The choice of rice rotation system affects the composition of the soil fungal community and functional traits.

Plant rotation is a common practice in upland rice production. However, the effects of plant rotation on the interactions between rice plants, soil and underground ecosystems need to be studied further. Here, quantitative PCR and high-throughput pyrosequencing of the ITS region was applied to investigate the fungal abundance, diversity, and composition of fungal functional guilds in rice field soils and after different rotation practices ((rice-fallow (RF), rice-Chinese milk vetch (RV) and rice-wheat (RW)) and their relationship with rice yields. The results showed that the six-year RV and RW rotations increased fungal abundance by 42.7 %-69.2 % relative to RF, but decreased the soil bacterial-to-fungi ratio and fungal diversity. For the functional guilds, RV rotation significantly increased the relative abundance of soil saprotrophs and pathotrophs by 73.30 % and 32.94 %, respectively, while that of symbiotrophs was decreased by 35.96 %, compared to RF. RW rotation was found to significantly decrease all three fungal functional guilds, but increased the symbiotroph-saprotroph ratio. A structure equal model analysis indicated that the diversity of saprotrophs was significantly and negatively correlated with rice yield. Altogether, this work provides a detailed description of how the soil fungal community, including saprotrophic, symbiotrophic and pathotrophic functional guilds, responded to different upland rice rotation practices after eight years of application.

Valorisation of fresh waste grape through fermentation with different exogenous probiotic inoculants.

The disposal of fresh waste grape berries restraining the sustainable development of vineyards. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of different exogenous probiotic inoculants on the fermentation of fresh waste grape berries. In the fermentation process, the variations of pH and EC value, chemical characteristics of the fermentation products, as well as the microbial communities' composition were simultaneously observed. In addition, the feasibility of using the fermentation products as chemical fertilizer substitute in agricultural production also has been verified in this study. The results indicated that the different probiotic inoculants has shown clear impacts on the variation trends of pH and EC value in the grape waste fermentation. Lactobacillus casei and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii are ideal probiotics for the fermentation of waste grape, which enhanced the contents of free Aa and other nutrients in fermentation products. Compared with Fn treatment (without exogenous inoculants), the total free Aa contents in Fs (inoculation with Z. rouxii) and Fm (inoculation with L. casei and Z. rouxii mixture) treatments have improved by 199.1% and 325.5%, respectively. The microbial communities' composition during the fermentation process also been greatly influenced by the different inoculants. At the genus level, Lactobacillus and Pseudomonas were the dominant bacteria, while Saccharomyces and Candida were the dominant fungi in the fermentation. Using the fermentation products as chemical fertilizer substitute has enhanced the quality of Kyoho grape. Compared with traditional chemical fertilization treatment (T1), application with fermented grape waste (T2) has significantly improved VC and soluble solid contents in grape berries by 16.89% and 20.12%, respectively. In conclusion, fermentation with suitable probiotics was an efficient approach for the disposal and recycling of fresh waste grape in vineyards.

Predictive Value of HPV E6/E7 mRNA Detection on the Outcome of Cervical LSIL.

