Hemostasis Strategies and Recent Advances in Nanomaterials for Hemostasis.

The development of materials that effectively stop bleeding and prevent wound adhesion is essential in both military and medical fields. However, traditional hemostasis methods, such as cautery, tourniquets, and gauze, have limitations. In recent years, new nanomaterials have gained popularity in medical and health fields due to their unique microstructural advantages. Compared to traditional materials, nanomaterials offer better adhesion, versatility, and improved bioavailability of traditional medicines. Nanomaterials also possess advantages such as a high degree and stability, self-degradation, fewer side effects, and improved wound healing, which make them ideal for the development of new hemostatic materials. Our review provides an overview of the currently used hemostatic strategies and materials, followed by a review of the cutting-edge nanomaterials for hemostasis, including nanoparticles and nanocomposite hydrogels. The paper also briefly describes the challenges faced by the application of nanomaterials for hemostasis and the prospects for their future development.

Contamination, risk and quantitative identification of nutrients and potentially toxic elements in the surface sediments of Baiyangdian Lake, North China.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in lake sediments are concerning because of their toxic effects on lacustrine ecosystems and human health. Baiyangdian Lake (BYDL), the "pearl of North China", plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological health of North China. Here, risk assessment and source identification of nutrients and PTEs in sediments were performed. The results showed that the sediments were highly contaminated with total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN), but contamination by total phosphorus (TP) was minor, and the ecological risk associated with Cd was considerable, especially in the northern region. The average noncarcinogenic hazard quotient of PTEs increased in the order of Zn < Hg < Cd < Cu < Ni < Pb < Cr < As. Statistical analyses indicated that Al, Ti, Fe, Co, Cr, Hg, Ni, and rare earth elements were primarily from natural origins; Pb was derived from local tourism development and pollution by fishermen; and TOC, TN, TP, As, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Mn were mainly derived from industrial and agricultural activities. Additionally, the mean contribution rates of industrial wastewater and domestic sewage sources, agricultural sources, and natural sources to BYDL sediment pollution were 59.9%, 17.9%, and 22.2%, respectively. Spatially, industrial and domestic sewage sources contributed more in the northwestern region (average 79.8%) than in the southern region (average 35.5%), while agricultural sources contributed the most in the southwestern region (average 41.3%). These findings will advance our knowledge of the spatial differences, contamination risks and sources of nutrients and PTEs in BYDL and provide a scientific basis to help policy-makers establish a healthy ecological community in BYDL of the Xiong'an New Area.

Study on the COVID-19 infection status, prevention and control strategies among people entering Shenzhen.

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) confirmed cases overseas have continued to rise in the last months, and many people overseas have chosen to return to China. This increases the risk of a large number of imported cases which may cause a relapse of the COVID-19 outbreak. In order to prevent imported infection, the Shenzhen government has implemented a closed-loop management strategy using nucleic acid testing (NAT) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and requiring 14 days of medical observation for individuals with an overseas tour history (Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan province and other countries). Our study aims to describe the status of COVID-19 infection among people entering Shenzhen, and to evaluate the effect of the closed-loop management strategy. METHODS: We undertook a descriptive study and risk analysis by the entry time, time of reporting, and local confirmed cases in countries of origin. The NAT were completed in Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ten district-level CDCs, and fever clinics. RESULTS: A total of 86,844 people from overseas entered Shenzhen from January 1 to April 18, 2020; there were 39 imported COVID cases and 293 close contacts. The infection rate of people entering was 4.49‰ [95% Confidence interval (CI): 3.26‰-6.05‰]. Fourteen imported cases (35.9%) came from the UK, and nine (23.08%) came from the USA. People entering from the USA since March 9 or from the UK since March 13 are the high-risk population. As of July 17, there have been no new confirmed cases in Shenzhen for 153 days, and the numbers of confirmed case, close contacts, and asymptomatic cases are 0. CONCLUSIONS: The closed-loop management has been effective in preventing imported infection and controlling domestic relapse. The distribution of entry time and report time for imported cases overseas was similar. This shows that it is important to implement closed-loop management at the port of entry.

