Hubei Research Articles

Distinct vertical profiles of microbial communities and functional genes between different lake sediment layers mediated by nutrients in the sediments and pore waters.

Distinct vertical profiles of microbial communities and functional genes between different lake sediment layers mediated by nutrients in the sediments and pore waters.

A catchment-scale dataset of soil properties and their mid-infrared spectra.

The dataset presents information on soil properties and their associated mid-infrared spectra for a drainage basin of 4.2 km2, referred to as Upper Badong catchment (31°1'24''N, 110°20'35''E) in the Hubei province, China. Data were collected for topsoil in a highly diverse terrace catchment composed of woodland, cropland and small farm building. Soil properties included in this dataset are pH, texture (i.e. clay, silt and sand content), total carbon, organic carbon and CaCO3. In addition, the soil samples were scanned in the mid-infrared range. The data collection processed involved three field campaigns during 2013 and 2014 where topsoil samples were collected in a standardized way across all sites, and soil analyses in the laboratory of soil science following standard procedures. The dataset offers insights into the spatial variation of soil properties in a highly diverse catchment of central China. Researchers interested in soil research can use this dataset for various purposes, including building digital soil mapping models or soil spectroscopic models, benchmarking of models with other datasets, and research in soil erosion modelling.

Quality of life and associated factors among people with chronic diseases in Hubei, China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundChronic diseases are a major threat to human health, substantially reducing quality of life (QOL). Since the COVID-19 pandemic there have been surprisingly few surveys specifically focusing on the QOL of individuals living with chronic diseases. This study addresses this gap and assesses the QOL and associated factors of those with chronic diseases in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in six cities of Hubei Province, China, from May to August 2021, using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique to select 1,560 study participants. A 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) Scale assessed QOL. Multivariate linear regression analyses and the Shapley decomposition technique identified related factors and the extent of contribution to QOL.ResultsWe enjoyed a very high response rate to our invitation to participate; of these 1,507 questionnaires were considered valid (96.6%), and of these 354 patients reported a chronic disease (23.5%). The Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) among respondents were 59.13 ± 20.17 and 71.14 ± 13.55, respectively. The results of the regression analysis indicated that those who were 60 years or older and reported a recent acute illness in the immediate two-week period prior to survey were more likely to exhibit poorer PCS, whereas those with annual income of 30,000–100,000 Yuan, engaged in regular exercise and reported having eating regularly (regular eating to encourage relatively stable blood sugar levels as opposed to irregular meals/eating) were more likely to have higher PCS. Those reporting an acute illness in the immediate two-week period prior to survey also had lower MCS, but this was mitigated if the person had medical insurance, an annual income of 50,001–100,000 Yuan, regularly exercised, and a more nutritious diet. The Shapley decomposition results revealed that factors such as age (31.2%), income (24.8%), the presence of an illness in the immediate two-week period prior to survey (14.8%), regular meals (13.5%), regular physical exercise (10%), and alcohol consumption (5.7%) contributed to improved PCS, whereas the factors associated with improved MCS included regular meals (33.8%), length of illness/recovery of two-weeks (23%), comparatively higher annual income (16.2%), regular physical exercise (13.9%), and access to medical insurance (11.1%).ConclusionThe QOL of those with chronic disease in our study sample was significantly lower than those of healthy individuals. Higher annual income, regular physical exercise, the presence of an acute illness in the immediate two-week period prior to survey, consistent meal routines, adequate medical insurance and age were influencing factors of QOL for those with chronic diseases. Countermeasures should be implemented to promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen the prevention and control of chronic diseases.

