On the Publishing Boom of Natural History Books in China in the 21st Century and the Reasons Behind It

Natural history,a discipline of ecological significance,is regaining popularity in China,especially after 2010,thanks to the promotion of academics in the history of science and technology.A series of natural history books have been published,creating a publishing boom.Natural history books in China are experiencing growth in numbers and genre with more accurate segmentation in themes,indicating that the natural history publication trade is going to mature.By genre,most natural history books are primary,focusing on basic knowledge about birds,animals,and plants,while the secondary books focusing on the historical and theoretical study of natural history make up only a small portion.In the early 20th century,natural history books saw a boom driven by peoples’enthusiastic pursuit of science.Today,natural history books follow the tides of building an ecological civilization,reaching out to the domain of“natural history and the public.”There will be broad prospects for books featuring“natural history+,”such as“natural history+painting,”“natural history+literature,”“natural history+food,”and“natural history+tourism.”

Chinese Grouse (Bonasa sewerzowi):its natural history,behavior and conservation

The Chinese Grouse (Bonasa sewerzowi) is a bird endemic to China,inhabiting the conifer-dominated high mountains.It occurs in the most southern range of grouse and is the smallest grouse species in the world.The Chinese Grouse has been listed as an endangered species by the China Red Data Book and placed in Category I of nationally protected animals.Since 1995,we have systematically conducted work on the Chinese Grouse using radiotelemetry techniques at the Lianhuashan Nature Reserve in Gansu Province,western China.In this presentation we summarize the mating behavior,nest site selection,incubation rhythm,winter social behavior,diet and other natural history characteristics of this species.With the aid of landscape ecological methods,we also analyze the condition of habitat fragmentation and propose suggestions for conservation.

Dilemma and Exploration of Resource Sharing in University Museums of Natural History——using Natural History Museum of Zhengzhou Normal University as an example

A natural history museum is a museum for collection, researching and presenting natural environment and natural heritages about natural history. In the research, based on the analysis on necessity of university museums’ services to society in resources sharing, the difficulties and dilemmas were summarized in sharing resources of museums and the approaches for resources sharing were explored with the case of Natural History Museum of Zhengzhou Normal University in order to investigate the way for better services of university museum to the public.

Natural history of chronic hepatitis B:Phases in a complex relationship

Chronic hepatitis B(CHB)is a condition of globalprevalence and its sequelae include cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.The natural history of CHB isa complex interplay of virological,environmental andhost factors.The dynamic relationship between thevirus and host evolves over the duration of the infection and different phases of the disease have been observed and described.These have been conceptualizedin terms of the state of balance between the host immune system and the hepatitis B virus and have beengiven the labels immune tolerant,immune clearance,immune control and immune escape although othernomenclature is also used.Host factors,such as age atinfection,determine progression to chronicity.Virological factors including hepatitis B viral load,mutationsand genotype also have an impact on the adverseoutcomes of the infection,as do hepatotoxic cofactorssuch as alcohol.Our understanding of the natural history of CHB has evolved significantly over the past fewdecades and characterizing the phase of disease ofCHB remains an integral part of managing this virus in the clinic.

Natural history of hepatitis-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is an important cause of cancer death in the world. It has great regional differences in the pathology and epidemiology. The variation is greatly influenced by the aetiologies of the disease. Hepatitis B and C infection are the most important risk factors. HCC incidence rates are higher but in decreasing trend in developing countries. However, the figures in the developed countries are contrary. Successful hepatitis B virus （HBV） vacdnation programs, better food hygiene, increased global hepatitis C virus {HCV） prevalence and population migration are the possible explanations. A number of clinical and pathogenic differences exist between HBV- and HCV- related HCC. HBV infection leads to the development of HCC through direct and indirect pathways as it has the ability to integrate into the host genome affecting cellular signaling and growth control. HCV causes HCC mainly through indirect pathways： chronic inflammation, cell deaths and proliferation. As a result, HCC is almost exclusively found in cirrhotic HCV patients while HCC is sometimes found in HBV patients without significant liver cirrhosis. Due to the different severities of liver cirrhosis and HCC extent, therapeutic strategies from resection, liver transplantation to symptoms palliation are available. Poorly differentiated histology, lack of fibrous capsule, large tumour size, early vascular invasion and elevated serum levels of alpha fetoprotein （AFP） are the features for more aggressive disease. Combined with markers of liver reserve and performance status, accurate scoring systems and models have been developed to predict patients＇ survival and match best treatment option.