[Association between glucose and blood lipid among adolescents in eastern China].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between glucose and blood lipid among adolescents aged 12-17 years in eastern China during 2016-2017. METHODS: The data comes from the "Chinese Children and Nursing Mothers Nutrition and Health Monitoring" during 2016-2017. The detection of blood glucose and blood lipids were conducted among 8873 subjects(4405 boys, 4468 girls) from 8 provinces and 3 municipality of eastern China by multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method. Logistic regression was used to explore the factors related to abnormal blood glucose. RESULTS: The average fasting blood-glucose of boys was(5. 24±0. 53)mmol/L, and girls was(5. 13±0. 54)mmol/L(t=9. 64, P<0. 05). The average fasting blood-glucose decreased with the increased of age(F=109. 50, P<0. 05). The abnormal rate of fasting blood-glucose differed among the subjects of various age groups were significant difference(χ~2=27. 16, P<0. 05). The abnormal rate fasting blood glucose of boys was 3. 44%(149 cases), and girls was 1. 93%(85 cases)(χ~2=14. 06, P<0. 05). The abnormal rate of 12-13 years old was the higest(n=126, 3. 58%) and the 16-17 years old was the lowest(n=42, 1. 67%). Both the TC and LDL-C were higher among the subjects with abnormal fasting blood glucose than those with normal fasting blood glucose(t=3. 03, P<0. 05;t=2. 41, P<0. 05). The result of logistic analysis showed that as the increase of TC level, the risk of abnormal fasting blood glucose was increased(OR=1. 98, 95%CI 1. 06-3. 71). CONCLUSION: The level of fasting blood glucose and the abnormal rate of fasting blood glucose varies in age and sex. The higher level of TC might be the risk factor of abnormal fasting blood glucose among adolescents.

[Association between different types of obesity and blood pressure among adolescents in eastern China].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between different types of obesity and blood pressure in adolescents aged 12-17 years in eastern China. METHODS: Using multi-stage stratified random sampling, a total of 8279 adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years in eastern China were selected as the research objects from the "Nutrition and Health Surveillance for Chinese Children and Nursing Mothers" project from 2016 to 2017. According to BMI and WHtR, the subjects were divided into four types: non-obesity, general obesity, simple abdominal obesity and combined obesity. The normal high blood pressure and high blood pressure of people with different types of obesity were determined according to Blood Pressure Standards for Children at 3-17 Years Old Per Year and Height in China. The relationship between different types of obesity and the prevalence of high blood pressure was analyzed by χ~2 test, analysis of variance, multi-level linear model and multi-level Logistic regression model. RESULTS: The prevalence of high normal blood pressure was 13. 66%(1069), and the prevalence of high blood pressure was 18. 79%(1782) in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in eastern China. In the non-obese group, the prevalence of high normal blood pressure was 12. 85%(732), and the prevalence of high blood pressure was 13. 79%(999). In the general obesity group, the prevalence of high normal blood pressure was 20. 45%(99), and the prevalence of high blood pressure was 23. 62%(160). In the central obesity group, the prevalence of high normal blood pressure was 6. 95%(32), and the prevalence of high blood pressure was 14. 64%(87). The prevalence of high normal blood pressure was 16. 68%(206), and the prevalence of high blood pressure was 42. 42%(536) in the complex obesity group. The prevalence of high blood pressure(χ~2=8. 05, P<0. 01) the difference was statistically significant. Results of the multi-level model showed that the risk of high blood pressure in central obesity group was significantly higher in girls than in non-obese group(OR=1. 50, 95%CI 1. 12-2. 02). The risk of high normal blood pressure(OR=2. 05, 95%CI 1. 62-2. 58; OR=1. 83, 95%CI 1. 38-2. 42) and high blood pressure(OR=2. 06, 95%CI 1. 59-2. 67; OR=1. 57, 95%CI 1. 15-2. 14) in obese boys and girls were significantly higher than those in non-obese group. The risk of high normal blood pressure(OR=3. 80, 95%CI 3. 19-4. 51; OR=2. 79, 95%CI 2. 30-3. 37), high blood pressure(OR=4. 07, 95%CI 3. 39-4. 88; OR=2. 84, 95%CI 2. 32-3. 46) in both boys and girls with compound obesity was significantly higher than that in the non-obese group. CONCLUSION: Different types of obesity have varying degrees of correction with different blood pressure levels in adolescents aged 12-17 years, combined obesity has the highest risk of elevated blood pressure.

