Distribution and dynamics of niche and interspecific association of dominant phytoplankton species in the Feiyun River basin,Zhejiang,China

To investigate the dominant species and interspecific association in the phytoplankton community of the Feiyun River basin in Zhejiang Province,East China,the main stream and the Shanxi Zhaoshandu Reservoir in the downstream were chosen as the study area,for which 22 sampling sites were designated.Sampling was conducted in September 2021,January,May,and July 2022.Phytoplankton species were identified from both quantitative samples and in-vivo observations.Phytoplankton was quantified by direct counting.Results show that there were 98 species belonging to 6 phyla and 78 genera.In addition,to clarify the niches of the dominant phytoplankton species and their interspecific association,the dominance index was calculated,and a comprehensive analysis was conducted including niche width,niche overlap value,ecological response rate,overall association,chi-square test,and the stability.The phytoplankton community exhibited characteristics of a Cyanobacteria-Chlorophyta-Diatom type community,showing higher diversity in spring and lower diversity in summer.Among 11 dominants phytoplankton species from 3 phyla,both frequency and dominance degree varied seasonally,of which Microcystis sp.was the dominant species in Spring,Autumn,and Winter.The niche widths of the dominant species ranged from 0.234 to 0.933,and were categorized into three groups.The niche overlap values of the 11 dominant species ranged from 0.359 to 0.959,exhibiting significant seasonal differences-highest in winter followed by autumn,spring,and summer in turn.The overall correlation among dominant species in all four seasons revealed a non-significant negative association,resulting in an unstable community structure.A significant portion(84.2%)of species pairs displayed positive associations,suggesting a successional pattern where Diatoms dominated while other dominant species shared resources and space.Despite this pattern,stability measurements indicated that the dominant species community remained unstable.Therefore,careful monitoring is recommended for potential water environment issues arising from abnormal proliferation of dominant species in the watershed during winter.This research built a theoretical foundation with a data support to the early warning of eutrophication and provided a reference for water resources management in similar watersheds along the eastern coast of China.

Epistasis-aware genome-wide association studies provide insights into the efficient breeding of high-yield and high-quality rice

Marker-assisted selection(MAS)and genomic selection(GS)breeding have greatly improved the efficiency of rice breeding.Due to the influences of epistasis and gene pleiotropy,ensuring the actual breeding effect of MAS and GS is still a difficult challenge to overcome.In this study,113 indica rice varieties(V)and their 565 testcross hybrids(TC)were used as the materials to investigate the genetic basis of 12 quality traits and nine agronomic traits.The original traits and general combining ability of the parents,as well as the original traits and midparent heterosis of TC,were subjected to genome-wide association analysis.In total,381 primary significantly associated loci(SAL)and 1,759 secondary SALs that had epistatic interactions with these primary SALs were detected.Among these loci,322 candidate genes located within or nearby the SALs were screened,204 of which were cloned genes.A total of 39 MAS molecular modules that are beneficial for trait improvement were identified by pyramiding the superior haplotypes of candidate genes and desirable epistatic alleles of the secondary SALs.All the SALs were used to construct genetic networks,in which 91 pleiotropic loci were investigated.Additionally,we estimated the accuracy of genomic prediction in the parent V and TC by incorporating either no SALs,primary SALs,secondary SALs or epistatic effect SALs as covariates.Although the prediction accuracies of the four models were generally not significantly different in the TC dataset,the incorporation of primary SALs,secondary SALs,and epistatic effect SALs significantly improved the prediction accuracies of 5(26%),3(16%),and 11(58%)traits in the V dataset,respectively.These results suggested that SALs and epistatic effect SALs identified based on an additive genotype can provide considerable predictive power for the parental lines.They also provide insights into the genetic basis of complex traits and valuable information for molecular breeding in rice.