Determinants for premature rupture of membranes: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundPremature rupture of membranes (PROM) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) are significant obstetric complications that can lead to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. There is an increased concern for various risk factors for PROM and PPROM, in the context of inconsistent findings. This study aimed to investigate determinants for PROM and PPROM.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study involving 5,500 pregnant women receiving prenatal care at Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province. We collected data on demographic characteristics, reproductive history, medical history, behavior and lifestyle factors and pregnancy outcomes, utilizing univariate and multivariate modified Poisson regression analyses to identify determinants associated with PROM and PPROM. Subgroup analyses were conducted to compare differences between nulliparous and multiparous women because parity emerged as a significant confounder.ResultsThe overall incidence of PROM in our study was 14.38% (550/3,825), with PPROM accounting for 2.04% (78/3,825). Nulliparity (RR 2.16; 95% CI 1.71–2.74; P < 0.001), and higher education level (RR 1.19; 95% CI 1.00-1.42; P = 0.048) were identified as significant risk factors for PROM, while nulliparity (RR 2.39; 95% CI 1.26–4.52; P = 0.008), presence of uterine fibroids (RR 2.32; 95% CI 1.19–4.52; P = 0.013), and vaginal bleeding at early pregnancy (RR 1.61; 95% CI 1.02–2.56; P = 0.042) were identified as significant risk factors for PPROM. In the nulliparity subgroup, vaginal bleeding at early pregnancy (RR 2.01; 95% CI 1.23–3.27; P = 0.005) and presence of uterine fibroids (RR 2.17; 95% CI 1.03–4.55; P = 0.041) were identified as risk factors for PPROM. In the multiparity subgroup, allergic diseases (RR 7.72; 95% CI 1.60-37.31; P = 0.011), gestational hypertension (RR 5.10; 95% CI 1.05–24.80; P = 0.043) and regular exercise (RR 4.45; 95% CI 0.96–20.60; P = 0.057) were identified as risk factors for PPROM.ConclusionsThis prospective cohort study underscores the importance of parity, considered as a confounder when analyzing determinants for PROM and PPROM in future research. We also found that in nulliparous women, presence of uterine fibroids increased the risk of PPROM while regular exercise reduced the risk; in multiparous women, presence of uterine fibroids was not correlated while regular exercise increased the risk. While occupational stress exhibited preliminary associations, refined exposure metrics are needed to clarify its role. Future research should integrate biological mediators, objective measures and diverse cohorts to confirm the associations and optimize prevention strategies.

Clinical characteristics and economic burden of Alzheimer’s disease inpatients in Hubei Province, China: a retrospective analysis of hospitalization costs and length of stay

BackgroundThe rapid aging of the population in China has led to a significant increase in the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This escalating trend has resulted in a substantial economic burden, posing a formidable challenge to society.MethodsThe study population comprised inpatients with AD in Hubei Province from January 2019 to December 2021. Comprehensive patient information was extracted from the provincial inpatient electronic system database. The data collected included age, gender, occupation, insurance type, method of hospital admission, diagnosis, length of stay (LOS), total medical expenses (TME), and discharge condition. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify and analyze the factors influencing LOS and TME among AD patients.ResultsThe study encompassed a total of 22,301 AD patients. The mean age of the patients was 79.58 ± 10.12 years, with over 90% of the AD patients being 65 years or older. Male patients constituted 49.94% of the study population. The average LOS was determined to be 19.35 days. The mean TME per patient was calculated at US$2,593.38. A positive correlation was observed between medical expenses and patient age. Notably, the medical expenses for patients aged 85 years and above were 2.14 times higher than those for patients under 65 years. Of the total expenses, 57.04% were allocated to medication and service fees. Regarding comorbidities, infections, fractures, and cardiovascular diseases were identified as the top three cost drivers for AD inpatient hospitalization.ConclusionAge and insurance type were identified as key determinants of both LOS and TME. To address these issues, strategies should be implemented to expand medical insurance coverage and enhance daily care for AD patients. Furthermore, it is crucial to prioritize the prevention of infections, fractures, and cardiovascular diseases among AD patients. The implementation of comprehensive health policies focusing on drug pricing, diagnostic procedures, and service costs is essential to mitigate the economic burden associated with AD.