[Prevalence and risk factors of low body weight among 45 years old and over residents in general rural areas in 2010-2012 in China].

OBJECTIVE: To know the prevalence of low body weight among middleaged and elderly people in general rural areas of China and investigate the influence factors. METHODS: A total of 25 464 participants who were 45 years old and above from2010-2012 China National Nutrition and Health Surveillance as subjects to investigate the prevalence of low body weight. For 545 low body weight participants, we performed a1∶ 2 case-control study to investigate the influence factors. The content of survey included3-condecutive days-24-hour dietary recall, physical examinations, physical activity and social economic factor. RESULTS: The prevalence of low body weight among middle-aged and elderly people was 5. 27%, 5. 52% for male and 5. 05% for female. The prevalence of low body weight increased with the age( P < 0. 01). The daily intake of energy, total proteins, high quality proteins, fat and fruits were lower in low body weight than normal body weight among middle-aged and elderly people( P < 0. 01), however, the consumption of smoking and alcohol were higher in low body weight than normal body weight( P < 0. 01). Multivariate conditional Logistic regression analysis showed that the daily intake of total proteins, vegetables and fruits were protective factors and unhealthy lifestyle such as smoking were risk factors among low body weight people. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of low body weight at a higher level among middle-aged and elderly people in general rural areas of China. It is necessary to promote the middle-aged and elderly people to increase the consumption of high-protein foods, vegetables and fruits, quit smoking and control drinking.

LXR agonists promote the proliferation of neural progenitor cells through MEK-ERK pathway.

The liver X receptors (LXRs) are transcriptional regulators of lipid homeostasis and may be critical for neurodegeneration and neurogenesis in vivo. However, it remains largely unknown about the role of LXRs and its agonists in the in vitro proliferation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Here we revealed for the first time that LXRs were markedly expressed in mouse NPCs and were critical for the in vitro proliferation. LXR agonists GW3965 and LXR623 promoted the proliferation of wildtype NPCs, but not NPCs from LXR double-knockout mice. Mechanistically, phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 in NPCs was enhanced upon LXR agonist treatment, while abrogation of MEK/ERK phosphorylation by the inhibitors PD98059 and U0126 impaired the proliferation of wildtype NPCs in the presence or absence of LXR agonists. Collectively, our findings suggest that LXR agonists GW3965 and LXR623 can stimulate the NPC proliferation in LXR- and MEK/ERK-dependent manner.

Synchronous gastrointestinal cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a single-institution experience.

BACKGROUND: A study was conducted to investigate the clinicopathological features and survival outcomes of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) that are synchronous with other gastrointestinal cancers. METHODS: Clinical and pathological data of 286 patients with primary GIST from a single institution from January 2009 to December 2014 were reviewed. RESULTS: The entire study population comprised 286 patients with GISTs. Of these patients, 167 (58.4%) were males and 119 (41.6%) were females. The median age was 58 years old (in the range 29-86 years). A total of 47 patients were diagnosed with GISTs synchronous with other digestive tract malignancies (synchronous group), whereas 239 patients were diagnosed with non-synchronous disease (non-synchronous group). The concomitant digestive tumors in 27, 12, 7, and 1 patients were diagnosed as gastric carcinoma, esophageal carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, respectively. Compared with the synchronous group, the non-synchronous group exhibited a higher percentage of increased mitotic count (P = 0.011). The difference in tumor diameter between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Patients in the non-synchronous group exhibited larger tumor size than the patients in the synchronous group (5.9 ± 3.5 cm vs. 1.6 ± 0.4 cm, P < 0.001). The majority of GIST lesions in the synchronous group were located in the stomach (P = 0.020). Lower risk stratifications and worse ECOG performance statuses were observed in the synchronous group (P < 0.001) than in the non-synchronous group. The 5-year overall survival rate was significantly higher in patients with no synchronous digestive tract malignancies than in patients with synchronous disease (70.8 vs. 34.1%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with GIST synchronous with other gastrointestinal cancers show worse prognosis than those with non-synchronous tumors. Clinicians should pay more attention to this subgroup.