Leveraging the potential of big genomic and phenotypic data for genome-wide association mapping in wheat

Genome-wide association mapping studies(GWAS)based on Big Data are a potential approach to improve marker-assisted selection in plant breeding.The number of available phenotypic and genomic data sets in which medium-sized populations of several hundred individuals have been studied is rapidly increasing.Combining these data and using them in GWAS could increase both the power of QTL discovery and the accuracy of estimation of underlying genetic effects,but is hindered by data heterogeneity and lack of interoperability.In this study,we used genomic and phenotypic data sets,focusing on Central European winter wheat populations evaluated for heading date.We explored strategies for integrating these data and subsequently the resulting potential for GWAS.Establishing interoperability between data sets was greatly aided by some overlapping genotypes and a linear relationship between the different phenotyping protocols,resulting in high quality integrated phenotypic data.In this context,genomic prediction proved to be a suitable tool to study relevance of interactions between genotypes and experimental series,which was low in our case.Contrary to expectations,fewer associations between markers and traits were found in the larger combined data than in the individual experimental series.However,the predictive power based on the marker-trait associations of the integrated data set was higher across data sets.Therefore,the results show that the integration of medium-sized to Big Data is an approach to increase the power to detect QTL in GWAS.The results encourage further efforts to standardize and share data in the plant breeding community.

Strengthening Active Aging through Older People’s Association and Economic Activity of the Older People in Nepal

Aging is a natural lifelong process ending in death. Many older people are living in poverty. Older people are generally considered dependent on others as they grow older. The purpose of this article is to explore the entrepreneurship activities of Nepalese older adults. Data for this study were collected from the project Help Age International (HAI) implemented in Nepal. Qualitative data observations and interviews were used to collect data. The findings of this study show the formation of the Older People’s Association (OPA) has supported many older people to participate outside the home in various social activities. Moreover, regular deposits through OPAs offer little help. OPAs support older people in their need of financial support to implement minor entrepreneurship. Older people who received support were pleased and were actively involved in their activities and also regularly deposited money in them. Subsequently, older people’s participation in social activities has increased and also helped to lower elderly abuse, loneliness, and depression. Local governments should promote such activities which will help with healthy aging.

Genome-wide and candidate gene association studies identify BnPAP17 as conferring the utilization of organic phosphorus in oilseed rape

Phosphorus(P)is essential for living plants,and P deficiency is one of the key factors limiting the yield in rapeseed production worldwide.As the most important organ for plants,root morphology traits(RMTs)play a key role in P absorption.To investigate the genetic variability of RMT under low P availability,we dissected the genetic structure of RMTs by genome-wide association studies(GWAS),linkage mapping and candidate gene association studies(CGAS).A total of 52 suggestive loci were associated with RMTs under P stress conditions in 405 oilseed rape accessions.The purple acid phosphatase gene BnPAP17 was found to control the lateral root number(LRN)and root dry weight(RDW)under low P stress.The expression of BnPAP17 was increased in shoot tissue in P-efficient cultivars compared to root tissue and P-inefficient cultivars in response to low P stress.Moreover,the haplotype of BnPAP17^(Hap3)was detected for the selective breeding of P efficiency in oilseed rape.Over-expression of the BnPAP17^(Hap3)could promote the shoot and root growth with enhanced tolerance to low P stress and organic phosphorus(Po)utilization in oilseed rape.Collectively,these findings increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying BnPAP17-mediated low P stress tolerance in oilseed rape.

Demography and Socio-Economic Aspects on Irrigated Smallholder Agricultural Enterprises and Their Association with the Cultivation of Maize (Zea mays L.) as a Selected Field Crop

