher< 110 >texture strength possessed preferable corrosion resistance under more than 2 days of immersion. The preferential growth of the oxide film in the direction of< 110 >//ND was considered a critical factor in improving the corrosion resistance of AM Ti-6Al-4V alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scarcity and sparsity of meteorological vertical observations have caused severe restrictions in the accurate forward prediction and backward analysis of weather and air pollution. In this study, we used a common camera to automatically photograph the daytime and nighttime lights at an urban site in Beijing during 2019–2020, to support or act as a possible alternative to radiosonde measurement. The photo features characterize the scattering effect of atmospheric particulate matter on visible sunlight or lamps and record cloud, fog, and precipitation processes. The probability distributions of the mean blue brightness (B) and the mean red brightness (R) are significantly different for both the sky-part and the ground-part pixels of the photo. The B/R ratio of the sky part (B/R_sky) is exponentially and negatively correlated with ground PM 2.5 concentration. During the daytime, B/R_sky has a higher priority than the boundary layer height (BLH) in the determination of PM 2.5 concentration by a decision tree model, whereas the BLH plays a key role at night, and the importance of B/R_sky is comparable to that of the BLH in the decision tree. The photo features were adopted as input variables into a simple multi-layer perceptron (MLP) model (3-layer neural network) predicting PM 2.5 concentration, with a root mean square error of 1–3 μg/m3, indicating that the auto-shooting camera is a competitive alternative of meteorological measurement. Because of the low cost of installation, the broad application of auto-photography can make up for deficiencies of sounding observation, i.e., sparse temporal and spatial resolution, and can be accessed by the public in real time. • Auto-photography can help to support limited sounding data. • B/R_sky is nonlinearly and negatively correlated with ground PM 2.5 concentration. • B/R_sky is of equal importance to the BLH in decision tree model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Abnormal coloration is very rare in any given population of wildlife; however, our research identified a yellow-throated marten population with a high ratio of this phenomenon for the first time. Across the main distribution of the species with relevant observational data, we observed abnormally-colored martens in only Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park. Abnormal coloration had a variety of forms and individuals with white paws that accounted for a larger proportion of the overall population than normal individuals. This shows heritable variation in the region, which is worthy of further research. Mammalian coat color is determined by heritable variations such as disease, nutrition, and hormone levels. Variation in animal coat color is also considered an environmental indicator and provides clues for the study of population genetics and biogeography. Records of abnormal coloration in the wild are rare, not only because it is often selected against, but also because of the difficulties in detection of the phenomenon. We used long-term camera-trapping data to first report abnormal coat coloration in yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula) in China. Six types of abnormal coloration were found only in the Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park, Northeast China, which were not reported in other regions in China. A total of 268 videos of Martes flavigula contained normal coloration, 455 videos of individuals of the species contained abnormal coloration, 437 contained the 'gloving' type (martens with de-pigmented front toes, paws or lower forelimbs), while the remaining other 18 videos contained five types (different degrees of white-spotting and dilution). The higher relative abundance index (0.428, 'gloving' to 0.329, normal) and wide distribution area of the 'gloving' type indicated that this abnormal coat coloration type is usual in Northeast China, which may reflect genetic variability in the local population. These records will contribute to further research on animal coat color and its corresponding adaptive strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposes: This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of cervical polypectomy performed via vaginoscopy in pregnant women. Methods: Pregnant patients diagnosed with cervical polyps were retrospectively included in Beijing Tiantan Hospital between April 2017 and April 2023. Group A underwent cervical polypectomy using a vaginoscopy technique without speculum, cervical forceps and anesthesia, while Group B received conservative management. The incidence of spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, preterm rupture of membranes (PROM), visual analog scale (VAS) scores, timing and method of delivery, and neonatal outcomes were analyzed. Results: Of 90 pregnant patients included in the study, 48 patients receiving polypectomy under vaginoscopy were included into group A while 42 patients receiving conservative treatment were assigned into group B. At baseline, group A exhibited higher rates of vaginal bleeding pre-operation, as well as larger cervical polyp dimensions compared to group B. The median interval between vaginal bleeding and polypectomy was 3.5 weeks, with the median procedure typically performed at gestational week 19 in group A. There was no significant difference in the incidence of spontaneous abortion between the two groups (4.2% vs. 4.8%, p = 1.000). However, group A showed a significantly lower frequency of preterm birth (4.2% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.030) and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (18.8% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.025) compared to group B. No disparities were observed in the timing, mode of delivery, and neonatal outcomes between the two groups. Conclusions: The utilization of vaginoscopy for cervical polypectomy has been shown to decrease the likelihood of preterm delivery and premature rupture of membranes in pregnant women with symptomatic cervical polyps. Therefore, performing cervical polypectomy via vaginoscopy without anesthesia provide a feasible and optimal ways in the management of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the status and conservation of the clouded leopard in China. The clouded leopard, Neofelis nebulosa, is almost the same size with a small leopard. They are typically found in the eastern and southern foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal, trough Bhutan and India, southern China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. Its habitat is in various forest types but evergreen forests serve as its main habitat. They usually prey on pig-tailed macaques, slow loris and gibbons, palm civets and grey leaf monkeys. Potential threats include deforestation, hunting, reduction in prey base and human interference. A national legislation in China protects these species and it is includes in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix I.