Objective. To assess the predictive worth of HPV E6/E7 mRNA detection in the outcome of the cervical low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). From September 2017 to early September 2019, patients screened for high-risk HPV positive or abnormal cervical liquid-based cytology were retrospectively analyzed and diagnosed with LSIL by cervical biopsy were recruited. The independent influencing factors of the regression of LSIL lesions after follow-up were analyzed, and the outcome of LSIL was calculated. The results of the initial colposcopy in this study were CIN I, CIN II/P16-negative, CIN II/P16-positive, and CIN III. At the time of re-examination, LSIL patients had three outcomes: regression, persistence, and progression. In the two follow-ups, 330 patients were finally included, including 276 CIN I patients (group A) and 54 CIN II/P16-negative patients (group B). The positive rates of HPV E6/E7 mRNA in each group were 66.67% and 70.37% for A and B, respectively. The total positive rate of E6/E7 mRNA was 67.27%, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). After 1 year follow-up, whether HPV E6/E7 mRNA regressed or was negative was associated with the outcome of LSIL-related lesions (P < 0.05). The regression or negative rate of HPV E6/E7 mRNA was 1.57 times higher than the progression rate of HPV E6/E7 mRNA-positive diagnosis of LSIL lesions. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age at first sexual intercourse, HPV E6/E7 mRNA results, and lesion type were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Whether HPV E6/E7 mRNA was negative (OR = 2.420, P=0.001) and age at first sexual intercourse ≥20 years (OR = 0.420, P=0.002) were independent influencing factors associated with LSIL regression. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that age of first sexual intercourse ≥20 years (OR = 0.420, P=0.002) and HPV E6/E7 mRNA-negative (OR = 2.420, P=0.001) were independent factors associated with LSIL. HPV E6/E7 mRNA detection can be used for predicting the outcome of LSIL and has a good application value.

Formation and evolution of secondary particulate matter during heavy haze pollution episodes in winter in a severe cold climate region of Northeast China.

The formation and evolution of sulfate (SO42-) and nitrate (NO3-) secondary contaminants under different stages of pollution episodes and different meteorological and emission conditions were compared, based on the simultaneous observation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its chemical components in four heavy haze pollution episodes at 14 sampling sites in a severe cold climate region of Northeast China in winter from 2017 to 2019. The results yielded two main findings. (1) Nitrate formation during the day was mainly due to the combination of high emissions and high relative humidity (RH, 50-90%), high temperature (T, 0 to 5 °C), high atmospheric oxidizability (ozone (O3) and nitrous acid (HONO) concentrations), and high ammonia (NH3) concentrations. Nitrate was formed by a gas-phase homogeneous reaction of the hydroxyl radical (OH·) with nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ammonia (NH3). (2) The main differences in SO42- formation between Northeast China and other regions were that the gas-phase oxidation process played an important role. This was mainly a result of the promotion of the gas-phase oxidation of SO42- due to the high oxidizing ability and the suppression of the aqueous reaction due to the low Ts in winter and low-sulfur coal emissions. Sulfate formation mostly occurred through an aqueous phase reaction in winter, but the highest yield and the fastest production capacity were produced by the gas-phase reaction.

Soil bacterial community composition in rice-fish integrated farming systems with different planting years.

The high productivity and efficient nutrient utilization in rice-fish integrated farming system are well reported. However, the characteristics of soil bacterial communities and their relationship with soil nutrient availability in rice-fish field remain unclear. In this study, we selected three paddy fields, including a rice monoculture field and two rice-fish fields with different planting years, to investigate the soil bacterial community composition with Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology. The results indicated that the soil properties were significantly different among different rice farming systems. The soil bacterial community composition in the rice-fish field was significantly different from that in the rice monoculture field. Five of the top 15 phyla were observed with significant differences and Nitrospirae was the most significant one. However, no taxa observed with significance between the rice planting area and aquaculture area no matter in the 1st or 5th year of rice-fish field. RDA analysis showed that the soil bacterial community differentiation in the 5th year of rice-fish field was positively correlated with soil properties, such as AN and OM contents, EC and pH value. Although the rice yields in rice-fish field decreased, the net economic benefit of the rice-fish system enhanced obviously due to the high value of aquaculture animals.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection in Different Groups of Women in Chongqing, China.

Persistent high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is an essential risk factor for cervical carcinoma and precancerous lesion. There are differences in HPV distribution among different countries, regions and ethnic groups. The aim of this research was to reveal the epidemiological characteristics of HPV in Chongqing, China. In this study, 13,788 women aged 18 to 78 were screened for 23 HPV genotypes by PCR-reverse dot blot hybridization. The total HPV-positive rate was 19.9% (2,745/13,788), while the positive rates for HR, and low-risk (LR) HPV were 17.3% (2,379/13,788), and 4.6% (638/13,788), respectively. In addition to cervical cancer (CC) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) patients, the HPV infection rates among infertile women and women with gynecological diseases were markedly higher than that among healthy women. The HPV and HR-HPV infection rates in the different age groups showed statistically significant differences, and the prevalence peaks were observed in women under 20 years and over 50 years of age. Overall, HPV-52, HPV-16 and HPV-58 ranked as the top 3 most common subtypes among women in Chongqing. The results of this research provide epidemiological information regarding HPV infection in Chongqing. These data constitute valuable evidence for the prevention and management of cervical carcinoma and development of HPV vaccines.

