Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Giardia duodenalis and Blastocystis spp. in Black Goats in Shanxi Province, North China: From a Public Health Perspective.

Blastocystis spp. and Giardia duodenalis are two prevalent zoonotic intestinal parasites that can cause severe diarrhea and intestinal diseases in humans and many animals. Black goat (Capra hircus) farming is increasingly important in China due to the remarkable adaptability, high reproductive performance, rapid growth rate, and significant economic value of black goats. A number of studies have indicated that black goats are the potential reservoir of multiple zoonotic protozoans in China; however, the prevalence and zoonotic status of G. duodenalis and Blastocystis spp. in black goats in Shanxi Province is still unknown. Thus, a total of 1200 fecal samples of black goats were collected from several representative regions at different altitudes in Shanxi Province and were examined for the presence and genotypes of G. duodenallis and Blastocystis spp. by amplifying the beta-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) loci of G. duodenalis and SSU rRNA of Blastocystis spp. using PCR and sequence analysis methods, respectively. The overall prevalence of G. duodenalis and Blastocystis spp. in black goats in Shanxi Province were 7.5% and 3.5%, respectively. Two assemblages (B and E) of G. duodenalis and four subtypes (ST5, ST10, ST14, and ST30) of Blastocystis spp. were identified, with assemblage E and ST10 as the prevalent genotype and subtype in black goats, respectively. One novel multilocus genotype (MLG) was identified in MLG-E and was designated as MLG-E12. For both G. duodenalis and Blastocystis spp., the prevalence was significantly related to the region and age groups (p < 0.05). This is the first report on the prevalence of G. duodenalis and Blastocystis spp. in black goats in Shanxi Province. These results not only provide baseline data for the prevention and control of both parasites in black goats in Shanxi Province, but also enhance our understanding of the genetic composition and zoonotic potential of these two parasites.

Molecular Identification and Survey of Trichomonad Species in Pigs in Shanxi Province, North China.

Several trichomonad species have already been identified in pigs, and their pathogenic potential may not be ruled out. To date, however, no information is available regarding the prevalence of trichomonads in pigs in Shanxi Province, North China. In the present study, a total of 362 fecal samples collected from pigs in three representative counties (Qi, Jishan, and Shanyin) in this province were examined for Tetratrichomonas buttreyi, Tritrichomonas foetus, and Pentatrichomonas hominis using a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The overall prevalence of T. buttreyi was 49.72%, and region and age were found to be significantly associated with T. buttreyi infection, respectively. Only one pig fecal sample from Qi County was found to be positive for T. foetus, and all samples were negative for P. hominis. Molecular evolutionary analysis revealed that some T. buttreyi isolates showed complete genetic identity with those reported previously, and some T. buttreyi isolates and one T. foetus isolate showed minor allelic variations compared with those reported previously. This is the report of the molecular epidemiology of T. foetus and T. buttreyi in pigs in Shanxi Province, North China. These findings not only enrich the knowledge on the distribution of these trichomonad species in pigs in China but also provide baseline information for planning future research and control strategies.

Prevalence and genotype/subtype distribution of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis in donkeys in Shanxi Province, north China.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis may cause diarrhea in humans and various animals. However, little information is available regarding the prevalence and genetic diversity of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis in donkeys. To fill this gap, we molecularly assessed E. bieneusi and Blastocystis in fecal samples from donkeys (n = 815) in Shanxi Province, north China. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis in donkeys was 8.1% and 0.2%, respectively. Region and age were risk factors associated with E. bieneusi infection in donkeys. Three internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified in the current study, including two previously described genotypes (D and Henan-IV) and one novel genotype (named SXD1). Of which, genotype D was found to be the most prevalent. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the three genotypes belonged to group 1, implying a potential of zoonotic transmission. Multilocus sequence typing showed that 19, 15, 13, and 22 types were identified at the loci MS1, MS3, MS4, and MS7, respectively, forming six multilocus genotypes (MLGs) distributed in the genotype D. One Blastocystis subtype (ST33) was identified, which has previously been reported only in horses. This is the first molecular-based description of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis infections in donkeys in Shanxi Province, north China, contributing to a better understanding of transmission dynamics and molecular epidemiological characteristics of the two intestinal protozoa.

