The integrated common-sense model of illness self-regulation: predicting healthy eating, exercise behaviors, and health among individuals at risk of metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the potential mechanisms of healthy eating and exercise change, and design interventions which aim to promote healthy eating and exercise change among individuals at risk of metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to identify key determinants of healthy eating, exercise behaviors, and health among individuals at risk of metabolic syndrome using the integrated common-sense model of illness self-regulation. METHOD: A cross-sectional study with a multi-wave data collection strategy. A total of 275 participants at risk of metabolic syndrome based on the clinical prediction model were included in the final analysis. Path analysis was employed to explore the pattern of relationships between key variables using AMOS. RESULTS: The mediation analysis suggested that personal and treatment control, and coherence can positively affect self-reported health via intentions and health behaviors (exercise and healthy eating). Additionally, relationships between self-efficacy (exercise and healthy eating) and health outcomes can be mediated by health behaviors, and both intentions and health behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: This current research used the integrated common-sense model of illness self-regulation to predict healthy eating, exercise behaviors, and self-reported health among individuals at risk of metabolic syndrome. The results suggested that self-efficacy, intention, consequences, personal control, treatment control, and coherence were the key determinants of behavior and health, which can help design interventions to encourage healthy eating and exercise changes among individuals with a high risk of MetS.

Effects of an Individualized mHealth-Based Intervention on Health Behavior Change and Cardiovascular Risk Among People With Metabolic Syndrome Based on the Behavior Change Wheel: Quasi-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common public health challenge. Health-promoting behaviors such as diet and physical activity are central to preventing and controlling MetS. However, the adoption of diet and physical activity behaviors has always been challenging. An individualized mobile health (mHealth)-based intervention using the Behavior Change Wheel is promising in promoting health behavior change and reducing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. However, the effects of this intervention are not well understood among people with MetS in mainland China. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effects of the individualized mHealth-based intervention using the Behavior Change Wheel on behavior change and ASCVD risk in people with MetS. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental, nonrandomized study. Individuals with MetS were recruited from the health promotion center of a tertiary hospital in Zhejiang province, China. The study involved 138 adults with MetS, comprising a control group of 69 participants and an intervention group of 69 participants. All participants received health education regarding diet and physical activity. The intervention group additionally received a 12-week individualized intervention through a WeChat mini program and a telephone follow-up in the sixth week of the intervention. Primary outcomes included diet, physical activity behaviors, and ASCVD risk. Secondary outcomes included diet self-efficacy, physical activity self-efficacy, knowledge of MetS, quality of life, and the quality and efficiency of health management services. The Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were primarily used for data analysis. Data analysis was conducted based on the intention-to-treat principle using SPSS (version 25.0; IBM Corp). RESULTS: Baseline characteristics did not differ between the 2 groups. Compared with the control group, participants in the intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in diet behavior, physical activity behavior, diet self-efficacy, physical activity self-efficacy, knowledge of MetS, physical health, and mental health after a 12-week intervention (P=.04, P=.001, P=.04, P=.04, P=.001, P=.04, P=.04, and P<.05). The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in outcomes from pre- to postintervention evaluations (P<.001, P=.03, P<.001, P=.04, P<.001, P<.001, and P<.001). The intervention also led to enhanced health management services and quality. CONCLUSIONS: The individualized mHealth-based intervention using the Behavior Change Wheel was effective in promoting diet and physical activity behaviors in patients with MetS. Nurses and other health care professionals may incorporate the intervention into their health promotion programs.

Effects of cultivar, water condition and their interactions on Cd accumulation in rice grains.

Using low Cd accumulation cultivars and managing field water regimes are effective measures to mitigate Cd accumulations in rice grains. However, the effect of the cultivar-water condition interaction (CWI) on grain Cd accumulations has largely been ignored. To solve this problem, pot and hydroponic experiments were conducted using 14 rice cultivars and two contrasting water conditions. The results showed that CWI significantly affected Cd concentrations in rice grains and roots, explaining 8.8% and 22.8% of the total variance, respectively. These CWI effects were derived from cultivar-dependent variations in rhizosphere soil properties [Eh, pH and available Cd associated with root radial oxygen loss (ROL)] and root Cd uptake. In this context, cultivar HH61 exhibited low, stable Cd accumulations, owing to its stably lower translocation rate, root Cd uptake ability and available Cd in its rhizosphere than the other cultivars, which was induced by its lower ROL. Root-to-grain Cd translocation rates were vital in determining Cd accumulations in grain of different cultivars but were independent from CWI. These results indicated that CWI could play an important role in Cd accumulation in rice while stable low-Cd cultivar should possess low ROL under flooding and low root-to-grain Cd translocation rate. The results will provide novel theoretical basis for cultivar selection and hence benefit the extensive use of low-accumulation cultivars and public health.

