[Enrichment and Nutrition/Health Risks Assessment of Mineral Elements in Apples Growing in Yunnan's High Geological Background Area].

Considering the extremely high content of soil mineral elements in high geological background areas, it is crucial to understand the transportation and health risks of mineral elements in soil-plant systems. In this study, 30 soil and apple-paired samples were collected from the main apple production areas of Yunnan's high geological background region to determine the contents of mineral elements. The aim was to research the enrichment characteristics, nutritional values, and health risks associated with 12 mineral elements in apples. The results revealed that Cd, As, Pb and Cr contents in soil samples exceeded their corresponding risk screening values with percentages of 50%, 17%, 48%, and 30%, respectively. However, only 13.3% of Pb content in apple samples exceeded the safety limit （0.1 mg·kg-1, fresh fruit）. In addition to the toxic elements, apples had higher contents of K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn, with average contents of 1.241 g·kg-1, 0.045 g·kg-1, 0.061 g·kg-1, 0.648 mg·kg-1, and 0.944 mg·kg-1, respectively. The nutritional evaluation results showed that the index （INQ） of K and Cu were higher than 2 through the consumption of apples, suggesting that apple consumption was one of the primary sources of K and Cu intake. The health risk assessment revealed that the target hazard quotient （THQ） of a single heavy metal was： Cu > As > Cr > Pb > Zn > Cd； the hazard index （HI） of all heavy metals was far lower than 1, indicating that apple consumption did not pose significant heavy metal exposure risks. The results of this study will provide a scientific insight into the nutritional aspects and health risks associated with mineral elements in soil-plant systems within high geological background areas.

Selenate simultaneously alleviated cadmium and arsenic accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.) via regulating transport genes.

Cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) have contrasting biogeochemical behaviors in paddy soil, which posed an obstacle for reducing their accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.) simultaneously. In this study, selenate exhibited a more effective ability than selenite on simultaneous alleviation of Cd and As accumulation in rice under Cd-As co-exposure, and the mechanisms need to be further investigated. The results showed that selenate significantly decreased the root Cd and As contents by 59%-83% and 43%-72% compared to Cd-As compound exposure, respectively. Correspondingly, it significantly down-regulated the expression of uptake-related genes OsNramp5 (87.1%) and OsLsi1 (95.5%) in rice roots. Decreases in Cd (64.5%) and As (16.2%) contents in shoots were also found after selenate addition. Moreover, selenate may promoted the reduction of As(V) to As(Ⅲ) and As(III) efflux to the external medium, resulting in decreased As accumulation and As(Ⅲ) proportion in rice shoots and roots. In addition, selenate could promote the binding of Cd (by 14%-24%) and As (by 9%-15%) in the cell wall, and significantly reduced the oxidative stress by elevating levels of antioxidant enzymes (by 10%-105%) and thiol compounds (by 6%-210%). Additionally, selenate significantly down-regulated the expression of OsNramp1 (49.3%) and OsLsi2 (82.1%) associated with Cd and As transport in rice. These findings suggest selenate has the potential to be an effective material for the simultaneous reduction of Cd and As accumulation in rice under Cd-As co-contamination.

Long-term air pollution and adverse meteorological factors might elevate the osteoporosis risk among adult Chinese.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between exposure to air pollution and adverse meteorological factors, and the risk of osteoporosis. Methods: We diagnosed osteoporosis by assessing bone mineral density through Dual-Energy X-ray absorptiometry in 2,361 participants from Jiangsu, China. Additionally, we conducted physical examinations, blood tests, and questionnaires. We evaluated pollution exposure levels using grid data, considering various lag periods (ranging from one to five years) based on participants' addresses. We utilized logistic regression analysis, adjusted for temperature, humidity, and individual factors, to examine the connections between osteoporosis and seven air pollutants: PM1, PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3. We assessed the robustness of our study through two-pollutant models and distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM) and explored susceptibility using stratified analyses. Results: In Jiangsu, China, the prevalence of osteoporosis among individuals aged 40 and above was found to be 15.1%. A consistent association was observed between osteoporosis and the five-year average exposure to most pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, CO, and O3. The effects of PM10 and CO remained stable even after adjusting for the presence of a second pollutant. However, the levels of PM1 and PM2.5 were significantly influenced by O3 levels. Individuals aged 60 and above, those with a BMI of 25 or higher, and males were found to be more susceptible to the effects of air pollution. Interestingly, males showed a significantly higher susceptibility to PM1 and PM2.5 compared to females. This study provides valuable insights into the long-term effects of air pollution on osteoporosis risk among the adult population in China. Conclusion: This study indicates a potential association between air pollutants and osteoporosis, particularly with long-term exposure. The risk of osteoporosis induced by air pollution is found to be higher in individuals aged 60 and above, those with a BMI greater than 25, and males. These findings underscore the need for further research and public health interventions to mitigate the impact of air pollution on bone health.