Natural history of covert hepatic encephalopathy: An observational study of 366 cirrhotic patients

AIM To explore the natural history of covert hepatic encephalopathy(CHE) in absence of medication intervention.METHODS Consecutive outpatient cirrhotic patients in a Chinese tertiary care hospital were enrolled and evaluated for CHE diagnosis. They were followed up for a mean of 11.2 ± 1.3 mo. Time to the first cirrhosis-related complications requiring hospitalization, including overt HE(OHE), resolution of CHE and death/transplantation, were compared between CHE and no-CHE patients. Predictors for complication(s) and death/transplantation were also analyzed.RESULTS A total of 366 patients(age: 47.2 ± 8.6 years, male: 73.0%) were enrolled. CHE was identified in 131 patients(35.8%). CHE patients had higher rates of death and incidence of complications requiring hospitalization, including OHE, compared to unimpaired patients. Moreover, 17.6% of CHE patients developed OHE, 42.0% suffered persistent CHE, and 19.8% of CHE spontaneously resolved. In CHE patients, serum albumin < 30 g/L(HR = 5.22, P = 0.03) was the sole predictor for developing OHE, and blood creatinine > 133 μmol/L(HR = 4.75, P = 0.036) predicted mortality. Child-Pugh B/C(HR = 0.084, P < 0.001) and OHE history(HR = 0.15, P = 0.014) were predictors of spontaneous resolution of CHE.CONCLUSION CHE exacerbates, persists or resolves without medication intervention in clinically stable cirrhosis. Triage of patients based on these predictors will allow for more cost-effect management of CHE.

Hepatitis B surface antigen levels during natural history of chronic hepatitis B: A Chinese perspective study

AIM: To determine the baseline hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels during the different phases of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in China.

Natural history of untreatable hepatocellular carcinoma:A retrospective cohort study

AIM: To investigate the clinical course of untreatable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) identified at any stage and to identify factors associated with mortality. METHODS: From January 1999 to December 2010, 320 out of 825 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of HCC and not appropriate for curative or palliative treatments were followed and managed with supportive therapy. Cirrhosis was diagnosed by histological or clinical features and liver function was evaluated according to Child-Pugh score. The diagnosis of HCC was performed by Ultra-Sound guided biopsy or by multiphasic contrast-enhanced computed tomography or gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Data were collected for each patient including all clinical, laboratory and imaging variables necessary for the outcome prediction staging systems considered. HCC staging was performed according Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) and Cancer of the Liver Italian Program scores. Follow-up time was defined as the number of months from the diagnosis of HCC to death. Prognostic baseline variables were analyzed by multivariate Cox analysis to identify the independent predictors of survival. RESULTS: Seventy-five per cent of patients had hepatitis C. Ascites was present in 169 patients (53%), while hepatic encephalopathy was present in 49 patients (15%). The Child-Pugh score was class A in 105 patients (33%), class B in 142 patients (44%), and class C in 73 patients (23%). One hundred patients (31%) had macroscopic vascular invasion and/or extra-hepatic spread of the tumor. A single lesion > 10 cm was observed in 34 patients (11%), while multinodular HCC was present in 189 patients (59%). Thirty nine patients (12%) were BCLC early (A) stage, 55 (17%) were BCLC intermediate (B) stage, 124 (39%) were BCLC advanced (C) stage, and 102 (32%) were end-stage BCLC (D). At the time of this analysis (July 2011), 28 (9%) patients were still alive. Six (2%) patients who were lost during follow-up were censored at the last visit. The overall median survival was 6.8 mo, and the 1-year survival was 32%. The 1-year survival according to BCLC classes was 100%, 79%, 12% and 0%, for BCLC A, B, C and D, respectively. There was a significant difference in survival between each BCLC class. The median survival of patients of BCLC stages A, B, C and D was 33, 17.4, 6.9, and 1.8 mo, respectively (P < 0.05 for comparison between stages). The median survival of Child-Pugh A, B and C classes were 9.8 mo (range 6.4-13), 6.1 (range 4.9-7.3), and 3.7 (range 1.5-6), respectively (P < 0.05 for comparison between stages). By univariate analysis, the variables significantly associated to an increased liklihood of mortality were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS), presence of ascites, low level of albumin, elevated level of bilirubin, international normalized ratio (INR) and Log-[(α fetoprotein (AFP)]. At multivariate analysis, mortality was independently predicted by bad PS (P < 0.0001), high INR values (P = 0.0001) and elevated Log-(AFP) levels (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: This study confirms the heterogeneous behavior of untreated HCC. BCLC staging remains an important prognostic guide and may be important in decision-making for palliative treatment.