Exploring watershed ecological risk bundles based on ecosystem services: A case study of Shanxi Province, China.

Humans are having an increasingly profound impact on the environment along with the advent of the Anthropocene. Ecological risk assessment (ERA) as a method to quantify ecological problems can provide support for decision-makers, and it is one of key issues to integrate ecosystem services into ERA. In this study, an ERA framework was proposed under the loss-probability paradigm from the perspective of ecosystem services risk bundles. The results showed that initiatives aimed at ecological protection in Shanxi Province had been effective, the number of watersheds with low-risk bundles increased significantly (from 16.09% to 34.49%) and the watersheds basically overlapped with key forestation areas. However, the effects of forestation activities may no longer be as significant as they once were, as the relationship between forestation and water supply was becoming increasingly contradictory. Meanwhile, the conflict between urban expansion and natural ecosystem protection was intensifying, habitat degradation risks were gradually polarized, and the risk bundles dominated by high carbon emission and habitat degradation were increasing significantly (from 15.88% to 33.54%). Strengthening the construction of urban green space and controlling the expansion of human activities may be the next focus of ecological conservation in Shanxi Province. This study enriched the ERA framework with an ecosystem services risk bundle approach.

Epidemiology and exposure management of rabies in Shanxi Province， 2011‒2022 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological features and influencing factors of rabies in Shanxi Province，and to provide evidence to further promote the elimination of rabies in Shanxi Province. MethodsThe incidence data of rabies in Shanxi from 2011 to 2022 were collected and subjected to descriptive analysis. ResultsFrom 2011 to 2022， a total of 348 rabies cases were reported in Shanxi Province， with an average annual incidence of 0.080 3/105. The incidence of rabies showed a downward trend overall. The highest incidence was in August. The cases were mainly farmers， mostly males， and most cases were reported between 50 and 69 years old. The data of cases showed that dogs were the main animals attacking human （93.96%）. The incubation period of most cases was 1‒3 months （37.37%）.The main exposure site was hand（51.33%）. Only 2.66% cases with grade Ⅲ exposure were injected with passive immune agents. ConclusionThe incidence of rabies in Shanxi Province continues to decrease， but there are still loopholes in prevention and control measures. It is necessary to strengthen the management and immunization of dogs，health education， and standardized procedures after exposure to maintain the achievements in the prevention and control of rabies.

The characteristics and influencing factors of medicine cost for orthopedic surgery patients in hospitals of Shanxi province / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of medicine cost for orthopedic surgery patients in Shanxi province， and to provide reference for the rational management of medicine cost in orthopedic surgery patients. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on the case information of 584 204 orthopedic surgery patients in Shanxi province from 2016 to 2021. Medicine cost was analyzed by year， region， hospital level， type of surgery and type of surgical incision. Single factor analysis and generalized linear regression model were used to analyze the influencing factors of total medicine cost， and structural equation model was used for verification. RESULTS The research findings indicated that joint replacement surgery （42.61%） and post-fracture external fixation surgery （12.60%） were the most common types of procedures. There was statistical significance in medicine cost for different surgical types among different regions and hospital levels （P＜0.05）. In the Jinzhong region， the total medicine cost for post-fracture external fixation surgery was the highest （[ 11 719.97±4 374.73） yuan]， while in tertiary grade A hospitals， the total medicine cost for post-fracture external fixation surgery was also the highest （[ 13 584.71±4 531.82） yuan]. Among class Ⅰ incision surgeries， the cost of antibiotics for post-fracture external fixation surgery was the highest （[ 1 176.25±341.42） yuan]. Generalized linear regression model revealed that hospital location， hospital level， gender， payment method， length of hospital stays， and surgical type were the independent influencing factors for total medicine cost （P＜0.05）. Structural equation model further disclosed that hospital level， payment type， and surgical type had significant effects on total medicine cost （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Attention should be paid to the high cost of antibiotics for class Ⅰ incision surgery， and further research on their rational use should be conducted.

