How sediment dredging alters phosphorus dynamics in a lowland rural river?

China's lowland rural rivers are facing severe eutrophication problems due to excessive phosphorus (P) from anthropogenic activities. However, quantifying P dynamics in a lowland rural river is challenging due to its complex interaction with surrounding areas. A P dynamic model (River-P) was specifically designed for lowland rural rivers to address this challenge. This model was coupled with the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC) and the Phosphorus Dynamic Model for lowland Polder systems (PDP) to characterize P dynamics under the impact of dredging in a lowland rural river. Based on a two-year (2020-2021) dataset from a representative lowland rural river in the Lake Taihu Basin, China, the coupled model was calibrated and achieved a model performance (R2>0.59, RMSE<0.04 mg/L) for total P (TP) concentrations. Our research in the study river revealed that (1) the time scale for the effectiveness of sediment dredging for P control was ∼300 days, with an increase in P retention capacity by 74.8 kg/year and a decrease in TP concentrations of 23% after dredging. (2) Dredging significantly reduced P release from sediment by 98%, while increased P resuspension and settling capacities by 16% and 46%, respectively. (3) The sediment-water interface (SWI) plays a critical role in P transfer within the river, as resuspension accounts for 16% of TP imports, and settling accounts for 47% of TP exports. Given the large P retention capacity of lowland rural rivers, drainage ditches and ponds with macrophytes are promising approaches to enhance P retention capacity. Our study provides valuable insights for local environmental departments, allowing a comprehensive understanding of P dynamics in lowland rural rivers. This enable the evaluation of the efficacy of sediment dredging in P control and the implementation of corresponding P control measures.

Targeted/untargeted metabolomics and antioxidant properties distinguish Citrus reticulata 'Chachi' from Citrus reticulata Blanco.

Dried citrus peel (DCP), also called "Chen Pi", has edible and medicinal value. However, the specific differences among various sources remain unknown. Herein, we collected six DCP species, namely, one Citrus reticulata 'Chachi' (CZG) and five Citrus reticulata Blanco (CRB). Targeted high-performance liquid chromatography and untargeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were employed to comprehensively compare the phenolic compounds and metabolites in DCP. Interestingly, 13 different phenolic compounds were noted in DCP. The total phenolic compound content in all CRB samples (58.86-127.65 mg/g) was higher than that of CZG (39.47 mg/g). Untargeted metabolomic revealed 1495 compounds, with 115 differentially expressed metabolites for CRBs and CZG, particularly flavonoids (38), terpenoids (15), and phenolic acids and derivatives (9). Lastly, antioxidant assays revealed that all CRB samples exhibited higher antioxidant activities compared with CZG. Therefore, our study results provide a theoretical basis for the high-value utilization of citrus peels and their metabolites.

Intrinsic capacity loss rates and protective factors among individuals aged 80 years and older in Chinese nursing homes: A latent class analysis.

Prior to this cross-sectional study, the intrinsic capacity (IC) loss rates and protective factors in nursing homes for individuals aged 80 and older remained unexplored. Analysing 434 participants, this study found 86.9 % of individuals experienced the loss of at least one IC domain, with detailed losses in locomotion, vision, vitality, hearing, psychological, and cognitive capacities at rates of 83.2 %, 52.8 %, 50.9 %, 46.5 %, 44.9 %, and 44.0 %, respectively. Following latent class analysis (LCA), five distinct IC impairment patterns were noted, with locomotor impairment emerging as a central component across most classes. IC protective factors for persons aged 80 years and older included financial stability, being male or younger within the cohort, junior high school or higher education, being married, no smoking history, manageable comorbidity levels, minimal medication use, good sleep, and not using assistive devices. Based on these five classes, this study provides a potential practical framework alongside recommendations for IC care strategies in the oldest-old, emphasising the importance of locomotor function in maintaining the overall IC.

Pollution area identification, receptor model-oriented sources and probabilistic health hazards to prioritize control measures for heavy metal management in soil.