[Status of livestock and poultry meat intake of Chinese aged 65 and above in 2010-2012].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the livestock and poultry intake of Chinese elderly. METHODS: Data were collected from 2010- 2012 China National Nutrition and Health Surveillance. Information on livestock and poultry intake was collected by using the food frequency questionnaire. Using the multi-stage stratified cluster randomization sampling method. The participants selected were more than 65 years old of 150 counties from 31 provinces in China. RESULTS: The average daily intake of livestock and poultry for Chinese elderly was 42. 0 g / d, In the big cities, small cities, general rural and poor rural, those were 60. 0 g / d, 42. 9 g / d, 34. 9 g / d and 26. 4 g / d, respectively. The average daily intake of livestock and poultry for Chinese elderly were 33. 0 g / d, 3. 3 g / d, respectively. In big cities, small cities, general rural and poor rural, the proportion of elderly whose intake exceed Chinese dietary guidelines recommended level were 58. 3%, 44. 8%, 39. 7% and 30. 1%. CONCLUSION: The livestock and poultry intake of Chinese elderlywere difference between urban and rural. The excessive intake was in urban elderly and the inadequate intake was in rural.

A new machine learning-based prediction model for subtype diagnosis in primary aldosteronism.

Introduction: Unilateral primary aldosteronism (UPA) and bilateral primary aldosteronism (BPA) are the two subtypes of PA. Discriminating UPA from BPA is of great significance. Although adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is the gold standard for diagnosis, it has shortcomings. Thus, improved methods are needed. Methods: The original data were extracted from the public database "Dryad". Ten parameters were included to develop prediction models for PA subtype diagnosis using machine learning technology. Moreover, the optimal model was chose and validated in an external dataset. Results: In the modeling dataset, 165 patients (71 UPA, 94 BPA) were included, while in the external dataset, 43 consecutive patients (20 UPA, 23 BPA) were included. The ten parameters utilized in the prediction model include age, sex, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR), serum potassium, ARR after 50 mg captopril challenge test (CCT), primary aldosterone concentration (PAC) after saline infusion test (SIT), PAC reduction rate after SIT, and number of types of antihypertensive agents at diagnosis. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, and AUC for the optimal model using the random forest classifier were 90.0%, 81.8%, 96.4%, 0.878, and 0.938, respectively, in the testing dataset and 81.4%, 90.0%, 73.9%, 0.818 and 0.887, respectively, in the validating external dataset. The most important variables contributing to the prediction model were PAC after SIT, ARR, and ARR after CCT. Discussion: We developed a machine learning-based predictive model for PA subtype diagnosis based on ten clinical parameters without CT imaging. In the future, artificial intelligence-based prediction models might become a robust prediction tool for PA subtype diagnosis, thereby, might reducing at least some of the requests for CT or AVS and assisting clinical decision-making.

Downregulation of circular RNA HECTD1 induces neuroprotection against ischemic stroke through the microRNA-133b/TRAF3 pathway.

