The genomic characteristics affect phenotypic diversity from the perspective of genetic improvement of economic traits.

The genetic improvement of economic traits suggests that chicken is an excellent model for exploring the genetic changes and molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic diversity and artificial selection. Here, the sequencing data including 477 samples from 25 breeds worldwide were used to reveal the genomic patterns of chicken domestication. We analyzed 7.4 Tb clean data with 14.8× per individual to identify 23,504,766 SNPs, 3,289,782 InDels, and 27,027 SVs. The diversity analysis indicates that high-intensity artificial selection would accelerate population differentiation. We also found that the human-driven traits are controlled by polygenes and major genes, such as the primary candidates SOX5 and IGF1 for body size, and NEDD4 for sperm storage capacity. Our findings provide an important reference for understanding how genomic patterns shape phenotypes in livestock.

E-Commerce Credit Risk Assessment Based on Fuzzy Neural Network.

In this paper, we propose a cooperative strategy-based self-organization mechanism to reconstruct the network. The mechanism includes a comprehensive evaluation algorithm and structure adjustment mechanism. The self-organization mechanism can be carried out simultaneously with the parameter optimization process. By calculating the similarity and independent contribution of normative neurons, the effectiveness of fuzzy rules can be jointly evaluated, and effective structural changes can be realized. Moreover, this mechanism should not set the threshold in advance in practical application. In order to optimize the parameters of SC-IR2FNN, we developed a parameter optimization mechanism based on an interaction strategy. The parameter optimization mechanism based on a joint strategy, namely multilayer optimization engine, can split SC-IR2FNN parameters into nonlinear and linear parameters for joint optimization. The nonlinear parameters are optimized by an advanced two-level algorithm, and the linear parameters are updated with the minimum biological multiplication. Two parameter optimization algorithms optimize nonlinear and linear parameters, reduce the computational complexity of SC-IR2FNN, and improve the learning rate. Using the principal component factor analysis method, seven representative common factors are selected to replace the original variables, which include the profitability factor of the financing enterprise, the solvency factor of the financing enterprise, the profitability factor of the core enterprise, the operation guarantee factor, and the growth ability of the financing enterprise. Factors, supply chain online degree factors, financing enterprise quality, and cooperation factors, can well measure the credit risk of online supply chains. The logistic model shows that the profitability factor of the financing company, the debt repayment factor of the financing company, and the profitability of the core company are three factors that have a significant impact on the credit risk of online supply chain finance. Based on the improved credit calculation model, we developed an online clue risk calculation. This method is based on site conditions and can evaluate credit risk. From the test results, the improved credit scoring system is the result of facing speculative and circular credit fraud and implies that the traders of risk commentators are in a leading position in each electronic device. The results show that risk analysis is effective in any case.

Efficacy and safety assessment of severe COVID-19 patients with Chinese medicine: A retrospective case series study at early stage of the COVID-19 epidemic in Wuhan, China.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has formed a global pandemic since late 2019. Benefitting from the application experience of Chinese Medicine (CM) for influenza and SARS, CM has been used to save patients at the early stage of COVID-19 outbreak in China. AIM OF THE STUDY: In order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CM, and compare with Western Medicine (WM) for COVID-19, we conducted a retrospective case series study based on the patients in Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, Wuhan, China. METHODS: The inclusion and exclusion criteria of data extraction were set for this retrospective study. All patients who were admitted by the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital between January 17th and February 25th 2020 were considered. In addition, patients enrolled met the severe defined by the guidelines released by the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China. In these cases included in the study, CM or WM treatment was selected according to the wishes of the patients at the beginning of hospitalization. The patients in CM group were treated with Huashi Baidu granule (137 g po, bid) combined with the injections of Xiyanping (100 mg iv, bid), Xuebijing (100 ml iv, bid) and Shenmai (60 ml iv, qd) according to the syndrome of epidemic toxin blocking the lung in the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The WM group received antiviral therapy (including abidor capsule 0.2 g po, tid; Lopinavir-Ritonavir tablets, 500 mg po, bid), antibiotics (such as cefoperazone 2 g iv, bid; moxifloxacin hydrochloride tablets, 0.4 g po, qd) or corticosteroid therapy (such as methylprednisolone succinate sodium 40 mg iv, qd; prednisone, 30 mg po, qd). In addition, patients in both groups received routine supportive treatment, including oxygen inhalation, symptomatic therapy, and/or human intravenous immunoglobulin, and/or serum albumin, and treatment for underlying diseases. The clinical outcomes were evaluated based on changes related with clinical manifestations, computer tomography (CT) scan images, and laboratory examinations before and after the treatment. RESULTS: 55 severe COVID-19 patients, with 23 in CM group and 32 in WM group, were included for analyzed. There was no case of death, being transferred to ICU, or receiving invasive mechanical ventilation in two groups during hospitalization. The median time of SARS-CoV-2 RNA clearance in CM and WM group were 12 days and 15.5 days respectively, the ratio of nucleic acid negative conversion of CM group at different follow-up time points was significantly higher than that of WM group (HR: 2.281, P = 0.018). Further, the chest CT imaging showed more widely lung lesion opacity absorbed in the CM group. The high sensitivity C-reactive protein and serum ferritin decreased significantly in the CM group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in adverse events in terms of liver function and renal function between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Based on this retrospective analysis from Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, CM has better effects in SARS-CoV-2 RNA clearance, promoting lung lesion opacity absorbed and reducing inflammation in severe COVID-19 patients, which is effective and safe therapy for treating severe COVID-19 and reducing mortality.

