A comprehensive review on the documented characteristics of four Reticulitermes termites (Rhinotermitidae, Blattodea) of China / Uma revisão abrangente sobre as características documentadas de quatro cupins Reticulitermes da China

Termites are known as social insects worldwide. Presently in China 473 species, 44 genera and 4 families of termites have been reported. Of them, 111 Reticulitermes species are widely spread in different zones of China. The dispersion flight season of these Chinese Reticulitermes species are usually started from February to June, but in some regions different species are distributed, sharing their boundaries and having overlapping flight seasons. These reasons become important sources of hybridization between two different heterospecific populations of termites. It was confirmed that the fertilized eggs and unfertilized eggs of some Reticulitermes termites have the capacity of cleavage. While the unfertilized eggs of R. aculabialis, R. chinensis and R. labralis cleaved normally and the only R. aculabialis unfertilized eggs develop in embryos. While, the R. flaviceps and R. chinensis were observed with their abnormal embryonic development, and not hatching of eggs parthenogenetically. They were reported more threatening to Chinese resources as they propagate with parthenogenesis, hybridization and sexual reproduction. Eggshell and macrophiles of eggs play important roles in species identification and control. Although, they are severe pests and cause a wide range of damages to wooden structures and products in homes, buildings, building materials, trees, crops, and forests in China's Mainland.

Os cupins são conhecidos como insetos sociais em todo o mundo. Atualmente na China foram relatadas 473 espécies, 44 gêneros e 4 famílias de cupins. Destas, 111 espécies de Reticulitermes estão amplamente distribuídas em diferentes zonas da China. A temporada de voo de dispersão dessas espécies chinesas de Reticulitermes geralmente começa de fevereiro a junho, mas em algumas regiões diferentes espécies são distribuídas, compartilhando seus limites e tendo temporadas de voo sobrepostas. Essas razões tornam-se importantes fontes de hibridização entre duas populações heteroespecíficas de cupins. Foi confirmado que os ovos fertilizados e não fertilizados de alguns cupins Reticulitermes possuem capacidade de clivagem. Já os ovos não fertilizados de R. aculabialis, R. chinensis e R. labralis clivaram normalmente, e os únicos ovos não fertilizados de R. aculabialis se desenvolvem em embriões. R. flaviceps e R. chinensis foram observados com desenvolvimento embrionário anormal, e não eclosão de ovos por partenogênese. Eles foram relatados como mais ameaçadores para os recursos chineses à medida que se propagam com partenogênese, hibridização e reprodução sexual. Casca de ovo e macrófilos de ovos desempenham papéis importantes na identificação e controle de espécies, embora sejam pragas graves e causem uma ampla gama de danos a estruturas e produtos de madeira em residências, edifícios, materiais de construção, árvores, plantações e florestas na China continental.

Variations in soil physico-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometry under different soil layers, the major forest region Liupan Mountains of Northwest China / Variações nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, estoques e estequiometria do solo sob diferentes camadas de solo, a principal região florestal das montanhas Liupan do noroeste da China

Liupan Mountains are an important region in China in the context of forest cover and vegetation due to huge afforestation and plantation practices, which brought changes in soil physio-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometries are rarely been understood. The study aims to explore the distribution of soil nutrients at 1-m soil depth in the plantation forest region. The soil samples at five depth increments (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80, and 80-100 cm) were collected and analyzed for different soil physio-chemical characteristics. The results showed a significant variation in soil bulk density (BD), soil porosity, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and electric conductivity (EC) values. More soil BD (1.41 g cm-3) and pH (6.97) were noticed in the deep soil layer (80-100 cm), while the highest values of porosity (60.6%), EC (0.09 mS cm-1), and CEC (32.9 c mol kg-1) were reflected in the uppermost soil layer (0-20 cm). Similarly, the highest contents of soil organic carbon (SOC), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), total nitrogen (TN), and available potassium (AK) were calculated in the surface soil layer (0-20 cm). With increasing soil depth increment a decreasing trend in the SOC and other nutrient concentration were found, whereas the soil total potassium (TK) produced a negative correlation with soil layer depth. The entire results produced the distribution of SOCs and TNs (stocks) at various soil depths in forestland patterns were 0→20cm > 20→40cm > 40→60cm ≥ 60→80cm ≥ 80→100 cm. Furthermore, the stoichiometric ratios of C, N, and P, the C/P, and N/P ratios showed maximum values (66.49 and 5.46) in 0-20 cm and lowest values (23.78 and 1.91) in 80-100 cm soil layer depth. Though the C/N ratio was statistically similar across the whole soil profile (0-100 cm). These results highlighted that the soil depth increments might largely be attributed to fluctuations in soil physio-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometries. Further study is needed to draw more conclusions on nutrient dynamics, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometry in these forests.