AIMS: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to play crucial roles in various biological processes and human diseases. However, their exact functions in ischemic stroke remain largely unknown. In this study, we explored the functional role of circRNA HECTD1 (circ-HECTD1) and its underlying mechanism in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model in HT22 cells were used to mimic the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Brain infarct volume, flow cytometry, caspase 3 activity, NF-κB activity, and TUNEL staining were performed to evaluate the function of circ-HECTD1. Luciferase report assay was used to explore the regulatory mechanism. FINDINGS: The results showed that the expression of circ-HECTD1 and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) was remarkably up-regulated, while miR-133b was down-regulated in oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced HT22 cells and mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. circ-HECTD1 knockdown relieved OGD-caused neuronal cell death in vitro. Simultaneously, circ-HECTD1 knockdown improved cerebral infarction volume and neuronal apoptosis in MCAO mice. circ-HECTD1 was able to negatively regulate the expression of miR-133b, and TRAF3 is one of the targets of miR-133b. Upregulation of miR-133b inhibited the expression of TRAF3 in OGD-stimulated cells, whereas circ-HECTD1 upregulation reversed this effect. Furthermore, upregulation of miR-133 was able to inhibit OGD-caused cell apoptosis and NF-κB activation, whereas upregulation of circ-HECTD1 attenuated these effects of miR-133b mimics. SIGNIFICANCE: Taken together, circ-HECTD1 knockdown inhibited the expression of TRAF3 by targeting miR-133b, thereby attenuating neuronal injury caused by cerebral ischemia.

IL-17 predicts the effect of TACE combined with apatinib in hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: IL-17 is considered to be a cancer-promoting gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we explored the effect of IL-17 in predicting the therapeutic effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with apartinib in patients with HCC in this study. METHODS: Established of IL-17 knockdown SK-Hep1 cells for studying the effects of IL-17 expression on the invasion and migration of human HCC cells in vitro by transwell assay and tumor angiogenesis in nude mouse. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of IL-17, E-cadherin, Vimentin and CD34 protein in 175 cases of human HCC tumor tissues. Kaplan-Meier was used to analyze the prognostic significance of TACE combined with apatinib treatment in HCC patients. RESULTS: n SK-Hep1 cells, IL-17 knockdown could increase E-cadherin protein expression, reduce vimentin protein expression, inhibit cell invasion and migration in vitro, and inhibit angiogenesis of tumor and decrease plasma VEGF level in nude mouse. In tumor tissues of HCC patients, IL-17 protein expression was negatively correlated with E-cadherin protein expression (r = -0.622, P < 0.001), positively correlated with Vimentin protein expression (r = 0.540, P < 0.001), and was positively correlated with MVD of HCC tumor tissues (r = 0.564, P < 0.001). Compared with adjuvant TACE alone, patients with low-expression of IL-17 treated combined with apatinib have a higher 5-year overall survival. However, additional apatinib treatment did not significantly improve 5-year overall survival in HCC patients with high IL-17 expression. CONCLUSION: IL-17 had a pivotal role in the invasion and angiogenesis of HCC and contribute to the selection of patients who may benefit from adjuvant TACE combined with apatinib.

Distribution characteristics, sources identification and risk assessment of n-alkanes and heavy metals in surface sediments, Tajikistan, Central Asia.

Central Asia is the global hotspot resulting from either a scarcity of natural resources or environmental degradation. Tajikistan, however, is called the "central Asian water tower", is rich in water and minerals and plays a very important role in the ecology of Central Asia. Given the soil contamination issues in Tajikistan, the spatial distributions and sources of n-alkanes and heavy metals in surface sediments of Tajikistan were investigated. The evaluation of n-alkane and elemental indices helped to elucidate the origins of complex pollutants. The n-alkane indices were allowed to identify biogenic and petrogenic sources, and statistical methods were used to identify natural and anthropogenic sources of heavy metals. Enrichment factors were used to assess the contamination statuses of heavy metals. The results indicated that n-alkanes in the cluster I (sample 23) and II (samples 1, 5, 12, 14, 18, 22, 29, and 30) samples were affected by crude oil or incomplete fossil fuel combustion. Biomarker indices indicated strong contributions of petroleum sources to the n-alkanes in samples 14, 18, 23, and 29, but that n-alkanes in the other samples were mainly derived from higher plant waxes. Statistical analyses showed that cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) were originated from industrial activities. Phosphorus (P) was closely related to local agricultural activities. Manganese (Mn) was derived from mining activities and industrial wastewater. The enrichment factors indicated that sediment was zero to minor contamination with Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb, but moderate contamination with Cd and significant contamination with Zn. Interestingly, the samples contaminated with Cd included the cluster I and II samples, meaning the source of Cd contamination had agreed with the results of n-alkanes. The combined evaluation of n-alkanes and heavy metals suggested that their pollutant sources were crude oil contamination.

