Impacts of multiple environmental factors on soil bacterial community assembly in heavy metal polluted paddy fields.

Soil microorganisms play pivotal roles in driving essential biogeochemical processes in terrestrial ecosystems, and they are sensitive to heavy metal pollution. However, our understanding of multiple environmental factors interaction in heavy metal polluted paddy fields to shape microbial community assembly remain limited. In the current study, we used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to characterize the microbial community composition in paddy soils collected from a typical industry town in Taihu region, eastern China. The results revealed that Cd and Pb were the major pollutant, and Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi were the dominate indigenous bacterial phyla. Linear regression and random forest analysis demonstrated that soil pH was the most important predictor of bacterial diversity. Mantel analysis showed that bacterial community structure was mainly driven by pH, CEC, silt, sand, AK, total Cd and DTPA-Cd. The constructed bacterial co-occurrence network, utilizing a random matrix theory-based approach, exhibited non-random with scale-free and modularity features. The major modules within the networks also showed significant correlations with soil pH. Overall, our study indicated that soil physiochemical properties made predominant contribution to bacterial community diversity, structure and their association in Cd/Pb polluted paddy fields. These findings expand our knowledge of the key environmental drivers and co-occurrence patterns of bacterial community in polluted paddy fields.

Heat-resistant boron-nitrogen doped lignin-derived adsorbent-catalyst for gaseous aromatic pollutants removal.

Lignin-based carbon material can be utilized as carbonaceous adsorbents for the removal of toxic gaseous organic pollutants, while the poor heat-resistance limited its widely application. Here in, B-N co-doped lignin carbon (BN-C) with high thermal stability was synthesized, and the optimized BN-C (1:2) exhibited notably improved heat resistance with the decomposition temperature up to 505 °C, and excellent adsorption capacity for o-dichlorobenzene (o-DCB) (1510.0 mg/g) and toluene (947.3 mg/g), together with good cyclic stability over 10 cycles for o-dichlorobenzene. The existence of abundant hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) with good thermal conductivity contributed to the superior heat-resistance of BN-C (1:2), and the high specific surface area (1764.5 m2/g), enriched hydroxyl functional groups and improved graphitization degree contributed to its enhanced adsorption performance. More importantly, BN-C (1:2) supported Ru could effectively remove o-DCB and toluene at wide temperature range (50-300 °C). The present work guided the development of heat-resistant lignin-derived adsorbent-catalyst for gaseous aromatic pollutants removal, which benefits both environmental protection and resource utilization.

Cascade Nanoreactor Employs Mitochondrial-Directed Chemodynamic and δ-ALA-Mediated Photodynamic Synergy for Deep-Seated Oral Cancer Therapy.

The management of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) poses significant challenges, leading to organ impairment and ineffective treatment of deep-seated tumors, adversely affecting patient prognosis. A cascade nanoreactor that integrates photodynamic therapy (PDT) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) for comprehensive multimodal OSCC treatment is introduced. Utilizing iron oxide and mesoporous silica, the FMMSH drug delivery system, encapsulating the photosensitizer prodrug δ-aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALA), is developed. Triphenylphosphine (TPP) modification facilitates mitochondrial targeting, while tumor cell membrane (TCM) coating provides homotypic targeting. The dual-targeting δ-ALA@FMMSH-TPP-TCM demonstrate efficacy in eradicating both superficial and deep tumors through synergistic PDT/CDT. Esterase overexpression in OSCC cells triggers δ-ALA release, and excessive hydrogen peroxide in tumor mitochondria undergoes Fenton chemistry for CDT. The synergistic interaction of PDT and CDT increases cytotoxic ROS levels, intensifying oxidative stress and enhancing apoptotic mechanisms, ultimately leading to tumor cell death. PDT/CDT-induced apoptosis generates δ-ALA-containing apoptotic bodies, enhancing antitumor efficacy in deep tumor cells. The anatomical accessibility of oral cancer emphasizes the potential of intratumoral injection for precise and localized treatment delivery, ensuring focused therapeutic agent delivery to maximize efficacy while minimizing side effects. Thus, δ-ALA@FMMSH-TPP-TCM, tailored for intratumoral injection, emerges as a transformative modality in OSCC treatment.

Integration of land ecological consolidation and ecosystem product value realization: A case from the Yangtze riverside industrial park in Changzhou, China.

