To reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of plant genetic marker fingerprinting for variety discrimination,it is desirable to identify the optimal marker combinations.We describe a marker combination screening m...To reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of plant genetic marker fingerprinting for variety discrimination,it is desirable to identify the optimal marker combinations.We describe a marker combination screening model based on the genetic algorithm(GA)and implemented in a software tool,Loci Scan.Ratio-based variety discrimination power provided the largest optimization space among multiple fitness functions.Among GA parameters,an increase in population size and generation number enlarged optimization depth but also calculation workload.Exhaustive algorithm afforded the same optimization depth as GA but vastly increased calculation time.In comparison with two other software tools,Loci Scan accommodated missing data,reduced calculation time,and offered more fitness functions.In large datasets,the sample size of training data exerted the strongest influence on calculation time,whereas the marker size of training data showed no effect,and target marker number had limited effect on analysis speed.展开更多
Methotrexate,etoposide,dexamethasone,and pegaspargase(MESA)with sandwiched radiotherapy is known to be effective for early-stage extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma,nasal type(NKTCL).We explored the efficacy and...Methotrexate,etoposide,dexamethasone,and pegaspargase(MESA)with sandwiched radiotherapy is known to be effective for early-stage extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma,nasal type(NKTCL).We explored the efficacy and safety of reduced-intensity,non-intravenous etoposide,dexamethasone,and pegaspargase(ESA)with sandwiched radiotherapy.This multicenter,randomized,phase III trial enrolled patients aged between 14 and 70 years with newly diagnosed early-stage nasal NKTCL from 27 centers in China.Patients were randomly assigned(1:1)to receive ESA(pegaspargase 2,500 IU/m^(2)intramuscularly on day 1,etoposide 200 mg orally,and dexamethasone 40 mg orally on days 2–4)or MESA(methotrexate 1 g/m^(2)intravenously on day 1,etoposide 200 mg orally,and dexamethasone 40 mg orally on days 2–4,and pegaspargase 2,500 IU/m^(2)intramuscularly on day 5)regimen(four cycles),combined with sandwiched radiotherapy.展开更多
Background:Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)patients refractory to rituximab-based immunochemotherapy have a dismal prognosis.However,the definition of refractory DLBCL remains inconsistent and no large cohort stud...Background:Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)patients refractory to rituximab-based immunochemotherapy have a dismal prognosis.However,the definition of refractory DLBCL remains inconsistent and no large cohort study data is available from Asian countries.To validate the definition and outcomes of refractory DLBCL in China,we conducted a multicenter,retrospective cohort study.Methods:The REtrospective AnaLysis of Treatment REspoNse of refractory DLBCL(REAL-TREND)study was performed using real-world data from 8 centers in China.DLBCL patients with curative intent were included in the REAL-TREND dataset.Overall survival(OS)was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test.Due to heterogeneity in response rates among different centers,the response rates of refractory patients were pooled using random-effect models.Multivariate survival analysis was performed using the Cox regression model.Results:A total of 2778 DLBCL patients diagnosed between January,2010 and December,2015 were enrolled to this study.After validating previous definitions,the SCHOLAR-1 study was most suitable to define refractory DLBCL.The estimated 5-year cumulative incidence of refractory patients was 20%(95% confidence Interval[CI]=18%-22%).After the determination of refractory disease,overall response rate and complete remission rate were 30%(95%CI=22%-38%)and 9%(95%CI=4%-15%),respectively.Patients with either no response to immunochemotherapy or relapse within 12 months after stem-cell transplantation had inferior survival with a median OS of 5.9 months(95%CI=5.5-7.1 months)and 2-year OS rate of 16%(95%CI=12%-20%).International prognostic index score 4-5(hazard ratio[HR]=2.22;95%CI=1.47-3.35),central nervous systemrelapse(HR=1.43;95%CI=1.04-1.97),and best response status(HR=2.68;95%CI=1.42-5.03 for partial remission.HR=5.97,95%CI=3.21-11.11 for stable disease/progressive disease)were independent unfavorable prognostic factors.Conclusions:This is the first large-scale Asian cohort study focusing on outcomes of refractory DLBCL.The definition of the SCHOLAR-1 study identifies patients with homogenously inferior survival,thus is appropriate to select refractory DLBCL.Due to poor clinical outcomes in the rituximab era,patients with refractory DLBCL may be potential candidates for novel treatment modalities.展开更多
Drawing on a survey of106 secondary vocational schools and 7309 students in two provinces of China, this descriptive paper assesses whether vocational schooling is measuring up to government benchmarks for quality and...Drawing on a survey of106 secondary vocational schools and 7309 students in two provinces of China, this descriptive paper assesses whether vocational schooling is measuring up to government benchmarks for quality and whether poor students are able to access quality schools. We find that secondary vocational schools have met government benchmarks for teacher qualification and training, student opportunities forpractical training and adequate facilities. Furthermore, poor students access schools of similar quality to non-poor students, even though 34percent of poor students do not receive financial aid. We conclude that recent policies are successfully ensuring secondary vocational school quality and equity of access to school quality between poor and non-poor students. However, financial aid policies should be re-examined, such that poor students receive sufficient coverage. Moreover, given that input-based measures only proxy school quality, the government should consider holding schools accountable for outcomes such as student learning.展开更多