The purpose of this study is to correlate demography and socio-economic aspects at Irrigated Smallholder Agricultural Enterprises and their association with the Cultivation of Maize in order to determine its positive impacts at irrigated smallholders’ agricultural entrepreneurs’ household. Chi-square test was used as descriptive analysis method. The Fischer Exact tests were employed to test demography (gender, age, education, and income) in winter and summer production season of irrigated smallholder agricultural enterprises and their association with the cultivation of selected field crop (i.e. maize). The results show that gender results were not being statistically significant, as measured by the Phi measure of effect size, φ = 0.149, p = 0.011, and φ = 0.05, p = 0.392 in summer. As far as age is concern, it appears to be a statistically significant association between cultivating maize and age in winter, φ = 0.046, p = 0.730 in winter and φ = 0.172, p = 0.013. Education winter result not being statistically significant, the effect size showed a weak association, as measured by the Phi measure of effect size, φ = 0.112, p = 0.305 and φ = 0.035, p = 0.948 in summer. Income result not being statistically significant, as measured by the Phi measure of effect size, φ = 0.049, p = 0.399 and φ = 0.081, p = 0.166 in summer. In conclusion, the study shows that the development of best management practices must be based on a comprehensive analysis of the livelihoods and irrigated smallholder agricultural enterprise farming styles of participating irrigated smallholder agricultural entrepreneurs.

Reform of the Irrigation Sector and Creation of Functional and Sustainable Irrigation Water Users Associations (AUEI) in Niger: Capitalization of the Experience of the Konni AHA

During the 1980s, as part of a policy of liberalization, following budgetary cuts linked to the implementation of structural adjustment programs, management responsibilities for AHAs were transferred from ONAHA to cooperatives concerned. Due to lack of financial resources, but also because of poor management, everywhere in Niger we are witnessing an accelerated deterioration of the irrigation infrastructure of hydro-agricultural developments. Institutional studies carried out on this situation led the State of Niger to initiate a reform of the governance of hydro-agricultural developments, by streng-thening the status of ONAHA, by creating an Association of Irrigation Water Users (AUEI) and by restructuring the old cooperatives. Indeed, this research aims to analyze the creation of functional and sustainable Irrigation Water User Associations (AUEI) in Niger in a context of reform of the irrigation sector, and based on the experience of the Konni AHA. It is based on a methodological approach which takes into account documentary research and the collection of data from 115 farmers, selected by reasoned choice and directly concerned by the management of the irrigated area. The data collected was analyzed and the results were analyzed using the systemic approach and the diagnostic process. The results show that the main mission of the AUEI is to ensure better management of water, hydraulic equipment and infrastructure on the hydro-agricultural developments of Konni. The creation of the Konni AUEI was possible thanks to massive support from the populations and authorities in the implementation process. After its establishment, the AUEI experienced a certain lethargy for some time due to the rehabilitation work of the AHA but currently it is functional and operational in terms of associative life and governance. Thus, the constraints linked to the legal system, the delay in the completion of the work, the uncertainties of access to irrigation water but also the problems linked to the change in mentality of certain ONAHA agents constitute the challenges that must be resolved in the short term for the operationalization of the Konni AUEI.

Comparative Analysis of the Factors Influencing Metro Passenger Arrival Volumes in Wuhan, China, and Lagos, Nigeria: An Application of Association Rule Mining and Neural Network Models

This study explores the factors influencing metro passengers’ arrival volume in Wuhan, China, and Lagos, Nigeria, by examining weather, time of day, waiting time, travel behavior, arrival patterns, and metro satisfaction. It addresses a significant research gap in understanding metro passengers’ dynamics across cultural and geographical contexts. It employs questionnaires, field observations, and advanced data analysis techniques like association rule mining and neural network modeling. Key findings include a correlation between rainy weather, shorter waiting times, and higher arrival volumes. Neural network models showed high predictive accuracy, with waiting time, metro satisfaction, and weather being significant factors in Lagos Light Rail Blue Line Metro. In contrast, arrival patterns, weather, and time of day were more influential in Wuhan Metro Line 5. Results suggest that improving metro satisfaction and reducing waiting times could increase arrival volumes in Lagos Metro while adjusting schedules for weather and peak times could optimize flow in Wuhan Metro. These insights are valuable for transportation planning, passenger arrival volume management, and enhancing user experiences, potentially benefiting urban transportation sustainability and development goals.