As montanhas de Liupan são uma região importante na China no contexto de cobertura florestal e vegetação devido às enormes práticas de florestamento e plantação, que trouxeram mudanças nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, e estoques e estequiometrias do solo raramente são compreendidos. O estudo visa explorar a distribuição de nutrientes do solo a 1 m de profundidade do solo na região da floresta plantada. As amostras de solo em cinco incrementos de profundidade (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80 e 80-100 cm) foram coletadas e analisadas para diferentes características físico-químicas do solo. Os resultados mostraram uma variação significativa nos valores de densidade do solo (BD), porosidade do solo, pH, capacidade de troca catiônica (CEC) e condutividade elétrica (CE). Mais DB do solo (1,41 g cm-3) e pH (6,97) do solo foram observados na camada profunda do solo (80-100 cm), enquanto os maiores valores de porosidade (60,6%), CE (0,09 mS cm-1) e CEC (32,9 c mol kg-1) foram refletidos na camada superior do solo (0-20 cm). Da mesma forma, os maiores teores de carbono orgânico do solo (SOC), fósforo total (TP), fósforo disponível (AP), nitrogênio total (TN) e potássio disponível (AK) foram calculados na camada superficial do solo (0-20 cm). Com o aumento do incremento da profundidade do solo, uma tendência decrescente no SOC e na concentração de outros nutrientes foi encontrada, enquanto o potássio total do solo (TK) produziu uma correlação negativa com a profundidade da camada do solo. Todos os resultados produziram a distribuição de SOCs e TNs (estoques) em várias profundidades de solo em padrões de floresta 0 → 20cm> 20 → 40cm> 40 → 60cm ≥ 60 → 80cm ≥ 80 → 100 cm. Além disso, as relações estequiométricas de C, N e P, as relações C / P e N / P, apresentaram valores máximos (66,49 e 5,46) em 0-20 cm, e valores mais baixos (23,78 e 1,91) em solo de 80-100 cm profundidade da camada. Embora a relação C / N fosse estatisticamente semelhante em todo o perfil do solo (0-100 cm). Esses resultados destacaram que os incrementos de profundidade do solo podem ser amplamente atribuídos a flutuações nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, estoques e estequiometrias do solo. Mais estudos são necessários para tirar conclusões adicionais sobre a dinâmica dos nutrientes, estoques de solo e estequiometria do solo nessas florestas.

Factores determinantes del éxito en la carrera de enfermeras actuantes en tecnología de reproducción asistida / Factors that affect career success of nurses who practice in assisted reproductive technology / Fatores que afetam o sucesso profissional de enfermeiros que atuam na área de tecnologia de reprodução assistida

Objetivo: examinar la relación entre éxito en la carrera y ambiente de trabajo con enfermeras actuantes en tecnología de reproducción asistida (TRA), e identificar factores que afectan su éxito en la carrera. Método: estudio transversal realizado en 53 centros de fertilidad de 26 provincias en la China Continental. Datos recolectados utilizando cuestionario de datos demográficos, un Cuestionario de Competencias de TRA para Enfermeras Especializadas, la Career-Success Scale (Escala de éxito profesional) y la Nursing Work Environment Scale (Escala del entorno de trabajo de enfermería). Se aplicó estadística inferencial y descriptiva. Resultados: 597 enfermeras actuantes en TRA participaron en nuestra encuesta, entregando 555 cuestionarios válidos. Los puntajes generales promedio de éxito en la carrera y ambiente de trabajo fueron 3,75 (desviación estándar, [DE]=1,01) y 3,42 (DE=0,77) respectivamente. Se observó fuerte correlación positiva entre éxito en la carrera y ambiente de trabajo (r=0,742; p<0,01). La regresión múltiple mostró que la concurrencia a conferencias académicas, atención psicológica, desarrollo profesional, apoyo y cuidado, salario y bienestar constituyeron factores significantes con influencia en el éxito en la carrera. Conclusión: la concurrencia a conferencias académicas, atención psicológica y ambiente de trabajo guardan relación positiva con el éxito en la carrera. Los gestores deberían considerar formas de abordar tales factores.