Natural history and long-term clinical course of Crohn's disease

Crohn&#x02019;s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease process involving different sites in the gastrointestinal tract. Occasionally, so-called metastatic disease occurs in extra-intestinal sites. Granulomatous inflammation may be detected in endoscopic biopsies or resected tissues. Genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors appear to play a role. Multiple susceptibility genes have been described in both familial and non-familial forms while the disease is phenotypically heterogeneous with a female predominance. The disorder occurs over a broad age spectrum, from early childhood to late adulthood. More than 80% are diagnosed before age 40 years usually with terminal ileal and colonic involvement. Pediatric-onset disease is more severe and more extensive, usually with a higher chance of upper gastrointestinal tract disease, compared to adult-onset disease. Long-term studies have shown that the disorder may evolve with time into more complex disease with stricture formation and penetrating disease complications (i.e., fistula, abscess). Although prolonged remission may occur, discrete periods of symptomatic disease may re-appear over many decades suggesting recurrence or re-activation of this inflammatory process. Eventual development of a cure will likely depend on identification of an etiologic cause and a fundamental understanding of its pathogenesis. Until now, treatment has focused on removing risk factors, particularly cigarette smoking, and improving symptoms. In clinical trials, clinical remission is largely defined as improved numerical and endoscopic indices for &#x0201c;mucosal healing&#x0201d;. &#x0201c;Deep remission&#x0201d; is a conceptual, more &#x0201c;extended&#x0201d; goal that may or may not alter the long-term natural history of the disease in selected patients, albeit at a significant risk for treatment complications, including serious and unusual opportunistic infections.

Natural history of sensory nerve recovery after cutaneous nerve injury following foot and ankle surgery

Cutaneous nerve injury is the most common complication following foot and ankle surgery. However, clinical studies including long-term follow-up data after cutaneous nerve injury of the foot and ankle are lacking. In the current retrospective study, we analyzed the clinical data of 279 patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery. Subjects who suffered from apparent paresthesia in the cutaneous sensory nerve area after surgery were included in the study. Pa- tients received oral vitamin B^2 and methylcobalamin. We examined final follow-up data of 17 patients, including seven with sural nerve injury, five with superficial peroneal nerve injury, and five with plantar medial cutaneous nerve injury. We assessed nerve sensory function using the Medical Research Council Scale. Follow-up immediately, at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 9 months, and 1 year after surgery demonstrated that sensory function was gradually restored in most patients within 6 months. However, recovery was slow at 9 months. There was no significant difference in sensory function between 9 months and 1 year after surgery. Painful neuromas occurred in four patients at 9 months to 1 year. The results demonstrated that the recovery of sensory func- tion in patients with various cutaneous nerve injuries after foot and ankle surgery required at least 6 months.

The natural history of chronic hepatitis B:a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the natural history, of chronic hepatitis B so as to evaluate its long-term therapeutic outcome of the patients and the efficacy of antiviral drugs. METHODS: A cohort of 183 biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis B patients (mean age of 31.75±8.03 years, male/female ratio: 152:31) and 247 controls were followed up retrospectively for 11.81±4.08 years. This study was focused on long-term clinical outcome including the rates of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and death, apart from the long-term effect of antiviral drugs and prognostic factors. RESULTS: In the 183 chronic hepatitis B patients, 22 (12.02%) developed liver cirrhosis, 12 (6.56%) developed hepatocellular carcinoma, and 20 (10.93%) died. The 5-, 10- and 15-year survival rates were 97. 27%, 91.62%, and 84.47%, respectively. The 5-, 10- and 15-year incidence rates of HCC were O, 3.19%, and 11.56%, respectively. In the 247 controls, 6 (2.43%) died; none of them developed cirrhosis or HCC. The rates of death, liver cirrhosis, and HCC in the hepatitis B patients were markedly different (P<0. 005) compared with the controls. The overall mortality of hepatitis B patients was 4.5-fold higher than the general population. Cox multiple regression analysis showed that old age, severe histological injury, and positive HBeAg were closely related to liver cirrhosis; old age, severe histological injury, and male were major factors leading to death. The independent variable of predicted HCC was not found. CONCLUSION: The long-term outcome of hepatitis B patients is poor and the efficacy of antiviral drugs needs further study.