The Development and Experience of American Pharmaceutical Industry Associations and Its Enlightenment to China

Objective To study the development history and current situation of pharmaceutical industry associations in the United State and to provide reference for China’s pharmaceutical industry associations.Methods Literature research and comparative study were used to investigate the development history and current situation of pharmaceutical associations in the United States.Then,their characteristics and experiences were summarized.Some countermeasures and suggestions were put forward for the existing problems of pharmaceutical associations in China.Results and Conclusion The institutional environment of pharmaceutical associations in the United States is relatively good,reflecting the characteristics of emphasizing process management and neglecting entrance management with and the help of public supervision.At the same time,the government advocates market competition by adhering to the market-oriented services for the public.American pharmaceutical industry associations have strong innovation capacity and perfect credit system.Drawing on the experience of pharmaceutical industry associations in the United States,China should strengthen the construction of pharmaceutical industry associations.Firstly,the supervision mechanism should be improved.Secondly,these associations should have good partnerships with the government and offer the public the best services.Finally,the fund-raising mechanism of pharmaceutical industry associations should be optimized to ensure the innovative development of the pharmaceutical industry.

Structure of the Bovine ACAD8 Gene and the Association of Its Polymorphism with the Production Traits

Acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenases （ACAD） are a family of nuclear-coded, mitochondrial flavoenzymes that catalyze the alpha, and beta-dehydrogenation of fatty acids. The eighth member of this family, ACAD8 catalyzes the valine catabolism. In this study, the bovine ACAD8 full-length mRNA and genomic DNA sequence were obtained and its gene structure was determined through alignment of the genomic DNA sequence to the mRNA sequence. The mRNA sequence consisted of a 1,251 bp open reading frame （ORF） flanked by a 37 bp 5＇-untranslated region （UTR） and a 444 bp 3＇-UTR; and its full-length genomic DNA sequence was 13,814 bp in length and included 11 exons and 10 introns. One A-G single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） was revealed at nucleotide 13,408 （GenBank accession No. DQ435445） in the bovine ACAD8 gene by sequencing the polymerase chain reaction （PCR） products of 6 randomly selected individuals from the sample population. Different genotypes were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism （RFLP）. The association analysis of this SNP in bovine ACAD8 with production traits in 178 unrelated steers from 5 breeds showed that it had a significant effect on the daily gain and the beef tenderness （P〈0.05）. Cattle with the G allele grew more rapidly and the beef they produced was more tender than those with the A allele. Thus, this SNP of the bovine ACAD8 gene can be used as an indicator to improve the growth rate and the beef tenderness.

How Group Leaders Build Stable Community Buying Groups:A Perspective Based on the Differential Mode of Association

Since 2016,community group buying has grown significantly in China,largely driven by its efficient logistics,supply chains,low prices,and convenience.This model has been further popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its effectiveness in meeting daily needs while minimizing human-to-human contact.A key component of this business model is the“group leaders”-influential individuals within a community responsible for managing group buying activities,which include order collection,supplier liaison,and goods distribution.Their primary task is to form and sustain a reliable community group buying consortium,a task that demands excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.This paper examines this phenomenon using the lens of the differential mode of association,a theoretical model explaining interpersonal relationships in traditional Chinese society.The research indicates that group leaders,through regular interaction with consumers,are able to alter their social network position,increase their influence,understand consumer needs,provide satisfying services,and enhance trust,thereby transforming consumers into loyal group buying participants.This transformation not only brings stability to group buying activities but also reinforces the community influence of group leaders,thus fostering the growth of community group buying.