Identifying the primary source of heavy metals (HMs) pollution and the key pollutants is crucial for safeguarding eco-health and managing risks in industrial vicinity. For this purpose, this investigation was carried out to investigate the pollution area identification with soil static environmental capacity (QI), receptor model-oriented critical sources, and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) based probabilistic environmental and human health hazards associated with HMs in agricultural soils of Narayanganj, Bangladesh. The average concentration of Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb, Co, Zn, and Mn were 98.67, 63.41, 37.39, 1.28, 23.93, 14.48, 125.08, and 467.45 mg/kg, respectively. The geoaccumulation index identified Cd as the dominant metal, indicating heavy to extreme contamination in soils. The QI revealed that over 99% of the areas were polluted for Ni and Cd with less uncertain regions whereas Cr showed a significant portion of areas with uncertain pollution status. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) model identified three major sources: agricultural (29%), vehicular emissions (25%), and industrial (46%). The probabilistic assessment of health hazards indicated that both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for adult male, adult female, and children were deemed unacceptable. Moreover, children faced a higher health hazard compared to adults. For adult male, adult female, and children, industrial operations contributed 48.4%, 42.7%, and 71.2% of the carcinogenic risks, respectively and these risks were associated with Ni and Cr as the main pollutants of concern. The study emphasizes valuable scientific insights for environmental managers to tackle soil pollution from HMs by effectively managing anthropogenic sources. It could aid in devising strategies for environmental remediation engineering and refining industry standards.

Microplastics originated from agricultural mulching films affect enchytraeid multigeneration reproduction and soil properties.

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly entering agricultural soils, often from the breakdown of agricultural plastics (e.g., mulching films). This study investigates the effects of realistic MPs from different mulching films: two conventional polyethylene (PE-1 and PE-2) and two biodegradable (starch-blended polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate; PBAT-BD-1 and PBAT-BD-2). MPs were mixed into Lufa 2.2 soil at a concentration range from 0.005 % to 5 % (w/w dry soil), wide enough to reflect both realistic environmental levels and "worst-case scenarios". Effects on Enchytraeus crypticus reproduction over two generations and six important soil properties were studied. PBAT MPs notably reduced enchytraeid reproduction in the F0 generation, with a maximum decrease of 35.5 ± 9.6 % at 0.5 % concentration. F1 generation was unaffected by PBAT contamination. PE MPs had a more substantial reproductive impact, with up to a 55.3 ± 9.7 % decrease at 5 % PE-1 concentration compared to the control, showing a dose-related effect except for 1 %. Both MP types also significantly affected soil water holding capacity, pH, and total carbon. Other soil properties remained unaffected. Our results highlight the potential negative impacts of MPs originating from real agricultural plastics on soil health and raise concerns about the role of agricultural plastics in sustainable agriculture and food safety.

Mapping pesticide residues in soil for China: Characteristics and risks.

The widespread application of pesticides in China has led to the accumulation of residues in soil. However, few regional studies have fully elucidated the characteristics of pesticide residues in soil (PRS) and the associated risks to the ecosystem and human health on a national level. Therefore, this study aims to compile a dataset on PRS in China from 2006 to 2020 and analyze the interactions and impacts between PRS and the environment. The average concentration of PRS in China was 243.96 µg/kg which was lower than the levels reported in Euro-Americans and other nations. This study revealed PRS in China predominantly originates from organochlorine pesticide residues, with DDTs and HCHs being significant contributors. Despite the high intensity of pesticide application in the Southeast China, PRS concentrations were comparable to those in the Northeast, due to environmental factors that favor pesticide degradation in the Southeast. Both legacy and in-use pesticides were transported by surface runoff or air current, resulting in their accumulation in soil of the lower Yangtze River basin or the piedmont soil of Qinling Mountains, respectively. The average soil environment carrying capacity of PRS in China was -69.5 kg. The ecological risk contributed by PRS in China was mainly at a negligible level. Carcinogenic risks of PRS to adults (4.6 ×10-4) and children (6 ×10-4) exceeded the tolerable thresholds (10-5) by a small margin.

