Short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins in sediment from the Haihe River Basin: Sources, distributions, and ecological risk assessment.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) can accumulate in sediment and pose risks to ecological systems and human health. The Haihe River Basin is one of the seven main river basins in China and is mainly in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, which is densely populated and very urbanized. There is therefore a high probability of CP pollution in the Haihe River Basin. However, CP pollution and the environmental risks posed by CPs in the Haihe River are not well understood. In this study, the concentrations of short-chain CPs (SCCPs) and medium-chain CPs (MCCPs) in sediment from six rivers in the Haihe River Basin system were determined using two-dimensional gas chromatography electron-capture negative ionization mass spectrometry. The total SCCP and MCCP concentrations in the sediment samples ranged from 131.83 to 1767.71 and from 89.72 to 1442.82 ng/g dry weight, respectively. The total organic carbon content did not significantly correlate with the CP concentrations. The dominant SCCP congener groups were C10Cl6-7 and the dominant MCCP congener groups were C14Cl7-8. Significant relationships (R = 0.700, p < 0.05) were found between the SCCP and MCCP concentrations, indicating that SCCPs and MCCPs may have similar sources. Hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis indicated that sediment in the study area was contaminated with CPs through the use of the CP-42 and CP-52 commercial products in industrial processes and human activities. The ecological risks posed by CPs were assessed and SCCPs were found to pose high risks in the Yongding New River but moderate risks in the other rivers. MCCPs were found to pose minimal risks to the aquatic environment at most of the sampling points.

Modelling the Long-Term Health Outcome and Costs of Thrombectomy in Treating Stroke Patients with Large Ischaemic Core: Comparison between Clinical Trials and Real-World Data.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to assess the long-term health outcomes and costs of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) using clinical trials and real-world evidence in patients with large ischaemic core. METHODS: Both clinical trials and the INternational Stroke Perfusion Imaging REgistry (INSPIRE) were used. Patients with acute computed tomography perfusion scan with an ischaemic core of ≥70 mL were included. A Markov model was constructed to simulate the long-term costs and health outcomes (quality-adjusted life year) post-index stroke. Effectiveness of EVT (modified Rankin scale score at 3 months) was derived from the trials and INSPIRE registry (compared to matched patients not treated with EVT), respectively. RESULTS: Based on the trial and real-world data, the overall results revealed varied health benefits and costs due to EVT, with reduced health benefits and increased costs from EVT treatment in everyday practice. The long-term simulation estimated that offering EVT to large vessel occlusion stroke patients with large ischaemic core was associated with greater benefits (1.12 vs. 0.25 quality-adjusted life year gains) and lower (-A$19,320) or higher costs (A$11,278), using trial and real-world data, respectively. The incremental cost of the EVT procedure (i.e., A$14,356) could be primarily offset to a different extent by the reduction in costs related to the nursing home care (-$31,986 vs. -A$1,874) in the clinical trial and real-world practice. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the potential gaps when implementing an effective intervention in the real world and the importance of the rigorous selection of large infarct core patients for EVT.

Real-World Cost-Effectiveness of Late Time Window Thrombectomy for Patients With Ischemic Stroke.

Background: To compare the cost-effectiveness of providing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for patients with ischemic stroke in the >4.5 h time window between patient groups who met and did not meet the perfusion imaging trial criteria. Methods: A discrete event simulation (DES) model was developed to simulate the long-term outcome post EVT in patients meeting or not meeting the extended time window clinical trial perfusion imaging criteria at presentation, vs. medical treatment alone (including intravenous thrombolysis). The effectiveness of thrombectomy in patients meeting the landmark trial criteria (DEFUSE 3 and DAWN) was derived from a prospective cohort study of Australian patients who received EVT for ischemic stroke, between 2015 and 2019, in the extended time window (>4.5 h). Results: Endovascular thrombectomy was shown to be a cost-effective treatment for patients satisfying the clinical trial criteria in our prospective cohort [incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $11,608/quality-adjusted life year (QALY) for DEFUSE 3-postive or $34,416/QALY for DAWN-positive]. However, offering EVT to patients outside of clinical trial criteria was associated with reduced benefit (-1.02 QALY for DEFUSE 3; -1.43 QALY for DAWN) and higher long-term patient costs ($8,955 for DEFUSE 3; $9,271 for DAWN), thereby making it unlikely to be cost-effective in Australia. Conclusions: Treating patients not meeting the DAWN or DEFUSE 3 clinical trial criteria in the extended time window for EVT was associated with less gain in QALYs and higher cost. Caution should be exercised when considering this procedure for patients not satisfying the trial perfusion imaging criteria for EVT.