Prevalence and Multilocus Genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in Donkeys in Shanxi Province, North China.

Giardia duodenalis is a ubiquitous flagellated protozoan, causing significant economic losses to animal husbandry and posing threats to public health. China ranks the world's sixth largest major producer of donkeys, rearing approximately 2.6 million donkeys in 2019, but limited investigation of G. duodenalis prevalence has been conducted in the past, and it is yet to be known whether donkeys in Shanxi Province are infected with G. duodenalis. In the present study, a total of 815 fecal samples collected from donkeys in representative regions of Shanxi Province, North China, were examined for G. duodenalis using nested PCR. Then, the assemblages and multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were examined based on three established loci: namely, ß-giardin (bg), triosephosphate isomerase (tpi), and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh). The overall prevalence of G. duodenalis in donkeys in Shanxi Province was 16.81% (137/815). The region was identified as the main risk factor for the observed difference in G. duodenalis prevalence in donkeys among the three study areas (χ2 = 21.611, p < 0.001). Assemblages A, E, and B were identified, with the latter as the predominant assemblage. Three MLGs (MLG-novel-1 to 3) were formed based on sequence variation among the three loci. The present study reveals the presence of G. duodenalis in donkeys in Shanxi Province, North China, for the first time, which not only enriches the data on the distribution of G. duodenalis in donkeys in China but also provides useful baseline data for planning control strategies against G. duodenalis infection in the sampled areas.

Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Blastocystis in Sheep and Pigs in Shanxi Province, North China: From a Public Health Perspective.

Blastocystis is a common zoonotic intestinal protozoan and causes a series of gastrointestinal symptoms in humans and animals via the fecal-oral route, causing economic losses and posing public health problems. At present, the prevalence and genetic structure of Blastocystis in sheep and pigs in Shanxi province remains unknown. Thus, the present study collected 492 sheep fecal samples and 362 pig fecal samples from three representative counties in northern, central and southern Shanxi province for the detection of Blastocystis based on its SSU rRNA gene. The results showed that the overall prevalence of Blastocystis in the examined sheep and pigs were 16.26% and 14.09%, respectively. Sequences analyses showed that four known subtypes (ST5, ST10, ST14 and ST30) in sheep and two subtypes (ST1 and ST5) in pigs were detected in this study, with ST5 being the predominate subtype among the study areas. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the same subtypes were clustered into the same branch. This study reveals that sheep and pigs in Shanxi province are hosts for multiple Blastocystis subtypes, including the zoonotic subtypes (ST1 and ST5), posing a risk to public health. Baseline epidemiological data are provided that help in improving our understanding of the role of zoonotic subtypes in Blastocystis transmission.

Molecular Identification and Genotyping of Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis sp. in Cattle in Representative Areas of Shanxi Province, North China.

Both Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis sp. are common intestinal protozoa, which can cause zoonotic diseases and economic losses to livestock industry. To evaluate the prevalence and genetic population structure of Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis sp. in beef and dairy cattle in Shanxi Province, north China, a total of 795 fecal samples were collected from beef and dairy cattle in three representative counties in Shanxi Province, and these fecal samples were examined using molecular approaches based on 18S small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) of Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis sp., respectively. Among 795 cattle fecal samples, 23 were detected as Cryptosporidium-positive and 103 were detected as Blastocystis-positive, and the overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis sp. in cattle in Shanxi Province was 2.9% and 13.0%, respectively. For Cryptosporidium spp., DNA sequence analysis indicated that all 23 positive samples were identified as C. andersoni. Furthermore, five known subtypes (ST1, ST10, ST14, ST21 and ST26) and three unknown subtypes of Blastocystis sp. were detected among 103 positive samples using DNA sequence analysis. This study reported the occurrence and prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis sp. in cattle in Shanxi Province for the first time, which extends the geographical distribution of these two zoonotic parasites and provides baseline data for the prevention and control of these two important zoonotic parasites in cattle in Shanxi Province.