Exploration of the Impact of Language Proficiency on Vocabulary Association Patterns in English Language Education

This paper explores the lexical association patterns of English as a second language and their relationship with language proficiency.Through the vocabulary association test,the study analyzes the differences in vocabulary association between learners with different language levels.The participants were 100 non-native English-speaking un-dergraduate students from a top 200 university,such as the University of Nottingham,and a university outside the top 200,such as the University of Aberdeen;the two groups of learners differed in their vocabulary size and learning style.It was found that the two groups of learners differed significantly in vocabulary size,language background,and learning experience.In addition,the study raises three core questions:first,learners’lexical association patterns,second,dif-ferences in association among learners with different language proficiency levels,and third,other variables that affect vocabulary association ability.The limitations of the study are that reaction time was not measured and the influence of native language background on word association was not fully considered;future research should further explore these aspects.

QTL Identification of the Insensitive Response to Photoperiod and Temperature in Soybean by Association Mapping

The insensitive response to photoperiod and temperature is an important quantitative trait for soybean in wide adaptation breeding. The natural variation in response to photoperiod and temperature was detected using 275 accessions of soybean [Glycine max （L.） Merrill] from China. Genome-wide association mapping, based on population structure analysis, was carried out using 118 SSR markers by the TASSEL GLM （general linear model） program. Nine SSR markers （P〈0.01） were associated with the value of the response to photoperiod and temperature （VRPT） caused by days to flowering （DF）, among which, Satt308 （LG M）, Sattl50 （LG M） and Satt440 （LG l）, were identified in both 2006 and 2007. Twelve SSR markers （P〈0.01） were associated with VRPT caused by days to maturity （DM）, among which three markers, Satt387 （LG N）, Satt307 （LG C2） and AW310961 （LG J）, were detected in both 2006 and 2007. In addition, a total of 20 elite alleles were screened out over 2006 and 2007 for being associated with an insensitive response to photoperiod and temperature （IRPT） caused by DF and a total of seven different elite alleles were screened out for being associated with IRPT caused by DM. Among these elite alleles, five alleles, Satt150-244, Satt308-164, Satt308-206, Satt440-176, and Satt440-206, were associated with IRPT caused by DF and were identified in both years, but only one allele, Satt307-170, was identified as being associated with an IRPT caused by DM. Based on these elite alleles, a set of typical accessions were screened out. The result about the genetic basis of IRPT is meaningful for soybean wide adaption breeding.

Habitat associations of saplings and adults in an old-growth temperate forest in the Changbai mountains, northeastern China

Species-habitat association analysis is useful to detect spatial arrangement of individual plants, to discover rules about the distribution of species and to generate hypotheses about the possible underlying process controlling observed structures. Quantifying methods were used to classify habitats in terms of topographical variables in a mixed temperate broad-leaved Korean pine forest of the Changbai mountains in northeastern China. All of the 625 20 m × 20 m quadrats of the plot could be unambiguously assigned to one of three habitat categories （low-plateau, high-plateau and slope）. Torus-translation tests were used to estimate species-habitat associations. Many species are clearly distributed in a biased fashion with respect to habitats. Fifteen （55.6%） out of 27 species showed strong positive or negative association with specific habitats. We compared species-habitat associations at the sapling and adult stages. Adjusted density values indicated few species exhibit extremely strong habitat associations. Only 9 out of 26 species had adjusted densities 〉 3 in the habitat for which they had strong positive affinity. Few species show the same associations at the small tree and large tree stages. Only 3 out of 22 occurring associations with a specific habitat appeared to have a consistent habitat association at the two stages. These results suggest that species-habitat associations exist in the 25-ha plot of the temperate forest of the Chang- bai mountains. Owing to limitations in our statistical methodology, we partly underestimated associations by ignoring rare species. Regeneration niches can contribute to co-existence, but regeneration niches due to habitat associations play a limited role in species co-existence, since most species show a similar trend in habitat associations at the sapling and adult stages. We should pay more attention to shifts in habitat associations, i.e. niche shifts at different stages of existence.