[Characteristic Analysis of SWAT Model Parameter Values Based on Assessment of Model Research Quality].

The soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model is currently one of the most widely used watershed models in China. Since the model has been developed with distributed parameters and is customized to satisfy the environmental characteristics of the U.S.A., determining appropriate parameter values that reflect local features for model application in China is crucial. Some studies have proposed parameter values for the SWAT model by summarizing reported values in the literature; however, these studies neither differentiate the literature with respect to its quality nor consider non-uniformity in parameter values and the impact of extreme values. To address this, an indicator system for assessing the quality of SWAT model research was established, taking into account the process of model development, parameter calibration, and model validation as well as model performance. This screening approach was applied to a total of 428 journal articles on SWAT model research published between 2015 and 2017 were retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database. The reported values of 15 model parameters involved in hydrology and sediment and nutrient simulation were extracted from highly credible articles and analysed in terms of statistical distributions, differences among geographic regions, and discrepancies between calibrated and default values. Results showed that the 129 highly credible journal articles screened generally followed good modelling practice and consisted of case studies from different regions across China. The statistical distributions of the 15 model parameters derived from the SWAT model studies exhibited a range of features including positive and negative skewness, and those of 4 parameters showed significant differences among regions where the watersheds are located. Furthermore, the calibrated values of 12 out of 15 parameters were significantly different from their default values. Considering the statistical characteristics of these model parameters, recommended parameter values for SWAT model application in China are proposed in the form of confidence intervals, and specific suggestions are also provided based on data availability.

Agricultural chemicals and sustainable development: the agricultural environment Kuznets curve based on spatial panel model.

Excessive delivery of agricultural chemicals seriously threatens the ecology and environment of agricultural areas and restricts the sustainable development of agriculture. The analysis of agrochemical Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) adopting spatial econometric tools is limited. Therefore, this study adopted the spatial panel regression approach to analyze the agricultural chemicals EKC Three Gorges Reservoir Region (TGRR). The results show that (1) both EKC curves of chemical fertilizer and pesticide of the TGRR are inverted U-shaped, and there are 53.8% and 42.3% of the counties/districts did not meet the inflection point of the EKC as regards to chemical fertilizer and pesticide. (2) The EKC of agricultural chemicals of the TGRR are stable, and the variables such as cultivated area and the urban-rural income disparity have impact on the occurrence of the inflection point of EKC. (3) There is the spatial "imitation and convergence" of agricultural chemicals among the counties in the TGRR. The findings indicate that the ecological and environmental situations of agriculture in the TGRR need urgent attention. Countermeasures aiming to alleviate the contradiction between ecological and economic development should be put forward.

Staged assessment for the involving mechanism of humic acid on enhancing water decontamination using H2O2-Fe(III) process.

Humic acid (HA) as a natural coordinating agent was employed to modify the Fenton-like process by promoting the redox cycle of Fe(III)/Fe(II) and enhancing the pH tolerance. However, the roles of coordinating stages of HA-Fe(III) and the dynamic changes of iron species remain unclear. In this study, HA was introduced into the H2O2-Fe(III) process to investigate the accelerating roles of coordinating stages and systematically reveal the mechanism via the reactive oxygen species (ROS) identification, HA-Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox cycles tracking, electrochemical and kinetic analysis. Results suggested that two reaction stages were separated concerning the enhancement for HA in H2O2-Fe(III) process, including coordinating stage (slow rate) and promoting the redox stage (fast rate). HA-Fe(III) was identified as the major contributor, along with hydroxyl radical (·OH) and superoxide radical (·O2-) as the dominant ROS with formation rates calculated as 7.0 × 10-9 and 2.1 × 10-3 M s-1 via the steady-state model. Based on the density-functional theory (DFT) calculations and HPLC-MS/MS analysis, three degradation pathways of 2,4-Dichlorophenol were proposed with ten intermediate products identified, and the ecotoxicity was evaluated through Ecological Structure Activity Relationships (ECOSAR) program. This study unveiled the mechanism of HA on enhancing water decontamination via H2O2-Fe(III) process in stages.

Comparison of methods between CT perfusion source images and CT angiography in collateral flow assessment.