Along with rapid advances in high-throughput-sequencing technology,the development and application of molecular markers has been critical for the progress that has been made in crop breeding and genetic research.Desir...Along with rapid advances in high-throughput-sequencing technology,the development and application of molecular markers has been critical for the progress that has been made in crop breeding and genetic research.Desirable molecular markers should be able to rapidly genotype tens of thousands of breeding accessions with tens to hundreds of markers.In this study,we developed a multiplex molecular marker,the haplotype-tag polymorphism(HTP),that integrates Maize6H-60K array data from 3,587 maize inbred lines with 6,375 blocks from the recombination block map.After applying strict filtering criteria,we obtained 6,163 highly polymorphic HTPs,which were evenly distributed in the genome.Furthermore,we developed a genome-wide HTP analysis toolkit,HTPtools,which we used to establish an HTP database(HTPdb)covering the whole genomes of 3,587 maize inbred lines commonly used in breeding.A total of 172,921 non-redundant HTP allelic variations were obtained.Three major HTPtools modules combine seven algorithms(e.g.,chain Bayes probability and the heterotic-pattern prediction algorithm)and a new plotting engine named“BCplot”that enables rapid visualization of the background information of multiple backcross groups.HTPtools was designed for big-data analyses such as complex pedigree reconstruction and maize heterotic-pattern prediction.The HTP-based analytical strategy and the toolkit developed in this study are applicable for high-throughput genotyping and for genetic mapping,germplasm resource analyses,and genomics-informed breeding in maize.展开更多
Policymakers in developing countries have prioritized the mass expansion of vocational education and training(VET).This study examines whether the quality of VET in developing countries increases by investing greater ...Policymakers in developing countries have prioritized the mass expansion of vocational education and training(VET).This study examines whether the quality of VET in developing countries increases by investing greater resources per student.To achieve this goal,we examine the impacts of attending model schools(which have far more resources per student)on a range of student cognitive,non-cognitive,and behavioral outcomes.Using representative data from a survey of approximately 12,000 VET students from China,multivariate regression and propensity score matching analyses show that attending model vocational high schools do not benefit student outcomes,despite their substantially greater resources.展开更多
Despite their recent deterioration, village clinics have historically been an important source of health care for the poor and elderly in rural China. In this paper, we examine the current role of village clinics, the...Despite their recent deterioration, village clinics have historically been an important source of health care for the poor and elderly in rural China. In this paper, we examine the current role of village clinics, the patients who use them and some of the services they provide. We focus specifically on the role of village clinics in meeting the health-care needs of the rural poor and elderly. We find that although clinics are continuing to decline financially, they remain a source of care for the rural elderly and poor. We estimate that the elderly are 10-15 percent more likely than young individuals to seek care at a clinic. We show that clinics provide many unique services to support the rural elderly (and the elderly poor), such as in-home patient care, the option for patients to pay on credit, and free and discounted services.展开更多
基金supported by the Scientific and Technological Innovation 2030 Major Project(2022ZD04019)the Science and Technology Innovation Capacity Building Project of BAAFS(KJCX20230303)+1 种基金Hainan Province Science and Technology Special Fund(ZDYF2023XDNY077)the Beijing Scholars Program(BSP041)。
文摘To reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of plant genetic marker fingerprinting for variety discrimination,it is desirable to identify the optimal marker combinations.We describe a marker combination screening model based on the genetic algorithm(GA)and implemented in a software tool,Loci Scan.Ratio-based variety discrimination power provided the largest optimization space among multiple fitness functions.Among GA parameters,an increase in population size and generation number enlarged optimization depth but also calculation workload.Exhaustive algorithm afforded the same optimization depth as GA but vastly increased calculation time.In comparison with two other software tools,Loci Scan accommodated missing data,reduced calculation time,and offered more fitness functions.In large datasets,the sample size of training data exerted the strongest influence on calculation time,whereas the marker size of training data showed no effect,and target marker number had limited effect on analysis speed.