Acid-modified red mud biochar for the degradation of tetracycline: Synergistic effect of adsorption and nonradical activation.

In this study, a novel acid-modified red mud biochar catalyst (MMBC) was synthesized by industrial waste red mud (RM) and peanut shell (PSL) to activate peroxodisulfate (PDS) for the degradation of TC. Meanwhile, MMBC exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity, reaching a 60% removal ratio of TC within 60 min (equilibrium adsorption capacity = 12 mg/g). After adding PDS, MMBC/PDS system achieved a 93.8% removal ratio of TC within 60 min. Quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results showed that 1O2 played a dominant role in the degradation of TC and O2•- was the mainly precursor for the production of 1O2 in the MMBC/PDS system. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that the surface Fe(II), -OH and -COOH provided the active sites for the activation of PDS by MMBC. In addition, acid modification optimised the surface structure of the catalyst and enhanced the conversion of Fe (mainly Fe(III) to Fe(II)), thereby improving the adsorption and catalytic efficiency of MMBC. This study confirmed that modified red mud biochar is an efficient composite with both adsorption and catalysis, providing new ideas for the practical treatment of antibiotic wastewater and the resource utilization of red mud.

Development and testing of the reliability and validity of a Chinese version of the Long-Term Conditions Questionnaire. / æ ¢æ€§ç— é•¿æœŸçŠ¶æ€é—®å·çš„æ±‰åŒ–åŠä¿¡æ•ˆåº¦æ£€éªŒ.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a Chinese version of the Long-Term Conditions Questionnaire (LTCQ) and to test its reliability and validity in Chinese patients with chronic diseases. METHODS: With the consent of the original authors, a Chinese version of LTCQ was developed according to the cultural adjustment guidelines. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 319 patients with chronic diseases in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Wuyi County First People's Hospital and Hangzhou Gongchen Bridge Street Health Service Center. The questionnaire was evaluated by item analysis (including frequency analysis, total question correlation method and critical ratio method), reliability analysis (Cronbach's alpha coefficient) and validity analysis [including content validity (expert scoring method) and structural validity (exploratory factor analysis)]. RESULTS: The Chinese version of the LTCQ included 20 entries, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.926, a retest reliability of 0.829, a split-half reliability of 0.878, an entry content validity index of 1, and a content validity index at the questionnaire level of 1. Four common factors were extracted by exploratory factor analysis, namely physical state and daily life, psychological state, support and coping, and safe environment, with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 67.244%. Discussion: The Chinese version of the LTCQ developed in this study has good reliability and validity and it may be used to assess the long-term conditions of patients with chronic diseases in China.

Influencing factors of self-management behavior in cancer patients based on a theoretical domain framework. / åŸºäºŽç†è®ºåŸŸæ¡†æž¶çš„ç™Œç—‡æ‚£è€ è‡ªæˆ‘ç®¡ç†è¡Œä¸ºå½±å“å› ç´ åˆ†æž.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the factors that influence self-management behavior in cancer patients based on the theoretical domain framework. METHODS: Studies in Chinese and English about factors influencing self-management behavior in cancer patients were searched from Wanfang database, CNKI, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane library and Medline from inception to June 2022. Two investigators independently identified, extracted data, and collected characteristics and methodology of the studies. Factors were analyzed with Nvivo12, and the theoretical domain framework was mapped to the theoretical domain. Then the secondary node was generalized by theme analysis. Finally, the specific influencing factors were summarized and analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-four studies were included for analysis. A total of 194 factors were mapped to 13 theoretical domains, and 31 secondary nodes were summarized. Theoretical domains environmental context and resources, social/professional role and identity, and beliefs about consequences were the most common factors. Knowledge, age, self-efficacy, disease stage, social support, gender, economic status and physical status were the most influential factors for self-management in cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: The influencing factors of self-management of cancer patients involve most of the theoretical domains, are intersectional, multi-source and complex.

