Tool to Resolve Distortions in Elemental and Isotopic Imaging.

Nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) makes it possible to visualize elements and isotopes in a wide range of samples at a high resolution. However, the fidelity and quality of NanoSIMS images often suffer from distortions because of a requirement to acquire and integrate multiple image frames. We developed an optical flow-based algorithm tool, NanoSIMS Stabilizer, for all-channel postacquisition registration of images. The NanoSIMS Stabilizer effectively deals with the distortions and artifacts, resulting in a high-resolution visualization of isotope and element distribution. It is open source with an easy-to-use ImageJ plugin and is accompanied by a Python version with GPU acceleration.

Associations of cord serum polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) mixture with birth outcomes and mediating role of thyroid function: Evidence from the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a series of worldwide applied flame retardants, may influence fetal growth and interfere with thyroid function. The study intended to explore the relationship between in-utero exposure to PBDE mixture and newborn anthropometric indexes and to further examine the potential mediating role of thyroid function. METHODS: Demographics and laboratory measures of 924 mother-infant pairs were obtained from the database of the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study. We applied gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay to measure nine PBDE congeners and seven thyroid function parameters in umbilical cord serum samples, respectively. We fitted generalized linear models and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to evaluate associations of lipid-adjusted cord serum PBDEs, as individuals and as a mixture, with newborn anthropometric and cord serum thyroid function parameters. We applied causal mediation analysis to test our hypothesis that thyroid function parameters act as a mediator between PBDEs and birth outcomes. RESULTS: The molarity of cord serum ∑9PBDE had a median value of 31.23 nmol/g lipid (IQR 19.14 nmol/g lipid, 54.77 nmol/g lipid). BDE-209 was the most dominant congener. Birth length was positively associated with both single exposure to BDE-28 and cumulative exposure to PBDEs. Correspondingly, ponderal index (PI) was negatively associated with BDE-28 and the total effects of PBDE mixture. Free triiodothyronine had a negative trend with BDE-209 and PBDE mixture. In the sex-stratified analysis, BDE-153 concentrations were positively correlated with PI among males (ß = 0.03; 95%CI: 0.01, 0.05; P = 0.01) but not among females. Cord serum thyrotropin mediated 14.92% of the estimated effect of BDE-153 on PI. CONCLUSIONS: In-utero mixture exposure to PBDEs was associated with birth outcomes and thyroid function. Thyroid function might act as a mediator in the process in which PBDEs impact the growth of the fetus.

Associations of prenatal and concurrent exposure to phenols mixture with anthropometric measures and blood pressure during childhood: A time-varying mixture approach.

BACKGROUND: Environmental phenols were recognized as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). However, their impact on childhood anthropometric measures and blood pressure (BP) is still inconclusive. Limited studies have simultaneously considered prenatal and childhood exposures in analyzing mixtures of phenols. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the relationships between combined prenatal and childhood exposures (two periodic exposures) to phenol mixtures and anthropometric measure and BP, to further identify the vulnerable periods of phenol exposure and to explore the important individual contribution of each phenol. METHODS: We analyzed 434 mother-child dyads from the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study (SMBCS). The urinary concentrations of 11 phenolic compounds were measured using gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Generalized linear regression models (GLMs) and hierarchical Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (hBKMR) were used to examine the effects of individual phenolic compounds at each period and of two periodic exposures. RESULTS: In the single-chemical analysis, prenatal or childhood exposure to specific phenols, especially Benzopheone-3 (BP3), 4-tert-Octylphenol (4-tOP), and Benzyl paraben (BePB) were associated with BMI z-scores (BAZ), Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and BP. In the hBKMR models, two periodic exposures to phenol mixtures had a U-shaped association with WHtR, primarily driven by childhood BePB exposure. Moreover, among the phenol mixtures analysis, childhood 4-tOP exposure was identified as the primary contributor to the positive association with diastolic BP. Concurrent exposure to phenol mixtures resulted in greater susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS: We found that prenatal and childhood exposure to phenol mixtures might influence childhood obesity and elevate blood pressure levels. Concurrent exposure to 4-tOP may be the primary driver of the positive associations with BP.

