[Construction of a schistosomiasis transmission risk assessment system in Wuhan City based on analytic hierarchy process].

OBJECTIVE: To construct a schistosomiasis transmission risk assessment system in Wuhan City and preliminary evaluate its application effect, so as to promote the rational allocation of schistosomiasis control resources and accelerate the progress towards schistosomiasis elimination. METHODS: The schistosomiasis risk assessment indicators were collected through referring schistosomiasis surveillance data of Wuhan City from 2014 to 2020, literature review and expert interviews. Indicators within each criterion and sub-criterion were screened using the Delphi method, and a hierarchical structure model was created based on analytic hierarchy process. Quantitative assignment of each indicator was conducted according to relative importance, and the weight and combination weight of each criterion were calculated in each analytic hierarchy framework to create a schistosomiasis transmission risk assessment system, which was used for the schistosomiasis transmission risk assessment in 12 national schistosomiasis surveillance sites in Wuhan City. RESULTS: A three-level schistosomiasis transmission risk assessment system was preliminarily constructed, which included a target layer, 5 criterion layers and 21 sub-criterion layers. Of all indicators in the criterion layer, transmission route had the highest weight (0.433), followed by source of Schistosoma japonicum infection (0.294); and among all indicators in the sub-criterion layer, S. japonicum infection in Oncomelania hupensis and sentinel mice had the highest combination weight (0.125), followed by prevalence of S. japonicum infection in humans (0.091) and bovines (0.053), snail control by chemical treatment (0.049), positive rate of inquiry examinations (0.048), allocation of schistosomiasis control professionals (0.045), and areas of submerged snail-infested settings (0.041). Of the 12 national schistosomiasis surveillance sites in Wuhan City, there were 5 sites with weights of > 0.8, 4 sites with weights of 0.6 to 0.8, and 3 sites with weights of < 0.6 in 2020. CONCLUSIONS: A schistosomiasis transmission risk assessment system has been constructed based on analytic hierarchy process in Wuhan City, which may provide a evidence-based basis for health resource allocation and decision-making for schistosomiasis control.

[Assessment of MS-Score and HScore in timeliness of diagnosis of macrophage activation syndrome associated with adult-onset Still's disease].

The data of 33 patients with adult-onset still's disease (AOSD)-associated macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) were retrospectively collected from January 2013 to December 2020 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)-2004 criteria, macrophage activation syndrome/juvenile idiopathic arthritis (MS-Score) and hemophagocytic syndrome diagnostic score (HScore) were used to diagnose AOSD-associated MAS, respectively. The time of diagnosis of AOSD-associated MAS by MS-Score was 19.0 (4.5, 31.0) days [M (Q1,Q3)] earlier than by HLH-2004 criteria, and 13.5 (0.5, 21.5) days earlier than by HScore (both P<0.05). The difference was not statistically significant between the time of diagnosis of AOSD-associated MAS by Hscore and by HLH-2004 criteria (P>0.05). There was significant difference among the three criteria (P<0.001). MS-Score can be used to diagnose AOSD-associated MAS earlier than HLH-2004 criteria, while the timeliness of HScore is not certain.

[Assessment of setup errors of IGRT combined with a six degrees of freedom bed for patients with primary rectal cancer].