Development of a behavior change intervention to improve physical activity adherence in individuals with metabolic syndrome using the behavior change wheel.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to physical activity is inadequate in adults with metabolic syndrome. Adherence to physical activity recommendations is crucial and can result in improved health outcomes and reduced medical burdens. A comprehensive behavior change intervention, including identifying determinants of adherence to physical activity recommendations, intervention options, intervention content and implementation options, was imperative for enhancing physical activity adherence. The aim of the study is to develop an intervention to increase physical activity adherence among individuals with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: The study followed the eight steps of the Behavior Change Wheel guide, including defining the problem in behavioral terms (Step 1), selecting target behavior (Step 2), specifying target behavior (Step 3), identifying what needs to change (Step 4), identifying intervention functions (Step 5), identifying policy categories (Step 6), identifying behavior change techniques (Step 7), and determining model of delivery (Step 8). The semi-structured, in-depth interviews were employed to identify the determinants of adherence to physical activity among twenty-eight individuals with metabolic syndrome based on capability, opportunity, motivation and behavior model. Next, the intervention functions and policy categories were chosen to address these determinants. Finally, behavior change techniques were selected to assist in the delivery of the intervention functions and be translated into intervention content. RESULTS: Our study identified eighteen facilitators and fifteen barriers to physical activity adherence. It resulted in the selection of seven intervention functions and nineteen behavior change techniques for the intervention program. Then, the current study identified an app as the delivery mode. Finally, a behavioral change intervention was generated for individuals with metabolic syndrome to increase physical activity recommendation adherence. CONCLUSIONS: The Behavior Change Wheel provided a systematic approach to designing a behavior change intervention, which helped improve the health outcomes and reduce medical burdens and economic burdens among individuals with metabolic syndrome. The findings suggested that potential intervention should pay special attention to increasing knowledge in metabolic syndrome, imparting skills of physical activity, offering a supportive environment, and providing suggestions on regular physical activity using the appropriate behavior change techniques. A feasibility study will be undertaken to assess the acceptability and effectiveness of the intervention program in the future.

Design and development of a Wechat applet for intelligent health management of metabolic syndrome.

: To design and develop a Wechat applet for intelligent health management of metabolic syndrome. Based on the needs and requirements of individuals undergoing health check-up, patients with metabolic syndrome and medical workers, a Wechat applet for metabolic syndrome management was designed and developed, which involving health data collection, health risk prediction, health management knowledge base fusion and intelligent recommendation, data privacy and security. The platform consists of three user ports: individuals undergoing health check and patients with metabolic syndrome, the medical workers and the system administrators. The main functions of the platform included metabolic syndrome risk prediction, intelligent recommendation of health management strategies, health behavior record and supervision, experts' consultation and health knowledge guide. The Wechat applet developed in this study can be used for metabolic syndrome risk prediction for general population, and health management for patients with metabolic syndrome, which helps them to enhance health management awareness and health behavior adherence.

Summary of the best evidence of diet and physical activity management in patients with metabolic syndrome.

To evaluate and summarize the evidence of diet and physical activity management in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). BMJ Best Practice, UpToDate, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) database, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) network, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) network, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), Guidelines International Network (GIN), Medlive, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) network, American Diabetes Association (ADA) network, New Zealand Guideline Group (NZGG) network, Canadian medical association clinical practice guidelines network, PubMed, EmBase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, CNKI, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Knowledge Data Service Platform and Chinese biomedical database were searched systematically to obtain guidelines, evidence summary, expert consensus, best practice information book, clinical decision-making, recommended practice, and systematic review on diet and physical activity management in patients with MS. The retrieval period is from the establishment of database to November 2021. Two researchers with evidence-based medicine background evaluated the quality and evidence level of the included literature. A total of 36 articles met the criteria, including 3 guidelines, 5 expert consensus, 1 clinical decision and 27 systematic reviews. We summarized 49 pieces of evidence related to diet and physical activity in patients with MS, involving 15 aspects, namely diet goals, diet patterns, diet time, carbohydrate intake, fat intake, fiber intake, salt intake, fruits, vegetables and grains intake, coffee intake, effects of diet, principle of physical activity, intensity, form, time of physical activity, effects of physical activity, physical activity prescription of patients with MS and cardiovascular disease, and the joint effects of diet and physical activity. Diet and physical activity management can effectively improve the health outcomes of patients with MS. Health professionals should choose and apply the best evidence with consideration of the clinical situation and patient preference.

Influence of perceived stress on health-promoting behaviors in patients with metabolic syndrome: the multiple mediating roles of adaptability and social support.