Taphonomic Analysis of the Sinotubulites from the Shibantan Member of the Dengying Formation in Yangtze Gorges Area (China)

Tubular fossils are a unique metazoan group emerging in the late Ediacaran Period and demonstrating early skeletogenesis and an increase in the diversity of early biocommunities. Among the known records, Sinotubulites is widely distributed and distinct in morphology and ultrastructure, holding important evolutionary and stratigraphic significance comparable to the well-known Cloudina. However, its biological affinity remains unclear until now. Among various reasons, taphonomic bias is one of the major factors responsible for this, as it not only altered the primary morphology but also modified the ultrastructure and composition of the fossil. Thus, a further study on its taphonomic process would help to decode the biological affinity of Sinotubulites. For this purpose, we conducted a taphonomic study on Sinotubulites from the top of the Shibantan Member of the Dengying Formation at the Zhongling section in the Yangtze Gorges area (Hubei Province, China). We applied electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and cathodoluminescence (CL) to reveal its mineralogical features. EBSD and CL analyses demonstrate that both the fossils and matrix are composed of unoriented calcite, and the matrix shows slight dolomitization with sporadic dolomite grains. The calcite crystals within the Sinotubulites tubes are significantly larger than those in the matrix, indicating that the tubular structure provided sufficient space for crystal growth. The absence of lamellar structures in the tubular walls further suggests that the original biogenic material may have been dissolved during diagenetic calcification. The absence of dolomitization in the fossils indicates that this process may have been inhibited by either their large calcite crystals or the enclosed space confined by the outer shell. The identical non-luminescent features of the matrix and fossils suggest that their calcification likely occurred during the same stage. This study demonstrates that taphonomic biases must be accounted for when analyzing the original structure and composition. Additionally, this research documents the occurrence of Sinotubulites in the Shibantan Member, representing its lowest stratigraphic horizon in the Yangtze Block.

Fusarium and Neocosmospora Species Associated with the Decline of Metasequoia glyptostroboides in China.

During surveys conducted in 2020, severe symptoms associated with death and decline were observed on more than 30-year-old Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Chinese redwood) trees in the shelter forests along the Yangtze River in Jingzhou City, Hubei Province, China. A previous study showed that Phytophthora acerina was one of the causal agents of the decline of the Chinese redwood. In this study, a total of 147 fungal isolates were obtained from the diseased roots and xylem of trunks of declining M. glyptostroboides trees. Through morphology and multilocus phylogenetic analysis, these isolates were identified as eight species belonging to the genera Fusarium and Neocosmospora, including F. fujikuroi, F. irregulare, F. odoratissimum, F. reticulatum, N. falciformis, N. keratoplastica, N. solani, and N. tonkinensis. Single inoculation and coinoculation with P. acerina assays of these Fusarium and Neocosmospora species were then performed to test pathogenicity on 3-year-old seedlings of M. glyptostroboides. Lesions (i.e., on seedling stems) caused by species of the genera Neocosmospora and Fusarium were smaller than those caused by P. acerina. Coinoculation of F. fujikuroi and P. acerina, as well as the coinoculation of F. reticulatum and P. acerina, caused larger lesions than inoculation with P. acerina alone. All these species of Fusarium and Neocosmospora were shown to have the potential to be pathogenic to M. glyptostroboides. This study provided evidence that the decline of M. glyptostroboides in Jingzhou is a disease complex.

Fungal Species Associated with Tuber Rot of Foshou Yam (Dioscorea esculenta) in China.

Foshou yam (Dioscorea esculenta) is a tuber food crop in China. It is a rare species of the yam family and known for its high nutritional value. From 2019 to 2021, tuber rot was observed in Foshou yam in Wuxue, Hubei Province, China. Fungal strains were isolated from diseased tubers, and ten representative strains were identified based on microscopical characterization and multi-locus phylogenetic analysis. A total of five different species were identified, including Curvularia geniculata, Curvularia muehlenbeckiae, Fusarium commune, Penicillium oxalicum, and Penicillium sclerotigenum. Pathogenicity test revealed that these fungi are the pathogens of tuber rot in Foshou yam. Among them, P. oxalicum exhibited the strongest pathogenicity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of tuber rot in D. esculenta caused by these five species worldwide. This study provides important information for the future management of tuber rot in Foshou yam.

Genetic and wind field analysis of wheat leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) dispersal: from winter sources in Gansu and Shaanxi to summer epidemics in China.