Knockdown of long non-coding RNA AL049437 mitigates MPP+ -induced neuronal injury in SH-SY5Y cells via the microRNA-205-5p/MAPK1 axis.

BACKGROUND: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been defined as critical regulators of various human diseases. However, the functions of lncRNAs in Parkinson's disease (PD) have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the role of lncRNA AL049437 in PD and its underlying mechanism. METHODS: An in vivo model of PD was established using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), while an in vitro model was created using N-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). Gene expression was evaluated using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The effects and mechanism of AL049437 in PD were explored using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence assay. The interaction between AL049437, miR-205-5p, and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) was evaluated using luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. RESULTS: The expression of AL049437 was upregulated, while that of miR-205-5p was downregulated in MPTP-induced PD mouse model and MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Silencing of AL049437 mitigated MPP+-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells, as demonstrated by increased cell viability and reduced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, silencing of AL049437 alleviated MPP+-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, as indicated by the reduction in tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels and reactive oxygen species production. In addition, AL049437 was predominantly localized in the cytoplasm of SH-SY5Y cells and functioned as an miR-205-5p sponge. Moreover, MAPK1 was identified as a downstream target of miR-205-5p. Remarkably, the impact of AL049437 silencing on MPP+-induced neuronal damage could be blocked by miR-205-5p inhibition or MAPK1 overexpression. CONCLUSION: Knockdown of lncRNA AL049437 mitigates MPP+ -induced neuronal injury in SH-SY5Y cells by regulating the miR-205-5p/MAPK1 axis. Our research reveals a novel regulatory mechanism of AL049437 in PD progression.

Incidence of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection among people under home quarantine in Shenzhen, China.

BACKGROUND: Since the outbreak of 2019-nCoV in December, Chinese government has implemented various measures including travel bans, centralized treatments, and home quarantines to slowing the transmission across the country. In this study, we aimed to estimate the incidence of 2019-nCoV infection among people under home quarantine in Shenzhen, China. METHODS: We used a stratified multistage random sampling method to recruit participants and collected demographic information and laboratory results of people under home quarantine. We conducted descriptive analysis to estimate the basic characteristics and to calculate the incidence in out study population. RESULTS: A total of 2004 people under home quarantine participated in this study, of which 1637 participants finished the questionnaire with a response rate of 81.7%. Mean age of the participants was 33.7 years, ranging from 0.3 to 80.2 years. Of people who provided clear travel history, 129 people have traveled to Wuhan city and 1,046 people have traveled to other cities in Hubei province within 14 days before the home quarantine. Few (less than 1%) participants reported contact history with confirmed or suspected cases during their trip and most of these arrived at Shenzhen between Jan 24, 2020 to Jan 27, 2020. The incidence of COVID-19 in the sample was 1.5‰ (95% CI: 0.31‰-4.37‰). CONCLUSION: Home quarantine has been effective in preventing the early transmission of COVID-19, but that more needs to be done to improve early detection of COVID-19 infection.

[Spatial Characteristics, Risk Assessment, and Source Analysis of Elements in Surface Sediments from the Baiyangdian Lake].