Absorption and Biotransformation of Selenomethionine and Selenomethionine-Oxide by Wheat Seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.).

An in-depth understanding of Se uptake and metabolism in plants is necessary for developing Se biofortification strategies. Thus, hydroponic experiments were conducted to investigate the associated processes and mechanisms of organic Se (selenomethionine (SeMet) and selenomethionine-oxide (SeOMet)) uptake, translocation, transformation and their interaction in wheat, in comparison to inorganic Se. The results showed that Se uptake by the roots and the root-to-shoot translocation factor under the SeMet treatment were higher than those under the selenite, selenate and SeOMet treatments. The uptake and translocation of SeMet were higher than those of SeOMet within 72 h, although the differences gradually narrowed with time. The uptake of SeMet and SeOMet was also sensitive to the aquaporin inhibitor: AgNO3 addition resulted in 99.5% and 99.9% inhibitions of Se in the root in the SeMet and SeOMet treatments, respectively. Once absorbed by the root, they rapidly assimilated to other Se forms, and SeMet and Se-methyl-selenocysteine (MeSeCys) were the dominant species in SeMet- and SeOMet-treated plants, while notably, an unidentified Se form was also found in the root and xylem sap under the SeMet treatment. In addition, within 16 h, SeOMet inhibited the uptake and translocation of SeMet, while the inhibition was weakened with longer treatment time. Taken together, the present study provides new insights for the uptake and transformation processes of organic Se within plants.

Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils: Sources, Influencing Factors, and Remediation Strategies.

Soil heavy metal pollution is a global environmental challenge, posing significant threats to eco-environment, agricultural development, and human health. In recent years, advanced and effective remediation strategies for heavy metal-contaminated soils have developed rapidly, and a systematical summarization of this progress is important. In this review paper, first, the anthropogenic sources of heavy metals in agricultural soils, including atmospheric deposition, animal manure, mineral fertilizers, and pesticides, are summarized. Second, the accumulation of heavy metals in crops as influenced by the plant characteristics and soil factors is analyzed. Then, the reducing strategies, including low-metal cultivar selection/breeding, physiological blocking, water management, and soil amendment are evaluated. Finally, the phytoremediation in terms of remediation efficiency and applicability is discussed. Therefore, this review provides helpful guidance for better selection and development of the control/remediation technologies for heavy metal-contaminated agricultural soils.

Phytoremediation strategies for heavy metal-contaminated soil by selecting native plants near mining areas in Inner Mongolia.