Traditional industries and industrialization have led to widespread environmental pollution and ecosystem degradation in major river basins globally. Strategies centered on ecological restoration and ecological economy are emerging as essential tools for effective environmental governance. This study aims to investigate how a multifaceted framework for land ecological consolidation, with various developmental goals, can effectively support ecological restoration and sustainability. Through quantitative analysis and in-depth interviews, we investigated the case of Yangtze riverside chemical industrial park in Changzhou. This park pursues ecological and economic sustainability through chemical industry transformation, ecological restoration and protection, ecological management, and ecological industry development. The results show that this practice established a multi-objective action framework rooted in urban renewal, land consolidation, ecological restoration, industrial transformation, and rural revitalization. Through multiplanning integration, integrated implementation and full-cycle profit distribution, the aim of ecological protection has been initially achieved, offering a crucial guarantee for sustainable development. A total of 96.47 ha ecological space expanded, which can generate ecological product worth CNY 7.283 billion, alongside a net economic benefit of CNY 978 million over three decades. The top-down ecological responsibilities, coupled with local developmental demands, have stimulated collaborations within a bottom-up endogenous network comprising government, enterprises, and residents.

Global occurrence characteristics, drivers, and environmental risk assessment of microplastics in lakes: A meta-analysis.

Microplastic (MP) pollution in lakes has received much attention as an increasing amount of plastic waste enters aquatic ecosystems. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of the global distribution patterns, environmental hazards, factors driving their presence, and the relationships between sources and sinks of MPs. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of drivers of lake MP pollution based on 42 articles on MP pollution from three different aspects: geographical distribution, driving factors and environmental risks. The results revealed differences in the MP pollution levels across the different sampling sites in the global lakes. Moreover, there is significant heterogeneity in the abundance of MPs among various lakes, whose distribution pattern is affected by geographical location, sampling method and extraction method. The size of the MPs differed significantly between water and sediment, and the proportion of small (<1 mm) MPs in sediment was significantly greater than that in water (72% > 46%). Environmental risk assessment reveals that the risk level of MP pollution in most lakes worldwide is low, and the environmental risk of pollution in lake water is higher than that in sediment. Based on the risk assessment and geographical location of the lake, the risk of MP pollution is related not only to human activities and economic development but also to local waste management practices, which directly impact the accumulation of MPs. Therefore, we suggest that the production of biodegradable low-risk polymer plastics instead of high-risk materials, and plastic solid waste recycling management should be strengthened to effectively mitigate the presence of MPs in the environment.

Trends in the occurrence and accumulation of microplastics in urban soil of Nanjing and their policy implications.

Urban soil is an important sink of terrestrial microplastics (MPs), and understanding their distribution over time is essential for effective pollution management. Here, based on soil MP data from Nanjing, a typical megacity in eastern China, this study analyzed MP accumulation trends using decision tree and time series network based on soil attributes, POI (point of interest), and human activity factors such as urban industrial structure, transportation, water use. We also evaluated the impact of plastic policy interventions. In the past 15 years, MPs in urban soil in Nanjing have gradually increased, and highly polluted areas have also grown. From 2010 to 2020, the concentration of MPs in urban soil increased from 326.7 items/kg to 480.9 items/kg, with high pollution areas expanding from only 2.0 km2 (0.7 %) to 48.7 km2 (14.9 %). The accumulation of MPs was also influenced by changing factors due to urbanization. In the early 21st century, residential areas had the largest effect, while in the later period, public passenger transport and domestic water consumption were the dominant factors. The scenarios simulation suggests recent plastic intervention policies have helped alleviate this rate of increase, but MP source management (e.g., laundry fibers, tire wear) still needs improvement. By the proposed method, the past trend of microplastics in urban soil and their relationship with soil properties and human activities can be accurately revealed, which will be helpful for the formulation of countermeasures to mitigate regional soil MP pollution.

Translocation pattern of heavy metals in soil-rice systems at different growth stages: A case study in the Taihu region, Eastern China.

Rice production is crucial for human nutrition and food safety globally. However, it has been a significant sink for potentially harmful metals because of intensive anthropogenic activities. The study was conducted to characterize heavy metal translocation from soil to rice at the filling, doughing and maturing stages, and influencing factors of their accumulation in rice. The distribution and accumulation patterns varied for metal species and growth stages. Cd and Pb accumulation mainly occurred in roots, Cu and Zn were readily transported to stems. Cd, Cu, and Zn accumulation in grains had a descending order of filling > doughing > maturing. Soil heavy metals, TN, EC, and pH exerted important impacts on heavy metals uptake by roots during the period from filling stage to maturing stage. Concentrations of heavy metals in grains were positively correlated with the translocation factors TFstem-grain (from stem to grain) and TFleaf-grain (from leaf to grain). Grain Cd exhibited significant correlations with total Cd and DTPA-Cd in the soil at each of the three growth stages. Moreover, Cd in maturing grain could be effectively predicted by soil pH and DTPA-Cd at the filling stage.