Objective: to examine the relationship between career success and work environment of nurses who practice in assisted reproductive technology and to identify factors that affect career success. Method: a cross-sectional study conducted in 53 fertility centres in 26 provinces in mainland China. Data were collected using a demographic data questionnaire, a specialised nursing competence questionnaire, the Career-Success Scale, and the Nursing Work Environment Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Results: 597 assisted reproductive technology nurses participated in our survey, and 555 valid questionnaires were collected. Theoverall mean scores for career success and work environment were 3.75 [standard deviation (SD) = 1.01] and 3.42 (SD = 0.77) respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between career success and work environment (r = 0.742, p < 0.01). Multiple regression showed that attending academic conferences, psychological care, professional development, support and care, salary, and welfare were significant factors that influence career success. Conclusion: attending academic conferences, psychological care, and work environment are positively related to career success. Administrators should consider ways to address these factors.

Objetivo: examinar a relação entre o sucesso profissional e o ambiente de trabalho de enfermeiros da área de tecnologia de reprodução assistida e identificar os fatores que afetaram tal sucesso. Método: estudo transversal conduzido em 53 centros de fertilidade em 26 províncias da China Continental. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário demográfico, um questionário sobre competências de enfermagem especializada em tecnologias de reprodução assistida, da Career-Success Scale (Escala de Sucesso Profissional) e da Nursing Work Environment Scale (Escala do Ambiente de Trabalho na Enfermagem). Aplicaram-se análises de estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: participaram do estudo 597 enfermeiros da área de tecnologia de reprodução assistida, e 555 questionários válidos foram coletados. As pontuações globais médias para o sucesso profissional e o ambiente de trabalho foram 3,75 [desvio padrão (DP) = 1,01] e 3,42 (DP = 0,77), respectivamente. Verificou-se forte correlação positiva entre o sucesso profissional e o ambiente de trabalho (r = 0,742; p < 0,01). A análise de regressão múltipla mostrou que a participação em eventos acadêmicos, a assistência psicológica, o desenvolvimento profissional, o apoio e os cuidados, e o salário e o bem-estar foram fatores que influenciaram significativamente o sucesso profissional. Conclusão: a participação em eventos acadêmicos, a assistência psicológica e o ambiente de trabalho mostraram correlação positiva com o sucesso profissional. Os gestores deveriam considerar formas de abordar esses fatores.

Physical Fitness Parameters of Elite Chinese Male Canoe Slalom Paddlers / Parámetros de Aptitud Física de los Remeros Masculinos Chinos de Élite en Canoa Slalom

SUMMARY: This study aimed to investigate the physical fitness parameters of elite Chinese male canoe slalom athletes and explore the corresponding training strategies. Eight elite male slalom kayakers from the Chinese national team were selected as research subjects. The following parameters were measured: age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), arm span, upper arm circumference, body fat percentage, maximum oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood lactic acid level, upper limb strength, and 300-m linear speed in flat water. Compared with elite international male slalom athletes, elite Chinese male slalom athletes had lower values for age, height, weight, BMI, arm span, and upper arm circumference, while body fat percentage, bench push, and bench pull values were greater, and the 300 m straight-line speed in flat water was slower. From an athlete development and physical training perspective, elite Chinese male slalom athletes should prioritize the accumulation of competitive experience instead of increasing training years in order to swiftly reach top international standards. Additionally, these athletes should manage their body fat percentage and improve their aerobic capacity, paddling skills, mechanical work, and linear speed in flat water.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los parámetros de aptitud física de los atletas masculinos chinos de élite de canoa slalom y explorar las estrategias de entrenamiento correspondientes. Ocho hombres kayakistas de élite de slalom del equipo nacional chino fueron seleccionados como sujetos de investigación. Se midieron los siguientes parámetros: edad, talla, peso, índice de masa corporal (IMC), envergadura, perímetro braquial, porcentaje de grasa corporal, consumo máximo de oxígeno, frecuencia cardiaca, nivel de ácido láctico en sangre, fuerza de los miembros superiores y carrera de 300 m y velocidad lineal en agua plana. En comparación con los atletas internacionales masculinos de slalom de élite, los atletas chinos de slalom masculinos de élite tenían valores más bajos para la edad, la altura, el peso, el IMC, la envergadura del brazo y la circunferencia del brazo superior, mientras que los valores de porcentaje de grasa corporal, empuje de banco y tirón de banco eran mayores y la velocidad en línea recta de 300 m en aguas planas fue más lenta. Desde la perspectiva del desarrollo del atleta y el entrenamiento físico, los atletas de slalom masculinos chinos de élite deberían priorizar la acumulación de experiencia competitiva en lugar de aumentar los años de entrenamiento para alcanzar rápidamente los más altos estándares internacionales. Además, estos atletas deben controlar su porcentaje de grasa corporal y mejorar su capacidad aeróbica, habilidades de remo, trabajo mecánico y velocidad lineal en aguas tranquilas.