First record of cyst nematode (Heterodera filipjevi) on winter wheat from Shanxi Province in North China.

Heterodera avenae, H. filipjevi, and H. laptipons are considered to be the major cyst nematode pathogens affecting most cereals and causing severe crop losses (Smiley and Yan 2015). In China, H. filipjevi was first recorded in Xuchang, Henan Province (Peng et al. 2010). Recently, H. filipjevi has been found in Anhui, Hebei, Shandong and Xinjiang provinces of China (Cui et al. 2021). To further understand the latest occurrence and distribution of H. filipjevi in China, a survey of cyst nematodes was conducted in the wheat planting area of Shanxi Province of North China from June 2018 to November 2020. White female cysts (5.8 ± 2.99 cysts per plant) were found on wheat roots in the sandy soil, and wheat was displaying symptoms of dwarfing, yellowing, and had few tillers in Licheng of Changzhi (N36°32´010´´, E113°27´039´´; N36°29´050´´, E113°23´023´´; N36°29´035´´, E113°22´020´´) and Zezhou of Jincheng (N35°33´057´´, E112°56´020´´) in Shanxi Province, and second-stage juveniles (J2s) were obtained from 13 soil samples using the sieving-decanting method. Four of the 13 samples were identified as H. filipjevi on the basis of morphological and molecular studies of female cysts and J2s. Morphologically, the cysts were lemon shaped and featured a pronounced vulval cone. The color ranged from light to dark brown. The white female shell was covered with a white crystalline layer. The vulval cone was bifenestrate with horseshoe-shaped bullae numerous and distinct, and a strongly developed underbridge. The main measurements (mean ± SD, range) of cysts (n = 13) were as follows: body length including neck 780.5 ± 53.9 µm (692 to 843 µm); body width 527.3 ± 55.5 µm (435 to 620 µm); length/width ratio 1.50 ± 0.21 (1.20 to 1.93); fenestra length 55.5 ± 4.1 µm (49 to 61 µm); fenestra width 24.8 ± 2.2 µm (21.1 to 28.8 µm); vulval slit length 9.0 ± 0.7 µm (7.8 to 9.6 µm); and underbridge length 66.8 ± 5.0 µm (61 to 77 µm). The measurements of J2s (n = 13) were as follows: body length 554.4 ± 23.4 µm (520to 587 µm); stylet length 22.7 ± 0.7 µm (21.5 to 23.8 µm); tail length 61.0 ± 5.5 µm (51.2 to 68.9 µm); and hyaline tail terminus length 37.3 ± 2.7 µm (33.4 to 42.3 µm). These morphological measurements are within the range characteristic of H. filipjevi (Peng et al. 2010). Genomic DNA was extracted from individual cyst (n = 6) and the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence was amplified using the universal primers TW81 and AB28 (Joyce et al. 1994). The PCR test for each sample was repeated five times. The obtained ITS sequences (GenBank accession No. OQ421499 to OQ421502, 1054 bp) showed more than 99.5% similarity to those of H. filipjevi from the United States (GU079654 and KP878490), Turkey (KR704304 and KR704292), and China (MW789611, KY448473 and KT314234). The results were confirmed again by the species-specific primers HfF1 and HfR1of H. filipjevi and the target PCR fragments of 646 bp were obtained (Peng et al. 2013). The pathogenicity of H. filipjevi was verified by infesting winter wheat (Triticum aestivum 'Wenmai 19') and studying nematode developmentand reproduction with growth chamber (Cui et al. 2015). Eggs were hatched at 14-16°C, and freshly hatched J2s were used to inoculate wheat plants when the roots were approximately 1-centimeter long. Fifteen wheat plants were inoculated with 200 J2s, and three wheat plants without J2s were set as controls (Cui et al. 2021). Parasitic J2s and third- and fourth-stage juveniles were found in roots stained with acid fuchsin at 5, 15, and 25 days after inoculation (DAI), adult females were detected at 50 DAI, and a mean of 23.7 cysts per pot were extracted at 70 DAI (Cui et al. 2015). The morphological and molecular characteristics of the new cysts were identical to those of the H. filipjevi cysts from the original field samples, and no cysts formed in the control groups. Wheat is the main food and economic crop in Shanxi, and H. filipjevi, a potential threat to cereal crop production in Shanxi, should arouse sufficient attention. H. filipjevi is major cyst nematode pathogens of wheat and shows high prevalence in China. The loss of wheat production due to H. filipjevi is as high as 32.3% when the initial density ≥ 64 eggs/mL in soil (Li 2018). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of H. filipjevi in Shanxi Province of North China.