BACKGROUND: The methods used for grading leptomeningeal collateral flow (LMF) on single-phase computed tomography angiography (CTA) are heterogeneous and limited by temporal resolution. PURPOSE: To compare the reliability of relative filling time delay (rFTD) on CT perfusion source images (CTP-SI) and the currently used single-phase CTA collateral assessment methods and evaluate their ability to predict clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed consecutive middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery occlusion patients who received multimodal CT before treatment and within 12 h of stroke symptom onset from October 2015 to December 2018. Patients were dichotomized using the 90-day mRS into good (0-1) versus adverse (2-6) outcomes. CTP-SI was used to identify the rFTD score. CTA images were reconstructed to assess collateral status using the collateral score (Cs) and region leptomeningeal collateral score (rLMCs). Two observers independently assessed images. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics (n = 54) were median age of 67 years and 68.5% of the participants were men. The baseline median NIHSS was 14. Good clinical outcomes were observed in 19 (35.2%) patients. The k value was higher for rFTDs (k = 0.779, P < 0.001) than Cs (k = 0.666, P < 0.001) and rLMCs (k = 0.763, P < 0.001). Higher rFTDs were correlated with lower rLMCs (Spearman's rho -0.68, P < 0.001) and Cs (rho -0.66, P < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression, rFTD was associated with functional outcomes (P = 0.044). CONCLUSION: The rFTDs method is comparable to single-phase CTA-based assessments in assessing LMFs in acute ischemic stroke patients. Higher rFTDs is independently associated with adverse long-term functional outcomes.

Assessment of toxic elements in road dust from Hutou Village, China: implications for the highest incidence of lung cancer.

We attempt to understand the pollution characteristics and carcinogenic risk of toxic elements around Hutou Village, Xuanwei City, Yunnan Province, China. For this propose, 48 road dust samples were collected systematically, and the concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Co, and Cr(IV) were analyzed and compared; the spatial distribution was obtained. The Igeo and EF indices and multivariate statistical analysis (CA, PCA, HACA) were carried out for source investigation, and human health risk assessment was also adopted to evaluate local non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. The result showed that Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd and Co contaminations were quite serious; Zn, As, Cd, and Pb had similar distribution pattern, and Cr and Ni also shared similar distribution characteristics; Cd, Pb, Zn, and As ascribed to anthropogenic sources, while Cr and Ni originated from either anthropogenic activity or natural sources; Co and Cu originated from natural sources; the non-carcinogenic risk of Co cannot be ignored. The carcinogenic risk of Ni was considered unacceptable. Finally, an indoor coal-burning pattern was established that the high Cd and Ni inhalation and ingestion model was associated with lung cancer.

Needs assessment for a curriculum for difficult conversations -a survey from 5 Chinese accredited neurology residency training programs.

BACKGROUND: Communication skill is a core competency in neurology residency training. Specific training in this area at the residency level is often lacking, especially regarding difficult conversations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the current state in teaching residents about difficult conversations in 5 Chinese accredited neurology residency training programs and determine whether there is a perceived need for a formalized curriculum in this field. METHODS: An anonymous, 27-question, cross-sectional online survey addressing difficult conversations for neurological residents were distributed to five grade-A, class-3 hospitals selected from the affiliated teaching hospitals of medical schools qualified to provide neurology residency training in China. RESULTS: A total of 182 residents responded to the survey, and the response rate was 67.16% (182/271). Of the participants, 84.6% were female and the average age was 26.8 years. The majority of respondent residents (n = 168; 92.31%) reported being exposed to at least one difficult conversation in their medical careers. Only 43 (23.63%) participants reported having previously received formal communication skills training. In comparison with residents without previous training, those with previous training indicated significantly more confidence (P = 0.003) and were under lower pressure (P = 0.037) in managing difficult conversations. Only 97 (53.3%) residents indicated interest in receiving formal training. Time, lack of enthusiasm, lack of educational materials and faculty expertise were commonly cited barriers to formalized training. CONCLUSION: This survey provides a preliminary assessment of the current status of education on the topic of difficult conversations in five accredited Chinese neurology residency training programs. Our results suggest that there is an unmet need to further develop and implement educational activities by teaching residents to lead difficult conversations. Future efforts should be made to establish and promote a standard and targeted communication curriculum in difficult conversation for Chinese neurological residents.

Estimation of the potential spread risk of COVID-19: Occurrence assessment along the Yangtze, Han, and Fu River basins in Hubei, China.