Crucial steps in the natural history of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD),including ulcerative colitis(UC) and Crohn's disease(CD),are chronic,progressive and disabling disorders.Over the last few decades,new therapeutic approaches have been introduced which have led not only to a reduction in the mortality rate but also offered the possibility of a favorable modification in the natural history of IBD.The identification of clinical,genetic and serological prognostic factors has permitted a better stratification of the disease,thus allowing the opportunity to indicate the most appropriate therapy.Early treatment with immunosuppressive drugs and biologics has offered the opportunity to change,at least in the short term,the course of the disease by reducing,in a subset of patients with IBD,hospitalization and the need for surgery.In this review,the crucial steps in the natural history of both UC and CD will be discussed,as well as the factors that may change their clinical course.The methodological requirements for high quality studies on the course and prognosis of IBD,the true impact of environmental and dietary factors on the clinical course of IBD,the clinical,serological and genetic predictors of the IBD course(in particular,which of these are rel-evant and appropriate for use in clinical practice),the impact of the various forms of medical treatment on the IBD complication rate,the role of surgery for IBD in the biologic era,the true magnitude of risk of colorectal cancer associated with IBD,as well as the mortality rate related to IBD will be stressed;all topics that are extensively discussed in separate reviews included in this issue of World Journal of Gastroenterology.

Long-term natural history of Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory granulomatous process that usually involves different sites in the intestinal tract. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in its etiology and pathogenesis. The disorder has a heterogeneous clinical expression and data from tertiary care settings have documented its female predominance, occasional familial nature, and high rate of stricture formation and penetrating disease. It may appear from early childhood to late adulthood, although over 80% are currently diagnosed before age 40 years, usually with terminal ileal and colonic involvement. Several studies have now shown differences in phenotypic clinical expression depending on the initial age at diagnosis, with pediatric-onset disease being more severe and more extensive with more involvement of the upper gastrointestinal tract compared to adult-onset disease. In addition, long- term studies from these tertiary care settings have documented that the disorder may evolve with time into a more complex disease with stricture formation and penetrating disease complications (i.e. fistula and abscess). Although prolonged remission with no evidence of inflammatory disease may occur, discrete periods of symptomatic and active granulomatous inflammatory disease may re-appear over many decades. Long-term studies on the natural history have also suggested that discrete events (or agents) may precipitate this granulomatous inflammatory process.

Inflammatory bowel disease course in Crohn's disease:Is the natural history changing?

Crohn&#x02019;s disease (CD) is a multifactorial potentially debilitating disease. It has a variable disease course, but the majority of patients eventually develop penetrating or stricturing complications leading to repeated surgeries and disability. Studies on the natural history of CD provide invaluable data on its course and clinical predictors, and may help to identify patient subsets based on clinical phenotype. Most data are available from referral centers, however these outcomes may be different from those in population-based cohorts. New data suggest the possibility of a change in the natural history in Crohn&#x02019;s disease, with an increasing percentage of patients diagnosed with inflammatory disease behavior. Hospitalization rates remain high, while surgery rates seem to have decreased in the last decade. In addition, mortality rates still exceed that of the general population. The impact of changes in treatment strategy, including increased, earlier use of immunosuppressives, biological therapy, and patient monitoring on the natural history of the disease are still conflictive. In this review article, the authors summarize the available evidence on the natural history, current trends, and predictive factors for evaluating the disease course of CD.

Natural history of major complications in hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis evaluated by per-rectal portal scintigraphy