Sex-specific associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances with brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) in cord serum.

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is perceived as an emerging environmental endocrine disruptor, which have been linked to children neurodevelopment. However, the potential mechanisms are not clear. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a vital protein in neurodevelopment, and the associations between PFAS exposure and BDNF require exploration. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore the relationships between PFAS exposure and the levels of BDNF in cord serum. METHODS: A total of 1,189 mother-infant dyads from the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study (SMBCS) were enrolled. The levels of 12 PFAS and BDNF were measured in cord serum. We utilized generalized linear models (GLMs), quantile-based g-computation (QGC) models, and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) models to explore the relationships between single and mixed PFAS exposure and BDNF concentration. Additionally, the potential sex differences were explored by sex-stratified analysis. RESULTS: Median concentrations of the included 10 PFAS ranged from 0.04 to 3.97 µg/L. In the single chemical models, four PFAS congeners, namely perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA), were negatively associated with BDNF levels in cord serum among females only (ß: -0.116 to -0.062, p < 0.05). In the BKMR models of total mother-infant dyads and female fetuses, the significant negative relationships between PFAS mixtures and BDNF were observed, and PFUnDA was identified as an important contributor (Posterior inclusion probability, PIP = 0.8584 for the total subjects; PIP = 0.8488 for the females). PFOS was another important driver based on the mixture approaches. CONCLUSIONS: We found that PFNA, PFOS, PFDA, and PFUnDA were associated with decreased BDNF concentration in the females, although the causal inference might be limited. PFAS mixtures were also negatively linked with BDNF levels in the total mother-infant pairs and female fetuses. The adverse effect of PFAS exposure on fetal BDNF levels might be sex-specific.

Surveillance of household foodborne disease outbreaks in Zhejiang Province, China, 2010-2022.

BACKGROUND: Foodborne diseases are a growing public health concern worldwide and households are a common setting. This study aimed to explore the epidemiological characteristics of household foodborne disease outbreaks in Zhejiang Province and propose targeted prevention and control measures. METHODS: Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze household foodborne disease outbreak data collected from the Foodborne Disease Outbreaks Surveillance System in Zhejiang Province from 2010 to 2022. RESULTS: Household foodborne disease outbreaks showed an upward trend during the study period (Cox-Staurt trend test, p = 0.01563 < 0.05). These outbreaks mainly occurred from June to September, with 62.08% (352/567) of all reported outbreaks. The number of reported outbreaks varied in 11 prefectures, with a maximum of 100 and a minimum of only 7. Household foodborne disease outbreaks had a wide spectrum of etiologic factors. Mushroom toxins accounted for the largest proportion of all etiologies (43.39 %) and caused the highest proportion of hospitalization (54.18%) and death (78.26%). Such outbreaks are caused by accidently eating wild poisonous mushrooms. Bacterial infection (16.23%) was the second most common etiology, with Salmonella spp. and Vibrio parahaemolyticus being the primary pathogens. These outbreaks were caused by improper storage, improper processing or a combination of factors, and the foods involved were mainly aquatic animals, eggs and cooked meat. Other identified etiologies included plant toxins (9.52%), chemicals (7.23%), animal toxins (3.70%), and viruses (1.76%). Among the above-mentioned etiologies, mushroom toxins, bacteria, and animal toxins had seasonal characteristics. Analysis of regions and etiologies revealed that the proportion of various etiologies was different in 11 prefectures. Wild mushrooms (43.39%), aquatic animals (9.88%), and toxic plants (8.47%) were the top three foods involved in these outbreaks. The most common factors contributing to household foodborne disease outbreaks were inedibility and misuse (59.08%), followed by multiple factors (7.58%), improper storage (7.41%), and improper processing (7.41%). CONCLUSIONS: Household foodborne disease outbreaks were closely related to the lack of knowledge regarding foodborne disease prevention. Therefore, public health agencies should strengthen residents' surveillance and health education to improve food safety awareness and effectively reduce foodborne diseases in households. In addition, timely publicity and early warning by relevant government departments, the introduction of standards to control the contamination of pathogenic bacteria in raw materials, and strengthened supervision of the sale of substances that may cause health hazards, such as poisonous mushrooms and nitrites, will also help reduce such outbreaks.