Phytoremediation technology, as an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach, is widely used to restore soil contaminated by heavy metal(loid)s. However, the adaptability and absorption capacity of plants to multiple elements are the crucial factors affecting the application of phytoremediation in mining areas. In this study, dominant native plant species and their paired soils were collected near a lead-zinc mine in Inner Mongolia, to assess the ecological risk of heavy metal(loid)s and phytoremediation potential. The results showed that Cd and As were the dominant soil pollutants, with levels of 90.91% and 100%, respectively, exceeding the risk intervention values for soil contamination of agricultural land. The rates of Pb, Cu, and Zn exceeding the risk screening values were 69.70%, 60.61%, and 96.97%, respectively. Extremely high ecological risk of heavy metal(loid)s was observed in this area. The ability of native plants accumulating heavy metals varied among species. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) varied from 0.14 to 2.59 for Cd, 0.02 to 0.45 for As, 0.06 to 0.76 for Pb, 0.05 to 2.69 for Cr, 0.15 to 1.00 for Cu, and 0.22 to 4.10 for Zn. Chinese Cinquefoil Herb (Potentilla chinensis Ser.) showed the potential to accumulate multiple toxic elements based on the biomass, shoot content, translocation factor (TF), BCF, and metal extraction rate (MER), while, other species showed the potential to accumulate single toxic element: goosefoot (Chenopodium album L.), Lespedeza daurica (Laxm.) Schindl. and peashrubs (Caragana korshinskii Kom.), Herba Artemisiae Scopariae (Artemisia capillaris Thunb.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and Moldavian Dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) for Cd, As, Cr, Cu, and Zn, respectively. Furthermore, wild leek (Allium ramosum L.), cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.), fringed sagebrush (Artemisia frigida Willd.), and field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) were selected for phytostabilization of specific elements, considering the heavy metal contents in the roots and low TF values. This study provides a reference for selecting appropriate species for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils in certain mining areas.

Association between glycated haemoglobin and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A prospective cohort study in UK biobank.

AIMS: To investigate the association between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) incidents in the general population, and the association between HbA1c levels and mortality in patients with COPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the association of HbA1c levels with COPD risk in the general population in the UK Biobank, using data from 420 065 participants. Survival analysis was conducted for 18 854 patients with COPD. We used restricted cubic spline analysis to assess the dose-response relationship between HbA1c levels and COPD risk and survival. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 11 556 COPD cases were recorded. HbA1c had a non-linear relationship with COPD risk (p for non-linearity < .05). Compared with the quintile 2 (32.2-<34.3 mmol/mol), those with HbA1c levels above 38.7 mmol/mol (quintile 5) had a 22% (HR, 1.22, 95% CI: 1.15-1.30) higher risk of COPD. Compared with the HbA1c decile 2 (30.5-<32.2 mmol/mol), the HRs (95% CI) of COPD risk were 1.16 (1.03-1.30) and 1.36 (1.24-1.50) in the lowest HbA1c decile (<30.5 mmol/mol) and highest decile (≥41.0 mmol/mol), respectively. The increased COPD risk associated with HbA1c was more pronounced in younger, current smokers, passive smokers, and participants with a higher Townsend deprivation index (all p for interaction < .05). Among patients with COPD, 4569 COPD cases died (488 because of COPD) during a median follow-up of 5.4 years. Regarding COPD survival, HbA1c had a non-linear relationship with all-cause death (p for non-linearity < .05). Those with HbA1c quintile 5 (≥38.7 mmol/mol) had a 23% (HR, 1.23, 95% CI: 1.10-1.37) higher risk of all-cause death compared with the quintile 2 (32.2-<34.3 mmol/mol). Compared with the HbA1c decile 4 (33.3-<34.3 mmol/mol), those in the lowest HbA1c decile (<30.5 mmol/mol) and highest HbA1c decile (≥41.0 mmol/mol) had 22% (HR, 1.22; 95% CI: 1.01-1.47) and 28% (HR, 1.28; 95% CI: 1.11-1.48) higher risk for overall death. However, no significant association was observed between HbA1c levels and the risk of COPD-specific death. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that lower and higher HbA1c levels were associated with a higher risk of COPD. In COPD cases, lower and higher HbA1c levels were associated with a higher COPD all-cause death risk.

[Enrichment Characteristics of Heavy Metals and Health Risk in Different Vegetables].