Examination of a coupling coordination relationship between urbanization and the eco-environment: a case study in Qingdao, China.

A better understanding of the relationship between urbanization and the eco-environment is necessary to guide sustainable urban development and formulate environmental policies. In this study, the city of Qingdao was taken as an example. We evaluated the quantitative evolution of the relationship between urbanization and the eco-environment development from 2000 to 2018 by establishing the comprehensive index system and applying it to the coupling coordination model. Results showed the following: (1) The economic urbanization and eco-environment states offer the greatest contribution to the urbanization and eco-environment systems, respectively. (2) The coupling coordination relationship between urbanization and eco-environment conforms to an S-shaped curve, and the two systems have gradually moved from a "seriously uncoordinated and urbanization lag" stage at the beginning into a "good coordination and eco-environment lag" stage by the end of the research period. (3) Finally, the economic urbanization and response subsystems are essential determinants in the coupling relationship between urbanization and eco-environment. The research results can help the government better understand the complex coupling relationship and then formulate sustainable urbanization development strategies to better balance urbanization and eco-environmental protection.

Source analysis and risk assessment of heavy metals in development zones: a case study in Rizhao, China.

The effects of heavy metal pollution in parks have caused widespread concern. This study investigated the concentrations and sources of eight heavy metals in the economic and technological development zone in Rizhao City. Geo-accumulation index ([Formula: see text]) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) were used to assess the pollution level of the development zone. Sources of heavy metals were analyzed through correlation analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Descriptive statistics showed that many types of heavy metals accumulated in the development zone. The average concentrations of Pb, Cd, Hg, Ni, and Zn in the soil exceeded the background values of soil environment in Shandong Province. [Formula: see text] showed that only Hg in the soil was at the non-pollution to moderate pollution level. Meanwhile, sediments were polluted by Hg, Cd, and Zn, with their pollution level being higher than that of the soil. PERI showed that the soil presented moderate risk level and that the river sediment showed severe risk level. Hg and Cd exhibited the highest potential ecological risk. The results of the CA and PCA showed that the main sources of heavy metal pollution in the development zone are industrial activities, followed by atmospheric factors. Focus should thus be directed toward heavy metal pollution in development zones to protect human health and the soil environment.

Soil heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment associated with development zones in Shandong, China.

Heavy metal pollution in soils of development zones has attracted wide attention. In this study, soil heavy metal pollution levels and health risks in 15 selected development zones in Shandong Province were investigated for the first time. Geo-accumulation and potential ecological risk indexes were used to assess pollution levels, and health risk was assessed using the US Environmental Protection Agency model. The soil was contaminated by various heavy metals, among which Hg was dominant. A total of 19% of the monitoring sites showed moderate ecological risk level, and low risk level was observed in general. Pollution control of Hg and Cd in each development zone must be strengthened. Health risk analysis showed that noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risk levels for adults and children were acceptable or nearly acceptable. Positive matrix factorization model was used to identify three possible sources of heavy metal pollution, namely, industrial sources, atmospheric deposition, and transportation. Some specific measures should be taken to prioritize the control of Hg, As, and Cr for protecting the soil environment and human health, especially vulnerable groups, such as children.

Remission assessment of rheumatoid arthritis in daily practice in China: a cross-sectional observational study.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the remission rate and describe the current use of medication in a large cohort of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under routine clinical care in China. RA patients were recruited from 40 large teaching hospitals nationwide in China. Data regarding RA disease activity, medication treatment, and adverse events were recorded using a standardized clinical data questionnaire. RA remission was evaluated by the 28 Joint Disease Activity Score DAS28-ESR Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), and American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) remission criteria. A total of 1945 patients with RA were included in the study. The proportions of patients who fulfilled the DAS28-ESR, CDAI, SDAI, and ACR/EULAR remission criteria were 10.90%, 6.17%, 5.04% , and 1.75%, respectively. Most patients had taken at least one disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), and the most common prescriptions included leflunomide (LEF) and methotrexate (MTX). DMARD combined with botanics were the most common and dominant strategy for RA management (29.16%). Overall, 433 patients (22.27%) had at least one adverse event. Gastrointestinal adverse events (41.27%) were the most frequently reported events. The incidence of side effects in patients using biologics DMARDs (bDMARDs) was significantly lower than that in those taking MTX, LEF, or sulfasalazine (SSZ). The remission rate of RA disease activity, as assessed in Chinese clinical practice, was very low. Adverse effects of the medicine occurred in approximately one in five RA patients, with bDMARDs were demonstrated to be the medication with the lowest side effects.