Wheat leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina (Pt) is one of the most serious diseases affecting wheat worldwide. Given that China is the world's largest wheat-producing country, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the temporal and spatial dynamics of wheat leaf rust epidemics. This study investigated the population structure of Pt across different wheat leaf rust epidemic seasons in Gansu and Shaanxi provinces. Samples were collected in the 2020 winter from Gansu and Shaanxi, and during the 2021 spring and summer from eight additional provinces: Shandong, Henan, Gansu, Shaanxi, Hubei, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Xinjiang. Population genetics analysis was conducted using 12 pairs of Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The results indicated that the genetic diversity of the samples was highest in Shandong (SD) and Shaanxi in the 2020 winter (SN_20w), and Shaanxi in the 2021 summer (SN_21s), while Xinjiang (XJ) exhibited the lowest genetic diversity. Population structure analysis revealed six distinct genetic backgrounds across the 10 populations, with SN_20w and XJ showing greater genetic distances compared to other populations. There was less genetic differentiation and strong gene flow between pairwise populations of Henan (HA) and SN_21s, SD and Gansu in the winter of 2020 (GS_20w), Gansu in the summer of 2021 (GS_21s) and Hubei (HB), and GS_20w and HB, with six shared multi-locus genotypes detected among four pairwise populations. Integrating population genetic analysis, horizontal wind field analysis, topographic analysis, and the sampling timeline, this study concluded that the winter populations of Pt in the Guanzhong region experienced dominance shifts, with limited impact on the wheat leaf rust epidemic of 2021. In the 2021 epidemic season, two pathways of pathogen dispersal were proposed: (1) from the Guanzhong basin to Henan province; (2) through the Hanshui River Valley to Hubei province. These findings provide valuable insights into the spatial dynamics of wheat leaf rust and inform targeted prevention and control strategies.

Geographical characteristics and formation mechanisms of smallpox epidemics in Hubei Province, China, 1488-1949.

Smallpox is a highly contagious and ancient disease influenced by natural and social factors. These factors led to the wide spread of smallpox in Hubei Province of China during the historical period. We conducted the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of smallpox epidemics and their formation mechanism in Hubei Province of China during 1488-1949. Based on epidemic history and environmental data, we used M-K test, wavelet analysis, spatial autocorrelation model, epidemic center of gravity model and geographically weighted regression models.In terms of temporal changes, the earliest smallpox in Hubei Province can be traced to the Ming Dynasty. Smallpox epidemics in the Republic of China showed fluctuating and changing trends; in 1939, incidences of smallpox grew abruptly. Smallpox epidemics in the Republic of China occurred on a fluctuating cycle of two time scales: 8 years and 18 years. The epidemic season was mainly spring and summer.Smallpox epidemics in Hubei Province had a wide spatial scope and exhibited spreading and diffusion characteristics; three towns of Wuhan, Suixian and Yichang were the centers of the epidemics. Smallpox epidemics exhibited significant spatial concentrations; high concentration areas occurred mainly in Wuchang, Hankou and Hanyang. The center of gravity of the epidemics exhibited a small swing from east to west and gradually shifted to the west.River networks, road networks, wars and other factors promoted smallpox epidemics; river networks and war factors were significant in eastern Hubei Province; road network factors were significant in southern Hubei Province; and droughts somewhat inhibited smallpox epidemics in western Hubei Province. Temperature fluctuations, droughts and floods, and war outbreaks played dominant roles in the temporal characteristics of smallpox epidemics in Hubei Province, and topography, population distribution and population movement played dominant roles in the spatial distribution pattern of smallpox epidemics in Hubei Province. We must establish and improve an epidemic monitoring and early warning system, pay attention to key areas, strengthen inspection and quarantine, stockpile smallpox vaccines, develop therapeutic drugs, and strengthen prevention of bioterrorism. Our study revealed how smallpox spreads in terms of both spatial and temporal patterns and mechanisms, and based on this, we can propose preventive and control measures against smallpox reemergence and its similar viruses.