The health risk caused by heavy metal accumulation in vegetables is of great concern. In this study, a database of heavy metal content in a vegetable-soil system in China was constructed through literature review and field sample collection. A systematic analysis of seven heavy metal contents in edible parts of vegetables and their bioaccumulation capacity among different vegetables was also performed. Additionally, the non-carcinogenic health risks of four types vegetables were assessed by using Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). The mean values of Cd, As, Pb, Cr, Hg, Cu, and Zn in the edible parts of the vegetables were 0.093, 0.024, 0.137, 0.118, 0.007, 0.622, and 3.272 mg·kg-1, and the exceedance rates of the five toxic elements were:Pb (18.5%)>Cd (12.9%)>Hg (11.5%)>Cr (4.03%)>As (0.21%). Leafy vegetables showed high Cd enrichment, and root vegetables showed high Pb enrichment, with mean bioconcentration factors of 0.264 and 0.262, respectively. Generally, legumes vegetables and solanaceous vegetables showed lower bioaccumulation for heavy metals. The health risk results indicated that the non-carcinogenic risk for single elements of vegetable intake was within the acceptable range, with the health risk for children being higher than that for adults. The mean non-carcinogenic risk for single elements were:Pb>Hg>Cd>As>Cr. The multi-element combined non-carcinogenic risks of four types vegetables were:leafy vegetables>root vegetables>legume vegetables>solanaceous vegetables. Planting lower-heavy metal bioaccumulation vegetables in heavy metal-contaminated farmland is an effective method to minimize the health risk.

Associations of diabetes, prediabetes and diabetes duration with the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A prospective UK Biobank study.

AIM: To investigate the associations of diabetes, prediabetes and diabetes duration with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk and survival in the UK Biobank. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective analysis among 452 680 participants without COPD at baseline using UK Biobank data. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated from Cox regression models. The dose-response relationship was explored using restricted cubic splines. A separate survival analysis was conducted for 12 595 patients with incident COPD. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 12 595 cases of COPD were documented. Compared with the reference group, those with prediabetes and diabetes were associated with an 18% (HR 1.18 [95% CI: 1.13-1.24]) and 35% (HR 1.35 [95% CI: 1.24-1.47]) higher risk of COPD, respectively. Diabetes duration was associated with COPD risk, with multivariable HRs (95% CIs) of 1.23 (1.05-1.44), 1.20 (1.04-1.39) and 1.18 (1.01-1.37) for diabetes duration of 7 years or longer, 3 to less than 7 years, and 1 to less than 3 years versus less than 1 year, respectively. Dose-response analysis revealed a non-linear relationship between diabetes duration and COPD risk. Regarding COPD survival, COPD patients with prediabetes and diabetes had a 9% (HR 1.09 [95% CI: 1.00-1.19]) and 21% (HR 1.21 [95% CI: 1.05-1.41]) higher risk of overall death, respectively. Compared with the cases with a diabetes duration of less than 1 year, those with a diabetes duration of 7 years or longer were associated with a 46% higher risk of overall death (HR 1.46 [95% CI: 1.11-1.92]). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that diabetes, prediabetes and a longer diabetes duration are associated with a higher risk of and worse survival for COPD. Future studies are warranted to determine the optimal way of diabetes control that might reduce COPD risk.

Transcriptome analysis reveals different mechanisms of selenite and selenate regulation of cadmium translocation in Brassica rapa.

Selenium (Se) inhibits cadmium (Cd) root-to-shoot translocation and accumulation in the shoots of pak choi; however, the mechanism by which Se regulates Cd retention in roots is still poorly understood. A time-dependent hydroponic experiment was conducted to compare the effects of selenite and selenate on Cd translocation and retention in the roots. The underlying mechanisms were investigated regarding Se biotransformation and metal transportation in roots using HPLC and transcriptome analyses. Selenite showed reducing effects on Cd translocation and accumulation in shoots earlier than selenate. Selenite is mainly biotransformed into selenomethionine (80% of total Se in roots) at 72 h, while SeO42- was the dominant species in the selenate treatments (68% in shoots). Selenite up-regulated genes involved in the biosynthesis of lignin, suberin, and phytochelatins and those involved in stress signaling, thereby helping to retain Cd in the roots, whereas essentially, selenate had opposite effects and impaired the symplastic and apoplastic retention of Cd. These results suggest that cell-wall reinforcement and Cd retention in roots may be the key processes by which Se regulates Cd accumulation, and faster biotransformation into organic seleno-compounds could lead to earlier effects.

