Search Results (1,334)

This study investigated the psychological factors related to the enjoyment of playing musical instruments among Chinese adults. Additionally, it verified a model that can predict enjoyment using psychological variables, demographic profiles, and variables related to music to provide useful information and knowledge for further studies and interventions. The participants were 416 male and female Chinese adults aged 20–68 years. Predictive models were examined using stepwise regression and decision-tree analyses. The results revealed that extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and hardiness were positively correlated with the enjoyment of playing musical instruments, whereas the behavioral activation system (BAS) and behavioral inhibition system (BIS) showed negative correlations. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that fun-seeking accounted for the greatest variance in enjoyment in playing musical instruments. Fun-seeking, agreeableness, openness, self-directedness, and conscientiousness accounted for approximately 27.2% of the variance in enjoyment in playing musical instruments among Chinese adults. The decision-tree model included enjoyment of music class in childhood, self-directedness, age, experience playing musical instruments, experience growing up in a family that enjoys music, extraversion, and agreeableness. These findings suggest that psychological variables such as fun-seeking and agreeableness may play a more important role in Chinese adults’ enjoyment of playing musical instruments. Full article

Rhabditis (Rhabditella) axei is a predominantly free-living nematode commonly found in sewage systems and decomposing organic matter. While primarily saprophytic, it has been documented as an opportunistic pathogen in human urinary and gastrointestinal tracts. The Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani), a rare and protected species in China, has not previously been reported as a host for Rhabditis (Rhabditella) spp. infections. This study reports the first documented occurrence of R. axei in red panda feces, unambiguously confirmed through integrative taxonomic approaches combining morphological and molecular analyses. The nematodes exhibited key morphological features consistent with R. axei, including a cylindrical rhabditiform esophagus, sexually dimorphic tail structures, and diagnostic spicule morphology. Molecular analysis based on 18S-ITS-28S rDNA sequencing confirmed their identity, showing >99% sequence similarity to R. axei reference strains (GenBank: PP135624.1, PP135622.1). Phylogenetic reconstruction using 18S rDNA and ITS rDNA sequences placed the isolate within a well-supported R. axei clade, clearly distinguishing it from related species such as R. blumi and R. brassicae. The findings demonstrate the ecological plasticity of R. axei as a facultative parasite capable of infecting non-traditional hosts and further highlight potential zoonotic risks associated with environmental exposure in captive wildlife populations. Our results emphasize the indispensable role of molecular diagnostics in accurately distinguishing morphologically similar nematodes within the Rhabditidae family, while providing essential baseline data for health monitoring in both in situ and ex situ conservation programs for this endangered species. Full article

Background: Cervical cancer poses a threat to the health of women globally. Adolescent girls are the primary target population for HPV vaccination, and guardians’ attitude towards the HPV vaccine plays a significant role in determining the vaccination status among adolescent girls. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the factors influencing guardians’ HPV vaccine acceptance for their girls and provide clues for the development of health intervention strategies. Methods: Combining the health belief model as a theoretical framework, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted. A total of 2157 adolescent girls and their guardians were recruited. The multivariable logistic model was applied to explore associated factors. Results: The guardians had a high HPV vaccine acceptance rate (86.7%) for their girls, and they demonstrated a relatively good level of awareness regarding HPV and HPV vaccines. Factors influencing guardians’ HPV vaccine acceptance for girls included guardians’ education background (OR = 0.57, 95%CI = 0.37–0.87), family income (OR = 1.94, 95%CI = 1.14–3.32), risk of HPV infection (OR = 3.15, 95%CI = 1.40–7.10) or importance of the HPV vaccine for their girls (OR = 6.70, 95%CI = 1.61–27.83), vaccination status surrounding them (OR = 2.03, 95%CI = 1.41–2.92), awareness of negative information about HPV vaccines (OR = 0.59, 95%CI = 0.43–0.82), and recommendations from medical staff (OR = 2.32, 95%CI = 1.65–3.25). Also, guardians preferred to get digital information on vaccines via government or CDC platforms, WeChat platforms, and medical knowledge platforms. Conclusions: Though HPV vaccine willingness was high among Chinese guardians, they preferred to vaccinate their daughters at the age of 17–18 years, later than WHO’s recommended optimal age period (9–14 years old), coupled with safety concerns. Future work should be conducted based on these findings to explore digital intervention effects on girls’ vaccination compliance. Full article