Occurrence and Exposure Assessment of Lipophilic Shellfish Toxins in the Zhejiang Province, China.

Although lipophilic shellfish toxins (LSTs) pose a significant threat to the health of seafood consumers, their systematic investigation and risk assessment remain scarce. The goals of this study were as follows: (1) analyze LST levels in commercially available shellfish in Zhejiang province, China, and determine factors influencing LST distribution; (2) assess the acute dietary risk of exposure to LSTs for local consumers during the red tide period; (3) explore potential health risks of LSTs in humans; and (4) study the acute risks of simultaneous dietary exposure to LSTs and paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs). A total of 546 shellfish samples were collected. LSTs were detected in 89 samples (16.3%) at concentrations below the regulatory limits. Mussels were the main shellfish species contaminated with LSTs. Spatial variations were observed in the yessotoxin group. Acute exposure to LSTs based on multiple scenarios was low. The minimum tolerable exposure durations for LSTs calculated using the mean and the 95th percentile of consumption data were 19.7 and 4.9 years, respectively. Our findings showed that Zhejiang province residents are at a low risk of combined exposure to LSTs and PSTs; however, the risk may be higher for children under 6 years of age in the extreme scenario.

Occurrence and Health Risks of Organic Micropollutants in Tap Water in Dalian.

Organic micropollutants (OMPs) in tap water may pose risks to human health. Previous studies on the potential health risks of OMPs in tap water may have underestimated the potential health risks of OMPs due to their limited coverage in target pollutants and incomplete toxicity data. In this study, tap water samples were collected in 37 sampling sites in Dalian, China. More than 1,200 target pollutants were screened by combining screening analysis and target analysis. A total of 93 OMPs were detected, with concentration summation ranging from 157 to 1.7 × 104 ng/L among different sampling sites. A total of 17 OMPs (12 agrochemicals, 3 pharmaceuticals and personal care products, and 2 other compounds) were detected in over 80% of the sampling sites. Especially, imidacloprid, tebuconazole, and atrazine-desethyl were found in all the sampling sites. Computational toxicology models were adopted to predict the missing toxicity threshold values of the identified chemicals. Noncarcinogenic risks were estimated to be negligible among all the sampling sites, while carcinogenic risks at six sites were above 10-6 but below 10-4, indicating non-negligible risks. Griseofulvin contributed the most to the carcinogenic risk. This study offers valuable insights that can guide future initiatives to safeguard tap water safety.

Associations of perfluoroalkyl substances with adipocytokines in umbilical cord serum: A mixtures approach.

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a kind of emerging environmental endocrine disruptors, may interfere with the secretion of adipokines and affect fetal metabolic function and intrauterine development. However, the epidemiological evidence is limited and inconsistent. We examined the associations of single and multiple PFAS exposures in utero with adipocytokine concentrations in umbilical cord serum. METHODS: This study included 1111 mother-infant pairs from Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study (SMBCS), and quantified 12 PFAS and two adipokine in umbilical cord serum. Generalized linear models (GLMs) and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) models were applied to estimate the associations of single- and mixed- PFAS exposure with adipokines, respectively. Furthermore, sex-stratification was done in each model to assess the sexually dimorphic effects of PFAS. RESULTS: 10 PFAS were detected with median concentrations (µg/L) ranging from 0.04 to 3.97, (except 2.7% for PFOSA and 1.7% for PFDS, which were excluded). In GLMs, for each doubling increase in PFBS, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHpS, PFUnDA and PFDoDA, leptin decreased between 14.04% for PFBS and 22.69% for PFHpS (P < 0.05). PFAS, except for PFNA, were positively associated with adiponectin, and for each doubling of PFAS, adiponectin increased between 3.27% for PFBS and 12.28% for PFHxS (P < 0.05). In addition, infant gender modified the associations of PFAS with adipokines, especially the associations of PFBS, PFOA and PFHxS with adiponectin. Similarly, significant associations of PFAS mixtures with leptin and adiponectin were observed in the BKMR models. PFDA, PFOS, PFNA and PFHpS were identified as important contributors. In the sex-stratified analysis of BKMR models, the associations between PFAS mixtures and adipokines were more pronounced in males. CONCLUSIONS: PFAS levels were significantly associated with adipokines in cord serum, suggesting that intrauterine mixture of PFAS exposure may be related to decreased fetal leptin level but increased fetal adiponectin level and the associations may be sex-specific.