Alleviating soil degradation caused by watermelon continuous cropping obstacle: Application of urban waste compost.

Soil degradation caused by watermelon continuous cropping obstacle is a serious problem in China. Compost, as a soil conditioner, has great potential in improving soil degradation. In order to explore how compost affects the soil quality under continuous cropping obstacle, associations among soil chemical characteristics, microbial community structures and agronomic variables were analyzed and compared. Results showed that soil pH, available potassium, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen and organic matter changed significantly after using maize straw compost and sludge compost, which indicated the feasibility of composts as soil remediations. This is also reflected on the significant changes of soil microbial community. Mizugakiibacter, as the main reason of watermelon continuous cropping obstacle, decreased significantly after using compost products. It also showed a negative connection with most chemical characteristics. Rhodanobacter and Galbibacter increased significantly after using compost products, which were positively related to most chemical characteristics. The increase of them was helpful to reduce Mizugakiibacter. Beneficial bacteria were positively related to beneficial fungi (Chaetomium and Chrysosporium). The increase of them and the decrease of Verticillium also helped to improve microbial community structure. The results indicated that compost as a useful and inexpensive technique could alleviate soil degradation caused by watermelon continuous cropping obstacle.

Artificial intelligence-assisted cytology for detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or invasive cancer: A multicenter, clinical-based, observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Artificial intelligence (AI) could automatedly detect abnormalities in digital cytological images, however, the effect in cervical cancer screening is inconclusive. We aim to evaluate the performance of AI-assisted cytology for the detection of histologically cervical intraepithelial lesions (CIN) or cancer. METHODS: We trained a supervised deep learning algorithm based on 188,542 digital cytological images. Between Mar 13, 2017, and Oct 20, 2018, 2145 referral women from organized screening were enrolled in a multicenter, clinical-based, observational study. Cervical specimen was sampled to generate two liquid-based slides: one random slide was allocated to AI-assisted reading, and the other to manual reading conducted by skilled cytologists from senior hospital and cytology doctors from primary hospitals. HPV testing and colposcopy-directed biopsy was performed, and histological result was regarded as reference. We calculated the relative sensitivity and relative specificity of AI-assisted reading compared to manual reading for CIN2+. This trial was registered, number ChiCTR2000034131. RESULTS: In the referral population, AI-assisted reading detected 92.6% of CIN 2 and 96.1% of CIN 3+, significantly higher than or similar to manual reading. AI-assisted reading had equivalent sensitivity (relative sensitivity 1.01, 95%CI, 0.97-1.05) and higher specificity (relative specificity 1.26, 1.20-1.32) compared to skilled cytologists; whereas higher sensitivity (1.12, 1.05-1.20) and specificity (1.36, 1.25-1.48) compared to cytology doctors. In HPV-positive women, AI-assisted reading improved specificity for CIN1 or less at no expense of reduction of sensitivity compared to manual reading. CONCLUSIONS: AI-assisted cytology may contribute to the primary cytology screening or triage. Further studies are needed in general population.