Differences in the prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis in chinese urban and rural regions: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Bone mineral density (BMD) and prevalence of osteoporosis may differ between urban and rural populations. This study aimed to investigate the differences in BMD characteristics between urban and rural populations in Jiangsu, China. METHODS: A total of 2,711 participants aged 20 years and older were included in the cross-sectional study. Multistage and stratified cluster random sampling was used as the sampling strategy. BMD was measured by the method of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Data were collected through questionnaires/interview. BMD values at the lumbar spine (L1-L4), femoral neck, total hip, and greater trochanter were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to demonstrate the characteristics of urban and rural participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to analyze the factors that may be associated with osteoporosis in urban and rural populations. RESULTS: Of these participants, 1,540 (50.49%) were females and 1,363 (42.14%) were from urban. The prevalence of osteoporosis in urban and rural populations was 5.52% and 10.33%, respectively. In terms of gender, the prevalence of osteoporosis was 2.68% in males and 13.82% in females. For menopausal status, the prevalence of osteoporosis was 30.34% in postmenopausal females and 4.78% in premenopausal females. In urban populations, older age [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.36, 95%CI, 2.35-2.36), hypertension (AOR = 1.37, 95%CI, 1.36-1.37), unmarried (AOR = 4.04, 95%CI, 3.99-4.09), smoking everyday (AOR = 2.26, 95%CI, 2.23-2.28), family history of osteoporosis (AOR = 1.66, 95%CI, 1.65-1.67), dyslipidemia (AOR = 1.05, 95%CI, 1.04-1.05), and higher ß-crosslaps (ß-CTX) level (AOR = 1.02, 95%CI, 1.02-1.02) were associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, while males (AOR = 0.04, 95%CI, 0.04-0.04), higher education level (AOR = 0.95, 95%CI, 0.95-0.95), and aquatic product intake (AOR = 0.99, 95%CI, 0.99-0.99) were related to decreased risk of osteoporosis. Similar results were also observed in rural populations, and (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of osteoporosis in rural populations was higher than that in urban populations, and the factors associated with the risk of osteoporosis were similar in urban and rural populations.

Source-specific risk assessment for cadmium in wheat and maize: Towards an enrichment model for China.

Cadmium (Cd) pollution of agricultural soil is of public concern due to its high potential toxicity and mobility. This study aimed to reveal the risk of Cd accumulation in soil and wheat/maize systems, with a specific focus on the source-specific ecological risk, human health risk and Cd enrichment model. For this we investigated more than 6100 paired soil and grain samples with 216 datasets including soil Cd contents, soil pH and grain Cd contents of 85 sites from China. The results showed that mining activities, sewage irrigation, industrial activities and agricultural practices were the critical factors causing Cd accumulation in wheat and maize cultivated sites. Thereinto, mining activities contributed to a higher Cd accumulation risk in the southwest China and Middle Yellow River regions; sewage irrigation influenced the Cd accumulation in the North China Plain. In addition, the investigated sites were classified into different categories by comparing their soil and grain Cd contents with the Chinese soil screening values and food safety values, respectively. Cd enrichment models were developed to predict the Cd levels in wheat and maize grains. The results showed that the models exhibited a good performance for predicting the grain Cd contents among safe and warning sites of wheat (R2 = 0.61 and 0.72, respectively); while the well-fitted model for maize was prone to the overestimated sites (R2 = 0.77). This study will provide national viewpoints for the risk assessments and prediction of Cd accumulation in soil and wheat/maize systems.

Elevated pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio indicate low survival rate in apatinib-treated patients with non-small cell lung cancer: A STROBE-compliant article.