Defender self-efficacy and moral disengagement on social support and bystander behaviors among primary school students: a multilevel moderated mediation model

Abstract This study examines the influence of social support on bystander behaviors, the mediating and moderating effects of moral disengagement and defender self-efficacy at the individual and class levels, and their cross-level interaction. A total of 1310 children in grades 4-6 completed our questionnaire survey at four-time points between October and December in 2021. The questionnaires include the Scale of Perceived Social Support (T1), Moral Disengagement Scale (T2), Defender Self-Efficacy Scale (T3), and Bullying Participant Behaviors Questionnaire (T4). The multilevel moderated mediating model results show that (1) social support negatively predicts reinforcer and outsider behavior and positively predicts defender behavior; (2) defender self-efficacy plays a mediating role between social support and defender behavior, moral disengagement plays a mediating role between social support and bystander behaviors, and defender self-efficacy and moral disengagement play a chain mediation role between social support and bystander behavior; (3a) class-level defender self-efficacy has a direct impact on defender behavior and moderates the relationship between individual defender self-efficacy and reinforcer behavior; and (3b) class-level moral disengagement has a direct impact on defender and outsider behavior and a cross-level moderated role between individual moral disengagement and reinforcer behavior. These results show that the individual and class level defender self-efficacy and moral disengagement can influence the bystander behavior of primary school students, which is of great significance for schools to develop anti-bullying moral education courses and design measures to improve students' anti-bullying self-efficacy.

Validity and reliability of the Chinese version of Threats of Artificial Intelligence Scale (TAI) in Chinese adults

Abstract With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, artificial intelligence (AI) has been widely used in fields such as medical treatment, while the threat of artificial intelligence has also received extensive attention. However, this topic has been only limitedly explored in China. To provide a measurement tool for AI threat research in China, this study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the Threats of Artificial Intelligence Scale (TAI) in two Chinese samples of adults (N1 = 654, N2 = 1483). Results of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) suggested that the one-factor model of TAI as the best fitting model. Furthermore, the Chinese TAI was significantly related to Positive and Negative Affect Scale and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, proving good criterion-related validity of the Chinese TAI. In sum, this study suggested the Chinese version of the TAI as a reliable and effective tool in assessing AI threat in the Chinese context. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for polycystic ovary syndrome: An overview of systematic reviews / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the primary cause of anovulatory infertility, bringing serious harm to women's physical and mental health. Acupuncture may be an effective treatment for PCOS. However, systematic reviews (SRs) on the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for PCOS have reported inconsistent results, and the quality of these studies has not been adequately assessed.@*OBJECTIVE@#To summarize and evaluate the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for PCOS, as well as to assess the quality and risks of bias of the available SRs.@*SEARCH STRATEGY@#Nine electronic databases (Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and China Biology Medicine disc) were searched from their establishment to July 27, 2022. Based on the principle of combining subject words with text words, the search strategy was constructed around search terms for "acupuncture," "polycystic ovary syndrome," and "systematic review."@*INCLUSION CRITERIA@#SRs of randomized controlled trials that explored the efficacy and (or) safety of acupuncture for treating patients with PCOS were included.@*DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS@#Two authors independently extracted study data according to a predesigned form. Tools for evaluating the methodological quality, risk of bias, reporting quality, and confidence in study outcomes, including A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2), Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS), Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for Acupuncture (PRISMA-A), and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), were used to score the included SRs.@*RESULTS@#A total of 885 studies were retrieved, and 11 eligible SRs were finally included in this review. The methodological quality of 2 SRs (18.18%) was low, while the other 9 SRs (81.82%) were scored as extremely low. Four SRs (36.36%) were considered to be of low risk of bias. As for reporting quality, the reporting completeness of 9 SRs (81.82%) was more than 70%. Concerning the confidence in study results, 2 study results were considered to have a high quality of evidence (3.13%), 14 (21.88%) a "moderate" quality, 28 (43.75%) a "low" quality, and 20 (31.24%) considered a "very low" quality. Descriptive analyses suggested that combining acupuncture with other medicines can effectively improve the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and ovulation rate, and reduce luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and body mass index (BMI). When compared with medicine alone, acupuncture alone also can improve CPR. Further, when compared with no intervention, acupuncture had a better effect in promoting the recovery of menstrual cycle and reducing BMI. Acupuncture was reported to cause no adverse events or some adverse events without serious harm.@*CONCLUSION@#The efficacy and safety of acupuncture for PCOS remains uncertain due to the limitations and inconsistencies of current evidence. More high-quality studies are needed to support the use of acupuncture in PCOS.