Given that the novel coronavirus was detected in stool and urine from diagnosed patients, the potential risk of its transmission through the water environment might not be ignored. In the current study, to investigate the spread possibility of COVID-19 via the environmental media, three typical rivers (Yangtze, Han, and Fu River) and watershed cities in Hubei province of China were selected, and a more comprehensive risk assessment analysis method was built with a risk index proposed. Results showed that the risk index in the Yangtze River Basin is about 10-12, compared to 10-10 and 10-8 in the Han and Fu River Basins, and the risk index is gradually reduced from Wuhan city to the surrounding cities. The safety radius and safety time period for the Yangtze, Han, and Fu River are 8 km/14 h, 20 km/30 h and 36 km/36 h, respectively. The linear relationship between the risk potential calculated by the QMRA model and the multiple linear regression proved that the built index model is statistically significant. By comparing the theoretical removal rates for the novel coronavirus, our study proposed an effective method to estimate the potential spread risk of COVID-19 in the typical river basins.

Source apportionment and health risk assessment of air pollution particles in eastern district of Chengdu.

This paper systematically studied the mass concentration levels of PM2.5 and PM10 and obtained the morphological characteristics and components of the particles through scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) and discussed the sources of the particles. Meanwhile, the health risk was evaluated according to the mass concentration of particulate matter. The results showed that the average annual PM2.5 and PM10 in the eastern part of Chengdu were 101.99 µg/m3 and 168.89 µg/m3, respectively, exceeding the national second-level average annual air quality standard (GB3095-2012). Both of them were the highest in winter and the lowest in summer and had a significant positive correlation. The atmospheric particles in the study area were mainly composed of fly ash particles, soot aggregates, mineral particles (sulfate mineral particles, carbonate mineral particles, etc.), which mainly came from coal burning, dust, automobile exhaust and secondary products. The results of the health risk assessment showed that the mass concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 in the atmosphere of the eastern part of Chengdu exceeded the IT-1 target. The average annual air quality index was 185.84, and the air quality index was level 4, classified as medium pollution. PM10 and PM2.5 were both excessive pollutants, and PM10 was the primary pollutant. Relevant measures should be taken to control particulate matter sources to some extent.

Clinical assessment of a manual toothbrush with CrissCross and tapered bristle technology on gingivitis and plaque reduction.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the gingivitis-reduction efficacy of an experimental manual toothbrush with CrissCross and tapered bristle technology in comparison with a marketed control manual toothbrush with traditional design and non-tapered bristles. In addition, the study compared the two toothbrushes for plaque-reduction efficacy. METHODS: This was a randomized, controlled, parallel group, examiner-blind, single-center, 4-week clinical trial with adult subjects in good general health. All subjects had presence of gingivitis (at least 10 bleeding sites). The subjects were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: a manual toothbrush having CrissCross and tapered bristle technology (tapered group: Oral-B CrossAction Ultrathin manual toothbrush); or a traditional flat-trim design and regular non-tapered bristles (control group: Oral-B Indicator Soft 35 manual toothbrush). Subjects were instructed to brush twice-daily for 4 weeks with their assigned brush and a standard sodium fluoride dentifrice. At baseline, Week 2, and Week 4, gingivitis was assessed using the Mazza Modification of the Gingival Bleeding Index (Mazza GI) and pre-brushing whole-mouth plaque was measured using the Turesky Modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (TMQHPI). RESULTS: 100 subjects (50 per group) were randomized to treatment and assessed at baseline, and 97 subjects (48 in the tapered group and 49 in the control group) completed the study. At both Weeks 2 and 4, both groups showed a significant (P< 0.005) reduction versus baseline in Mazza GI and number of bleeding sites, and the tapered group showed a significantly (P< 0.001) greater reduction from baseline for both these assessments compared to the control group. By Week 4 the tapered group showed a reduction from baseline of 17.9% in Mazza GI and 38.5% in the number of bleeding sites; the corresponding figures for the control group were 7.5% and 12.6%, respectively. Both groups showed a significant (P< 0.001) reduction versus baseline in TMQHPI by Week 4, with no significant (P=0.06) between-group difference. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The twice-daily use of a manual toothbrush with CrissCross design and tapered bristles had a statistically significantly greater gingivitis reduction compared to a manual toothbrush of traditional flat-trim design and regular non-tapered bristles, which could be a clinical advantage.

Cost-effectiveness of targeted thrombolytic therapy for stroke patients using multi-modal CT compared to usual practice.