Distribution Patterns and Associations of Dominant Tree Species in a Mixed Coniferous-Broadleaf Forest in the Changbai Mountains

In 2012 a plot was established with 1-ha area in a mixed coniferous-broadleaf forest in the Changbai Mountains, northeastern China for examining local forest processes, structure and succession. A method of O-ring statistics （pair- correlation function） was applied to analyze the spatial patterns and associations of the dominant species within different vertical layers. After the evaluation by their importance values, six tree species （or group） （i.e. Abies nephrolepis, Picea jezoensis, Pinus koraiensis, Tilia amurensis, and species group of Betula ssp. and species group of Acer ssp.） were determined as dominant trees species. It was found that some of these species exhibited closely clustered distributions at fine distances. As spatial distance increased, a random or even regular distribution gradually appeared with the exception of the upper layers of A. nephrolepis and P. koraiensis, and the lower layers of P. jezoensis, P. koraiensis and Betula ssp., which were substantially randomly distributed. Intra- and inter-species spatial associations varied in accordance with species, tree height and reciprocal distances. Positive associations were observed between the lower and upper height classes of trees of the same species （except for that of P. jezoensis） at fine distances. This may be owing to limited seed dispersal and geological heterogeneity. The aggregation intensity declines with increasing distances and this consistent with the predictions of self-thinning. Some coniferous trees （e.g. Pinus koraiensis） in the lower height class were positively associated with T. amurensis and group of Betula ssp. of the upper height class at some distances, suggesting that saplings of coniferous trees occupy a broader niche and can grow well under the canopy of the adult of broad-leaved trees. Negative associations were observed between upper coniferous trees and lower broad-leaved trees and between upper P. jezoensis and lower P. koraiensis, suggesting that a canopy of these trees might not provide suitable environment for the survival, establishment, and growth of o lower individuals, corresponding well to Janzen-Connell hypothesis.

Association Mapping and Marker Development of Genes forStarch Lysophospholipid Synthesis in Rice

Phospholipids are a major kind of lipids in rice grains and have fundamental nutritional andfunctional benefits to the plant. Their lyso forms （lysophospholipids, LPLs） often form inclusion complexeswith amylose or independently influence the physicochemical and functional properties of rice starch.However, the genetic basis for LPL synthesis in rice endosperm is largely unknown. Here, we performeda preliminary association test of 13 LPL compositions among 20 rice accessions, and identified 22putative main-effect quantitative trait loci responsible for all LPLs except for LPC14：0 and LPE14：0. Fivederived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences and one insertion/deletion marker for threeLPL-synthesis-related candidate genes were developed. Association analysis revealed two markerssignificantly associated with starch LPL traits. These results provide an insight into the genetic basis ofphospholipid biosynthesis in rice and may contribute to the rice quality breeding programs usingfunctional markers.

The association analysis polymorphism of CDKAL1 and diabetic retinopathy in Chinese Han population

AIM： To identify the contribution of CDKAL1 to the development of diabetic retinopathy（DR） in Chinese population.·METHODS： A case-control study was performed to investigate the genetic association between DR and polymorphic variants of CDKAL1 in Chinese Han population with type 2 diabetes mellitus（T2DM）. A welldefined population with T2 DM, consisting of 475 controls and 105 DR patients, was recruited. All subjects were genotyped for the genetic variant（rs10946398） of CDKAL1. Genotyping was performed by i PLEX technology. The association between rs10946398 and T2 DM was assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression（MLR） analysis.· RESULTS： There were significant differences in C allele frequencies of rs10946398（CDKAL1） between control and DR groups（45.06% versus 55.00%, P 〈0.05）.The rs10946398 of CDKAL1 was found to be associated with the increased risk of DR among patients with diabetes.·CONCLUSION： Our findings suggest that rs10946398 of CDKAL1 is independently associated with DR in a Chinese Han population.