Effectiveness of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi root in pregnancy-related diseases: A review / 中西医结合学报

The root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, also called Huangqin, is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine. In ancient China, S. baicalensis root was used to clear heat, protect the fetus, and avoid a miscarriage for thousands of years. In modern times, pregnancy-related diseases can seriously affect maternal and fetal health, but few systematic studies have explored the mechanisms and potential targets of S. baicalensis root in the treatment of pregnancy-related diseases. Flavonoids (baicalein, wogonin and oroxylin A) and flavonoid glycosides (baicalin and wogonoside) are the main chemical components in the root of S. baicalensis. This study presents the current understanding of the major chemical components in the root of S. baicalensis, focusing on their traditional uses, potential therapeutic effects and ethnopharmacological relevance to pregnancy-related disorders. The mechanisms, potential targets and experimental models of S. baicalensis root for ameliorating pregnancy-related diseases, such as recurrent spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction and gestational diabetes mellitus, are highlighted.

J-shaped association between dietary zinc intake and new-onset hypertension: a nationwide cohort study in China / 医学前沿

We aimed to investigate the relationship of dietary zinc intake with new-onset hypertension among Chinese adults. A total of 12,177 participants who were free of hypertension at baseline from the China Health and Nutrition Survey were included. Dietary intake was assessed by three consecutive 24-h dietary recalls combined with a household food inventory. Participants with systolic blood pressure ≽ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≽ 90 mmHg or diagnosed by a physician or under antihypertensive treatment during the follow-up were defined as having new-onset hypertension. During a median follow-up duration of 6.1 years, 4269 participants developed new-onset hypertension. Overall, the association between dietary zinc intake and new-onset hypertension followed a J-shape (P for non-linearity < 0.001). The risk of new-onset hypertension significantly decreased with the increment of dietary zinc intake (per mg/day: hazard ratio (HR) 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88-0.98) in participants with zinc intake < 10.9 mg/day, and increased with the increment of zinc intake (per mg/day: HR 1.14; 95% CI 1.11-1.16) in participants with zinc intake ≽ 10.9 mg/day. In conclusion, there was a J-shaped association between dietary zinc intake and new-onset hypertension in general Chinese adults, with an inflection point at about 10.9 mg/day.

Achievements of the national malaria control and elimination program in the People's Republic of China: the Atlas of Malaria Transmission in China / 医学前沿

In 2017, China achieved the target of zero indigenous malaria case for the first time, and has been certified as malaria free by World Health Organization in 2021. To further summarize the historical achievements and technical experiences of the elimination program, a project on the Roadmap Analysis and Verification for Malaria Elimination in China was carried out. Results of the project were compiled and published as the Atlas of Malaria Transmission in China (The Atlas). The Atlas using modern digital information technologies, has been supported by various data from 24 malaria endemic provinces of China since 1950, to assess the changes in malaria epidemic patterns from 1950 to 2019 at national and provincial levels. The Atlas is designed as two volumes, including a total of 1850 thematic maps and more than 130 charts, consisting of introductory maps, thematic maps of malaria epidemic and control at national and provincial levels. It objectively and directly shows the epidemic history, evolution process, and great achievements of the national malaria control and elimination program in China. The Atlas has important reference value for summing up historical experience in the national malaria elimination program of China, and malaria control and elimination in other endemic countries in the world.

Serosurvey for SARS-CoV-2 among blood donors in Wuhan, China from September to December 2019

The emerging of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused COVID-19 pandemic. The first case of COVID-19 was reported at early December in 2019 in Wuhan City, China. To examine specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in biological samples before December 2019 would give clues when the epidemic of SARS-CoV-2 might start to circulate in populations. We obtained all 88,517 plasmas from 76,844 blood donors in Wuhan between 1 September and 31 December 2019. We first evaluated the pan-immunoglobin (pan-Ig) against SARS-CoV-2 in 43,850 samples from 32,484 blood donors with suitable sample quality and enough volume. Two hundred and sixty-four samples from 213 donors were pan-Ig reactive, then further tested IgG and IgM, and validated by neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Two hundred and thirteen samples (from 175 donors) were only pan-Ig reactive, 8 (from 4 donors) were pan-Ig and IgG reactive, and 43 (from 34 donors) were pan-Ig and IgM reactive. Microneutralization assay showed all negative results. In addition, 213 screened reactive donors were analyzed and did not show obviously temporal or regional tendency, but the distribution of age showed a difference compared with all tested donors. Then we reviewed SARS-CoV-2 antibody results from these donors who donated several times from September 2019 to June 2020, partly tested in a previous published study, no one was found a significant increase in S/CO of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Our findings showed no SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies existing among blood donors in Wuhan, China before 2020, indicating no evidence of transmission of COVID-19 before December 2019 in Wuhan, China.