Objective: To investigate the effect of six degree of freedom (6-DOF) bed combined with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the on-line correction of setup errors in patients with primary rectal cancer. Methods: The clinicopathological data of 17 patients with primary rectal cancer in Department of Radiotherapy, Third Hospital of Peking University from July 2013 to January 2014 were collected. There were 14 males and 3 females, a median age of 65 years. The difference of CBCT and 6-DOF bed combined with CBCT online correction of patients with positioning error were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Before position correction, the first CBCT verification of setup errors in the three translation directions including X (left and right), Y (in and out) and Z (up and down) directions were (0.06±0.25) cm, (0.13±0.40) cm and (-0.28±0.31) cm, respectively. The setup errors of RX (rotation pitch), RY(rolling) and RZ (left and right rotation) directions were (0.62±1.15)°, (-0.19±0.99)°, and (-0.34 ± 0.84)°, respectively . After correction of IGRT combined with six freedom of bed, the setup errors of translation X, Y and Z were (0.01±0.09) cm, (-0.01±0.05) cm and (-0.03±0.08) cm, respectively, and the setup errors of rotation RX, RY and RZ directions were (-0.16±0.40)°, (0.36±0.31)°and (-0.01±0.25)°, respectively. There were significant differences in translation direction (X, Y and Z direction) and rotation direction (Rx, RY and RZ) before and after 6-DOF bed combined with CBCT correction (all P<0.05). In the translation direction, the higher frequency range of Z-direction error value was 0.20-0.79 cm. In the rotation direction, the frequency range of error in Rx direction was 0.20°-2.99°. There was no significant difference between bone mode and gray scale model registration (P>0.05). With the progress of radiotherapy, the setup errors of X, Z, Rx, RY and RZ directions increased except Y direction. Conclusions: In radiotherapy, six freedom bed combined with CBCT is helpful to correct the setup errors of patients with primary rectal cancer. Six freedom bed may be used to correct the setup errors of patients with primary rectal cancer online. Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) is recommended for bone pattern registration in patients with rectal cancer.

Gout in China, 1990-2017: the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to estimate the gout burden and risk factors in China from 1990 to 2017. STUDY DESIGN: The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study uses various analytical tools and a diverse set of data sources to generate comparable estimates of deaths and mortality rates broken down by age, sex, cause, year, and geography. METHODS: We used the results from the GBD Study 2017 to compare disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of gout in China. The median of the percentage change and 95% uncertainty intervals were determined for the period between 1990 and 2017. RESULTS: The age-standardized DALY rate, prevalence, and incidence increased 6.92%, 6.88%, and 6.16%, respectively, in China from 1990 to 2017. Although the rates of gout both globally and in China were increasing, the range of change for males in China was larger than that of the global level. All risk factors combined accounted for 30.04% of gout DALYs in 2017. The leading risk factors for gout DALYs were high body mass index and impaired kidney function, and the proportion of high body mass index increased significantly from 10.67% to 24.31%, whereas the proportion of impaired kidney function remained basically unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: The age-standardized DALY rate, prevalence, and incidence in China have increased progressively since 1990. Increasing attention on body weight management should be prioritized for controlling the rising prevalence of gout in the young and middle-aged population.

[Gingival thickness assessment of gingival recession teeth].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the gingival thickness and gingival biotype of gingival recession teeth of Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 112 non-molar teeth with gingival recession in 34 patients were included. Direct measurement, cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) measurement and periodontal probe method were used to evaluate gingival thickness and biotype. Gingival thickness was measured at 2 mm apical to the gingival margin. Direct measurement was performed with a caliper of 0.01 mm resolution and anesthesia needles attached to silicone disk stops. Gingival biotype was assessed by sulcus probing, if the periodontal probe was visible through the gingival tissue, the gingival biotype was thin; If not visible, the gingival biotype was thick. The differences of gingival thickness among different gingival biotype, tooth site and gingival recession type were analyzed respectively. Besides, the results of CBCT measurement was analyzed compared with the direct measurement. RESULTS: The average gingival thickness of non-molar recession teeth was (1.17±0.41) mm. The average gingival thickness of thick and thin biotype group were (1.38±0.4) mm and (0.97±0.30) mm, respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The median of gingival thickness was 1.1 mm. Using 1.1 mm as the cut-off value of thick and thin gingival thickness group, the results matched well with the gingival biotype classification results by periodontal probe method (P=1.000). The average gingival thickness of maxillary teeth was significantly thicker than that of the mandibular teeth. They were (1.39±3.44) mm and (1.01±0.31) mm, respectively (P<0.001). The mean gingival thickness of MillerI, II and III degree gingival recession teeth were (1.15±0.34) mm, (0.83±0.17) mm and (1.26±0.56) mm, respectively, without statistically significant difference (P=0.205). The gingival thickness measurement results between CBCT method and direct measurement were without statistically significant difference (P=0.206). CONCLUSION: In the non-molar gingival recession teeth, the cut-off value of gingival thickness to classify thick and thin biotype of Chinese population was 1.1 mm. The average gingival thickness of the maxillary teeth was significantly thicker than that of the mandibular teeth. Besides, CBCT measurement was an accuracy method for evaluating facial gingival thickness.