Isotope Geochronologic and Geochemical Constraints on the Magmatic Associations of the Collisional Orogenic Zone in the West Kunlun Orogen, China

The Jiajiwaxi pluton in the southern portion of the West Kunlun Range can be divided into two collision-related intrusive rock series, i.e., a gabbro-quartz diorite-granodiorite series that formed at 224±2.0 Ma and a monzonitic granite-syenogranite series that formed at 222±2.0 Ma. The systematic analysis of zircon U-Pb geochronology and bulk geochemistry is used to discuss the magmatic origin （material source and thermal source）, tectonic setting, genesis and geotectonic implications of these rocks. The results of this analysis indicate that the parent magma of the first series, representing a transition from I-type to S-type granites, formed from thermally triggered partial melting of deep crustal components in an early island-arc-type igneous complex, similar to an I-type granite, during the continental collision orogenic stage. The parent magma of the second series, corresponding to an S-type granite, formed from the partial melting of forearc accretionary wedge sediments in a subduction zone in the late Palaeozoic-Triassic. During continued collision, the second series magma was emplaced into the first series pluton along a central fault zone in the original island arc region, forming an immiscible puncture-type complex. The deep tectonothermal events associated with the continent-continent collision during the orogenic cycle are constrained by the compositions and origins of the two series. The new information provided by this paper will aid in future research into the dynamic mechanisms affecting magmatic evolution in the West Kunlun orogenic belt.

Association of Graves’ disease and Graves’ ophthalmopathy with the polymorphisms in promoter and exon 1 of cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 gene

Objective: To investigate the association of Graves’ disease and Graves’ ophthalmopathy with the C/T transition polymorphism at position –318 of promoter and the A/G transition polymorphism at position 49 of exon 1 within cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) gene. Methods: Thirty-three patients with ophthalmopathy of Graves’ disease, fifty-six Graves’ patients without ophthalmopathy and sixty normal subjects as control were involved in the present case-control study. The polymorphisms were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Com-parisons were made of gene frequencies and allele frequencies between the groups. Results: The gene frequencies of CT and allele frequencies of T were much higher in Graves’ patients with ophthalmopathy than that in the group without ophthalmopathy (P=0.020, P=0.019). The gene frequencies of GG and allele frequencies of G in patients with Graves’ disease were significantly increased as compared with control group (P=0.008, P=0.007). The data suggest that smokers with Graves’ disease seemed to be more predisposed to ophthalmopathy than non-smokers (P=0.018). Conclusion: Our results suggest that an allele of T at position –318 of promoter is associated with genetic susceptibility to Graves’ ophthalmopathy while an allele of G at position 49 of exon 1 is associated with genetic susceptibility to Graves’ disease instead. Smoking is believed to be a major risk factor for ophthalmo-pathy.

Association between smoking and the risk of acute mountain sickness： a meta-analysis of observational studies

Background: People rapidly ascending to high altitudes(>2500m) may suffer from acute mountain sickness(AMS). The association between smoking and AMS risk remains unclear. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between smoking and AMS risk.Methods: The association between smoking and AMS risk was determined according to predefined criteria established by our team. Meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. We included all relevant studies listed in the Pub Med and Embase databases as of September 2015 in this meta-analysis and performed systemic searches using the terms "smoking", "acute mountain sickness" and "risk factor". The included studies were required to provide clear explanations regarding their definitions of smoking, the final altitudes reached by their participants and the diagnostic criteria used to diagnose AMS. Odds ratios(ORs) were used to evaluate the association between smoking and AMS risk across the studies, and the Q statistic was used to test OR heterogeneity, which was considered significant when P<0.05. We also computed 95% confidence intervals(CIs). Data extracted from the articles were analyzed with Review Manager 5.3(Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK).Results: We used seven case-control studies including 694 smoking patients and 1986 non-smoking controls to analyze the association between smoking and AMS risk. We observed a significant association between AMS and smoking(OR=0.71, 95% CI 0.52–0.96, P=0.03).Conclusion: We determined that smoking may protect against AMS development. However, we do not advise smoking to prevent AMS. More studies are necessary to confirm the role of smoking in AMS risk.