Research on the influence of ecological specialty industry vine tea on farmers' livelihoods in Laifeng County, China

The development of ecological specialty industries has emerged as a research priority in recent years. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of research that has examined the impact of the interconnection between ecological specialty industries and farmers' livelihoods. To investigate the causal relationship between the local vine tea industry and farmers' livelihoods, a case study incorporating field surveys was conducted in Laifeng County, Hubei Province. This study developed a farm household livelihood indicator system based on a sustainable livelihood analysis framework and employed a binary logit model. The findings indicate that (i) with the booming development of the vine tea industry, farmers' income has increased significantly, and the growth rate of participants is considerably higher than that of non-participants, with the highest growth rate reaching 46%; (ii) the farmers with higher incomes exhibit a greater level of livelihood capital; (iii) farmers' livelihood capitals have an impact on their willingness to participate in the vine tea industry, with varying degrees of influence observed among farmers with different income levels. This research puts forward constructive suggestions for promoting the development of vine tea specialty industry, improving farmers' livelihoods and rural revitalization.

Spatio-temporal variations in carbon sources, sinks and footprints of cropland ecosystems in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Plain of China, 2013–2022

Cropland ecosystems, which are most affected by human activities, are dual carriers of carbon sources and sinks. It has significant implications for the achievement of the “two-carbon” objective. The Middle and Lower Yangtze River Plain (MLYRP) is the principal grain-producing area of China, which is a great agricultural country. The development of green agriculture in this plain is of vital importance. Nevertheless, there is a lack of attention to the dynamics of the carbon footprints of cropland. Hence, this study was conducted with the help of carbon emission coefficient method. It investigated the spatio-temporal variations of carbon sources, sinks and carbon footprints of cropland ecosystems in this plain from 2013 to 2022. The findings suggest that (1) Carbon uptake was fluctuating up during the study period. Carbon uptake was higher in paddy and wheat. (2) Carbon emissions were declining year by year. Fertilizer and irrigated agriculture produced more carbon emissions. The top four for both indicators were Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei and Hunan provinces. (3) The carbon footprint declined in fluctuations. This indicator ranked the top four in Hubei, Anhui, Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces. The spatial distribution pattern of the above three indicators was more in the north and less in the south. (4) Cropland ecosystems exhibited carbon sinks. There were relatively large carbon eco-surplus and high carbon eco-efficiency. Nevertheless, the carbon ecological surplus was decreasing in fluctuation. Consequently, MLYRP should keep popularizing new technologies such as green manure crops and precision agriculture.

Examining Individual and Environmental Factors Associated with Emergency Preparedness Among People with Disabilities in China

Background: People with disabilities, particularly those from developing countries, often fare worse during disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies. China is located in the most disaster-prone region in the world. However, no study has examined emergency evacuation planning among people with disabilities in China. The latest literature on emergency preparedness tends to focus on individual-level factors such as demographic characteristics, self-efficacy, and disability status. A focus on individual-level factors overlooks the importance of environmental influences on disaster preparation. Objective: This paper explores how individual and environmental factors are associated with emergency preparedness among people with disabilities in China. Methods: Two hundred and forty-eight people with various disabilities filled out an online cross-sectional survey on the level of emergency preparedness among people with disabilities in China. We conducted a hierarchical logistic regression to examine which environmental-level factors are associated with emergency preparedness after controlling for individual-level factors. Results: The results show that when entering only individual-level factors, self-efficacy in evacuation and previous emergency experiences are significant factors associated with being prepared. After including the environmental-level factors, self-efficacy remains significant. People with a physical disability and those from Hubei province, when compared with respondents from the rest of China, are less likely to be prepared. Another protective factor other than self-efficacy is being part of an online disability peer-support group. Conclusions: When designing risk management interventions, public health officials should consider both individual- and environmental-level factors. Using an online peer-support community may be considered an innovative component when designing these interventions.