Assessment of a respiratory face mask for capturing air pollutants and pathogens including human influenza and rhinoviruses.

BACKGROUND: Prevention of infection with airborne pathogens and exposure to airborne particulates and aerosols (environmental pollutants and allergens) can be facilitated through use of disposable face masks. The effectiveness of such masks for excluding pathogens and pollutants is dependent on the intrinsic ability of the masks to resist penetration by airborne contaminants. This study evaluated the relative contributions of a mask, valve, and Micro Ventilator on aerosol filtration efficiency of a new N95 respiratory face mask. METHODS: The test mask was challenged, using standardized methods, with influenza A and rhinovirus type 14, bacteriophage ΦΧ174, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and model pollutants. The statistical significance of results obtained for different challenge microbial agents and for different mask configurations (masks with operational or nonoperational ventilation fans and masks with sealed Smart Valves) was assessed. RESULTS: The results demonstrate >99.7% efficiency of each test mask configuration for exclusion of influenza A virus, rhinovirus 14, and S. aureus and >99.3% efficiency for paraffin oil and sodium chloride (surrogates for PM2.5). Statistically significant differences in effectiveness of the different mask configurations were not identified. The efficiencies of the masks for excluding smaller-size (i.e., rhinovirus and bacteriophage ΦΧ174) vs. larger-size microbial agents (influenza virus, S. aureus) were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The masks, with or without features intended for enhancing comfort, provide protection against both small- and large-size pathogens. Importantly, the mask appears to be highly efficient for filtration of pathogens, including influenza and rhinoviruses, as well as the fine particulates (PM2.5) present in aerosols that represent a greater challenge for many types of dental and surgical masks. This renders this individual-use N95 respiratory mask an improvement over the former types of masks for protection against a variety of environmental contaminants including PM2.5 and pathogens such as influenza and rhinoviruses.

[Analysis on the performance evaluation of the Global Fund Malaria Programme in China from 2003 to 2013].

Objective: To analyze the performance of the 5 Global Fund Malaria Programmes in China from 2003 to 2013. Methods: All of the proposals, summaries, progress reports, survey reports, Monitoring& Evaluation reports, and performance rating reports of the 5 Global Fund Malaria Programmes in China and the epidemic data of program areas were collected for statistical analysis from 2012 to 2014. Symposiums were held with relevant experts from national and provincial Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, program managers and staffs from national and provincial Global Fund Malaria Programme offices. The completion of the relevant programme indicators (including the general grant information such as program areas, beneficiaries and funding; the implementation of malaria control measures; the performance of malaria control measures; the malaria incidence in the program areas; the prevalence of malaria parasites; and program management and performance evaluation) were analyzed, and the results: of the symposiums were summarized. Results The implementation period of the 5 Global Fund Malaria Programs were as follows: Round 1 from 2003 to 2008, Round 5 from 2006 to 2010, Round 6 from 2007 to 2012, Round 10 from 2012 to 2013, and National Strategy Application (NSA) from 2010 to 2012. Under the support of all the Global Fund Malaria Programs, a total of 11 936 726 fever cases received microscopic tests, 1 485 915 confirmed and suspected malaria cases were treated, 1 579 773 Long Lasting Insecticide-treated Nets were distributed, 3 414 633 regular nets were treated by insecticide, 40 298 284 primary and middle school students received health education on malaria control. Compared with the baseline value, the completion rates of each indicator increased after the implementation of the programs. The growth value ranged from 12.83% to 83.11%, among which the biggest growth was the value of the indicator'Percentage of households with at least one LLIN/ITN in target areas', and it increased from 9.2% (baseline value of 2006) to 92.31% (value of 2012). The malaria incidence in program areas has dropped significantly year by year, the annual reported malaria incidence in Yunnan and Hainan provinces decreased from 1 950/100 000, 3 850/100 000 in 2002 to 3.31/100 000, 0.15/100 000 in 2012, the P. falciparum malaria incidence in target counties in Hainan province decreased from 90.6/100 000 in 2002 to 0/100 000 in 2012. As from the implementation of NSA grant in 2010 to 2012, the annual reported malaria incidence in 92% of the 75 Type 1 counties was less than 1 per 10 000, 60.00% of Type 1 counties and 98.69% of the 687 Type 2 counties reported zero locally transmitted malaria cases. The Global Fund Secretariat had conducted a total of 37 performance evaluations, of which 9 have been rated as A1, 4 rated as A2, 19 rated as B1 and 5 rated as B1. Conclusions: The Global Fund Malaria Program in China has been closely integrated with the goal and task of National Malaria Control Program, reducing malaria burden in target areas, and pushing Chinese malaria control efforts to move from control to elimination.