A multi-center analysis of thyroid-stimulating hormone level in apparently healthy elderly population in China / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level and its changes with age in apparently healthy Chinese elderly population and analyze the differences between TSH levels detected using Roche and Snibe electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyzers.@*METHODS@#General clinical data and frozen fasting serum samples were collected from 5451 apparently healthy Chinese elderly individuals (> 60 years) from 10 centers in different geographic regions in China. Thyroid function indexes including TSH level were detected using Roche and Snibe electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer, and the median (2.5% and 97.5% quantiles) TSH level was calculated. The variations of TSH level among the participants with geographic regions, gender, and age (with an interval of 5 years) were analyzed to determine the influence of these factors on TSH level.@*RESULTS@#The reference ranges of serum TSH level established using Roche and Snibe electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyzers were 0.42-9.47 mU/L and 0.36-7.98 mU/L, respectively, showing significant differences between the two methods (P < 0.001). The TSH levels measured at two centers in Western China were significantly higher than those at the other centers (P < 0.05). In elderly male population, serum TSH level tended to increase with age, which was not observed in elderly female population. At the age of 60-75 years, women generally had higher serum TSH level than men, but this difference was not observed in the population beyond 75 years.@*CONCLUSION@#In elderly population, serum TSH level can vary with geographic region, gender, and age, but there was no need for establishing specific reference ranges for these factors. The differences between different detection methods should be evaluated when interpreting the detection results of TSH level.

Mental health, health-related quality of life, and lung function after hospital discharge in healthcare workers with severe COVID-19: a cohort study from China / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. It is highly contagious and can cause death in severe cases. As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 6:36 pm Central European Summer Time (CEST), 12 August 2022, there had been 585 950 285 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6 425 422 deaths (WHO, 2022).

Chinese consensus guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring of polymyxin B, endorsed by the Infection and Chemotherapy Committee of the Shanghai Medical Association and the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Committee of the Chinese Pharmacological Society / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Polymyxin B, which is a last-line antibiotic for extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections, became available in China in Dec. 2017. As dose adjustments are based solely on clinical experience of risk toxicity, treatment failure, and emergence of resistance, there is an urgent clinical need to perform therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to optimize the use of polymyxin B. It is thus necessary to standardize operating procedures to ensure the accuracy of TDM and provide evidence for their rational use. We report a consensus on TDM guidelines for polymyxin B, as endorsed by the Infection and Chemotherapy Committee of the Shanghai Medical Association and the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Committee of the Chinese Pharmacological Society. The consensus panel was composed of clinicians, pharmacists, and microbiologists from different provinces in China and Australia who made recommendations regarding target concentrations, sample collection, reporting, and explanation of TDM results. The guidelines provide the first-ever consensus on conducting TDM of polymyxin B, and are intended to guide optimal clinical use.

Analysis of success rate of organoid construction of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by first-day suspension method / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of the first-day suspension method for improving the success rate of construction of nasopharyngeal carcinoma-patient derived organoids (NPC-PDO). Methods: The tumor samples of 14 nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) patients, i.e.,13 males and 1 female, with a mean age of 43.0±12.0 years old, were collected from the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2022 to July 2022. The tumor samples of 3 patients were digested into single cell suspension and divided into 2 groups, for comparing the efficacy of NPC-PDO construction by the direct inoculation method and the first-day suspension method. The remaining 11 patients were randomized to receive either the direct inoculation method or the first-day suspension method for NPC-PDO construction. The diameter and the number of spheres of NPC-PDO constructed by the two methods were compared by optical microscope; the 3D cell viability detection kit was used to compare the cell viability; the survival rates were compared by trypan blue staining; the success rates of the two construction methods were compared; the number of cases which could be successfully passaged for more than 5 generations and were consistent with the original tissue by pathological examination was counted; and the dynamic changes of cells in suspension overnight were observed by live cell workstation. The independent sample t-test was applied to compare the measurement data of the two groups, and the chi-square test was used to compare the classification data. Results: Compared with the direct inoculation, the diameter and the number of spheres of NPC-PDO constructed by the first-day suspension method were increased, with a higher cell activity, and the success rate of construction was obviously improved (80.0% vs 16.7%, χ2=4.41, P<0.05). In the suspension state, some of the cells aggregated and increased their ability to proliferate. Conclusion: The first-day suspension method can improve the success rate of NPC-PDO construction, especially for those whose original tumor sample size is small.