Development of a Comprehensive Quality Evaluation System for Foxtail Millet from Different Ecological Regions.

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) is a critical grain with high nutritional value and the potential for increased production in arid and semiarid regions. The foxtail millet value chain can be upgraded only by ensuring its comprehensive quality. Thus, samples were collected from different production areas in Shanxi province, China, and compared in terms of quality traits. We established a quality evaluation system utilizing multivariate statistical analysis. The results showed that the appearance, nutritional content, and culinary value of foxtail millet produced in different ecological regions varied substantially. Different values of amino acids (DVAACs), alkali digestion values (ADVs), and total flavone content (TFC) had the highest coefficients of variation (CVs) of 50.30%, 39.75%, and 35.39%, respectively. Based on this, a comprehensive quality evaluation system for foxtail millet was established, and the quality of foxtail millet produced in the five production areas was ranked in order from highest to lowest: Dingxiang > Zezhou > Qinxian > Xingxian > Yuci. In conclusion, the ecological conditions of Xinding Basin are favorable for ensuring the comprehensive quality of foxtail millet. .

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep and cattle in Shanxi Province, North China.

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by infection with the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, posing significant economic losses to the livestock industry. As a major livestock province, little is known of the prevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep and cattle in Shanxi Province, North China. In this study, a total of 1962 blood samples from cattle (n = 978) and sheep (n = 984), collected from 11 administrative cities in Shanxi Province, were examined for antibodies against T. gondii by using the indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits commercially available. The results showed that antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 306 of the 978 cattle serum samples (31.29%, 95% CI 28.38-34.19), ranging from 12.64% to 60.00% among the different cities. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in sheep was 17.78% (175/984, 95% CI 15.40-20.17), ranging from 2.22% to 41.11% among the different administrative cities. The T. gondii seroprevalence was associated with the management mode and geographical location. This is the first report of T. gondii seroprevalence in cattle and sheep in Shanxi Province, North China, which provides baseline data to plan future control strategies for T. gondii infection in this province.

Evaluation of linkage relationships between carbon emissions and economic development based on the decoupling model and the VAR model: a case study of Shanxi Province (China).

Economic development is the core driver of carbon emissions. It is of great significance to clarify the linkage relationship between economic development and carbon emissions. Therefore, the static and dynamic relationship between carbon emissions and economic development in Shanxi Province is analyzed by using the VAR model and decoupling model combined with data from 2001 to 2020. The results show that economic development and carbon emissions in Shanxi Province have mainly presented a weak decoupling state in the past 20 years, but the decoupling state is gradually increasing. Meanwhile, carbon emissions and economic development constitute a bidirectional cycle dynamic system. The impact of economic development on itself and carbon emissions account for 60% and 40%, respectively, while the impact of carbon emissions on itself and economic development accounts for 71% and 29%, respectively. This study provides a relevant theoretical basis for solving the problem of excessive dependence on energy consumption in economic development.