Establishing a novel model to assess exercise capacity in chronic heart failure based on stress echocardiography.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to develop a simple, fast and efficient clinical diagnostic model, composed of exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) indicators, of the exercise capacity of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) by comparing the effectiveness of different classifiers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty patients with CHF (aged 60 ± 11 years; 78% male) were prospectively enrolled in this study. All patients underwent both cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and ESE and were divided into two groups according to the VE/VCO2 slope: 30 patients with VE/VCO2 slope ventilation classification (VC)1 (i.e., VE/VCO2 slope < 30) and 50 patients with VC2 (i.e., VE/VCO2 slope ≥ 30). The analytical features of all patients in the four phases (rest, warm-up, peak and recovery phases) of ESE included the following parameters: left ventricular (LV) systolic function, LV systolic function reserve, LV diastolic function, LV diastolic function reserve and right ventricular function. Logistic regression (LR), extreme gradient boosting trees (XGBT), classification regression tree (CART) and random forest (RF) classifiers were implemented in a K-fold cross-validation model to distinguish VC1 from VC2 (LVEF in VC1 vs. VC2: 44 ± 8% vs. 43 ± 11%, P = 0.617). Among the four models, the LR model had the largest area under the curve (AUC) (0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73 to 0.92). In the multiple-variable LR model, the differences between the peak-exercise-phase and resting-phase values of E (ΔE), s'peak and sex were strong independent predictors of a VE/VCO2 slope ≥ 30 (P value: ΔE = 0.002, s'peak = 0.005, sex = 0.020). E/e'peak, ΔLVEF, ΔLV global longitudinal strain and Δstroke volume were not predictors of VC in the multivariate LR model (P > 0.05 for the above). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the LR, XGBT, CART and RF models, the LR model performed best at predicting the VE/VCO2 slope category of CHF patients. A score chart was created to predict VE/VCO2 slopes ≥ 30. ΔE, s'peak and sex are independent predictors of exercise capacity in CHF patients.

The association between Internet use and intrinsic capacity among older adults in China: The mediating role of social participation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the relationship between Internet use and intrinsic capability among Chinese older adults, and the potential mediating role of social participation. METHODS: We verified the correlation between Internet use and intrinsic capacity using multiple linear regression and verified the mediating role of social participation using the Sobel and Bootstrap tests. RESULTS: The results of multiple linear regression show that there is a significant positive association between Internet use and intrinsic capacity (B = 0.717, p < .001); and social participation plays a mediating role, explaining a total of 20.5% of the association (indirect effect = 0.147, 95% CI: 0.067-0.227). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that Internet use significantly improves intrinsic capacity among Chinese older adults, with social participation playing a mediating role. Increasing Internet adoption rates and promoting social participation may help improve intrinsic capacity among older adults.

The evolution of structural characteristics and redox properties of humin during the composting of sludge and corn straw.

Humins (HMs), the insoluble faction of humic substances (HSs), play a pivotal role in the bioremediation of pollutants by acting as electron shuttles that modulate the interactions between microorganisms and pollutants. This crucial function is intricately linked to their structural composition and electron transfer capabilities. However, the dynamics of the electron transfer capacity (ETC) of HM extracted during the composting process and its determinants have yet to be fully elucidated. This study undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the ETC of HM derived from composting, employing electrochemical techniques alongside spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis to explore the influencing factors, including the electron accepting capacity (EAC), electron donating capacity (EDC), and electron reversible rate (ERR). Our findings reveal substantial variations in the EAC and EDC of HM throughout the composting process, with EAC values ranging from 133.03-220.98 µmol e- gC-1 and EDC values from 111.17-229.33 µmol e- gC-1. Notably, the composting process enhances the ERR and EDC of HM while diminishing their EAC. This shift is accompanied by an augmented presence of aromatic structures, polar functional groups, quinones, and nitrogen - and sulfur-containing moieties, thereby boosting the HM's EDC. Conversely, the reduction in EAC is associated with a decline in lignin carbon content and the abundance of oxygen-containing moieties, as well as the diminishment of visible fulvic-like and protein-like substances within HM. Importantly, humic-like substances and nitrogen-containing moieties within HM demonstrated the capacity for repeated electron transfer, underscoring their significance in the context of environmental remediation.