Expression and correlation of male reproductive hormone levels with abnormal semen liquefaction time

Objective To explore the reproductive hormone levels and their correlation in males with abnormal semen liquefaction time, providing evidence-based medical insights for the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal semen liquefaction. Methods A total of 36 male patients who exhibited a sperm liquefaction time exceeding 60 min in the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province from January 2021 to January 2023 were included. They were classified into the delayed liquefaction group. During the same period, 138 male patients with a sperm liquefaction time of ≤60 min were assigned to a normal liquefaction group. Comparative analysis was performed on reproductive hormone levels between the two groups, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), as well as semen parameters such as normal morphology sperm rate, forward motility sperm rate, and sperm concentration. Pearson’s correlation analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between reproductive hormones and semen liquefaction time. The effectiveness of biomarkers in predicting delayed semen liquefaction time was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results Patients with delayed semen liquefaction had significantly lower rates of normal morphology sperm, forward progressive motility, and sperm concentration when compared to patients with normal liquefaction. Significantly lower FSH, LH, and T levels were observed in patients with delayed semen liquefaction than those with normal liquefaction. Furthermore, a negative correlation was identified between serum FSH and T levels in male infertility patients and semen liquefaction time. The sensitivity of FSH for predicting semen liquefaction defects is 72.2%, whereas testosterone exhibits a sensitivity of 94.4%. Conclusion The semen liquefaction time of male infertility patients is closely correlated with semen parameters and reproductive hormone levels. Specifically, FSH and T exhibit a negative correlation with semen liquefaction time.

Synergistic Zoning and Management Strategies for Ecosystem Service Value and Ecological Risk at the County Level: A Case Study of Songzi City, Hubei Province, China

Counties are fundamental units for ecological restoration, where scientifically delineated zoning is essential for resource allocation and governance. This study proposes a dual-dimensional, multi-source ecological zoning framework combining ecosystem service value (ESV) and Comprehensive Ecological Risk Index (CERI), with the CERI incorporating endogenous, exogenous, and regulatory ecological risk, providing a holistic representation of county-level ecological risk mechanisms. A Self-Organizing Map (SOM) neural network model clusters ESV and CERI, identifying spatial conflict zones and enabling high-resolution ecological management unit delineation. The results indicate the following: (1) The total ESV of Songzi City amounts to CNY 7.64 billion, showing spatial heterogeneity high-value clustering and low-value dispersion pattern, and water bodies and woodlands contributing 49.17% and 29.61%, respectively. (2) The spatial distribution of CERI is high in the central and eastern regions, and low in the west pattern, radiating from river systems under the combined effects of endogenous, exogenous, and regulatory risks. (3) Based on SOM clustering, four service clusters are identified and classified into ecological preventive conservation, vulnerability restoration, safeguard restoration, and improvement and utilization, shifting from broad-scale control to targeted ecological governance. This framework addresses the limitations of traditional single-dimensional risk assessments and provides a scientific basis for sustainable county-level ecological management.

A new species of Nemoura, with the redescription and a new synonym of N. sichuanensis Li &amp;Yang, 2006 (Plecoptera: Nemouridae)

Based on a comparative morphological study, Nemoura hugekootinlokorum Wang, 2021 is considered as a synonym of Nemoura sichuanensis Li &amp; Yang, 2006 together with a supplementary description of this species. A new species of Nemoura, N. panda sp. nov. from Shennongjia, Hubei Province, China, which appears morphologically closely related to N. sichuanensis, is also proposed.

The prevalence of myopia and eye health behaviors among 3 to 18 years: a cross-sectional survey study