Effects of different fertilization treatments on soil microbial functional diversity of dry tableland wheat field in south Shanxi Province.

Understanding the effects of different fertilization treatments on microbial functional diversity in loess tableland wheat soil in south Shanxi Province can provide the theoretical basis from the perspective of microbial functional diversity for chemical fertilizer reduction, wheat yield increase, and soil fertility improvement in dryland soil. We conducted a long-term field experiment with seven fertilization treatments in winter wheat cultivation area of loess tableland in south Shanxi Province, including straw charcoal fertilizer (SF), bacterial fertilizer (BF), organic fertilizer (OF), humic acid fertilizer (HF), monitoring fertilizer (MF), farmer fertilizer (FF) and no fertilizer (CK). We employed Biolog-ECO microplate technique to investigate the differences of carbon source utilization capacity and functional diversity of soil microorganisms. The results showed that all the fertilization treatments could improve the metabolic activity and functional diversity of soil microbial community. Carbon source utilization was the most efficient in SF, with the overall soil microbial utilization ability of the 31 carbon sources and the utilization ability of different guilds of carbon sources being improved. Functional diversity, richness, and dominance based on microbial carbon sources utilization were significantly higher in SF treatment than that under other five treatments, and the evenness was higher than BF. Results of principal component analysis (PCA) and biclustering heatmap analysis showed that different fertilization treatments had significant effects on the metabolic function of microbial community. SF treatment could promote the functional diversity of soil microbial community, especially for the utilization of carbohydrates, carboxylic acids and amino acids. In conclusion, straw charcoal fertilizer had positive effects on soil microbial activity in wheat soil of loess tableland in south Shanxi Province.

Higher Adherence to Plant-Based Diet Lowers Type 2 Diabetes Risk among High and Non-High Cardiovascular Risk Populations: A Cross-Sectional Study in Shanxi, China.

This study aimed to investigate the association between the plant-based diet index (PDI) score and T2D risk among residents of Shanxi Province, China, and explore whether the association was influenced by different levels of cardiovascular risk. A total of 50,694 participants aged 35-75 years were recruited between 2017 and 2019, and they were further divided into the high cardiovascular risk population (HCRP; n = 17,255) and the non-high cardiovascular risk population (non-HCRP; n = 33,439). The PDI was calculated based on food frequency from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Incident T2D was defined based on elevated plasma glucose (≥7 mmol/L) or hypoglycemic medicine use. We investigated the association of the PDI andT2D risk using a two-level generalized estimating equation and restricted cubic splines model. The results showed that quartile 4 of the PDI indicated significantly reduced T2D risk in the total population (OR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.75-0.92), HCRP (OR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.71-0.91), and non-HCRP (OR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.74-0.87) compared with corresponding quartile 1 (OR = 1). In stratified analysis, the negative associations between PDI and T2D risk were stronger in the total population with the elderly (age > 60 years), BMI < 24, and men, and in the non-HCRP with men and BMI 24-28, and in the HCRP with the elderly and BMI < 24 than those with corresponding subgroups (pinteraction < 0.05). Linear curves were observed for the total population and non-HCRP, but an L-shaped association was observed for the HCRP. Therefore, our results suggest that higher PDI scores may effectively attenuate the T2D risk in the Chinese population and non-HCRP, and a beneficial association of PDI with T2D risk was observed in the HCRP at a certain threshold level. Longitudinal studies and intervention trials are required to validate our study findings.

[Analysis of Spatiotemporal Variation Characteristics and Driving Forces of NPP in Shanxi Province from 2000 to 2020 Based on Geodetector].