Is the ratio of apoB/apoA-1 the best predictor for the severity of coronary artery lesions in Chinese diabetics with stable angina pectoris? An assessment based on Gensini scores.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data about the best lipid ratio predicting the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with diabetes mellitus. We determined the relationship between five conventional lipid ratios and the extent of coronary artery lesions in Chinese Type 2 diabetics with stable angina pectoris (SAP). METHODS: A prospective cohort study within 373 type 2 diabetic patients diagnosed with stable CAD by coronary angiography was performed. All patients were classified into three groups according to the tertiles of Gensini scores (GS, low group < 8 points n = 143; intermediate group 8-28 points, n = 109; high group > 28 points, n = 121). Association between the ratios of apolipoprotein (apo) B and apoA-1, total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-C), triglycerides and HDL-C (TG/HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol and HDL-C (LDL-C/HDL-C), Non-HDL-C/HDL-C and GS were evaluated using the receivers operating characteristic (ROC) curves and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: The ratio of apoB/apoA-1, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and Non-HDL-C/HDL-C were correlated with Gensini scores. Area under the ROC curves for predicting high Gensini scores in the ratios of apoB/apoA-1, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and Non-HDL-C/HDL-C were 0.62, 0.60, 0.59 and 0.60, respectively (P < 0.005 for all). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjusted with demographic characteristic and other lipid parameters, the ratio of apoB/apoA-1 is qualified as an independent discriminator for the severity of CAD. However, after further adjusting different baseline variables, such as left ventricular ejective fraction, hemoglobin A1c, leukocytes count and serum creatinine, none of the above lipid ratios remained. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with other lipid parameters, the ratio of apoB/apoA-1 appears to be more significantly correlated with the extent of coronary artery lesions in Chinese diabetics, but it was not an independent predictor in these settings.

Relation of ABO blood groups to the severity of coronary atherosclerosis: an Gensini score assessment.

OBJECTIVE: Although the study on the relationship between ABO blood groups and coronary atherosclerosis has a long history, few data is available regarding ABO to severity of coronary atherosclerosis in a large cohort study. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relation of the ABO blood groups to the severity of coronary atherosclerosis assessed by Gensini score (GS) in a large Chinese cohort undergoing coronary angiography. METHODS: A total of 2919 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled, and their baseline characteristics and ABO blood groups were collected. The GS was calculated as 1st tertile (0-10), 2nd tertile (11-36), 3rd tertile (>36) according to angiographic results. The relation of the ABO blood groups to GS was investigated. RESULTS: The frequency of blood group A was significantly higher in the upper GS tertiles (24.4% vs. 28.2% vs. 29.5%, p = 0.032). Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that blood group A was independently associated with GS (ß = 0.043, p = 0.017). Likewise, multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that group A remained significantly associated with mid-high GS (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.16-1.80, p = 0.001), and the group O was showed as a protective factor (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.65-0.92, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: In this large Chinese cohort study, the data indicated that there was an association between ABO blood groups and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Moreover, the blood group A was an independent risk factor for serious coronary atherosclerosis.

Use of enabling services by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander patients at 4 community health centers.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to examine the utilization and impact of enabling services, such as interpretation and eligibility assistance, among underserved Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander (AANHOPI) patients served at 4 community health centers. METHODS: For this project, we developed a uniform model for collecting data on enabling services and implemented it across 4 health centers that served primarily AANHOPI patients. We also examined differences in patient characteristics between users and nonusers of enabling services. RESULTS: Health center patients used many enabling services, with eligibility assistance being the most used service. In addition, compared with nonusers, users of enabling services were more likely to be older, female, AANHOPI, and uninsured (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: For underserved AANHOPI patients at community health centers, enabling services are critical for access to appropriate care. We were the first to examine uniform data on enabling services across multiple health centers serving underserved AANHOPI patients. More data on enabling services and evaluation are needed to develop interventions to improve the quality of care for underserved AANHOPI patients.

Quality assessment of cross-species hybridization of CHO transcriptome on a mouse DNA oligo microarray.

DNA microarray technology has been widely utilized for species with extensive genome sequence information available. Given the limited genomic information pertaining to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line, cross-species hybridization using mouse microarrays provides a viable alternative. In this study, the utility of mouse Affymetrix microarrays for transcriptome profiling in CHO cells was assessed by hybridizing identical sets of cRNA samples from CHO cells on both mouse and CHO Affymetrix microarrays. Expression level measured by probe sets for orthologous transcripts on the two microarrays was compared. Only a fraction of the orthologous probes which detected expression calls in same species hybridization were similarly called present in cross species hybridization. In further analysis at the 25-mer probe level, it was revealed that specific hybridization signals were detectable by the subset of mouse probes that have a high degree of homology to the corresponding CHO sequences. The feasibility of cross species hybridization for quantifying the extent of differential expression was assessed by comparing transcript levels of CHO cells cultivated with and without sodium butyrate. While same species hybridization gave consistent degree of differential expression calls in replicated runs, a much inferior ability in quantifying differential expression was seen with cross species hybridization. Our results demonstrate that through detailed analysis of homology at the probe pair level, a subset of probes on existing mouse Affymetrix oligo-array can be used successfully for transcriptome profiling of CHO cells.