Assessing agricultural vulnerability to climate change through dynamic indexing approach.

The present study aims to assess agricultural vulnerability in the context of climate change, focusing on the diverse districts of Odisha. Acknowledging that vulnerability is influenced by exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, our research incorporates the growth rate and instability of vital performance indicators to evaluate the relative vulnerability of each district. A key strength of this approach is the use of normalized indicators, weighted in accordance with the proportional acreage of major crops in each district relative to the state, culminating in a comprehensive vulnerability index through the aggregation of these weighted components. Our findings reveal significant variability in the vulnerability profiles across districts, thereby necessitating state-level intervention through tailored "Location Performance Vulnerability" based adaptation strategies. These strategies, including early weather warning systems, development of new and early maturing crop varieties, and adjustment of crop planting dates, are crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture. The study's methodology and findings offer significant contributions to the field, providing policymakers and stakeholders with a district-specific framework for climate change adaptation. This approach is especially relevant for the international academic and policy-making communities, as it highlights the importance of localized adaptation strategies in the broader context of global climate change resilience.

Empowering youth as agents of change: Gaps and opportunities for meaningful youth engagement (MAYE) for sustainable nutrition, climate and public health programmes.

Addressing the intersection of food insecurity, malnutrition and climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa requires meaningful adolescent and youth engagement to drive sustainable change. Drawing on empirical evidence and collective experiences from youth-led initiatives and coalitions, four gaps and opportunities to better involve youth in programmes are discussed, including, the need to: (1) standardise the definition of youth to improve programme design and data harmonisation, (2) provide capacity building and mentorship for youth leadership in health service delivery, (3) foster youth leadership and multisectoral collaboration in food and health systems and (4) enhance capacity development for non-youth actors to support genuine youth participation. This viewpoint underscores the importance of involving African youth in public health nutrition, climate change and food security programmes design and implementation-as drivers of change to addressing hunger and climate crises. By centering youth voices and experiences, programmes and policies can better address African communities' complex challenges, fostering inclusivity, sustainability and resilience in achieving better nutrition and public health programmes and outcomes.

Effects of spironolactone on exercise blood pressure in patients at increased risk of developing heart failure: report from the HOMAGE trial.

None of the spironolactone trials in heart failure (HF) assessed the blood pressure (BP) responses to exercise, while conflicting results were reported for exercise capacity. In the HOMAGE trial, 527 patients at increased HF risk were randomized to usual treatment with or without spironolactone (25-50 mg/day). The current substudy included 113 controls and 114 patients assigned spironolactone, who all completed the incremental shuttle walk test at baseline and months 1 and 9. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed by EQ5D questionnaire. Between-group differences (spironolactone minus control [Δs]) were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA with adjustment for baseline and, if appropriate, additionally for sex, age and body mass index. Δs in the pre-exercise systolic/diastolic BP were -8.00 mm Hg (95% CI, -11.6 to -4.43)/-0.85 mm Hg (-2.96 to 1.26) at month 1 and -9.58 mm Hg (-14.0 to -5.19)/-3.84 mm Hg (-6.22 to -1.47) at month 9. Δs in the post-exercise systolic/diastolic BP were -8.08 mm Hg (-14.2 to -2.01)/-2.07 mm Hg (-5.79 to 1.65) and -13.3 mm Hg (-19.9 to -6.75)/-4.62 mm Hg (-8.07 to -1.17), respectively. For completed shuttles, Δs at months 1 and 9 were 2.15 (-0.10 to 4.40) and 2.49 (-0.79 to 5.67), respectively. Δs in QoL were not significant. The correlations between the exercise-induced BP increases and the number of completed shuttles were similar in both groups. In conclusion, in patients at increased risk of developing HF, spironolactone reduced the pre- and post-exercise BP, but did not improve exercise capacity or QoL.