This study aimed to analyze the predictive value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to better clarify which patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) would benefit most from apatinib after multiline treatment for drug resistance. This observational cohort study involved patients with advanced NSCLC who were treated with apatinib between May 2016 to May 2018. The participants in this study had previously been treated with at least two treatment regimens. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional risk models were used to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of the pretreatment NLR. A total of 125 patients were reviewed. The median age was 64 years (range, 33-92); and 32.8% of the patients were female. Only 0.8% of the patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) score ≥ 2. In multivariate analysis, pretreatment NLR ≥ 5 had an independent correlation with inferior OS (median 2.07 vs 3.40 months; HR 1.493, 95% CI 1.022-2.182; P = .038) and inferior PFS (median 1.83 vs 2.76 months; HR 1.478, 95% CI 1.015-2.153; P = .042). Elevated pretreatment NLR is associated with shorter OS and PFS in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with apatinib after multiline treatment for drug resistance.

Uptake and translocation mechanisms of different forms of organic selenium in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for human and animal health, and toward an understanding of the uptake and translocation of Se in plants is important from the perspective of Se biofortification. In this study, we conducted hydroponic experiments to investigate the mechanisms of organic Se [selenomethionine (SeMet) and selenomethionine-oxide (SeOMet)] uptake, translocation, and the interactions between SeMet and SeOMet in rice. We also investigated differences in the dynamics of organic and inorganic Se uptake by rice roots. Concentration-dependent kinetic results revealed that SeMet uptake during a 1 h exposure was 3.19-16.0 times higher than that of three other Se chemical forms, with uptake capacity (Vmax ) values ordered as follows: SeMet>SeOMet>selenite>selenate. Furthermore, time-dependent kinetic analysis revealed that SeMet uptake by roots and content in shoots were initially clearly higher than those of SeOMet, although the differences gradually diminished with prolonged exposure time; while no significant difference was found in the transfer factor of Se from rice roots to shoots between SeMet and SeOMet. Root uptake of SeOMet was significantly inhibited by carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) (30.4%), AgNO3 (41.8%), and tetraethylammonium chloride (TEACl) (45.6%), indicating that SeOMet uptake is a metabolically active process, and that it could be mediated via aquaporins and K+ channels. Contrarily, SeMet uptake was insensitive to CCCP, although markedly inhibited by AgNO3 (93.1%), indicating that rice absorbs SeMet primarily via aquaporins. Furthermore, Se uptake and translocation in rice treated simultaneously with both SeMet and SeOMet were considerably lower than those in rice treated with SeMet treatment alone and notably lower than the theoretical quantity, indicating interactions between SeMet and SeOMet. Our findings provide important insights into the mechanisms underlying the uptake and translocation of organic Se within plants.

The combined impacts of selenium and phosphorus on the fate of arsenic in rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L.).

Although the single role of selenium (Se) or phosphorus (P) in regulating the As contamination of rice plants has been reported in some studies, the combined impacts of Se and P on the fate of As and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, the uptake, translocation, and biotransformation of As mediated by Se were investigated in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings hydroponically cultured with P-normal and P-deficient conditions. The results showed Se addition stimulated the uptake of arsenite and arsenate by 15.6% and 30.7%, respectively in P-normal condition, and such effect was more profound in P-deficient condition with the value of 43.8% and 70.8%. However, regardless of Se addition, P-deficiency elevated the As uptake by 47.0%-92.1% for arsenate but had no obvious effects for arsenite. Accompanying with the As transfer factorShoot/Root reduced by 74.5%-80.2% and 71.1%-85.7%, Se addition decreased the shoot As content by 65.8%-69.7% and 59.6%-73.1%, respectively, in the arsenite- and arsenate-treated rice plants. Relative to the corresponding treatments of P-normal condition, P-deficiency reduced the As transfer factorShoot/Root by 38.9%-52.5% and thus decreasing the shoot As content by 35.2%-42.5% in the arsenite-treated plants; while the opposite impacts were observed in the arsenate-treated plants, in which the shoot As content was increased by 22.4%-83.7%. The analysis results of As species showed As(III) was dominant in both shoots (68.9%-75.1%) and roots (94.9%-97.2%), and neither Se addition nor P-deficiency had obvious impacts on the interconversion between As(III) and As(V). Our results demonstrate the regulating roles of Se in As accumulation mainly depend on P regimes and the specific rice tissues, but the effects of P-deficiency on the fate of As were influenced by the form of As added to the culture.