Clinical, pathological, and demographic factors associated with development of recurrences after surgical resection in elderly patients with neuroendocrine tumors.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of locoregional neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is rising. However, after curative resection, the patterns and risk factors associated with recurrence remain unknown. Consensus guidelines recommend surveillance every 6-12 months for up to 10 years after surgery for resected, well-differentiated NETs irrespective of patient demographics, site, grade or stage of tumor with few exceptions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database, we identified localized and regional stage NET patients who underwent surgical resection between January 2002 and December 2011. Development of recurrence was identified by capturing at least two claims indicative of metastatic disease until 31 December 2013. RESULTS: Of the 2366 identified patients (median age 73 years), 369 (16%) developed metastatic disease within 5 years and only an additional 1% developed metastases between years 5 and 10 with the majority dying due to unrelated causes. The 5-year risk of developing metastases (hazard ratio, HR) varied significantly (log-rank P < 0.001) by grade: 9.9% versus 25.9% (2.2) versus 48.1% (4.4) for grades 1, 2, and ≥ 3, respectively; stage: 10.3% versus 31.1% (2.8) for localized versus regional; primary tumor size: 7.6% versus 15% (1.3) versus 26.6% (1.5) for <1, 1-2, and > 2 cm, respectively; and site: ranging from 11.3% for colon to 23.9% for pancreas. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to current guidelines, our study suggests that surveillance recommendations should be tailored according to patient and tumor characteristics. Surveillance past 5 years may be avoided in elderly patients with competing morbidities or low risk of recurrence. Pancreatic, lung, higher grade, and regional NETs have a higher risk of recurrence and may be considered for future adjuvant trials.

Population dynamics of hepatitis C virus subtypes in injecting drug users on methadone maintenance treatment in China associated with economic and health reform.

The extensive genetic heterogeneity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) requires in-depth understanding of the population dynamics of different viral subtypes for more effective control of epidemic outbreaks. We analysed HCV sequences data from 125 participants in Wuhan, China. These participants were newly infected by subtype 1b (n=13), 3a (n=15), 3b (n=50) and 6a (n=39) while on methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Bayesian phylogenies and demographic histories were inferred for these subtypes. Participants infected with HCV-1b and 3a were clustered in well-supported monophyletic clades, indicating local subepidemics. Subtypes 3b and 6a strains were intermixed with other Chinese isolates, as well as isolates from other Asian countries, reflecting ongoing across geographic boundary transmissions. Subtypes 1b and 3a declined continuously during the past ten years, consistent with the health and economic reform in China, while subtype 3b showed ongoing exponential growth and 6a was characterized by several epidemic waves, possibly related to the recently growing number of travellers between China and other Asian countries. In conclusion, results of this study suggest that HCV subtype 3b and 6a subepidemics in China are currently not under control, and new epidemic waves may emerge given the rapid increase in international travelling following substantial economic growth.