: To explore the potential associations between perceived stress and health-promoting behaviors based on the theoretical schema of the middle-range theory of adaptation to chronic illness. From January to May 2021, a convenience sampling method was used to recruit 230 young and middle-aged patients with metabolic syndrome who underwent physical examination in the inpatient center of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The Health-Promoting Health Profile-Ⅱ, Chinese Perceived Stress Scale, Coping and Adaptation Processing Scale-Short Form, and Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used in the cross-sectional study. The chain mediation effect procedure and bootstrap sampling test were used to examine the mediating role of adaptability and social support between perceived stress and health-promoting behaviors. The mean score of health-promoting behaviors was 100.0±14.6, the mean score of perceived stress was 22.0± 6.9, the mean score of adaptability was 47.0±6.1, and the mean score of social support was 63.8±10.8. Perceived stress had a negative impact on patients' health-promoting behaviors (=-0.309, <0.05). The adaptability (effect size= -0.112, 95%:-0.199~-0.038) and social support (effect size= -0.032, 95%:-0.083~played a mediating role and a chain mediating role in the process of perceived stress influencing patients' health-promoting behaviors (effect size= -0.045, 95%:-0.093~-0.020). Adaptability and social support play an intermediary role between perceived stress and health-promoting behaviors in young and middle-aged patients with metabolic syndrome. Healthcare professionals can motivate patients to develop healthy behaviors by developing intervention strategies on adaptability and social support.

Associations of dietary inflammatory index with metabolic syndrome and its components: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammation has been suggested to play an important role in the development and progression of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Dietary inflammatory index (DII), a measurement of inflammatory potential in diets, was suggested to be associated with MetS. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to establish the associations of DII with MetS and its components based on available observational studies. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING: A comprehensive literature search of studies that assessed the associations between DII and MetS was conducted in PubMed, Medline and Embase, using a combination of search terms relating to DII and MetS. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen articles were eligible, of which fourteen were cross-sectional and four were cohort in design. RESULTS: Results from the random effects meta-analysis showed significantly positive associations of higher DII (top v. bottom quartiles) with MetS (OR: 1·23 (95 % CI 1·10, 1·37)), abdominal obesity (OR: 1·15 (95 % CI 1·02, 1·29)), high blood pressure (OR: 1·17 (95 % CI 1·07, 1·29)), hyperglycaemia (OR: 1·18 (95 % CI 1·05, 1·33)) and hypertriacylglycerolaemia (OR: 1·17 (95 % CI 1·07, 1·28)). The effects of summary OR became stronger when analyses were restricted to cohorts, studies that adjudged for covariates (including BMI, physical activity and total energy intake). CONCLUSIONS: Higher DII, representing pro-inflammatory diet, is associated with higher odds of MetS and its components, except for low HDL-cholesterol. The findings prompt dietary interventions for preventing MetS from the aspect of inflammation.

Rhizosphere bacterial community composition affects cadmium and arsenic accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) contamination in paddy soils poses serious health risks to humans. The accumulation of Cd and As in rice (Oryza sativa L.) depends on their bioavailability, which is affected by soil physicochemical properties and soil microbial activities. However, little is known about the intricate interplay between rice plants and their rhizosphere microbes during the uptake of Cd and As. In this study, different bacterial communities were established by sterilizing paddy soils with γ-radiation. A pot experiment using two paddy soils with different levels of contamination was conducted to explore how the bacterial community composition affects Cd and As accumulation in rice plants. The results showed that the sterilization treatment substantially changed the bacterial composition in the rhizosphere, and significantly increased the grain yield (by 33.5-38.3%). The sterilization treatment resulted in significantly decreased concentrations of Cd (by 18.2-38.7%) and As (by 20.3-36.7%) in the grain, straw, and root of rice plants. The accumulation of Cd and As in rice plants was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of sulfate-reducing bacteria and iron-oxidizing bacteria in the rhizosphere. Other specific taxa associated with the accumulation of Cd and As in rice plants were also identified. Our results suggest that regulating the composition of the rhizosphere bacterial community could simultaneously reduce Cd and As accumulation in rice grain and increase the grain yield. These results would be useful for developing strategies to cultivate safe rice crops in areas contaminated with Cd and As.