INTRODUCTION: The use of multimodal computed tomography imaging (MMCT) in routine clinical assessment of stroke patients improves the identification of patients with large regions of salvageable brain tissue, lower risk for haemorrhagic transformation, or a large vessel occlusion requiring endovascular therapy. AIM: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using MMCT compared to usual practice for determining eligibility for reperfusion therapy with alteplase using real world data from the International Stroke Perfusion Imaging Registry (INSPIRE). METHODS: We performed a cost-utility analysis. Mean costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) per patient for two alternative screening protocols were calculated. Protocol 1 represented usual practice, while Protocol 2 reflected treatment targeting using multimodal imaging. Cost-effectiveness was assessed using the net-benefit framework. RESULTS: Protocol 1 had a total mean per patient cost of $2,013 USD and 0.148 QALYs. Protocol 2 had a total mean per patient cost of $1,519 USD and 0.153 QALYs. For a range of willingness-to-pay values, representing implicit thresholds of cost-effectiveness, the lower bound of the incremental net monetary benefit statistic was consistently greater than zero, indicating that MMCT is cost- effective compared to usual practice. The results were most sensitive to variation in the mean number of alteplase vials administered. CONCLUSION: In a healthcare setting where multimodal imaging technologies are available and reimbursed, their use in screening patients presenting with acute stroke to determine eligibility for alteplase treatment is cost-effective given a range of willingness-to-pay thresholds and warrants consideration as an alternative to routine practice.

Rotator cuff tendon assessment using magic-angle insensitive 3D ultrashort echo time cones magnetization transfer (UTE-Cones-MT) imaging and modeling with histological correlation.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff tendons (RCTs) are challenging to image due to the "magic angle effect" and their short T2 . PURPOSE: To assess the degree of magic angle sensitivity of human RCTs and to utilize a 3D ultrashort echo time Cones sequence with magnetization transfer preparation (UTE-Cones-MT) and two-pool quantitative MT modeling with histological correlation. We hypothesized that MT parameters would be less sensitive to the magic angle compared with conventional T2 measurements. STUDY TYPE: Prospective imaging pathologic correlation. SPECIMEN: Twenty cadaveric rotator cuff tendons were imaged at five sample orientations ranging from 0-90° relative to the B0 field. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3T/3D UTE-Cones-MT and Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG). ASSESSMENT: Two-pool quantitative MT modeling parameters and T2 values were calculated in regions of interest drawn by a medical physicist. Histopathological analysis was performed and mild and severe tendinopathy groups were assigned by a histopathologist and histotechnician. STATISTICAL TESTS: Coefficients of variations (CVs) were calculated for measures between the different orientations and group means were compared for each measure. RESULTS: CVs of T2 and macromolecular fractions between orientations were 26.14 ± 16.82% and 6.18 ± 2.77% (mean ± SD), respectively. T2 measurements at 0°, 27°, 70°, and 90° showed significant differences between the two histological groups (P = 0.004, 0.008, 0.003, and 0.015, respectively), but not at 55° (P = 0.611). Mean T2 value ranges between orientations for the mild and severe tendinopathy groups were 15.27-30.32 msec and 20.81-35.85 msec, respectively, showing overlap despite statistically significant differences (P = 0.003). Macromolecular fractions at all angles showed significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.0001). Mean fraction ranges between orientations for the mild and severe tendinopathy groups were 14.32-17.17% and 10.00-13.75% respectively (P < 0.0001) with no overlap. DATA CONCLUSION: Compared with T2 , macromolecular fraction obtained with the 3D UTE-Cones-MT technique is resistant to the magic angle effect and is more sensitive to RCT degeneration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017.

Survey of health literacy level and related influencing factors in military college students in Chongqing, China: A cross-sectional analysis.

Health literacy (HL) has become an important public health issue and is receiving growing attention. However, the HL levels of military college students in China have never been analyzed. This study aimed to investigate the HL and related associate factors in military college students in Chongqing, China. Data was obtained with the "Chinese Citizen Health Literacy Questionnaire (2012 edition)" from 3183 military college students aged 16-28 years at Chongqing in December 2015. A total score of ≥80 points determined adequate HL, and HL level was defined as the proportion of students who had adequate HL out of the total number of participants. Multiple logistic regression analysis with a stepwise forward likelihood ratio (LR) method was used to determine the effects of sociodemographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and family-related factors on HL level. The mean score of HL was 68.56, and the HL level of military college students was 21.05%; the overall knowledge rate was 71.33%. The independent factors that were associated with HL level were years in college, educational system, time playing online games, annual household income and father's education level. Senior (odds ratio [OR] = 1.229, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.018∼1.484), undergraduate (OR = 1.509, 95% CI 1.151∼1.978), time played games more than 5 hours each week (OR = 0.638, 95% CI 0.486∼0.837), annual household incomes more than 50,000 yuan (OR = 1.231, 95% CI 1.027∼1.476) and father's education level (high school: OR = 2.327, 95% CI 1.186∼4.565; university: OR = 2.450, 95% CI 1.244∼4.825), were independently associated with higher HL level. HL levels of military college students in Chongqing need to be improved across the board. Our data suggests that special emphasis should be placed on students in junior and those in the specialist educational system. School departments may also benefit from incorporating health literacy into their curricula and helping students manage the time they spend playing online games.