Prevalence, risk and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections in psoriasis patients receiving conventional systemic, biologic or topical treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional cohort study (PsoCOVID).

BACKGROUND: The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection does not appear to be increased for psoriasis patients using biologics compared to those on other treatments, but evidence is still limited. OBJECTIVES: (1) to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with psoriasis, (2) to compare SARS-CoV-2 infection rates for different psoriasis treatments groups (biologic vs. systemic conventional vs. topical therapy) corrected for confounders and (3) to describe patients with severe COVID-19 for all treatment groups. METHODS: In this cross-sectional cohort study all patients received a questionnaire to gather data on psoriasis treatment, SARS-CoV-2 infections and related risk factors. Simultaneously, they underwent a blood test to screen for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 N-antigen. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections was calculated and logistic regression and Cox proportional-hazards models were performed to determine the association between treatment group and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, corrected for confounders. Patients with severe COVID-19 disease were described and the mortality rate per treatment group was calculated for the target population. RESULTS: Patients were included between April 12 2021 and October 31 2021. Of 551 patients, 59 (10.7% (CI95% 8.3-13.6)) had experienced a SARS-CoV-2 infection, based on questionnaire data combined with serological data. In our study cohort, corrected for confounders, biologic or non-biologic systemic therapy users did not appear to have increased SARS-CoV-2 infection risk compared to patients using other treatment. Only 4 hospitalizations (0.7% (CI95% 0.2-1.0) were reported in our study population and no ICU admissions were reported. The rough mortality rate in the target cohort was 0.32% (CI95% 0.13-0.66) in all treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Corrected for risk-mitigating behavior and vaccination status, a higher SARS-CoV-2 incidence for biologics or non-biologics systemics compared to other treatments could not be proven. Severe cases were infrequent in all treatment groups. This finding further strengthens treatment recommendations that systemic therapies for patients with psoriasis do not require preventive cessation for reduction of SARS-CoV-2 infection risk.

Attempts to e cigarettes use and associated factors among junior middle school students from grade 1 to 4 in Macao / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the current status and influencing factors of attempts to e cigarettes use among Macao teenager, and to provide evidence for strategies to prevent and control the use of e cigarettes among teenager.@*Methods@#Research data was 2 683 valid questionnaires collected from the "Macao Youth Tobacco Use Survey 2021", representing 19 480 teenagers from grade 1 to 4 in junior middle schools in Macao after sample weighting. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors that may influencing attempts to e cigarettes use.@*Results@#The total percent of attempt using e cigarettes was 11.3%(95% C =10.2%-12.6%), and male(12.1%) was higher than female(10.5%), the difference was statistically significant ( χ 2= 11.01 , P <0.01). Older adolescents (14-16, ≥17 years old), having more pocket money per week, believing e cigarettes to be less harmful, having been taught about the hazards of e cigarettes within 12 months, definitely believing that e cigarettes maked teenager more attractive, having been exposed to second hand smoke at home within 7 days, having seen tobacco advertisements on the Internet within 30 days, smoking by either parent, smoking among best friends were positively associated with attempts to e cigarettes use ( OR=1.48, 3.01, 1.79, 1.34, 1.67, 1.27, 1.33, 1.34, 1.58, 3.53, P <0.01).@*Conclusion@#Attempts to e cigarettes use is common among Macao teenagers, and there are many complex influencing factors. It is recommended to strengthen whole society cooperation and promote the prevention and control of teenager s use of e cigarettes through more targeted comprehensive measures.

Microplastics in urban soils of Nanjing in eastern China: Occurrence, relationships, and sources.

Although microplastic (MP) pollution has been defined as a new global challenge by the United Nations Environment Programme, their abundance and composition has only been studied in-depth within farmland soil, while minimal attention has been placed on urban soil contamination. Accordingly, within the current study, MP abundance and composition is investigated within urban soil from green spaces in Nanjing, eastern China. The average MP abundance in soil was 461 ± 222 items/kg and primarily comprised fibers (39.1%) and fragments (37.7%). MPs <1000 µm in size accounted for 83.7% of the total content and white MPs were the most abundant (26.5%). The dominant polymers were polyethylene glycol terephthalate (32.0%) and polypropylene (20.5%). Moreover, relationship network analysis generated three distinct MP modules based on community similarity. Indeed, the degree of similarity increased by ∼26.8% per kilometer. Furthermore, application of a forward selective optimal multiple regression model identified clay, sand, longitude, and points of interest for recycling bins (RecyclePOI) as the primary spatial and soil environmental factors affecting MP abundance and composition. Additionally, five potential sources of MPs were identified based on the MP diversity integrated index fitting results, and point of interest density (MDII-POI) source analysis (R2 = 0.21-0.62; P < 0.05). In particular, the point of interest of express delivery points (ExpressPOI) were important sources of plastic emissions as they are widely distributed throughout urban and fringe areas. Collectively, the findings of this study provide novel insights regarding quantitative source appointment and regional ecological control of MPs in urban soil.

[Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis: a practical overview with treatment recommendations for the primary and secondary care]. / Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis.

Chondrodermatitisnodularishelicis is characterized by a sore nodule of the helix or antihelix of the ear. Pressure plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the benign inflammatory condition. Pressure relieving is a rational first-line treatment modality and could be applied in combination with or followed by intralesional steroid injections. If the condition remains, a surgical procedure is warranted. Cartilage removal without skin excision is the procedure of choice. Particular attention should be paid to the complete removal of all defective cartilage. This procedure is elegant and simple compared to the conventional wedge excision and has a lower risk of recurrence. Because of high recurrence rates of non-surgical treatments, early surgical treatment is recommended.

Cardiac-specific overexpression of miR-122 induces mitochondria-dependent cardiomyocyte apoptosis and promotes heart failure by inhibiting Hand2.

MicroRNA-122 (miR-122) is one of several microRNAs elevated in heart failure patients. To investigate the potential role and mechanism of miR-122 in heart failure, we constructed a transgenic mouse overexpressing miR-122 in the heart. This mouse exhibited cardiac dysfunction (as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography), morphological abnormalities of the heart and cardiomyocyte apoptosis characteristic of heart failure. Mechanistically, we identified the Hand2 transcription factor as a direct target of miR-122 using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. In Tg-miR-122 mice and H9C2 cells with miR-122 mimics, we detected apoptosis and increased expression of dynamin-related protein-1 (Drp1). This effect was blocked with prior knockdown of Hand2 in vitro. Our work suggests that miR-122 causes cardiomyocyte apoptosis by inhibiting Hand2 and consequently increasing Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission. Such a mechanism likely contributes to heart failure and so modulating this pathway could be therapeutically valuable against heart failure.

Current Trends in Operative Treatment of Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid Osteoarthritis: A Survey among European Hand Surgeons.

Objective Based on the available evidence, the optimal surgical treatment for isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid oarthritis (STT OA) remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the prevailing surgical practice for isolated STT OA among European hand surgeons. We hypothesized that a considerable variance exists in the current surgical practice among hand surgeons in Europe. Methods An online survey was distributed to 20 participating member states of the Federation of European Societies for Surgery of the Hand (FESSH). Respondents were questioned on their country of practice, surgical experience, preferred surgical procedure, frequency of performing this procedure, factors in decision-making, and other performed surgical procedures. Results Four hundred and sixty-five responses were received with an estimated response rate of 19%. Trapeziectomy with partial trapezoidal excision was the surgical treatment of choice among the participating hand surgeons in Europe (38%), followed by STT joint fusion (30%), and distal scaphoid excision (14%). Conclusion This survey provides an insight into the surgical management of isolated STT OA among hand surgeons in Europe. A wide variety of preferred treatment techniques were found. Evidence concerning the optimal surgical treatment has not been established. Future prospective randomized studies comparing different techniques are warranted.

Increased SLC7A8 expression mediates L-DOPA uptake by renal tubular epithelial cells.

The kidney serves a central role in the control of blood pressure through the release of vasoactive substances and the urinary excretion of Na+. Patients with essential hypertension usually exhibit persistent high blood pressure accompanied by Na+ retention. L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L­DOPA) is an amino acid, converted by the enzyme aromatic L­amino acid decarboxylase to dopamine. The uptake of L­DOPA by cells of the proximal tubular epithelium of the kidney is controlled by the L­type amino acid transporter 2 (LAT2). LAT2 belongs to the solute carrier family 7 (SLC7) of amino acid transporters and is coded by the SLC7A8 gene. SLC7A8 expression is increased in the second­order mesenteric arteries and kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats. The present study aimed to investigate the physiological role of the SLC7A8 gene in L­DOPA handling by kidney cells. Selective upregulation of SLC7A8 mRNA and protein levels was achieved by adenoviral transduction of NRK­52E cells, which retain several properties of proximal tubular epithelial cells. In addition, L­DOPA uptake was determined using high performance liquid chromatography; NRK­52E cells expressing SLC7A8 exhibited increased uptake of L­DOPA. The results of the present study suggested that SLC7A8 may serve a critical role in blood pressure control through regulating L­DOPA uptake in renal epithelial cells of the proximal tubule.