Study on static parameters of internal nasal valve in 3-dimensional model of nasal cavity space / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To identify the internal nasal valve (INV) and to evaluate its key parameters in the established 3D models of nasal cavity space via Mimics from CT images, in order to provide evidence for quantitative diagnosis of nasal valve compromise. Methods: A total of 32 Han adults without nasal diseases who underwent maxillofacial CT test in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital from January 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively recruited, including 16 males and 16 females, with the age ranged from 20 to 80 years (50% age<50 years old). Maxillofacial CT images were used to create 3D model of nasal cavity space. The INV was identified and the following parameters were measured: the angle between the INV and the nasal bone (θINV-B), unilateral cross-sectional area of the INV (AINV-R, AINV-L), total cross-sectional area of the INV (AINV), unilateral height of the INV (HINV-R, HINV-L), unilateral nasal valve angle (αINV-R, αINV-L), and the sum of nasal valve angle (αINV). The AINV in our study was compared with the results of the previously adopted planes (PlaneC, perpendicular to the hard palate and PlaneB, plane perpendicular to the nasal bone). The parameters above were compared among genders, age and race groups. SPSS 26 and GraphPad Prism 9 software were used for statistical analysis and mapping of data. Results: The AINV in our study was (214.87±52.94) mm², which was significantly less than that of PlaneC (254.97±47.80) mm² and PlaneB (226.07±57.36) mm². The measured parameters were as follows: θINV-B was (82.07±7.06)°; AINV-R was (112.66±31.39) mm²; AINV-L was (102.21±27.14) mm²; AINV was (214.87±52.94) mm²; HINV-R was (24.87±4.62) mm; HINV-L was (24.35±4.86) mm; αINV-R was (20.48±2.99)°; αINV-L was (19.65±3.82)°; αINV was (40.13±6.24)°. The AINV-R was larger than AINV-L (t=2.33, P<0.05); The HINV, AINV-R, AINV-L and AINV of males were more than those of females (t value was 5.77, 3.21, 2.91 and 3.52, respectively, all P<0.01). The AINV of the young group (<50 years) was larger than that of the old group (t=2.83, P<0.01); The θINV-B was different between the Han people and the Caucasian (t=2.92,P<0.01). The αINV of the Han people was larger than that of Caucasians (Z=-6.92, P<0.01), but the HINV was smaller (Z=-3.89, P<0.01). Conclusion: The AINV carried out in 3D models of nasal cavity space is significantly smaller than that obtained by the previous methods of CT evaluation. INV static parameters differ among genders, age and race groups.

Construction and verification of a quantitative index system to evaluate the medical and nursing care for the elderly service needs / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#To construct a quantitative index system with the integrated medical and nursing care assessment for the elderly service needs, this system can assess the cost of medical and care services accurately and objectively, so as to provide scientific basis for the allocation of old-age service resources in China.@*METHODS@#Based on the survival needs of the Existence, Relation and Growth theory, an index system is constructed through literature analysis, group discussion, and expert correspondence. Analytic hierarchy process was used to determine the weights of indicators at all levels. The 3-grades service items corresponding to each index were quantified through the measurement of working hours, and the medical and nursing care needs of 624 disabled/demented elderly people over 60 years old in Changsha were investigated to evaluate their reliability and validity.@*RESULTS@#The authoritative coefficients of the 2 rounds of expert correspondence were 88.5% and 88.6%, respectively, and the opinion coordination coefficients were 0.159 and 0.167, respectively. The final quantitative evaluation index system included 4 first-level indicators, 17 second-level indicators, and 105 third-level indicators. The service time of doctor ranged from 6.01 to 22.64 min, the service time of nurses ranged from 0.77 to 24.79 min, and the service time of caregiver ranged from 0.12 to 51.88 min. The Cronbach's αcoefficient was 0.73, the split-half reliability was 0.74, the content validity was 0.93, and the calibration validity was 0.781.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The quantitative evaluation index system of medical and nursing service need for the elderly can be used to accurately evaluate the medical and nursing service need.