Fritillaria unibracteata is a rare and endangered medicinal plant in the Liliaceae family, whose bulbs have been used in traditional Chinese traditional medicine for over 2000 years. The mevalonate (MVA) pathway is involved in the growth, development, response to environmental stress, and active ingredient production of plants; however, the functional characterization of MVA-pathway genes in the Liliaceae family remains poorly documented. In this study, an Acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase gene (FuAACT) was first cloned from F. unibracteata. It exhibited structural features of the thiolase family and showed the highest sequence identity with the Dioscorea cayenensis homolog. The K_m, V_max, and K_cat of the recombinant FuAACT were determined to be 3.035 ± 0.215 μM, 0.128 ± 0.0058 μmol/(min·mg), and 1.275 ± 0.0575 min⁻¹, respectively. The optimal catalytic conditions for FuAACT were ascertained to be 30 °C and pH 8.9. It was stable below 50 °C. His361 was confirmed to be a key amino acid residue to enzymatic catalysis by site-directed mutagenesis. Subsequent subcellular localization experiments demonstrated that FuAACT was localized in chloroplasts and cytoplasm. FuAACT-overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants showed higher drought tolerance than wild-type plants. This phenotypic difference was corroborated by significant differences in seed germination rate, lateral root number, plant height, and leaf number (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the FuAACT transgenic plants resulted in the formation of a more developed fibrous root system. These results indicated that the FuAACT gene revealed substantial biological activity in vitro and in vivo, hopefully providing the basis for its further research and application in liliaceous ornamental and medicinal plants. Full article

This study presents a cross-cultural comparison of two fortified residences—Palazzo Farnese in Italy and Dong’s Fortified Compound in China—through a triadic analytical framework encompassing architectural form, symbolic ornamentation, and public perception. By combining field observation, iconographic interpretation, and digital ethnography, the research investigates how heritage meaning is constructed, encoded, and reinterpreted across distinct sociocultural contexts. Empirical materials include architectural documentation, decorative analysis, and a curated dataset of 4947 user-generated images and 1467 textual comments collected from Chinese and international platforms between 2020 and 2024. Methods such as CLIP-based visual clustering and BERTopic-enabled sentiment modelling were applied to extract patterns of perception and symbolic emphasis. The findings reveal contrasting representational logics: Palazzo Farnese encodes dynastic authority and Renaissance cosmology through geometric order and immersive frescoes, while Dong’s Compound conveys Confucian ethics and frontier identity via nested courtyards and traditional ornamentation. Digital responses diverge accordingly: international users highlight formal aesthetics and photogenic elements; Chinese users engage with symbolic motifs, family memory, and ritual significance. This study illustrates how historically fortified residences are reinterpreted through culturally specific digital practices, offering an interdisciplinary approach that bridges architectural history, symbolic analysis, and digital heritage studies. Full article

Background: The prevalence of BARD1 mutations in breast and ovarian cancers varies across different ethnic groups. Evaluating the cancer risk and clinical significance of BARD1 mutations in the local Chinese patients with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or both is clinically important for designing an appropriate surveillance scheme. Methods: This study used a 30 gene panel to identify BARD1 germline mutations in 2658 breast and ovarian cancer patients. Results: Among this cohort, the BARD1 mutation prevalence was 0.45% for breast cancer and 0.29% for ovarian cancer. In our 12 mutation carriers, we identified eight types of mutation variants, including three novel mutations. BARD1 mutation carriers were more likely to have a family history of liver, prostate, and cervical cancers (p-values = 0.004, 0.018, and 0.037, respectively) than patients who tested negative for mutations. Among the BARD1 mutants, the majority of the breast tumors were invasive ductal carcinoma (NOS type) (10/11, 90.9%) of high-grade disease (9/9, 100%) and half of them were triple-negative breast cancer (5/10, 50%). Conclusions: Although the prevalence of BARD1 mutations is low and the penetrance is incomplete, we recommend including BARD1 in the test panel for breast cancer patients. Our data suggest that more comprehensive surveillance management may be considered in mutation carriers due to the familial aggregation of a relatively wide spectrum of cancers. Full article