基金supported by the Union for China Lymphoma Investigators,and funded by the Multicenter Clinical Research Project by Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine(DLY201601)the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFC 2502600)+3 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82130004,81830007,82070204,and 81670176)Chang Jiang Scholars Program,Shanghai Municipal Education Commission Gaofeng Clinical Medicine Grant Support(20152206 and 20152208)the Clinical Research Plan of Shanghai Hospital Development Center(SHDC2020CR1032B)the Collaborative Innovation Center of Systems Biomedicine,and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation.
文摘Methotrexate,etoposide,dexamethasone,and pegaspargase(MESA)with sandwiched radiotherapy is known to be effective for early-stage extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma,nasal type(NKTCL).We explored the efficacy and safety of reduced-intensity,non-intravenous etoposide,dexamethasone,and pegaspargase(ESA)with sandwiched radiotherapy.This multicenter,randomized,phase III trial enrolled patients aged between 14 and 70 years with newly diagnosed early-stage nasal NKTCL from 27 centers in China.Patients were randomly assigned(1:1)to receive ESA(pegaspargase 2,500 IU/m^(2)intramuscularly on day 1,etoposide 200 mg orally,and dexamethasone 40 mg orally on days 2–4)or MESA(methotrexate 1 g/m^(2)intravenously on day 1,etoposide 200 mg orally,and dexamethasone 40 mg orally on days 2–4,and pegaspargase 2,500 IU/m^(2)intramuscularly on day 5)regimen(four cycles),combined with sandwiched radiotherapy.
基金by research funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81670176 to L.W.,81520108003,and 81830007 to W.Z.)the Chang Jiang Scholars Program(T2015055 to W.Z.)+4 种基金the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission Gaofeng Clinical Medicine Grant Support(20152206 to L.W.and 20152208 to W.Z.)the Clinical Research Plan of SHDC(SHDC2020CR1032B to W.Z.)the Multicenter Clinical Research Project by Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine(DLY201601 to W.Z.)the Collaborative Innovation Center of Systems Biomedicine(to W.Z.)the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation(to W.Z.).
文摘Background:Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)patients refractory to rituximab-based immunochemotherapy have a dismal prognosis.However,the definition of refractory DLBCL remains inconsistent and no large cohort study data is available from Asian countries.To validate the definition and outcomes of refractory DLBCL in China,we conducted a multicenter,retrospective cohort study.Methods:The REtrospective AnaLysis of Treatment REspoNse of refractory DLBCL(REAL-TREND)study was performed using real-world data from 8 centers in China.DLBCL patients with curative intent were included in the REAL-TREND dataset.Overall survival(OS)was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test.Due to heterogeneity in response rates among different centers,the response rates of refractory patients were pooled using random-effect models.Multivariate survival analysis was performed using the Cox regression model.Results:A total of 2778 DLBCL patients diagnosed between January,2010 and December,2015 were enrolled to this study.After validating previous definitions,the SCHOLAR-1 study was most suitable to define refractory DLBCL.The estimated 5-year cumulative incidence of refractory patients was 20%(95% confidence Interval[CI]=18%-22%).After the determination of refractory disease,overall response rate and complete remission rate were 30%(95%CI=22%-38%)and 9%(95%CI=4%-15%),respectively.Patients with either no response to immunochemotherapy or relapse within 12 months after stem-cell transplantation had inferior survival with a median OS of 5.9 months(95%CI=5.5-7.1 months)and 2-year OS rate of 16%(95%CI=12%-20%).International prognostic index score 4-5(hazard ratio[HR]=2.22;95%CI=1.47-3.35),central nervous systemrelapse(HR=1.43;95%CI=1.04-1.97),and best response status(HR=2.68;95%CI=1.42-5.03 for partial remission.HR=5.97,95%CI=3.21-11.11 for stable disease/progressive disease)were independent unfavorable prognostic factors.Conclusions:This is the first large-scale Asian cohort study focusing on outcomes of refractory DLBCL.The definition of the SCHOLAR-1 study identifies patients with homogenously inferior survival,thus is appropriate to select refractory DLBCL.Due to poor clinical outcomes in the rituximab era,patients with refractory DLBCL may be potential candidates for novel treatment modalities.