Selenite and selenate showed contrasting impacts on the fate of arsenic in rice (Oryza sativa L.) regardless of the formation of iron plaque.

The different effects of selenite and selenate on the fate of As and the function of iron plaque in the interaction between Se and As are poorly understood. Rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L.) were selected as experimental plants in this study, the hydroponic experiments were conducted to investigate the possible regulatory roles of selenite and selenate on the uptake, translocation, and transformation of arsenite or arsenate accompanied by iron plaque. In arsenite- and arsenate-treated rice, the Fe30 treatments stimulated root uptake by 12.4-39.8% and 18.6-37.0%, respectively, but inhibited the movement of As from iron plaque to the roots, resulting in the absorption of a considerable amount of As on iron plaque. Regardless of the iron plaque formation, selenite (selenate) significantly increased (decreased) the root uptake of arsenite and arsenate by 28.1-53.0% and 40.0%-61.7%, respectively (45.6-56.3% and 42.5-47.7%, respectively). Interestingly, the supply of selenite significantly reduced root-to-shoot As translocation by 71.9-77.3% and 66.2-67.7%, respectively, in arsenite- and arsenate-treated rice seedlings; however, a significant increase (90.5-122.9%) was induced by selenate was found only in the arsenate-treated plants. Furthermore, the translocation of As from iron plaque to the roots was significantly increased (decreased) by selenite (selenate). As and Fe in iron plaque were significantly positively correlated in all As-treated rice plants, and this correlation was more profound than that in the shoots and roots. However, neither Fe treatments nor inorganic Se addition affected the interconversion between As(III) and As(V) obviously; and As(III) was the dominant species in both shoots (68.3-84.9%) and roots (90.7-98.2%). Our results indicate selenite and selenate are effective in reducing the As accumulation in an opposite way, and the presence of iron plaque had no obvious impact on the interaction between Se and As in rice plants.

Accumulation of potentially toxic elements in Chinese tea (Camellia sinensis): Towards source apportionment and health risk assessment.

Tea (Camellia sinensis) is a popular beverage that is consumed globally. However, a better understanding of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) content in tea leaves and infusion is necessary to minimize risk on human health. Therefore, 249 tea samples (grown in different areas) covering six types of tea were collected in China to investigate the PTEs contents, identify their potential source and assess the health risk associated with drinking tea. PTE contents in tea leaves across six tea types were ND-0.900 (Cd), 0.005-2.133 (As), ND-5.679 (Pb), ND-13.86 (Cr), 1.601-22.93 (Ni), ND-2.048 (Se), 0.109-622.4 (F), 13.02-269.9 (Rb), 1.845-50.88 (Sr), and 2.796-53.23 (Ba) mg/kg. The result of tea infusion showed that 14.3 %-44.1 % (green tea), 14.5 %-46.7 % (black tea), 10.5 %-25.3 % (dark tea), 13.6 %-34.2 % (oolong tea), 16.9 %-40.7 % (yellow tea), and 19.9 %-35.1 % (white tea) of F were released. All tea types, except green tea, exhibited comparatively low leachability of Cd, As, Pb and Cr in tea infusion. The source apportionment revealed that PTEs in tea leaves mainly originated from soil parental materials, while industrial activities, fertilizer application, and manufacturing processes may contribute to exogenous Se, Cd, As, and Cr accumulation. Health risk assessment indicated that F in tea infusion dominated the health risk. Humans may be exposed to a higher health risk by drinking green tea compared to that of other tea types. Nevertheless, the long-term tea consumption is less likely to contribute to pronounced non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. This study confirmed that tea consumption is an important and direct pathway of PTEs uptake in humans. The health risk associated with drinking tea should be of concern.

Sulfur reduces arsenic accumulation in rice shoot by enhancing root retention and altering arsenic metabolism.