AIM: To examine the correlation between the porto-systemic hypertension evaluated by portal shunt index (PSI) and life-threatening complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver failure (Child-Pugh stage progression), and esophagogastric varices. METHODS: Two hundred and twelve consecutive subjects with HCV-related cirrhosis (LC-C) underwent per-rectal portal scintigraphy. They were allocated into three groups according to their PSI: group Ⅰ, PSI≤10%; group Ⅱ, 10%<PSI<30%; and group Ⅲ, 30%≤PSI. Of these, selected 122 Child-Pugh stage A (Child A) subjects were included in analysis (a mean follow-up period of 5.9±5.4 years, range 6 mo-21 years). RESULTS: No significant correlation between PSI and cumulative probability of HCC incidence was observed. Cumulative probability of Child A to B progression was tended to be higher in group Ⅲ than in group Ⅰ, and significantly higher in group Ⅲ than in group Ⅱ (62% vs 34%, 62% vs 37%; P = 0.060, <0.01; respectively). Cumulative probability of varices tended to be higher in group Ⅲ than in group Ⅰ (31% vs 12%, P = 0.090). On multivariate analyses, significant correlation between PSI and Child A to B progression was observed, and no significant correlation between PSI and HCC incidence or varices progression was observed. CONCLUSION: Patients with LC-C of Child A will progress to Child B rapidly after their PSI reaches 30% or higher. PSI can be used to predict occult progressive porto-systemic shunting and liver failure non-invasively. It indicates that PSI may play an important role in follow-up of the porto-systemic hypertension gradient for outpatients with LC unlike hepatic venous catheterization.

Barrett’s esophagus:Review of natural history and comparative efficacy of endoscopic and surgical therapies

Barrett's esophagus(BE)is the precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma(EAC).Progression to cancer typically occurs in a stepwise fashion through worsening dysplasia and ultimately,invasive neoplasia.Established EAC with deep involvement of the esophageal wall and/or metastatic disease is invariably associated with poor long-term survival rates.This guides the rationale of surveillance of Barrett’s in an attempt to treat lesions at an earlier,and potentially curative stage.The last two decades have seen a paradigm shift in management of Barrett’s with rapid expansion in the role of endoscopic eradication therapy(EET)for management of dysplastic and early neoplastic BE,and there have been substantial changes to international consensus guidelines for management of early BE based on evolving evidence.This review aims to assist the physician in the therapeutic decision-making process with patients by comprehensive review and summary of literature surrounding natural history of Barrett’s by histological stage,and the effectiveness of interventions in attenuating the risk posed by its natural history.Key findings were as follows.Non-dysplastic Barrett’s is associated with extremely low risk of progression,and interventions cannot be justified.The annual risk of cancer progression in low grade dysplasia is between 1%-3%;EET can be offered though evidence for its benefit remains confined to highly select settings.High-grade dysplasia progresses to cancer in 5%-10%per year;EET is similarly effective to and less morbid than surgery and should be routinely performed for this indication.Risk of nodal metastases in intramucosal cancer is 2%-4%,which is comparable to operative mortality rate,so EET is usually preferred.Submucosal cancer is associated with nodal metastases in 14%-41%hence surgery remains standard of care,except for select situations.

Natural history of inferior mesenteric arteriovenous malformation that led to ischemic colitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Ischemic colitis with inferior mesenteric arteriovenous malformation(AVM)is a rare disease.Although a few reports have been published,no report has described the natural history of idiopathic mesenteric AVM.CASE SUMMARY A 50-year-old male was admitted to our hospital due to abdominal pain that had persisted for 3 mo and bloody diarrhea.He had no history of trauma or abdominal surgery.He had undergone two colonoscopies 6 mo and 2 years ago,and they showed only a polyp.He was diagnosed with ischemic colitis with inferior mesenteric AVM following contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography(CT)and underwent rectal low anterior resection.He has not had a recurrence of symptoms for 3 years.His history showed that he had undergone non-enhanced abdominal CT 2,5,and 8 years ago when he had attacks of urinary stones.Retrospectively,dilation of blood vessels around the rectosigmoid colon could have been detected 5 years ago,and these findings gradually became more evident.CONCLUSION This is the first report of the natural history of inferior mesenteric AVM.

Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology

The Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology is located in the campus of Kunming Institute of Zoology （KIZ）, the Chinese Academy of Sciences （CAS）. The museum occupies 7 350 square meters, including a research specimen library, a science awareness hall and a multi-functional reference room. The museum is currently housing the most substantial collections of zoological specimens in southwest China.

The Natural History of Dry Type of Age-related Macular Degeneration

To study the natural history of dry type of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and search for a sensitive method for detecting the development of the disease, the fundus fluorescein angiography, visual acuity, electroretinogram and FM 100-hue test were used to examine 75 eyes, 147 eyes, 73 eyes, and 94 eyes respectively. These examinations were taken at least twice during the follow-up periods. The average age was 63.2 years (50-80 years ). The average follow-up was 29.8 months with a range of 3-74 ...

Beijing Natural History Museum

THE Beijing Natural History Museum was the first natural science museum established after the founding of the People’s Republic. It encompasses specimen collection, preservation,