Investigation and analysis of Chinese public 's cognition for clinical research / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Clinical research plays a vital role in disease research and population health. The public is the main source of clinical research volunteers. Understanding the public's cognition of clinical research plays a decisive role in the development of clinical research. This study aims to understand the Chinese public's cognition for clinical research and the influencing factors.@*METHODS@#The questionnaire based on Chinese-translated Public Awareness of Research for Therapeutic Advancements through Knowledge and Empowerment (PARTAKE) was used to investigate the public's cognition for clinical research.@*RESULTS@#Of the 2 513 valid respondents, 91.84% had heard of "clinical research", 91.76% of the respondents believed that clinical research was beneficial to society, 65.90% were willing to participate in clinical research, 87.50% believed that confidentiality was a very important thing, 73.70% believed that their personal information had been protected when participating in clinical research, and, 46.40% did not know whether volunteers participating in clinical research could receive adequate compensation. Educational levels, employment status, and annual income impacted in public perceptions of willingness to participate in clinical research, especially in privacy protection, informed consent, whether clinical research is intended for society, compensation for clinical research, and safety of clinical research (all P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The Chinese public's cognition level for clinical research is acceptable, but there is still a lot of room for improvement in privacy protection, informed consent, and compensation. By designing a reasonable knowledge training program for clinical research and using the multimedia, improving access to the relevant knowledge, more public will know about clinical research recruitment information, which is of great significance for the development of clinical research in China.

Revision of brief health literacy assessment scale among the older adults and its reliability and validity test / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#The development and validation of the specific health literacy assessment tool for older adults is the basis for conducting the research on health literacy among older adults. The existing health literacy assessment scale for older adults in Chinese mainland has some limitations, such as too many items and poor compliance during the survey. It is necessary to develop or introduce simplified assessment tools to support large-scale surveys in the future. This study aims to modify the brief health literacy assessment scale compiled by Taiwan scholars, and to conduct the test for the reliability, validity and the measurement equivalence across gender in the older population in mainland China.@*METHODS@#From March to April 2021, 508 older adults from Jinan, Shandong Province, China were selected by cluster sampling method to conduct a questionnaire survey using the brief health literacy assessment scale and health-promoting lifestyle profile. After 4 weeks, 83 of them were selected for retesting. SPSS 25.0 statistical software was used for descriptive analysis, item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and reliability test, and Mplus 8.0 was used for confirmatory factor analysis and gender measurement equivalence test.@*RESULTS@#Each item of the scale had good discrimination, and there were significant differences in the scores of each item between high score and low score groups (P<0.05), and the coefficient of correlation between the scores of each item and the total score was between 0.721 and 0.891. Exploratory factor analysis extracted a factor with a characteristic root greater than 1, and the cumulative variance interpretation amount was 67.94%. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the single factor structure fit was good [χ2/df was 2.260, the Tucker-Lewis index was 0.973, the comparison fit index (CFI) was 0.982, and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was 0.071]. The multi-group confirmatory factor analysis results showed that the brief health literacy assessment scale's configural equivalence, weak equivalence, and strong equivalence models were all accepted. The comparison results of measurement equivalence models showed that the changes of RMSEA were less than 0.015, and the changes of CFI were less than 0.01, indicating that the brief health literacy assessment scale had measurement equivalence between different gender groups. Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.945, and the test-retest reliability was 0.946. The correlation coefficient between health literacy and health-promotion lifestyles was 0.557 (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The brief health literacy assessment scale has good reliability, validity, and measurement equivalence across gender, and can be used as an effective measurement tool for the health literacy of the older people in Chinese mainland.

Analysis of the epidemiological burden of age-related macular degeneration in China based on the data of global burden of disease / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the 3 major eye diseases recognized by WHO to prevent blindness, and which is the main cause of irreversible visual impairment in the elderly. This study aims to analyze the disease epidemiological burden, and provide a theoretical foundation for the prevention and control of AMD in China based on the data in global burden of disease (GBD) 2019.@*METHODS@#The prevalent cases/prevalence, disability-adjusted life year (DALYs)/DALY rate of AMD and socio-demographic index (SDI) for global and China were searched from the GBD 2019 database to analyze the epidemiological trend, age-period-gender trend of AMD in China from 1990 to 2019, and to evaluate the relations between the prevalence and SDI.@*RESULTS@#In 2019, the prevalence of AMD in China was at a high level in the world, and the number of prevalent cases were 1.93 times of that in 1990. The prevalence and DALY rates continued to rise. The age trend of AMD in China was high at the middle of the age stages and low at the two ends, and which was higher in the female than in the male. With the increase of SDI, the prevalence of AMD was increased linearly.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The disease burden of AMD in China is increased significantly and is positively correlated with the social development from 1990 to 2019. It is of great significance to study the relationship between epidemilolgical data of AMD and social development level for diagnosis treatment and policy of AMD.