Comparison of the detection rate of cervical lesion with TruScreen, LBC test and HPV test: A Real-world study based on population screening of cervical cancer in rural areas of China.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: China carries a heavy burden of cervical cancer and has an alarmingly low cervical cancer screening rate. In order to achieve the goal of cervical cancer elimination, there is an urgent need for suitable methods and strategies in China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total 9972 woman who received cervical cancer screening services of National Cervical Cancer Screening Program in Rural Areas (NCCSPRA) in 8 project counties participated in this study. TruScreen, HPV test and LBC test were performed in all participants. A total of 1945women had one or more than one positive or abnormal screening results of the above three screening tests subsequently received colposcopy. The detection rate of CIN2+ between the three tests were compared. RESULTS: No matter what kind of screening method is used, the CIN2+ detection rate in the eastern regions was much higher than that in the central and western regions. The total detection rate of CIN2+ in HPV group was highest (0.73%), following in LBC group (0.44%) and TS group (0.31%). There was statistically significant difference in the total detection rate of CIN2+ between TS and HPV groups, LBC and HPV groups, respectively. There was no statistical difference in the total detection rate of CIN2+ between TS and LBC screening groups. Moreover, except for the eastern regions, there was no statistical difference in the detection rate of CIN2+ between TS group and the other two groups in central and western regions. CONCLUSION: If it can meet the requirements of the laboratory and personnel, HPV test seems to be the preferred method for cervical cancer screening in rural areas of China. The characteristics of minimal training requirements, simple operation, real-time results obtained without the collection of cervical cell samples and the help of laboratory equipment and cytologists of TS make it ideal for cervical cancer screening in low-resource regions.

"Effectiveness of Jinying capsule on pelvic inflammatory disease in patients with symptom pattern of damp and heat accumulation: a double-blinded, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial".

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of Jinying capsule on pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in patients with symptoms identified as the pattern of damp and heat accumulation in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). METHODS: We conducted a double-blinded, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial which included 155 patients diagnosed with PID and identified as symptom pattern of damp and heat accumulation. They were randomly divided into experimental group (n = 78) and control group (n = 77) according to a random number table. The treatment lasted for a period of 28 d. The experimental group was given Jinying capsules and oral levofloxacin plus oral metronidazole for first 7 d. They continued with Jinying capsules and levofloxacin placebo and metronidazole placebo for another 7 d. For the remaining 14 d, they continued with Jinying capsules only. Whereas, the control group was treated with oral levofloxacin and metronidazole and Jinying capsule placebo for the first 14 d in the same way as the experimental group and then continued with Jinying capsule placebo only for the remaining 14 d. The clinical efficacy was assessed using McCormack scale, TCM symptom pattern scores, physicochemical indexes including white blood cell and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reaction protein, smear of vaginal discharge, and pelvic ultrasound. RESULTS: Comparing McCormack scale between both groups after treatment, the difference in curative effect between both groups was significant (P = 0.0269). The cure rate of the experimental group and control group is 76.32% and 59.46% respectively at week 4. Comparing TCM symptom pattern scores between both groups before and after treatment, the differences in total effective rate were both significant (P < 0.05). The curative effect rate of experimental group is 2.63% and 13.70% of the control group at week 1 (P = 0.0131), and 73.33% of the experimental group and 56.94% of the control group at week 4 (P = 0.0369). No significant differences were found between the two groups on the Physicochemical indexes (all P > 0.05). No adverse events or reactions occurred in the experimental groups. CONCLUSION: Jinying capsule can reduce the dosage of antibiotics needed for PID treatment, and improve the symptoms in PID patients.

Soil nutrient status and the relation with planting area, planting age and grape varieties in urban vineyards in Shanghai.

Soil nutrient characteristics are key factors that regulate grape growth and fruit quality. To investigate soil nutrient characteristics, 73 typical vineyards in Shanghai suburbs were selected for this study. The impacts of different planting areas, planting ages and grape varieties on soil characteristics were studied. The Agro Services International (ASI) analysis method was adopted to measure the levels of soil nutrients. The results indicated that soil nutrient characteristics varied greatly across the 73 selected vineyards in Shanghai suburbs. Planting area and planting age were the major factors that significantly affected soil nutrient characteristics. However, no significant differences were observed among the 5 major cultivated grape varieties. Significant differences in soil pH were only observed in different planting areas. Soil nutrients in the selected vineyards were mainly at a high level or extra-high level, which means that the current amount of fertilizer in these vineyards exceeds the actual demands of the grapevines and should be reduced. Meanwhile, the intermediate soil organic matter (OM) content indicated that more organic fertilizer should be applied to the soil in these vineyards. Optimized fertilization based on soil nutrient levels plays an essential role in sustaining production resources, increasing economic benefits and improving environmental conditions of vineyards.