AimsTo determine the current status of self-reported myopia and the relationship between eye health behaviors and myopia in children and adolescents aged 3 to 18 years.MethodsChildren and adolescents aged 3–18 years from 15 schools were selected for the survey between January and June 2024 in Hubei Province, China. A stratified random cluster sampling method was employed for the collection of samples. All participants were requested to complete the Eye Health Behavior Assessment Scale for Kindergarten and Primary School Students in Grades 1-3-Parent Version (EHBAS-P) and the Eye Health Behavior Assessment Scale for Primary School Students in Grades 4–6 and Middle School Students-Student Version (EHBAS-S) online. Data on socio-demographic factors (gender, grades, region) and myopia rate were collected.ResultsA total of 3500 participants were invited, and 3240 usable questionnaires were collected (response rate, 92.57%). The overall prevalence of self-reported myopia among children and adolescents aged 3–18 years in Hubei Province was 34.35%. Risk of myopia was higher in females than in males (OR = 1.27, P = 0.007), in rural than in urban areas (OR = 1.88, P < 0.001), and in children with myopic parents than with non-myopic parents (OR = 3.21, P < 0.001). Furthermore, of the 3240 participants, only 18.1% (n = 587) had good eye health behavior levels, 46.1% (n = 1494) had moderate eye health behavior levels, and the rest had poor levels, and there was a significantly higher risk of myopia for poor compared to good eye health behavior levels (OR = 1.74, P < 0.001). The regression analysis showed that the level of eye health behaviors varied significantly with many of the demographic variables particularly with grades group, gender and whether myopia.ConclusionThe prevalence of self-reported myopia is at a high level among individuals between the ages of 3 and 18 in Hubei province, China, with notable differences between urban and rural populations. The level of eye health behaviors among children and adolescents is suboptimal. A particular focus on fostering the development of positive eye-use habits among younger children should be reinforced in the future.

Isolation and Characterization of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus G2c Strains Circulating in China from 2021 to 2024.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a major pathogen responsible for viral diarrhea in pigs, causing particularly high mortality in neonatal piglets. In recent years, genetic variations in PEDV have resulted in alterations in both its virulence and antigenicity, leading to a reduced efficacy of existing vaccines. In this study, diarrheal samples were collected from four commercial pig farms in the Hubei, Guangxi, and Jiangxi provinces, China, which experienced vaccine failure. RT-qPCR confirmed PEDV infection, and three PEDV strains, 2021-HBMC, 2024-JXYX, and 2024-JXNC, were successfully isolated. Sequence analysis and phylogenetic tree construction classified these strains into the G2c genotype, the predominant subtype in China. The neutralization assays revealed a significant reduction in the neutralizing titers of these strains against the immune serum compared with the AJ1102 reference strain. Further amino acid sequence analysis of the spike (S) protein identified several mutations in key neutralizing epitopes compared with the AJ1102 strain, including S27L, E57A, N139D, M214T, and P229L in the S-NTD epitope; A520S, F539L, K566N, D569E, G612V, P634S, E636V/K in the COE epitope; and Y1376H in the 2C10 epitope, along with several deletions at N-glycosylation sites (347NSSD and 510NITV). Additionally, whole-genome sequencing and recombination analysis indicated that the 2021-HBMC strain may have resulted from a recombination event. The findings of this study underscore the challenge posed by the continuous genetic evolution of PEDV to vaccine efficacy and provide valuable insights for future vaccine development and control strategies.

Traditional village clustered protection and utilization methods based on network science

China’s traditional villages face challenges in cultural preservation and economic development. To address this, the Traditional Village Clustered Protection and Utilization initiative shifts the focus from single-village conservation to regional cluster revitalization. This study analyzes 156 villages (111 Chinese traditional villages and 45 ancient villages with high conservation value) in eastern Hubei Province, applying industrial cluster theory and network science methods to construct a multilayer network model. Key findings include: (1) Eight cross-district subgroups were categorized into single-county, cross-county clustered and cross-county dispersed; (2) Thirty core nodes were identified and classified as 12 strongest power nodes, 8 strongest connectivity nodes, and 10 chain nodes, driving both intra- and inter-community development. The proposed core node-driven subgroup strategy, which is replicable and generalizable, can be applied to various regional and cultural contexts through network variable adjustments. This strategy plays a crucial role in achieving a balance between sustainable development and cultural preservation in traditional villages in the cluster approach.

Cyclic gravity flow deposits constrained by alternating dry/wet climates in a middle‒late Eocene saline lake, Jianghan Basin, Hubei Province, China

Cyclic gravity flow deposits constrained by alternating dry/wet climates in a middle‒late Eocene saline lake, Jianghan Basin, Hubei Province, China