Cost-effectiveness of Lamivudine, Telbivudine, Adefovir Dipivoxil and Entecavir on decompensated hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of lamivudine (LMV), telbivudine (LdT), adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) and entecavir (ETV) on decompensated hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 1332 patients with decompensated hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis were randomly assigned into 5 groups with different clinical treatment including LMV treatment, LdT treatment, ADV treatment, LMV+ADV treatment and ETV treatment. And then the liver function, Child-Pugh scores, sero-conversion of HBeAg/HBeAb, polymerase gene mutations, cost-effectiveness, incremental cost-effectiveness and side effects were investigated and further analyzed. RESULTS: LMV, ADV, LdT, LMV+ADV and ETV were all effective on decreasing Child-Pugh scores and conversing negatively hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and HBeAg, whereas LMV+ADV and ETV more effective than LMV, ADV and LdT. HBV DNA polymerase genotypic mutations were rare in the 5 groups. The less mutation rate was found in the LMV+ADV and ETV group than in the LMV, ADV and LdT group. Compared to the cost-effectiveness and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, ETV was the optimal selection, LMV+ADV was the alternative selection and LMV was the cheapest option. The side effects of the 5 plans were all rare and could be controlled. CONCLUSIONS: LMV, ADV, LdT, LMV+ADV and ETV were all effective on treatment of decompensated hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis whereas ETV and LMV+ADV were recommended.

Quantification of adherent platelets on polymer-based biomaterials. Comparison of colorimetric and microscopic assessment.

BACKGROUND: Platelet adhesion to artificial surfaces is one of the most important indicators for the thrombogenicity of implant materials. Currently, a variety of enzyme activity-based colorimetric assays or microscopy-based techniques are commonly in use to assess this characteristic. Studies about how data of colorimetric assays correlate with the image-based quantification of adherent platelets are scarce. To address this question, the present study compared two colorimetric assays (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and acid phosphatase (ACP)) with an image-based quantification of the density of platelets adhering on polymer-based biomaterial surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tri-sodium citrated whole blood was collected from apparently healthy subjects and platelet rich plasma (PRP) was prepared according to a standardized protocol. An in vitro static thrombogenicity test was applied to study platelet adhesion from PRP adjusted to 50,000 platelets per µL on three different polymers: medical grade polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). For the direct image-based approach, surface adherent platelets were fixed, fluorescently labelled and microscopically visualized. The image-based determination of platelet densities provided reference values for the comparison with data of the colorimetric assays. Correlation between standard platelet concentrations and ACP/LDH absorbance measurements were analysed to estimate accuracy and association of both parameters. ACP and LDH release from resting and ADP-stimulated platelets was studied to estimate how platelet activation influences colorimetric assay results. RESULTS: The density of adherent platelets ranged from 15,693 ± 2,487 platelets·mm-2 (PTFE) to 423 ± 99 platelets·mm-2 (silicone) and 4,621 ± 1,427 platelets·mm-2 (PET) and differed significantly between the three polymers (ANOVA: p <  0.05). Correlation coefficients between microscopic and colorimetric determination of platelet densities ranged between r = 0.93 (LDH, p <  0.001) and r = 0.94 (ACP, p <  0.001). ACP absorbance measurements of platelet standards with different concentrations corresponded well to an ideal linear regression, while LDH data either deceeded or exceeded the expected values. The LDH release during ADP-induced platelet activation was significantly higher compared to the release of ACP. CONCLUSION: For an adjusted platelet concentration of 50,000 platelets·µL-1, both colorimetric assays (ACP and LDH) allowed a similar accurate quantification of the mean platelet density compared to the microscopic evaluation. Better linearity of the assay standards, less variability of the results and a lower influence of platelet activation on the measurements mark the ACP assay as more suitable for the assessment of material surface adherent platelets compared to the LDH assay, particularly, if near physiological platelet concentrations are applied.

Excellence of numerical differentiation method in calculating the coefficients of high temperature series expansion of the free energy and convergence problem of the expansion.