Sex-specific associations of maternal and childhood urinary arsenic levels with emotional problems among 6-year-age children: Evidence from a longitudinal cohort study in China.

BACKGROUND: Arsenic exposure has been linked to neurobehavior development disorders among children in cross-sectional studies, but there is little information on the effects of prenatal and childhood arsenic exposure on childhood behavior problem, especially emotional problems. OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between prenatal and childhood arsenic exposure and behavior problems among six-year-old children. METHODS: 389 mother-child pairs from a longitudinal birth cohort were enrolled in the study. The concentrations of arsenic in maternal and 6-year-old children's urine were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Neurobehavioral development in 6-year-old children was assessed by Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Generalized linear regression models were used to relate arsenic exposure to the score of different domains in CBCL. RESULTS: The median concentrations of maternal and 6-year-old children's urinary arsenic were 22.22 and 33.86 µg/L, respectively. After adjusting for potential covariates, natural logarithm transformed concurrent urinary arsenic levels were significantly associated with scores of anxious and depressed problems in 6-year-old girls (ß = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.12-1.31, p = 0.018). Furthermore, in terms of the trajectory of arsenic exposure, compared with the "consistently low" group, the "low to high" group (ß = 2.73, 95% CI: -3.99 to 9.45, p = 0.425) had a greater effect on total score of CBCL than "high to low" group (ß = -0.93, 95% CI: -7.22 to 5.36, p = 0.771) in girls, although insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that concurrent arsenic exposure might have an adverse effect of emotional status in girls. Further studies are needed to verify the findings and explore the mechanisms of the sex-specific association.

Estimating the health burden of foodborne gastroenteritis caused by non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Zhejiang province, China.

As acute gastrointestinal (AGI) disease patients only sometimes seek medical care or submit stool samples for testing, and laboratories cannot detect or identify the pathogen, most cases of foodborne gastroenteritis still need to be identified through public health monitoring. We conducted a population survey and sentinel hospital surveillance to determine the burden of foodborne gastroenteritis caused by non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica (NTS) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection, from July 2018 to June 2019 in Zhejiang province, China, and a model for calculating disease burden established. Using the burden of illness pyramid model, we estimated that there were 140.3 cases of NTS infection and 136.2 cases of V. parahaemolyticus infection. We estimated annual incidence per 100,000 population in Zhejiang province as 236 (95% confidence interval [CI] 208-267) and 206 (95% CI 155-232) cases for foodborne NTS and V. parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis, respectively. The results show that AGI caused by these two pathogens constitutes a substantial burden in the Zhejiang population. The health burden of AGI estimations caused by NTS and V. parahaemolyticus in this study can serve as a strategic framework to direct policy and intervention.

[Activation of renal outer medullary potassium channel in the renal distal convoluted tubule by high potassium diet].