The net primary productivity (NPP) of vegetation, as an indispensable element in carbon cycle studies, characterizes plant growth status. This study applied MODIS NPP products from 2000 to 2020 and multi-source data on elevation, slope, precipitation, temperature, land use, and population density in Shanxi province. We used trend analysis, correlation analysis, and geographic probes to explore the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics and driving factors of NPP in Shanxi province and its national planned coal-mining areas. The results showed that: ① the overall NPP exhibited a fluctuating upward trend from 2000 to 2020, with an average rate of increase (in terms of C) of 6.7 g·(m2·a)-1. The total NPP varied significantly among different land types, with arable land>forest land>grassland>construction land>water area>unused land. ② The spatial heterogeneity of NPP changes was obvious, with lower NPP values in the western and northern regions and higher average NPP values in the eastern and southern regions; the NPP comparison of three major coal bases showed that Jindong coal base>Jinzhong coal base>Jinbei coal base. ③ The correlation between NPP and precipitation was high, with 62.2% of regions having a significant correlation (P<0.05), mainly in central and eastern Shanxi province. The relationship between NPP changes and temperature was weak, with only 1.10% of regions having a significant correlation (P<0.05). ④ The comparison of the q-means of each factor in different years based on geographic probes showed that precipitation (0.165)>land use (0.124)>population density (0.085)>slope (0.080)>elevation (0.064)>air temperature (0.024), further indicating that precipitation was the dominant driver of NPP changes over the years. 5 The influence of the two-factor interaction was significantly higher than that of the single factor, and the influence of anthropogenic factors was gradually increasing. From 2000 to 2020, the interaction factor precipitation∩population density (0.275) with the highest explanatory power replaced precipitation∩temperature (0.385) as the interaction factor precipitation with the highest explanatory power.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Chlamydia Infection in Cattle in Shanxi Province, North China.

The information on Chlamydia infection in cattle is limited in Shanxi Province, north China. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors of Chlamydia and Chlamydia abortus infection in cattle in Shanxi Province. In November 2020, a large-scale investigation of Chlamydia seroprevalence was conducted on 981 cattle serum samples collected from 40 cattle farms in 11 cities of Shanxi Province. The seroprevalence of Chlamydia and C. abortus was examined by indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The seroprevalence of Chlamydia and C. abortus was 52.29% (513/981) and 2.96% (29/981), respectively, in cattle in Shanxi Province. Location was identified as a risk factor for Chlamydia and C. abortus infection (p < 0.05). Under different management patterns, the seroprevalence of Chlamydia and C. abortus in large-scale animal farming companies was higher than that in household animal farms and animal farming cooperatives, and only the seroprevalence of Chlamydia was significantly different in different management patterns (p < 0.01). The results showed that there was higher seroprevalence of Chlamydia in cattle in Shanxi Province, while C. abortus was not the dominant species. This study provided baseline information on Chlamydia infection in cattle in Shanxi Province, which constitutes valuable data for monitoring livestock health and preventing potential zoonoses.

Health­risk assessment and distribution characteristics of fluoride in groundwater in six basins of Shanxi Province, Middle China.

High-fluoride (F) pollution is an environmental problem that severely affects the growth of human beings, animals and plants. High-fluoride groundwater severely harms the health of Shanxi residents and leads to frequent endemic diseases. This study aims to analyze the differences and possible health risks of fluoride among six basins in Shanxi Province, North China, using 338 groundwater samples collected from wells, infer the main sources of fluoride in the groundwater, and provide valuable suggestions for fluoride contamination in regional groundwater. The results revealed that F in the Yuncheng basin had the highest health risk. In addition to the Changzhi basin, the groundwater at the sampling points in other basins had adverse effects on human health. The main source of fluoride in groundwater is the dissolution of fluoride-containing minerals, which has little to do with human activities. The groundwater in Shanxi Province tends to be alkaline, and the fluorite saturation index is less than 0 in most circumstances, indicating that fluorite is in an unsaturated state, and fluoride will continue to dissolve into groundwater under suitable conditions. Clustering analysis shows that the high-fluoride areas are mainly distributed in the Yuncheng basin and the southern part of the Xinzhou basin. Fluoride-rich groundwater in a basin often exists only in a certain area, and the distribution of confined water and unconfined water in high-fluoride areas is different. Fluoride contamination in the Changzhi basin is not severe. For the high-fluoride areas in the Datong basin, Xinzhou basin, Taiyuan basin and Linfen basin, utilizing water from other areas or exploiting groundwater from other aquifers to diminish the harm of high-fluoride groundwater intake for a long period is suggested. For the Yuncheng basin, adopting membrane-based processes or variable temperature drop fluoride technology to make groundwater contaminated by excessive fluoride potable is recommended.