'There is always a way to living with illness'-Self-management strategies reported by Chinese hospitalized patients with cardiovascular disease: A descriptive qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Patients living with cardiovascular diseases use different strategies to solve various problems. This study aimed to identify the category, type and specific self-management strategies reported by hospitalized patients with cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: This is a qualitative descriptive study. Twenty-eight individuals with cardiovascular diseases from a Cardiology Department affiliated with a school in China were recruited by purposive sampling. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated and analysed by using content analysis. RESULTS: Five self-management strategy categories (medical and alternative therapy uptake, risk assessment and avoidance, resource seeking and utilization, maintaining normality, and optional management), and seventeen self-management strategy types, encompassing one hundred and ten specific strategies were identified. The most commonly used self-management strategy types were lifestyle adjustment (eleven strategies), self-maintenance (nine strategies) and problem-solving (nine strategies). Additionally, the most described explicit self-management strategies were receiving family/colleague support, maintaining daily routines, monitoring symptoms and managing side effects, discussing with professionals, using medicines, and improving awareness. CONCLUSION: This study identified diverse strategies reported by some Chinese cardiovascular patients. It may inform the design and development of personalized self-management interventions for health practitioners and policymakers, helping cardiovascular patients in Chinese communities worldwide receive culture-tailored services.

A Highly Stable Metal-Organic Framework-Engineered FeS2/C Nanocatalyst for Heterogeneous Electro-Fenton Treatment: Validation in Wastewater at Mild pH.

Herein, the novel application of FeS2/C nanocomposite as a highly active, stable, and recyclable catalyst for heterogeneous electro-Fenton (EF) treatment of organic water pollutants is discussed. The simultaneous carbonization and sulfidation of an iron-based metal-organic framework (MOF) yielded well-dispersed pyrite FeS2 nanoparticles of ∼100 nm diameter linked to porous carbon. XPS analysis revealed the presence of doping N atoms. EF treatment with an IrO2/air-diffusion cell ensured the complete removal of the antidepressant fluoxetine spiked into urban wastewater at near-neutral pH after 60 min at 50 mA with 0.4 g L-1 catalyst as optimum dose. The clear enhancement of catalytic activity and stability of the material as compared to natural pyrite was evidenced, as deduced from its characterization before and after use. The final solutions contained <1.5 mg L-1 dissolved iron and became progressively acidified. Fluorescence excitation-emission spectroscopy with parallel factor analysis demonstrated the large mineralization of all wastewater components at 6 h, which was accompanied by a substantial decrease of toxicity. A mechanism with •OH as the dominant oxidant was proposed: FeS2 core-shell nanoparticles served as Fe2+ shuttles for homogeneous Fenton's reaction and provided active sites for the heterogeneous Fenton process, whereas nanoporous carbon allowed minimizing the mass transport limitations.

Anxiety symptoms and burnout among Chinese medical staff of intensive care unit: the moderating effect of social support.

BACKGROUND: Social support can be a critical resource to help medical staff cope with stressful events; however, the moderating effect of social support on the relationship between burnout and anxiety symptoms has not yet been explored. METHODS: The final sample was comprised of 514 intensive care unit physicians and nurses in this cross-sectional study. Questionnaires were used to collect data. A moderated model was used to test the effect of social support. RESULTS: The moderating effect of social support was found to be significant (b = - 0.06, p = 0.04, 95%CI [- 0.12, - 0.01]). The Johnson-Neyman technique indicated that when social support scores were above 4.26 among intensive care unit medical staff, burnout was not related to anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to test the moderating effect of social support on the relationship between burnout and anxiety symptoms among intensive care unit staff.

The role of social support and emotional exhaustion in the association between work-family conflict and anxiety symptoms among female medical staff: a moderated mediation model.

BACKGROUND: Limited work has been done to explain how work-family conflict is related to anxiety symptoms and the roles of emotional exhaustion and social support may play. METHODS: Based on a sample of 764 female nurses and physicians, a model was tested in which emotional exhaustion served as a mediator and social support was regarded as a moderator between work-family conflict and anxiety symptoms. RESULTS: This current study supported a moderated mediation model where the relationship between work-family conflict and anxiety symptoms via emotional exhaustion was weakest for female medical staff who reported high levels of social support. CONCLUSIONS: This study contribute to providing an understanding of how and when work-family conflict affects anxiety symptoms. The results implicate a wide range of interventions aimed at promoting mental wellbeing among female medical staff for policymakers and individuals.