Rice can potentially pose serious health risks due to its higher arsenic (As) uptake. Sulfur (S) is not only an essential macronutrient, but it also has the ability to decrease As accumulation. In the present study, a hydroponic experiment was conducted to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of S on the As uptake and transport at different S (pre-)treatments and additional supply levels. It was found that additional S supply decreased As content by 20%-50% in both S-deficient and S-normal pre-treated shoots compared to the no S supply throughout the treatment; As root-to-shoot translocation factors was reduced by 7%-46% with S supply. On the one hand, additional S supply could elevate levels of thiol compounds (by 15%-280%) and increase the As percentage in soluble cytosol of roots. Additional S supply also enhanced the casparian strip development of rice roots, which could block As transfer in roots apoplast pathway. Moreover, additional S supply lead to the down-regulation of OsLsi2 expression (e.g., reduced by 71% by S at 2 mmol L-1 with the S-normal pre-treatment). Sulfur also promoted the biotransformation of As(III) in shoots into less toxic As species; reducing the As(III) proportion by 25% by 2 mmol L-1 of S under S-normal pre-treatment. These results suggest that S could play an important role in the inhibition of As transfer and the detoxification of As in rice by enhancing root retention (the vacuole sequestration), impeding transportation pathway of root apoplast, and regulating As-related gene expression. Thus, providing a basis for the potential application of S in rice production in As-contaminated paddy soil.

The risks of sulfur addition on cadmium accumulation in paddy rice under different water-management conditions.

Recently, the application of sulfur (S) has been recommended to control the accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in rice in contaminated paddy soil. However, the effects of exogenous S on Cd transfer in paddy rice systems under different water-management practices have not been systematically investigated. Pot experiments were performed to monitor the composition of soil pore water and the Cd accumulation in iron plaque and rice tissue were compared under different S (0 and 200 mg/kg Na2SO4) and water (continuous and discontinuous flooding) treatments. Sulfur application significantly increased Cd concentrations in soil pore water under discontinuous flooding conditions, but slightly reduced them under continuous flooding. Moreover, the oxidation/reduction potential (Eh) was the most critical factor that affected the Cd levels. When the Eh exceeded -42.5 mV, S became the second critical factor, and excessive S application promoted Cd dissolution. In addition, S addition elevated the Cd levels in iron plaque and reduced the Cd transfer from the iron plaque to rice roots. In rice, S addition inhibited Cd transfer from the rice roots to the straw; thus, more Cd was stored in the rice roots. Nevertheless, additional S application increased the Cd content in the rice grains by 72% under discontinuous flooding, although this effect was mitigated by continued flooding. Under simulated practical water management conditions, S addition increased the risk of Cd contamination in rice, suggesting that S application should be reconsidered as a paddy fertilization strategy.

Association of Generalized and Abdominal Obesity with Diabetic Retinopathy in Chinese Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

AIMS: Obesity has been proposed to promote the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), but previous studies have not shown consistent results. We aimed to explore the association between generalized and abdominal obesity and DR risk, and to assess the joint effect of these two different types of obesity on DR development. METHODS: A nested case-control study within a large prospective study on type 2 diabetes was conducted in communities in Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province, China. Cases were individuals who had diagnoses of DR during the 6-year follow-up. A total number of 1544 DR cases and 1:1 matched controls were included. Binomial and multinomial logistic regression models were used to investigate the effects of obesity on DR occurrence and DR severity. RESULTS: Compared with individuals in the first tertile of the baseline waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), subjects in the third tertile at baseline had significantly higher risk of DR (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.17-1.78) during the follow-up period. Conversely, body mass index (BMI) (continuous) had an adjusted OR of 0.97 (95% CI 0.95-0.99) of developing DR. Individuals with low BMI and high WHR levels were identified as a high-risk population with a higher likelihood of developing DR (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.17-2.33) than those in the lowest BMI category and simultaneously in the first WHR tertile. CONCLUSIONS: Type 2 diabetic individuals with low BMI levels and high WHR levels had a significantly increased risk of developing DR which indicated that isolated abdominal obesity might be involved in the pathogenesis of DR.