Water-soluble ion components of PM10 during the winter-spring season in a typical polluted city in Northeast China.

From January 1 to April 22, 2014, an online analyzer for monitoring aerosols and gases (MARGA) was used to measure and analyze water-soluble ions in inhalable particulate matter with a diameter less than 10 µm (PM10) during winter-spring in Shenyang city, China. The results yielded three main findings. (1) During the entire observation period and in seven pollution episodes, SO42-, NO3-, and NH4+ (SNA) accounted for 84.4-93.1% of the total water-soluble ions (TWSIs). TWSIs accounted for 32% of PM10 mass during the entire observation period, and the contribution of TWSIs in PM10 ranged from 33.4-43.1% in the seven pollution episodes. The contribution of TWSIs components increased during the pollution episodes, but certain differences were observed in different pollution episodes. In terms of ionic equilibrium, the total concentration of negative ions was slightly greater than that of positive ions and the difference was 3.1% of the total ion load on average, indicating that local aerosols are mainly neutral. The water-soluble ions show clear diurnal variation with the high concentration around 09:00 for SO42-, NH4+, and Cl- which is consistent with the high heating grade index. (2) Pollution episodes often occur in Northeast China, especially during the winter period. Due to the low temperature in the winter, the local coal burning for heating is one of the main sources of pollution besides vehicle exhaust and industrial pollution, which is supported by the higher NO3-/SO42- ratio in April than that in January to March. Sometimes, under the prevailing wind directions of W and SSW, the long-distance transport of pollutants from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and Shandong province superimposed on local pollution leads to the most severe pollution, such as Ep3 and Ep5. (3) SO42- concentration is closely related to ambient water vapor pressure (e*), with increase as e* increased depending on the temperature. NO3- concentration showed a linear relationship of excess NH4+, which suggests homogeneous gas-phase reaction of ammonia and nitric acid is possibly an important pathways of nitrate formation in the haze pollution process in Shenyang City. In addition, our results also suggest the nighttime liquid-phase reaction may cause large increases of nitrate in the haze pollution process.

A comparison between ultrasound therapy and laser therapy for symptomatic cervical ectopy.

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of ultrasound (US) therapy and laser therapy in patients with symptomatic benign ectopy of the uterine cervix. Patients with symptomatic benign ectopy of the cervix (n = 200) were enrolled in this study. Abundant leukorrhea, contact bleeding, recurrent cervicitis and pelvic pain were also evaluated. Patients were allocated alternately to the US and laser groups. In the laser group, Nd: YAG laser was used for tissue vaporization destruction. In the US group, the therapeutic US device Seapostar (Chongqing Haifu [HIFU] Technology, Co. Ltd., Chongqing, China) was applied. Neither anesthesia nor analgesia was used. Results showed that patients in both groups tolerated the procedure well and had excellent treatment outcomes. A symptomatic cure rate of 97.33% was obtained in the US group, and 98.81% was obtained in the laser group (p > 0.05). Ectopy areas were managed with a success rate of 95.95% in the US group, and 96.43% in the laser group (p > 0.05). The rate of side effects (including vaginal reactive discharge and colporrhagia) was found to be lower in the US group than that in the laser group. Mild-to-moderate bleeding occurred in US group (8.42%) and laser group (45.56%). The bleeding rate in the US group is significantly lower than that in the laser group (p < 0.01). We conclude that focused US can treat symptomatic ectopy of the cervix successfully, with excellent clinical results and minimal risk. Focused US therapy appears to be a promising new treatment method for symptomatic ectopy of the uterine cervix.