Renal outer medullary potassium (ROMK) channel is an important K+ excretion channel in the body, and K+ secreted by the ROMK channels is most or all source of urinary potassium. Previous studies focused on the ROMK channels of thick ascending limb (TAL) and collecting duct (CD), while there were few studies on the involvement of ROMK channels of the late distal convoluted tubule (DCT2) in K+ excretion. The purpose of the present study was mainly to record the ROMK channels current in renal DCT2 and observe the effect of high potassium diet on the ROMK channels by using single channel and whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. The results showed that a small conductance channel current with a conductance of 39 pS could be recorded in the apical membrane of renal DCT2, and it could be blocked by Tertiapin-Q (TPNQ), a ROMK channel inhibitor. The high potassium diet significantly increased the probability of ROMK channel current occurrence in the apical membrane of renal DCT2, and enhanced the activity of ROMK channel, compared to normal potassium diet (P < 0.01). Western blot results also demonstrated that the high potassium diet significantly up-regulated the protein expression levels of ROMK channels and epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), and down-regulated the protein expression level of Na+-Cl- cotransporter (NCC). Moreover, the high potassium diet significantly increased urinary potassium excretion. These results suggest that the high potassium diet may activate the ROMK channels in the apical membrane of renal DCT2 and increase the urinary potassium excretion by up-regulating the expression of renal ROMK channels.

[Contamination and dietary exposure assessment of 2-chloropropanol esters in vegetable oils available on Zhejiang market during 2016-2020].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence data for 2-chloropropanol(2-MCPD) ester in edible vegetable oils purchased in Zhejiang Province during 2016-2020, and to estimate dietary exposures of 2-MCPD ester via vegetable oil. METHODS: A total of 404 samples of edible oils were collected from markets, stores, online shopping in Zhejiang Province, the occurrence of 2-MCPD ester was detected by gas chromatography mass spectrometry from 2016-2020. Data of vegetable oils consumption was obtained from the survey result of urban and rural residents in Zhejiang Province in 2008. The exposure levels of 2-chloropropanol ester was calculated for people aged 4-6, 7-10, 11-17, 18-59 and 60 years old and older from the consumption of vegetable oils. RESULTS: The detection rate of 2-MCPD esters in 404 samples was 82.7%(334/404) with the mean level of 0.32 mg/kg. Among them, the mean content of camellia oil was the highest with 1.23 mg/kg, followed by rice oil(0.69 mg/kg); sunflower oil, olive oil and soybean oil have relatively low average values, respectively with 0.11, 0.12 and 0.13 mg/kg. There are significant differences in 2-MCPD ester content in different types of edible oils of the same brand(P<0.05), the content of 2-MCPD ester in different brands of peanut oil was significant(P<0.05), but in different brands of corn oil was not statistically significant. Among the edible vegetable oil consumers, the average exposure of 2-MCPD esters in different age groups ranged from 0.21 to 0.69 µg/(kg·BW·d). CONCLUSION: 2-MCPD esters pollution is widespread in vegetable oils, the severity of pollution was affected by the type and brand of the edible vegetable oil, and the intake of 2-MCPD esters was relatively high among people with high vegetable oil consumption and the general population of 4-10 years old.

[Occurrence and exposure assessment of fumonisins from grains and grain products in Zhejiang Province in 2018-2019].

OBJECTIVE: To monitor fumonisins(FBs) in grains and grain products in Zhejiang and assess the exposure risks of FBs to local residents. METHODS: Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry method was used to determine the occurrence of FBs in rice, millet, dried noodles, instant noodles, and maize grains, and food frequency questionnaires were used to collect the food consumption data of Zhejiang population. Then, the simple probability distribution model was used to assess the exposure risk. RESULTS: The levels of FBs in rice, millet, dried noodles and instant noodles were relatively low. The occurrence of FB_1, FB_2 and FB_3 in these foods was 0-23.7%, 0-16.7% and 0-5.4%, respectively, and the mean levels were not detected(ND)-22.36, ND-20.63 and ND-7.19 µg/kg correspondingly. However, the levels of FBs in maize grains were relatively high. The occurrence of FB_1, FB_2, and FB_3 in maize grains was 100%, 93.6% and 90.3%, respectively, and the mean levels were 638.99, 103.54 and 59.69 µg/kg correspondingly. In 12.9% of the maize grain samples, the levels of FBs were higher than the standard reference. The residents were at low exposure risk overall. The mean estimated daily intake(EDI) of FBs was far lower than the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake of 2 µg/(kg·BW·d). However, 0.30% of the residents were at high risk. Among people of different ages, the mean EDI of children, adults, and elderly were 0.43, 0.28 and 0.29 µg/(kg·BW·d) respectively, and children were in the highest exposure levels of FBs. Among the tested five foodstuffs, rice and maize grains were the main sources of FBs exposure. CONCLUSION: Except for maize grains, the levels of FBs in grains and grain products were relatively low, and Zhejiang residents were at low FBs exposure risk generally.