The influence of redox potential on phosphorus release from sediments in different water bodies.

Anthropogenic activities have significantly enriched P in sediments of many water bodies, with redox potential (Eh) being a key factor in controlling P adsorption or release.This study evaluates the impact of Eh on P release from sediments in the Weiyuan River, Honghu Lake, and Bao'enqiao Reservoir using reactor experiments. P speciation was further analyzed through SEDEX method. Results show that within an Eh range of -300 mV to +230 mV, more P is released from sediments into the water column. The P fractions CDB-P and Fe(II)-P exhibit the most significant changes, especially in reservoir sediments where ΔCDB-P (85.5 mg/kg) and ΔFe(II)-P (80.6 mg/kg) are the highest among the three water bodies, followed by lake sediments. Additionally, after redox oscillation, the EPC0 of lake and reservoir sediments increased to 16.2 and 18.8 times their initial values, respectively, significantly raising the risk of eutrophication.

Global Partnerships in Neurosurgery: Mapping the Need.

The field of global neurosurgery seeks to improve access to neurosurgery and reduce health disparities worldwide. This process depends on intensive collaboration between partners in high-income and low-to-middle income country (LMIC) settings. Several such collaborations have propelled global neurosurgery forward, and long-standing partnerships in particular have brought subspecialty care and training to new locations. Recently, there have been more reports of collaborations between LMICs themselves. In this narrative study, we summarize the state of collaboration in global neurosurgery and discuss how the field is likely to change moving forward.

Partnering in Global Health: What Is a Successful Dyad? The Duke Experience.

This article explores the transformative partnership between Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology (DGNN) and Uganda, emphasizing the power of dyads in international collaboration. It details the partnership's focus on service, research, and training, highlighting key accomplishments like the establishment of a neurosurgery residency program, expansion of services, and an epilepsy clinic. Challenges such as resource constraints and cross-cultural collaboration are addressed. Recommendations are provided for developing similar partnerships, underlining the importance of mutual respect, shared goals, and long-term commitment. The DGNN-Uganda dyad is a blueprint for leveraging collaboration to improve global neurosurgical care and reduce health care inequities.

Partnering with Foundations, Philanthropy, and Universities with Programs Supported by Local Physicians and Eventually Local Physicians Taking Ownership.

This article provides a thorough analysis of the evolution and current state of global neurosurgery, emphasizing the transformative power of partnerships between various stakeholders to address the stark inequities in neurosurgical care, especially in LMICs. It discusses the transition from reliance on short-term medical missions to the development of sustainable, locally led neurosurgical programs through education, training, and infrastructure development. The article highlights the importance of long-term educational exchanges, innovative digital learning platforms, and strategic collaborations with foundations, philanthropic organizations, and academic institutions to build local capacities, enhance global neurosurgical competency, and promote self-sufficiency in neurosurgical care across different regions.

Wildlife health capacity enhancement in Thailand through the World Organisation for Animal Health Twinning Program.

There is an increasing need for robust wildlife health programs that provide surveillance and management for diseases in wildlife and wild aquatic populations to manage associated risks. This paper illustrates the value of a systematic method to enhancing wildlife health programs. The U.S. Geological Survey and Mahidol University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Thailand National Wildlife Health Center formally twinned under the auspices of the World Organisation for Animal Health to enhance wildlife health capacity in Thailand and the Southeast Asia Region. We used a system-wide approach to holistically and interdependently enhance capacity. The project commenced with a wildlife health program needs assessment, and capacity enhancement focused on strengthening the general wildlife health surveillance network and improving wildlife health information management. Activities included partner surveys, interactive and didactic workshops, and individual personnel training. Topics included development of wildlife health information management systems, analysis of the current surveillance network, development of a Theory of Change for a strengthened surveillance network, planning workshops to create a wildlife health network, training on wildlife disease outbreak investigation and field sample collection, leading networks, and individual training on bioinformatics and laboratory techniques. Engagement of stakeholders at all levels, continuous communication throughout the project, use of both strategic planning tools and pedagogical methods, and using iterative and adaptive approaches, were key factors to the success of this project.