[Water holding characteristics of litters of typical forest in loess area of Western Shanxi Province, China]. / æ™‹è¥¿é»„åœŸåŒºå ¸åž‹æž—åˆ†æž¯è½ç‰©æŒæ°´ç‰¹æ€§.

It is of great significance to investigate the volume and water holding characteristics of litters for the accurate evaluation of forest water conservation function. With Pinus tabuliformis, Robinia pseudoacacia, Populus davidiana, Quercus wutaishanica and Platycladus orientalis as the research objects in the Loess Plateau of Western Shanxi Province, we analyzed the thickness of undecomposed layer and semi-decomposed layer, the volume of litter, and the relationship between the litter water-holding characteristics and the immersion time for different stands by the combination of sample survey and indoor immersion test. The results showed that the total thickness of litter layer was 4.06-5.12 cm, with the thickest layer in R. pseudoacacia forest and the thinnest in P. tabuliformis forest. The storage volume of litter was the largest in Q. wutaishanica (24.39 t·hm-2), followed by P. davidiana (23.64 t·hm-2), P. orientalis (22.51 t·hm-2), and R. pseudoacacia (22.48 t·hm-2), and the smallest in P. tabuliformis (20.42 t·hm-2). The volume in the undecomposed layer was less than that in the semi-decomposed layer. The maximum water holding of litter was 40.41-79.56 t·hm-2, with the highest of Q. wutaishanica and the lowest of P. tabuliformis. The effective interception rate of litter was 108%-188%. The changes of water capacity and water absorption rate of litter were most rapid in Q. wutaishanica, P. davidiana and R. pseudoacacia, and the changes were faster in the semi-decomposed layer than in the undecomposed layer. The water-holding capacity of litter in five forests was following an order of Q. wutaishanica>P. davidiana>R. pseudoacacia>P. orientalis>P. tabuliformis.

[Evaluation and spatial-temporal variations of ecological comprehensive index along the Yellow River of Shanxi Province, China]. / 山西省沿黄地区生态综合指数评价及时空变化.

Ecological comprehensive index can quantitatively and visually analyze the temporal and spatial variations of ecological environment quality in a region. Based on the five indices of fractional vegetation coverage, leaf area index, total primary productivity, land surface temperature and wetness obtained by MODIS satellite data in 2001, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020, and coupled the comprehensive quality of the eco-environment (K), we analyzed the temporal and spatial variations of ecological quality along the Yellow River of Shanxi Province from 2001 to 2020 by using the principal component analysis and spatial autocorrelation method. The results showed that the mean value of K in the study area increased from 0.3354 to 0.4389 during 2001-2020. The ecological quality along the Yellow River of Shanxi Province improved overall, but with obvious temporal and spatial variations. On the large scale, it presented a pattern of "better in the south and worse in the north". There was difference between hills and mountains on the small scale. It showed a trend of continuous improvement in time, but the rate of change was different. The trend of improvement in the south was stronger than that in the north. From 2001 to 2020, the global Moran I values of K were all greater than 0.93, indicating that the ecological quality along the Yellow River of Shanxi Province had a strong spatial correlation. The types of spatial agglomeration were mainly high-high and low-low. The high-high agglomeration areas were mainly distributed in blocks in the south, while the low-low agglomeration areas were mainly concentrated in the north. The ecological quality of areas alone the Yellow River of Shanxi Province had been greatly improved during the research period, but there was still obvious spatial heterogeneity, which need to strengthen ecological protection.