Efficient and unique cobarcoding of second-generation sequencing reads from long DNA molecules enabling cost-effective and accurate sequencing, haplotyping, and de novo assembly.

Here, we describe single-tube long fragment read (stLFR), a technology that enables sequencing of data from long DNA molecules using economical second-generation sequencing technology. It is based on adding the same barcode sequence to subfragments of the original long DNA molecule (DNA cobarcoding). To achieve this efficiently, stLFR uses the surface of microbeads to create millions of miniaturized barcoding reactions in a single tube. Using a combinatorial process, up to 3.6 billion unique barcode sequences were generated on beads, enabling practically nonredundant cobarcoding with 50 million barcodes per sample. Using stLFR, we demonstrate efficient unique cobarcoding of more than 8 million 20- to 300-kb genomic DNA fragments. Analysis of the human genome NA12878 with stLFR demonstrated high-quality variant calling and phase block lengths up to N50 34 Mb. We also demonstrate detection of complex structural variants and complete diploid de novo assembly of NA12878. These analyses were all performed using single stLFR libraries, and their construction did not significantly add to the time or cost of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) library preparation. stLFR represents an easily automatable solution that enables high-quality sequencing, phasing, SV detection, scaffolding, cost-effective diploid de novo genome assembly, and other long DNA sequencing applications.

Multiple mediation effects on association between prenatal triclosan exposure and birth outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, and was thought to affect intrauterine development, but the mechanism remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between prenatal triclosan exposure and birth outcomes. METHODS: Based on 726 mother-child pairs from the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study (SMBCS), we used the available (published) data of triclosan in maternal urines, the hormones including thyroid-related hormones, gonadal hormones in cord blood, and adipokines, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors in cord blood to explore possible health effects of triclosan on birth outcomes through assessing different hormones and parameters, using Bayesian mediation analysis. RESULTS: Maternal triclosan exposure was associated with ponderal index (ß = 0.317) and head circumference (ß = -0.172) in generalized linear models. In Bayesian mediation analysis of PI model, estradiol (ß = 0.806) and trimethylamine (TMA, ß = 0.164) showed positive mediation effects, while total thyroxine (TT4, ß = -0.302), leptin (ß = -2.023) and TMAO (ß = -0.110) showed negative mediation effects. As for model of head circumference, positive mediation effects were observed in free thyroxine (FT4, ß = 0.493), TMA (ß = 0.178), and TMAO (ß = 0.683), negative mediation effects were observed in TT4 (ß = -0.231), testosterone (ß = -0.331), estradiol (ß = -1.153), leptin (ß = -2.361), choline (ß = -0.169), betaine (ß = -0.104), acetyl-L-carnitine (ß = -0.773). CONCLUSION: The results indicated triclosan can affect intrauterine growth by interfering thyroid-related hormones, gonadal hormones, adipokines, TMAO and its precursors.

Surveillance for foodborne disease outbreaks in Zhejiang Province, China, 2015-2020.