Short-term HIIT impacts HDL function differently in lean, obese, and diabetic subjects.

Introduction: High density lipoproteins (HDL) exert cardiovascular protection in part through their antioxidant capacity and cholesterol efflux function. Effects of exercise training on HDL function are yet to be well established, while impact on triacylglycerol (TG)-lowering has been often reported. We previously showed that a short-term high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program improves insulin sensitivity but does not inhibit inflammatory pathways in immune cells in insulin-resistant subjects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate HDL function along with changes of lipoproteins after the short-term HIIT program in lean, obese nondiabetic, and obese type 2 diabetic (T2DM) subjects. Methods: All individuals underwent a supervised 15-day program of alternative HIIT for 40 minutes per day. VO2peak was determined before and after this training program. A pre-training fasting blood sample was collected, and the post-training fasting blood sample collection was performed 36 hours after the last exercise session. Results: Blood lipid profile and HDL function were analyzed before and after the HIIT program. Along with improved blood lipid profiles in obese and T2DM subjects, the HIIT program affected circulating apolipoprotein amounts differently. The HIIT program increased HDL-cholesterol levels and improved the cholesterol efflux capacity only in lean subjects. Furthermore, the HIIT program improved the antioxidant capacity of HDL in all subjects. Data from multiple logistic regression analysis showed that changes in HDL antioxidant capacity were inversely associated with changes in atherogenic lipids and changes in HDL-TG content. Discussion: We show that a short-term HIIT program improves aspects of HDL function depending on metabolic contexts, which correlates with improvements in blood lipid profile. Our results demonstrate that TG content in HDL particles may play a negative role in the anti-atherogenic function of HDL.

Impact of a tailored exercise regimen on physical capacity and plasma proteome profile in post-COVID-19 condition.

Background: Individuals affected by the post-covid condition (PCC) show an increased fatigue and the so-called post-exertion malaise (PEM) that led health professionals to advise against exercise although accumulating evidence indicates the contrary. The goal of this study is to determine the impact of a closely monitored 8-week mixed exercise program on physical capacity, symptoms, fatigue, systemic oxidative stress and plasma proteomic profiles of PCC cases. Methods: Twenty-five women and men with PCC were assigned sequentially to exercise (n = 15) and non-exercise (n = 10) groups. Individuals with no PCC served as a control group. The exercise program included cardiovascular and resistance exercises. Physical capacity, physical activity level and the presence of common PCC symptoms were measured before and after the intervention. Fatigue was measured the day following each exercise session. Plasma and PBMC samples were collected at the beginning and end of the training program. Glutathione and deoxyguanosine levels in PBMC and plasma proteomic profiles were evaluated. Results: Bicep Curl (+15% vs 4%; p = 0.040) and Sit-to-Stand test (STS-30 (+31% vs +11%; p = 0.043)) showed improvement in the exercise group when compared to the non-exercise group. An interaction effect was also observed for the level of physical activity (p =0.007) with a positive effect of the program on their daily functioning and without any adverse effects on general or post-effort fatigue. After exercise, glutathione levels in PBMCs increased in women but remained unchanged in men. Discernable changes were observed in the plasma proteomics profile with certain proteins involved in inflammatory response decreasing in the exercise group. Conclusions: Supervised exercise adapted to the level of fatigue and ability is safe and effective in PCC patients in improving their general physical capacity and wellbeing. Systemic molecular markers that accompany physical improvement can be monitored by analyzing plasma proteomics and markers of oxidative stress. Large-scale studies will help identify promising molecular markers to objectively monitor patient improvement.