In this paper, nutrient elements (N and P), heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni, and Sn), and grain size in surface sediments of Baiyangdian Lake, northern China, are studied. We also analyze the spatial variation in elemental characteristics and undertaken a pollution risk assessment. By combining data with information on the river sediment characteristics, we use multivariate statistical methods to reveal the sources and variation of elements in sediments. The results showed that the average contents of heavy metals in surface sediments from the lake and associated rivers were higher than background values. Within the area of the lake, nutrient elements are relatively high in the northwest region but low in the southeast region, and heavy metals are relatively high in the middle of the lake but low in the southern and northern areas. The sequence of comprehensive pollution index (I) in sediments was Cd > Pb > Cr > Cu=Zn > Ni > Sn > Co, with Cd being assessed as severe pollution and other elements as moderate pollution, although severe pollution of Cr was found in the Zaolinzhuang area. The order of potential ecological risk coefficients (Eri) was determined as Cd > Pb > Cu > Cr > Ni > Zn, whereby Cd was associated with a strong potential ecological risk (except in the Caiputai area) and other elements were associated with a slight potential ecological risk. Differences in the lake sediment texture were found to be slight. Non-point source pollution after rivers flow into the lake was determined as the main reason for the spatial variation of elements in the surface sediments of Baiyangdian Lake, although point source pollution in the villages surrounding the lake should not be ignored, especially with respect to N, P, Pb, and Cr.

Dietary Micronutrients Intake Status among Chinese Elderly People Living at Home: Data from CNNHS 2010-2012.

The aim of this study was to examine the status of usual dietary micronutrient intakes among Chinese elderly living at home. The data was based on China National Nutrition and Health Survey (CNNHS) 2010-2012. We analyzed data from the participants aged 60-year-old and more (n = 16,612) living at home, who provided dietary data on three days 24 h dietary survey combining with the household weighing method. The means and distribution percentiles for usual intakes of dietary micronutrients were estimated using the Multiple Source Method (MSM). The prevalence of inadequacy for the selected micronutrients was expressed using the proportion of individuals with usual intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). For vitamin E, sodium and potassium, the means and the distribution of intakes were compared to the Adequate Intake (AI) level. Usual dietary intakes of most micronutrients were inadequate in the participants, especially folate, calcium, vitamin B6 and vitamin B2, with the prevalence of inadequacy more than 90%. However, dietary sodium intake was extremely high with an average usual intake of 4702 mg/day. The usual dietary intakes of all selected micronutrients in old males were higher than females, and the prevalence of inadequacy of most micronutrients was higher in old women (p < 0.01). The subjects aged 60-74 years tended to have higher usual dietary micronutrient intakes and lower prevalence of inadequate micronutrients than those aged 75 years and over (p < 0.01). Higher usual dietary intakes and lower prevalence of inadequacy of most micronutrients were found in the elderly living in the southern region (p < 0.01). The average usual intakes of most micronutrients declined with socioeconomic status. The prevalence of inadequate vitamin A, B2, C, calcium and selenium below EAR increased with socioeconomic status (p < 0.01, p for trend < 0.01). Thus, essential micronutrients insufficient intake is a public health concern among Chinese community-dwelling old population, especially the females, older people, the elderly in undeveloped areas or living in northern regions. Nutrition education and appropriate approach should be undertaken to address these problems.

Exposure to Famine During Early Life and Abdominal Obesity in Adulthood: Findings from the Great Chinese Famine During 1959⁻1961.

Undernutrition during early life may lead to obesity in adulthood. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between famine exposure during early life and the risk of abdominal obesity in adulthood. A total of 18,984 and 16,594 adults were surveyed in 2002 and 2010-2012 in two nationally representative cross-sectional surveys, namely China Nutrition and Health Survey, respectively. The risk of abdominal obesity was evaluated for participants born during 1956-1961 and compared with that of participants born during 1962-1964. The overall prevalence of abdominal obesity in adulthood showed a positive association with famine exposure during early life. The odds ratios of famine exposure were 1.31 (1.19-1.44) and 1.28 (1.17-1.40) in 2002 during fetal life and infancy and 1.09 (1.00-1.19) in 2012 during fetal life, respectively. The relationships between famine exposure and abdominal obesity across the famine exposure groups were distinct among females and those who lived in urban areas and were physical inactive (p < 0.05). Exposure to famine during early life was associated with increased risks of abdominal obesity in adulthood, which was partially alleviated by healthy lifestyle factors (e.g., physical activity).