Swertiamarin (SW), a natural iridoid glycoside primarily isolated from the genus Swertia, Gentianaceae family, has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Tibetan medicine, for treating fever, diabetes, liver disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Pharmacokinetic studies reveal that SW exhibits rapid absorption but demonstrates low oral bioavailability due to the first-pass effect. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that SW possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective activities. Our analysis demonstrates that SW exerts remarkable therapeutic potential across multiple pathological conditions through coordinated modulation of key signaling cascades, including Nrf2/HO-1, NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and PPAR pathways. This comprehensive review systematically consolidates current knowledge on SW’s pharmacokinetic characteristics, toxicity, diverse biological activities, and underlying molecular mechanisms based on extensive preclinical evidence, establishing a scientific foundation for future drug development strategies and potential clinical applications of the potential natural lead compound. Full article

Tetranychus urticae, commonly known as the two-spotted spider mite, is a highly adaptable and polyphagous arthropod in the family Tetranychidae, capable of feeding on over 1200 plant species, including strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). The fitness and microbiota of herbivorous arthropods can vary significantly across different plant species and cultivars. In this study, we investigated the fecundity, longevity, growth rate, and microbiota composition of T. urticae reared on seven Chinese strawberry cultivars: Hongyan (HY), Yuexiu (YX), Tianshi (TS), Ningyu (NY), Xuetu (XT), Zhangjj (ZJ), and Xuelixiang (XLX). Our findings revealed significant differences among cultivars: mites reared on the XT cultivar exhibited the highest fecundity (166.56 ± 7.82 eggs), while those on XLX had the shortest pre-adult period (7.71 ± 0.13 days). Longevity was significantly extended in mites reared on XLX, XT, and NY cultivars (25.95–26.83 days). Microbiota analysis via 16S rRNA sequencing showed that Proteobacteria dominated (>89.96% abundance) across all mite groups, with Wolbachia as the predominant symbiont (89.58–99.19%). Male mites exhibited higher bacterial diversity (Shannon and Chao1 indices) than females, though Wolbachia abundance did not differ significantly between sexes or cultivars. Functional predictions highlighted roles of microbiota in biosynthesis, detoxification, and energy metabolism. These findings underscore the influence of host plant variety on T. urticae fitness and microbiota composition, suggesting potential strategies for breeding resistant strawberry cultivars and leveraging microbial interactions for pest management. Full article

Perforated windows are essential landscape elements in Chinese classical gardens that combine artistic design with multiple functions. This study examines the Ho family Garden, a representative Yangzhou salt merchant garden, to classify perforated windows by type, spatial distribution, and dimensions. This study analyzes representative examples from various spaces and types to assess their visual effects, from static perspectives, focusing on landscape interfaces at different viewing distances, and dynamic perspectives, exploring their impact along different tour routes. The research also explores the penetrable viewing effects of perforated windows in the West Garden of the Ho family Garden and the sight system they create. The survey reveals that the setting characteristics of the perforated windows are related to the mode of spatial enclosure. Variations in the interface data of perforated windows at different distances relate to window size, while passive viewing effects depend on the location and number of perforated windows. The changes from the dynamic perspective primarily result from the landscape elements along different routes. In the West Garden, the penetrable view between the perforated windows and the doors increases the depth of landscape elements and spatial layers. The quantitative analysis reveals Yangzhou gardens’ unique spatial aesthetics while offering insights for contemporary landscape design. Full article