BACKGROUND: Foodborne diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality and a major public health problem worldwide. We aim to explore characteristics of foodborne disease outbreaks (FBDOs) in Zhejiang Province and to provide data support for foodborne disease prevention and control. To our knowledge, few such analyses have been published at the provincial level. METHODS: Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the data reported by centers for disease control (CDC) at all levels in Zhejiang Province through Foodborne Disease Outbreaks Surveillance System (FDOSS) during 2015-2020. RESULTS: A total of 962 FBDOs were reported during this period, resulting in 8324 illnesses, 1028 hospitalizations, and 20 deaths. The number of outbreaks (410 outbreaks, 42.62%) and cases (4991 cases, 59.96%) caused by bacteria were the largest, followed by poisonous mushrooms (157 outbreaks, 587 cases), which was the main cause of death (15 deaths, 75%). The highest number of FBDOs occurred in households (381 outbreaks, 39.60%), followed by restaurants (219 outbreaks, 22.77%) and canteens (174 outbreaks, 18.08%). Animal-based foods were the most common single food reported (232 outbreaks, 24.12%), followed by poisonous mushrooms (162 outbreaks, 16.84%), and plant-based foods (133 outbreaks, 13.83%). Poisonous mushrooms took the first place in outbreaks in households (38.32%, 146/381), while bacteria took the first place in outbreaks outside households. Vibrio parahaemolyticus was responsible for the largest number of outbreaks (232 outbreaks, 24.12%), which mainly occurred in catering service units (93.10%, 216/232). Different types of bacteria tended to be found in different food categories, such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which was mainly found in aquatic products. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of FBDOs can provide insight into the most important pathogens and sources of foodborne disease, helping authorities identify high-risk etiologies, high-risk foods, and high-risk settings to guide policies that would reduce FBDOs.

Descriptive study of foodborne disease using disease monitoring data in Zhejiang Province, China, 2016-2020.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify the epidemiology, seasonality, aetiology and clinical characteristics of sporadic foodborne diseases in Zhejiang province during 2016-2020. METHODS: Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the data from surveillance network established by the Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention. There were 31 designated hospitals in all 11 cities which were selected using probability proportionate to size sampling method. RESULTS: During the study period, the surveillance system received 75,124 cases with 4826 (6.42%) hospitalizations from 31 hospitals. The most common cause was Norovirus, 6120 cases (42.56%), followed by Salmonella, 3351 cases (23.30%). A significant seasonal trend was observed for the V. parahaemolyticus, with the highest rates over the summer period, peaking in August, 1171 cases (38.75%), a similar trend was also observed with Salmonella and Diarrheagenic E. coli. Norovirus infections showed the highest rate in November (904, 14.77%) and March (660,10.78%), the lowest in August, 215 cases (3.51%). Patients between 19 ~ 40 years were more likely to infected by Norovirus, V. parahaemolyticus and Diarrheagenic E. coli, patients below 1 year were the highest among patients with Salmonella infection, 881 cases (26.3%). The Norovirus, V. parahaemolyticus and Diarrheagenic E. coli infection with the highest positive detection rates among the workers were observed. The largest number cases of food categories were from aquatic product infection. The private home was the most common exposure setting. CONCLUSION: Our study highlighted the necessity for conducting an active, comprehensive surveillance for pathogens in all age groups, to monitor the changing dynamics in the epidemiology and aetiology of foodborne diseases to guide policies that would reduce related illnesses.

Urinary para-nitrophenol levels of pregnant women and cognitive and motor function of their children aged 2 years: Evidence from the SMBCS (China).

BACKGROUND: Urinary para-nitrophenol (PNP), an exposure biomarker of ethyl parathion (EP) and methyl parathion (MP) pesticides, was still pervasively detected in the general population even after global restriction for years. And the concern whether there is an association of PNP level with child development of the nervous system is increasing. The current study aimed to evaluate the maternal urinary PNP concentrations during late pregnancy and the associations of PNP levels with cognitive and motor function of their children at the age of 2 years. METHODS: 323 mother-child pairs from the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study were included in the current study. Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure concentrations of PNP, the specific metabolite of EP and MP, in maternal urine samples during pregnancy. Developmental quotients (DQs) scores measured with Gesell Developmental Scales were employed to evaluate cognitive and motor function of children aged 2 years. Generalized linear models were performed to analyze the associations of PNP concentrations in pregnant women's urine samples with cognitive and motor function of their children. RESULTS: Maternal PNP was detected in all urine samples with a median of 4.11 µg/L and a range from 0.57 µg/L to 109.13 µg/L, respectively. Maternal urinary PNP concentrations showed a negative trend with DQ of motor area [regression coefficient (ß) = - 1.35; 95 % confidence interval (95 %CI): - 2.37, - 0.33; P < 0.01], and the children whose mothers were in the fourth quartile exposure group performed significantly worse compared to the reference group (ß = - 1.11; 95 %CI: - 1.80, - 0.42; P < 0.01). As for average DQ score, children with their mothers' urinary PNP concentrations in the third quartile group had higher scores than those in the first quartile group (ß = 0.39; 95 %CI: 0.03, 0.75; P = 0.04). In sex-stratified analyses, a negative trend between maternal urinary PNP concentrations and DQ scores in motor area of children was only observed in boys (ß = - 1.62; 95 %CI: - 2.80, - 0.43; P < 0.01). Boys in the third quartile group had higher DQ average scores than those in the lowest quartile as reference (ß = 0.53; 95 %CI: 0.02, 1.04; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The mothers from SMBCS may be widely exposed to EP and/or MP, which were associated with the cognitive and motor function of their children aged 2 years in a sex-specific manner. Our results might provide epidemiology evidence on the potential effects of prenatal exposure to EP and/or MP on children's cognitive and motor function.