Characteristics, Sources and Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in PM10 in Panzhihua, China.

Ambient PM10 air samples were collected at two industrial sites and one urban residential site in the mining city of Panzhihua, China, from April, 2014, to January, 2015. Mass concentrations of ten trace metals (As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co, V, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in PM10 were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The results showed Zn, Pb, Cu, Mn and V were the most abundant elements from the industrial sites. Concentrations for Cd, Cr, Co, Ni, Mn and Cu at industrial sites greatly exceeded the air quality standards of the World Health Organization and the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection. Principal component analysis indicated that the main sources of the trace metals were steel smelting, fuel combustion, geological and mineral dust. Four different clusters of particles (i.e., mineral, calcium-containing, soot and aluminosilicate) were identified by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Chromium (Cr) was found to present the highest excess cancer risk, implying the potential for carcinogenic health effects in local inhabitants. Manganese (Mn) presented a non-carcinogenic health risk to children and adults, while the other metals were within acceptable limits.

[INDENA SPA company's patent portfolio of Ginkgo biloba preparation].

INDENA SPA Company in Italy is a multi-national company that produces and sells plant extracts. Based on its own re- search advantages in the field of Ginkgo biloba preparation, the company protects its own products market effectively through building patent portfolio around the patents of its opponent. Based on the multi-angle analysis for patent portfolio of G. biloba preparation from the aspects of application time, legal status, technical development route, and patent portfolio layout, this article provides technical reference on research and development of G. biloba preparation, and the author suggest that Chinese applicants learn techniques and layout experiences of other patents fully to enhance the level of research and patent protection level.

[SCHWABE Company's patent portfolio of Ginkgo biloba preparation].

SCHWABE Company in German is the first and largest manufacturer of Ginkgo biloba preparation. The company not only has leading technology in this field, but also protects its own market effectively through the high quality of patent drafting and exactly patent layout. Based on multi-angle analysis for patent portfolio of G. biloba preparation at application time, legal status, globally layout, Chinese layout, the article provides technical reference of research and development of G. biloba, also provides valuable experience of traditonal Chinese medicine patent portfolio layout for Chinese enterprises.

[Pollution characteristics and health risk assessment of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the water of Lake Qiandao and its major input rivers].

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were quantitatively determined by GC in several surface water samples collected in July 2011 and November 2011 from Lake Qiandao (Xin'an River Reservoir) and its major input rivers. Then the component characteristics and source apportionment of HCHs and DDTs were confirmed, and the health risk assessment was evaluated. The results showed that 8 OCPs were found to be in trace amount, and p,p'-DDT, a-HCH and p,p'-DDE were the highest frequently detected OCPs. The concentrations of total OCPs in surface water of the studied Lake ranged from 1.9 to 7.6 ng-L-1 , which were at lower pollution level, and 1.2-212 ng.L-1 in the samples from its three major input rivers. The spatial distribution of OCPs in the water of lake was varying, and Xin'an River, the mainstream of the lake, was the main input source of OCPs. Also, different contamination patterns among sampling seasons were found, the concentrations of OCPs in surface water collected in wet period were higher than those in dry season, which display the characteristics of nonpoint source pollution. According to the ratio of feature components, the OCPs in surface water from the Lake Qiandao originated largely from long distance transmission or degradation of technical HCHs, while additional sources of DDTs existed in the region. In addition, human health risk assessment of ingestion through the drinking water and skin contact absorption was performed using EPA recommends methods, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks caused by OCPs were 0. 06 x 10(-7)-23. 2 x 10(-7) and 3.43 x 10(-5) -6.01 x 10(-3), respectively. According to the acceptable risk level, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of the chemicals investigated can be considered negligible in water body of Lake Qiandao.