In this paper, it is shown that the numerical differentiation method in performing the coupling parameter series expansion [S. Zhou, J. Chem. Phys. 125, 144518 (2006); AIP Adv. 1, 040703 (2011)] excels at calculating the coefficients ai of hard sphere high temperature series expansion (HS-HTSE) of the free energy. Both canonical ensemble and isothermal-isobaric ensemble Monte Carlo simulations for fluid interacting through a hard sphere attractive Yukawa (HSAY) potential with extremely short ranges and at very low temperatures are performed, and the resulting two sets of data of thermodynamic properties are in excellent agreement with each other, and well qualified to be used for assessing convergence of the HS-HTSE for the HSAY fluid. Results of valuation are that (i) by referring to the results of a hard sphere square well fluid [S. Zhou, J. Chem. Phys. 139, 124111 (2013)], it is found that existence of partial sum limit of the high temperature series expansion series and consistency between the limit value and the true solution depend on both the potential shapes and temperatures considered. (ii) For the extremely short range HSAY potential, the HS-HTSE coefficients ai falls rapidly with the order i, and the HS-HTSE converges from fourth order; however, it does not converge exactly to the true solution at reduced temperatures lower than 0.5, wherein difference between the partial sum limit of the HS-HTSE series and the simulation result tends to become more evident. Something worth mentioning is that before the convergence order is reached, the preceding truncation is always improved by the succeeding one, and the fourth- and higher-order truncations give the most dependable and qualitatively always correct thermodynamic results for the HSAY fluid even at low reduced temperatures to 0.25.

Sensitive and rapid detection of Vibrio corallilyticus by loop-mediated isothermal amplification targeted to the alpha subunit gene of RNA polymerase.

AIMS: A diagnostic protocol was developed for rapid detection of Vibrio corallilyticus by method of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). METHODS AND RESULTS: For cloning and sequencing of rpo A gene of V. corallilyticus, a set of four LAMP primers were designed by targeting the rpoA gene. With Bst DNA polymerase, the reaction time and temperature were optimized for 70 min at 65 degrees C, respectively. The amplification products were detected by electrophoresis. The detection limit of V. corallilyticus by LAMP was 3.6 x 10(3) CFU ml(-1) (8 CFU per reaction), but PCR could detect up to 3.6 x 10(4) CFU ml(-1) (72 CFU per reaction). The LAMP method was ninefold more sensitive than conventional PCR. The results also indicated that the LAMP reaction was highly specific to V. corallilyticus. CONCLUSIONS: The LAMP assay was a sensitive, specific and cost-effective method for the rapid detection of V. corallilyticus. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This LAMP method provides an important diagnostic tool for the detection of V. corallilyticus infection. It can replace laborious biochemical tests for the identification of V. corallilyticus.

Linking carbon sequestration science with local sustainability: an integrated assessment approach.

This paper introduces an integrated assessment (IA) approach for a Canada-China joint research project that linked forest carbon sequestration, forest resource management, and local sustainability enhancement. The purpose of the IA was to improve the measurement of carbon in different land uses and vegetation covers, as well as to direct decision makers to those land uses or options as an CO(2) emission reduction strategy while supporting rural sustainable development. In this connection, three questions are addressed in this paper: 1) How will forestry carbon sequestration land use policies affect regional sustainability prospects in rural China? 2) How could carbon sequestration land use plans be better integrated into sustainable development strategies? and 3) How can the IA approach assist Chinese government agencies in design effective forestry land use policies? The IA approach was applied in three rural sites of western China. These case studies are described in detail by following articles in this volume. The project improved the capacity of local resource managers in identifying the economic, social and environmental impacts of rural land use decisions that might increase carbon sequestration and enhance local livelihood.

The costs and benefits of reforestation in Liping County, Guizhou Province, China.

Reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is becoming a pressing issue for the global community. Afforestation and reforestation are promoted worldwide as an effective means of sequestering carbon. For its national interest and global concerns, China has made great efforts to protect its existing forests and develop programs of afforestation and reforestation. Based on two surveys recently conducted in Liping County, Guizhou province, this paper investigates the economic changes associated with the implementation of the "Grain For Green" policy. Based on the analytical framework of benefit cost analysis, this paper concludes that the implementation of the reforestation of sloping agricultural land policy would not be possible if there were no government subsidies for the peasants. The short term economic returns of land and labour from forestation are substantially lower than those generated from grain or cash crop production on the steep slope lands. The government subsidies provide great economic incentives for peasants to take part in the project. The subsidies in fact have elevated peasant income in rural Liping. The estimated potential economic returns of plantations over the long run indicate that the removal of the government financial subsidies would not create an economic crisis for the peasants if the current market conditions continue.

An integrated assessment model of carbon sequestration benefits: a case study of Liping county, China.

This research attempts to model the complexity of planting trees to increase China's CO(2) sequestration potential by using a GIS-based integrated assessment (IA) approach. We use the IA model to assess the impact of China's Grain for Green reforestation and afforestation program on farmer and state incomes as well as CO(2) sequestration in Liping County, Guizhou Province. The IA model consists of five sub-models for carbon sequestration, crop income, timber income, Grain for Green, and carbon credits. It also includes a complementary qualitative module for assessing program impacts by gender and ethnicity. Using four scenarios with various assumptions about types of trees planted, crop incomes by township, CO(2) credit prices, state subsidies, methods for estimating carbon sequestered, and harvesting of trees, we find great variation in the impact of the Grain for Green program on incomes and on carbon sequestered over a 48 year period at both the county and township levels.

Social and economic impacts of carbon sequestration and land use change on peasant households in rural China: a case study of Liping, Guizhou Province.

Numerous innovative approaches to mitigate effects of excessive emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) on global climate change are being proposed and formulated. Sequestering carbon to terrestrial ecosystems represents one of the important clean development mechanisms. Reforestation through converting various non-forest lands to forests is undoubtedly an important dimension of carbon sequestration. Using Liping County in Guizhou Province as a case region, this study examines the perceived change in social and economic livelihoods of peasants and the factors responsible for the variations in the changes. The results of the study reveal that socio-economic changes associated with the government-financed project are multifaceted and profound. Because of the financial subsidies provided by the central government, this environmental action in many aspects can be regarded as a poverty reduction measure in the underdeveloped area where rural poverty is widespread. A majority of peasant households have benefited from project participation. The land conversion project with continued financial support also contributes to the social transformations of traditional rural society in remote areas to a more mobile, less subsistence agriculture-based, and open society.

Muscle and plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration, aerobic power and exercise economy of healthy men in response to four weeks of supplementation.

AIM: To investigate whether 4 weeks of oral supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) would increase its concentration in skeletal muscle, and affect aerobic power (VO2max) and oxygen consumption during submaximal exercise in healthy, physically active men. METHODS: Six volunteers with an average (+/-SD) age of 29.7+/-7.2 years and VO2max of 39.4+/-8.5 mL.kg-1.min-1, participated in a single-blind trial. The experiment consisted of 4 2-week phases, in the order of placebo run-in, CoQ10 supplementation (150 mg daily), CoQ10 (150 mg) plus vitamin E (1,000 IU daily), and placebo wash-out. A three-stage cycle economy test (4 minutes at each of 50, 100, and 150 watts), followed by a VO2max test (25 watts increment every minute till exhaustion), were performed prior to the supplementation and at the end of each phase. Blood samples were taken pre and post each VO2max test, and biopsy samples were obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle pre and post the 4 weeks of CoQ10 supplementation. RESULTS: The plasma CoQ10 concentration was significantly elevated by the supplementation (P<0.05), however, it did not vary significantly pre and post each exercise test (P>0.05). The muscle CoQ10 concentration, VO2max ventilatory threshold, exercise economy and oxygen deficit showed no significant changes in response to the supplementation. CONCLUSION: It was speculated that the non-significant effects of supplementation in healthy, non CoQ10-deficient men could be due to either that the mitochondrial membrane is normally saturated with CoQ10, or that the selected exercise testing protocol and variables were not sensitive enough to detect the effects.