基金the financial assistance of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(GrantNo.71110107028)CAS(Grant No.KZZD-EW-06-02)
文摘Drawing on a survey of106 secondary vocational schools and 7309 students in two provinces of China, this descriptive paper assesses whether vocational schooling is measuring up to government benchmarks for quality and whether poor students are able to access quality schools. We find that secondary vocational schools have met government benchmarks for teacher qualification and training, student opportunities forpractical training and adequate facilities. Furthermore, poor students access schools of similar quality to non-poor students, even though 34percent of poor students do not receive financial aid. We conclude that recent policies are successfully ensuring secondary vocational school quality and equity of access to school quality between poor and non-poor students. However, financial aid policies should be re-examined, such that poor students receive sufficient coverage. Moreover, given that input-based measures only proxy school quality, the government should consider holding schools accountable for outcomes such as student learning.
基金supported by grants from the 13th Five-Year National Key R&D Program of China(2017YFD0102001).
文摘Along with rapid advances in high-throughput-sequencing technology,the development and application of molecular markers has been critical for the progress that has been made in crop breeding and genetic research.Desirable molecular markers should be able to rapidly genotype tens of thousands of breeding accessions with tens to hundreds of markers.In this study,we developed a multiplex molecular marker,the haplotype-tag polymorphism(HTP),that integrates Maize6H-60K array data from 3,587 maize inbred lines with 6,375 blocks from the recombination block map.After applying strict filtering criteria,we obtained 6,163 highly polymorphic HTPs,which were evenly distributed in the genome.Furthermore,we developed a genome-wide HTP analysis toolkit,HTPtools,which we used to establish an HTP database(HTPdb)covering the whole genomes of 3,587 maize inbred lines commonly used in breeding.A total of 172,921 non-redundant HTP allelic variations were obtained.Three major HTPtools modules combine seven algorithms(e.g.,chain Bayes probability and the heterotic-pattern prediction algorithm)and a new plotting engine named“BCplot”that enables rapid visualization of the background information of multiple backcross groups.HTPtools was designed for big-data analyses such as complex pedigree reconstruction and maize heterotic-pattern prediction.The HTP-based analytical strategy and the toolkit developed in this study are applicable for high-throughput genotyping and for genetic mapping,germplasm resource analyses,and genomics-informed breeding in maize.
基金the financial assistance of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.71110107028,71333012,and 71033003).
文摘Policymakers in developing countries have prioritized the mass expansion of vocational education and training(VET).This study examines whether the quality of VET in developing countries increases by investing greater resources per student.To achieve this goal,we examine the impacts of attending model schools(which have far more resources per student)on a range of student cognitive,non-cognitive,and behavioral outcomes.Using representative data from a survey of approximately 12,000 VET students from China,multivariate regression and propensity score matching analyses show that attending model vocational high schools do not benefit student outcomes,despite their substantially greater resources.
基金the financial assistance of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(71103171 and 71033003)the Chinese Academy of Sciences(KZZD-EW-06-02)the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research,Chinese Academy of Sciences(2011RC 102)
文摘Despite their recent deterioration, village clinics have historically been an important source of health care for the poor and elderly in rural China. In this paper, we examine the current role of village clinics, the patients who use them and some of the services they provide. We focus specifically on the role of village clinics in meeting the health-care needs of the rural poor and elderly. We find that although clinics are continuing to decline financially, they remain a source of care for the rural elderly and poor. We estimate that the elderly are 10-15 percent more likely than young individuals to seek care at a clinic. We show that clinics provide many unique services to support the rural elderly (and the elderly poor), such as in-home patient care, the option for patients to pay on credit, and free and discounted services.