Serum Insulin-like growth factor-1 levels of healthy adults in southern China.

It is to establish the normal range and investigate the distribution characteristics of serum Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) for healthy adults in southern China. IGF-1 levels of 515 healthy adults (254 males and 261 females) were measured by automated chemiluminescence immunoassay. The subjects were strictly selected healthy volunteers, aged 20 to 84 years old, with equal five year intervals and without abnormal conditions that impacted IGF-1 levels. The reference ranges were calculated using the smooth centile curves of the LMS method (L: coefficient of skewness, M: median, S: coefficient of variation). IGF-1 declined with aging in adults. There were statistically significant differences for the IGF-1 levels between men and women in some subgroups of age. Gender differences varied depending on the age. Middle-aged females had higher IGF-1 whilst elder females had lower IGF-1. The statistical differences were seen in three subgroups of age between this study and a German cohort that is the reference range for the laboratory test kit. Here, the age- and gender-specific normal range was established for Chinese adults. A Z Score of IGF-1 for an individual could be obtained via the LMSchartmaker application, which standardized IGF-1 research worldwide.

[Hypogonadism and the quality of life in male patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the level of testosterone between type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and healthy controls and to investigate the status of hypogonadism and the influence of hypopgonadism on the quality of life. METHODS: We collected serum total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and other clinical data from 166 T2DM patients aged over 30 years and 186 age-matched healthy controls. We investigated the quality of life (QoL) of the two groups of subjects using the questionnaires of Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (ADAM), Aging Male Symptoms (AMS), 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Special Quality of Life for Diabetes Mellitus (DSQL). RESULTS: The level of calculated FT (cFT) was remarkably lower in the T2DM patients than in the healthy controls (P<0.05), but no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in the levels of TT, bio-available testosterone (Bio-T), and SHBG. The T2DM males with hypogonadism showed significant differences from those without in age, height, systolic blood pressure, and creatinine (P<0.05). Based on the criteria of cFT <0.3 nmol/L and AMS score ≥27, the incidence rate of hypogonadism was 51.81% in the T2DM patients, 31.58% in the 30－39 yr group, 32.50% in the 40－49 yr group, 50% in the 50－59 yr group, 69.23% in the 60－69 yr group, and 77.27% in the ≥70 yr group, elevated by 77.4% with the increase of 10 years of age (OR = 1.774, P<0.001). The AMS score was significantly correlated with the scores of DSQL (r = 0.557, P<0.001) and SF-36 (r = －0.739, P<0.001) in the T2DM patients. CONCLUSIONS: T2DM patients have lower levels of cFT than healthy men, accompanied with a higher incidence of hypogonadism. Age is a main risk factor of hypogonadism. Severer testosterone deficiency symptoms are associated with lower scores of QoL in T2DM males.

[Study on the morbidity and pathogens of patients with candidemia at the intensive care unit].

OBJECTIVE: To study the mortality and pathogens of candidemia in patients at hospital intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: Clinical data of candidemia cases admitted to ICU of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University in recent five years were analyzed retrospectively. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used. RESULTS: A total of 6034 patients were discharged in the ICU over the 5-year period, and 75 were diagnosed as candidemia. The annual morbidity rates of candidemia from 2002 to 2006 were 0.67%, 1.46%, 1.21%, 1.15% and 1.56%, respectively. 36 cases died of the disease, with the mortality as 48%. The annual mortality rates from 2002 to 2006 were 50%, 64%, 33%, 41% and 52%, respectively. In this period, 78 positive blood culture samples strains from ICU were identified as Candida, among which Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis and C.lusitaniae accounted for 46.2%, 21.7%, 17.9%, 12.8% and 1.3%, respectively. Average APACHE II scores of the patients with candidemia were 17.21 +/- 4.38 (range: 9-27). During the 5-year period, the annual morbidity of candidemia had increased from 0.67% to 1.56% while the ratios of candidemia due to non-albicans Candida species (NAC) increased from 50.0% to 56.5%. When analyzing the C. albicans group and NAC group with single factor and multiple conditional logistic regression method, we found that age (66 +/- 14 vs. 53 +/- 16, P = 0.001, OR = 1.077, 95% CI: 1.031- 1.124) and hypoproteinemia (61.8% vs. 81.6%, P = 0.033, OR = 0.206, 95% CI: 0.048-0.880) both showed statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Candidemia cases in ICU increased gradually and causing higher mortality. The number of patients with candidemia caused by NAC increased in recent 5 year. Age was proved to be a risk factor for those candidemia caused by C. albicans. Hypoproteinemia was proved to be risk factors for the candidemia caused by NAC.