Sacrificial rituals provide a critical perspective for examining the fundamental characteristics and evolutionary trajectory of Chinese civilization. The Functionalist and Annales schools, through theoretical frameworks such as “natural necessity theory” and “social-centric theory”, have explored the origins of sacrificial practices and their role in social cohesion. When these schools investigate Chinese sacrificial rituals, they identify significant differences in the humanistic and ethical dimensions compared to in Western intellectual traditions, thereby revealing how these distinctions propelled China onto a unique civilizational path. The sacrificial system underwent a process of humanization and moralization during the Shang and Zhou dynasties, culminating in the recognition of benevolence–righteousness attributes within human nature, primarily characterized by affection and reverence. The interplay between intrinsic human dispositions and ritualized sacrificial practices established the foundational structure for the social order, spanning from familial units to political society in China. This synthesis ultimately shaped the distinctive philosophical characteristics of Chinese civilization, emphasizing the principles of benevolent love, reciprocal loyalty, and harmonious coexistence. Full article

Photoperiod sensitivity significantly affects the reproductive process of plants. The CONSTANS, CONSTANS-LIKE, and TOC1 (CCT) genes play pivotal roles in photoperiod sensitivity and regulating flowering time. However, the function of the CCT gene in regulating flowering varies among different species. Further research is needed to determine whether it promotes or delays flowering under long-day (LD) or short-day (SD) conditions. CCT MOTIF FAMILY (CMF) belongs to one of the three subfamilies of the CCT gene and has been proven to be involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms and flowering time in cereal crops. In this study, 60 CCT genes in Chinese cabbage were genome-wide identified, and chromosomal localization, gene duplication events, gene structure, conserved domains, co-expression networks, and phylogenetic tree were analyzed by bioinformatics methods. The specific expression patterns of the BrCMF gene in different tissues, as well as the transcriptome and RT-qPCR results under different photoperiodic conditions, were further analyzed. The results showed that BrCMF11 was significantly upregulated in ebm5 under LD conditions, suggesting that BrCMF11 promoted flowering under LD conditions in Chinese cabbage. These findings revealed the function of the BrCCT gene family in photoperiod flowering regulation and provided a prominent theoretical foundation for molecular breeding in Chinese cabbage. Full article

In farmed animals, body color is not only an ecological trait but also an important trait that influences the commercial value of the animals. Melanin plays an important role in the formation of body color in animals, while the tyrosinase (TYR) gene family is a group of key enzymes that regulate melanogenesis. The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is one of the most important reptiles in freshwater aquaculture. However, the potential role of the TYR gene family in the body color formation of P. sinensis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression and conservation of the TYR gene family in relation to body color variation in P. sinensis. Three core members of this gene family were identified from the P. sinensis genome. Following identification, the genomic features were analyzed. They shared similar physicochemical properties and conserved domains. Chromosome mapping showed that the three genes of P. sinensis were all located on the autosomes, while phylogenetic and collinearity analysis suggested that the protein functions of the three genes in the studied species were highly conserved. Amino acid sequence alignment indicated high conservation among the three TYR gene family proteins (TYR, TYRP1, and DCT) in multiple critical regions, particularly in their hydrophobic N-/C-terminal regions and cysteine/histidine-rich conserved domains. The qRT-PCR revealed that the TYR and DCT genes were highly expressed in the eyes of individuals with different body colors. The expression levels of TYR and TYRP1 genes in the skin were significantly higher in dark-colored individuals than in light-colored ones (p < 0.05). These results will lay the groundwork for functional studies and breeding programs targeting color traits in aquaculture. Full article

Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Bupleurum in the Apiaceae family. Also known as red Bupleurum, it is mainly distributed in Northeast China, North China and other regions and is a commonly used medicinal plant. It is difficult for the wild plant resources of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. to meet the market demand. In artificial cultivation, there are problems such as a low yield per plant, low quality, weakened stress resistance and variety degradation. The contents of bioactive components and metabolites in traditional Chinese medicinal materials vary significantly across different growth years. The growth duration directly impacts their quality and clinical efficacy. Therefore, determining the optimal growth period is one of the crucial factors in ensuring the quality of traditional Chinese medicinal materials. In this study, Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were comprehensively applied to analyze the metabolically differential substances in different parts of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. By comparing the compositions and content differences of chemical components in different growth years and different parts, the chemical components with significant differences were accurately screened out. In order to further explore the dynamic change characteristics and internal laws of metabolites, a metabolic network was constructed for a visual analysis and, finally, to see the optimal growth years of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. This result showed that with the accumulation of the growth cycle, the height, root width, fresh mass and saikosaponins content of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. increased year by year. Except for sodium and calcium elements in the main shoot, the other elements were significantly reduced. In addition, 59 primary metabolites were identified by GC-MS, with the accumulation of the growth cycle, the contents of organic acids, sugars, alcohols and amino acids gradually decreased, while the contents of alkyl, glycosides and other substances gradually increased. There were 53 positive correlations and 18 negative correlations in the triennial Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. grid, all of which were positively correlated with saikosaponins. Therefore, the triennial Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. was considered to be the suitable growth year. It not only provided a new idea and method for the quality evaluation of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd., but also provided a scientific basis for the quality control of Chinese herbs. Full article

The MAM domain-containing glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor 1 (MDGA1) gene, which encodes a protein involved in synaptic inhibition, has been identified as a potential risk gene for restless legs syndrome. A recent study in the Chinese population described increased MDGA1 methylation levels in patients with idiopathic RLS (iRLS) compared to healthy controls. In this study, we investigated the possible association between the most common variants in the MDGA1 gene and the risk for iRLS in a Caucasian Spanish population. We assessed the frequencies of MDGA1 rs10947690, MDGA1 rs61151079, and MDGA1 rs79792089 genotypes and allelic variants in 263 patients with idiopathic RLS and 280 healthy controls using a specific TaqMan-based qPCR assay. We also analyzed the possible influence of the genotype frequencies on several variables, including age at the onset of RLS, gender, a family history of RLS, and response to drugs commonly used in the treatment of RLS. The frequencies of the genotypes and allelic variants of the three common missense SNVs studied did not differ significantly between RLS patients and controls, neither in the whole series nor when analyzing each gender separately; were not correlated with age at onset and the severity of RLS assessed by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Rating Scale (IRLSSGRS); and were not related to a family history of RLS or the pharmacological response to dopamine agonists, clonazepam, or gabaergic drugs. Our findings suggest that common missense SNVs in the MDGA1 gene are not associated with the risk of developing idiopathic RLS in Caucasian Spanish people. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a critical global health threat, with inappropriate antibiotic self-medication (ASM) being a key contributor. China—as the world’s largest antibiotic consumer—faces significant challenges despite regulatory efforts, compounded by limited contemporary data during the COVID-19 pandemic. A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2021 China Family Health Index Survey (n = 11,031 participants across 120 cities). Trained investigators administered face-to-face questionnaires assessing ASM practices, decision-making factors, and sociodemographic characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression identified determinants of ASM. Overall, ASM prevalence was 33.7% (n = 3717), with no urban-rural difference (p > 0.05). Physician advice (78.2%), drug safety (67.1%), and efficacy (64.2%) were primary selection criteria; rural residents prioritized drug price and salesperson recommendations more than their urban counterparts (p < 0.01). Key predictors included higher ASM odds among females (OR = 1.30, 95%CI:1.18–1.43), middle-aged adults (46–59 years; OR = 1.20, 95%CI:1.02–1.42), those with health insurance (resident: OR = 1.33; commercial: OR = 1.62), and individuals with drinking histories (OR = 1.20, 95%CI:1.10–1.31). Lower odds were associated with primary education (OR = 0.69, 95%CI:0.58–0.81), unemployment (OR = 0.88, 95%CI:0.79–0.98), and absence of chronic diseases (OR = 0.56, 95%CI:0.47–0.67). One-third of Chinese residents engaged in ASM during the pandemic, driven by intersecting demographic and behavioral factors. Despite converging urban-rural prevalence rates, distinct decision-making drivers necessitate context-specific interventions, including strengthened pharmacy regulation in rural areas, tailored education programs for high-risk groups, and insurance system reforms to disincentivize self-medication. Full article