Epidemiology of Foodborne Disease Outbreaks Caused by Nontyphoidal Salmonella in Zhejiang Province, China, 2010-2019.

Nontyphoidal Salmonella infection is a common cause of bacterial foodborne illness in Zhejiang Province, China. This study aimed to summarize the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of the outbreak of nontyphoidal Salmonella infection in Zhejiang Province. Data collected over a 10-year period (2010-2019) from the China National Foodborne Diseases Surveillance Network (NFDSN) were analyzed. A total of 78 outbreaks due to nontyphoidal Salmonella, causing 1450 illnesses and 353 hospitalizations with no deaths, were reported. The outbreak rate from May to October was about four times as high as that in other months. In addition, 33.3% (25/78) outbreaks occurred in household settings, and 41.8% (606/1450) cases were exposed at bakery product-processing factories (or shops). Moreover, food vehicles were identified in 75.6% (59/78) of Salmonella outbreaks. Of these, 30.5% (35/59) were caused by cooked meat products, followed by cold-processed cakes and sandwiches usually containing meat and/or eggs (28.81%, 17/59). Salmonella Enteritidis (56.9%, 33/78) and Salmonella Typhimurium (17.2%, 10/78) were the dominant strains. Outbreaks were most frequently attributed to cross-contamination (88.1%) and improper storage temperature (61.0%). Outbreaks caused by Salmonella are important targets for public health intervention efforts, and improving the safety and quality of cooked meat products, cold-processed cakes, and sandwiches should be a priority.

[Botanical origin identification of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma based on color digitalization].

The color characteristic information of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma powder was obtained by spectrophotometer, the feasibility of rapid identification of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma origin based on chromaticity value was studied by statistical analysis. The results of rank correlation analysis showed that a~*(P<0.01), b~*(P<0.01) had significantly correlation with the origin of medicinal herbs, which could be used as two important parameters to distinguish the origin of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, the larger the a~* value, the more red the powder color,and the greater the b~* value, the more yellow the powder color. Meanwhile, through Fisher discriminant analysis, the linear discriminant functions of different genus Rhei Radix et Rhizoma were established, which was Rheum tanguticum=40.666a~*+0.019b~*-213.303, Rh. palmatum=34.121a~*+0.061b~*-151.770, Rh. officinale=28.071a~*+0.113b~*-104.604 3, the coincidence rate of cross-validation was over 95%, among them, the discriminant rate of Rh. tanguticum and Rh. officinale reached 100%;In addition, using the percentile method to analyze the 90% reference value range of three different origin of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, as a result, Rh. tanguticum a~*(10.236 5-10.604 7), b~*(32.294 8-34.841 7); Rh. palmatum a~*(8.602 7-8.770 0), b~*(27.534 8-28.968 6), and Rh. officinale a~*(6.825 7-7.464 3),b~*(21.001 6-27.716 4). According to this study, rank correlation analysis and Fisher discriminant analysis are feasible to distinguish the base of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma in a certain range, and provide some theoretical basis for the identification of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. It also provides a new method and idea for the identification of other multi-base Chinese medicine.