Background: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is widely used in the management of patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) but still has many limitations in clinical practice. We analyzed the correlation of new biomarkers with the severity of CIN and follow-up outcomes in patients after conization to improve the management of patients with CIN. Methods: IHC staining of Eag1 and p16/Ki-67 was performed on cervical tissue sections from 234 patients with suspected CIN2/3. After a series of follow-ups, including human papillomavirus (HPV) test and thinprep cytologic test (TCT) for 1–2 years, the outcomes were collected. IHC scores of biomarkers and follow-up results were used to analyze the correlation and assess the diagnostic efficiency of biomarkers. Results: The IHC staining intensity of Eag1 and p16/Ki-67 was significantly different from that of the CIN1-3 groups (p < 0.05). Eag1 expression scores were significantly different in the distribution between the two follow-up groups (p < 0.001). ROC curves based on the correlations between the follow-up outcomes and the Eag1 scores and IS of p16/ki-67 showed that Eag1 had a greater AUC (0.767 vs. 0.666). Logistic regression analysis of the combination of biomarkers revealed a greater AUC value than any single biomarker. Conclusions: Eag1 expression was significantly correlated with CIN grade and follow-up outcomes after conization. IHC staining of combinations of biomarkers of Eag1, p16 and Ki-67 may help us to improve the ability to identify risk groups with abnormal follow-up outcomes after treatment for CIN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North Chinese Leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis)is an endemic subspecies ofPanthera pardusto China, living in small and isolated populations with a severely fragmented distribution. Here we first sequenced and annotated its complete mitochondrial genome. The total length of the North Chinese Leopard is of 16,966 base pairs that consist of 2 rRNA gene, 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 1 OLR and 1 control region (CR). The structures of the genomes were highly similar to other Felidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genusCapricorniswas widely distributed in Asia. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genome ofCapricornissp., possible a new species of Serow from Guizhou province of China, was sequenced for the first time. Sequence analysis showed it is 16,441 bp in length, consisting of 12S rRNA gene, 16S rRNA gene, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 13 protein-coding genes and one control region (CR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors regret the following errors occurred in the original publication of the article (Guan et al. 2017). The corrected texts have been presented with this erratum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of balloon therapy in obstetric practice especially in postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is well established and has recently been reviewed. However, little attention has been drawn regarding the use of intrauterine balloon (IUB) in gynaecological practice. This study focuses on the various usage of IUB in gynaecological practice. An electronic literature search through Medline, EMBASE and Clinicaltrial.gov from inception to August 2022 was conducted. The study focuses on the three following areas: (1) Indications: prevention and removal of intrauterine adhesions, management of ectopic pregnancy, facilitation of endoscopic surgery and other clinical usages; (2) Practical aspects of balloon therapy including ultrasound guidance, choice of balloon, inflation volume, duration of balloon therapy; and (3) Potential complications including pain, infection, uterine rupture and how they can be avoided. IUB therapy is a simple, inexpensive and effective method that can be applied in various gynaecological conditions ranging from IUA to intrauterine haemorrhage. Complications are rare, but in most cases can be avoided with correct use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]