Effects of Fe-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) on iron plaque formation, As concentrations and speciation in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Large areas of the paddy fields in South China are contaminated with arsenic (As), which causes serious problems, including high As concentrations in brown rice. Three As-resistant iron-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) namely, Bacillus sp. T2, Pseudomonas sp. Yangling I4 and Bacillus sp. TF1-3, were isolated and applied to rice grown in different As-contaminated environments to study the effects of FeOB on the As accumulation in rice and clarify the possible mechanisms involved. The results showed that FeOB inoculation significantly decreased the inorganic As concentrations in brown rice grown in pots and paddy fields by 3.7-13.3% and 4.6-12.1%, respectively. FeOB inoculation enhanced the formation of Fe plaque, which sequestered more As on the root surface. Moreover, a significantly lower level of As(III) influx was observed in the rice cultivated with FeOB than in the control. FeOB inoculation also decreased the As concentrations in pore water and the Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratio in rhizosphere soil. The present results suggest that FeOB inoculation decreased the inorganic As concentrations in brown rice by affecting the formation of Fe plaque, As(III) uptake kinetics and rhizosphere soil properties. Based on our results, FeOB inoculation could be considered a useful method to decrease inorganic As concentrations in brown rice grown in As-contaminated paddy fields.

Mixture of Pb, Zn and Cu on root permeability and radial oxygen loss in the mangrove Bruguiera gymnorrhiza.

A short term pot trail was employed to evaluate the exposure of mixed heavy metals (Cu, Pb and Zn) on growth, radial oxygen loss (ROL) and root anatomy in Bruguiera gymnorrhiza. The possible function of BgC4H, a cytochrome P450 gene, on root lignification was also discussed. The exposures of mixed Cu, Pb and Zn directly reduce O2 leakage at root surface. The reduced ROL inhibited by heavy metals was mainly ascribed by the changes in root anatomical features, such as decreased root porosity together with increased lignification within the exodermis. BgC4H was found to be up-regulated after 0.5-day metal exposure, and remained higher transcript levels within 3-day metal exposure when compared to control roots. Besides, the inhibited photosynthesis may also result in less oxygen can be transported to the underground roots. In summary, the mangrove B. gymnorrhiza appeared to react to external mixed metal contaminants by developing a lignified and impermeable exodermis, and such a root barrier induced by mixed Cu, Pb and Zn appeared to be an adaptive response to block metal ions enters into the roots.

Effects of root morphology and anatomy on cadmium uptake and translocation in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

A clear description of the certain mechanisms of cadmium (Cd) uptake and translocation in rice (Oryza sativa L.) may help to reduce Cd accumulation in rice grain. Hydroponic experiments were carried out to determine the effects of cultivation conditions (aerated and stagnant) on the uptake, translocation and subcellular distribution of Cd in relation to the morphology and anatomy of roots in two rice genotypes with different Cd accumulations in grains. Marked differences in morphology and anatomy were observed between these two genotypes under different cultivation conditions. Genotypes with low Cd accumulation in grains tended to develop fewer root tips per root surface area, larger root porosity and more mature apoplastic barriers. The stagnant cultivation condition decreased the number of root tips per root surface area but increased root porosity and accelerated apoplastic barrier formation in root tissues. Correlative Cd uptake studies revealed that rice plants with fewer number of root tips per root surface area reduced root Cd uptake ability, while mature apoplastic barriers increased root Cd retention in cell walls and the symplast. Thus, the fewer number of root tips per root surface area and the earlier formation of mature apoplastic barriers led to lower Cd uptake and translocation. The results indicated that the morphology and anatomy of roots could play important roles in Cd uptake and translocation in rice, and could be influenced by both genotype and cultivation conditions. The present results would be useful in screening and planting rice plants with low Cd accumulation.

Nursing work environment, value congruence and their relationships with nurses' work outcomes.

AIMS: To explore the relationships between work environment, value congruence and nurses' work outcomes; as well as to test the moderating effects of value congruence. BACKGROUND: A poor nursing work environment in most of mainland China has negatively influenced nurses' job satisfaction, burnout and turnover intention. New insights such as improving nurses' value congruence should be proposed to better foster nurses. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were selected from the Chinese Nurses' Environment of Work Status study. In total, 19149 valid samples were collected. Hierarchical regression analyses and simple slope analyses were performed. RESULTS: The correlation coefficients of the variables were all significant (p < .01) and in the expected direction. Value congruence moderated the relationship between nursing work environment and burnout (emotional exhaustion: ß = 0.106, p < .01; depersonalization: ß = 0.111, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Nursing work environment and value congruence were positively related to job satisfaction, and negatively related to burnout and turnover intention. The adverse impact of poor work environment on nurses' burnout can be buffered if nurses' value congruence is compatible with that of the organisation. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Except for improving the organisational characteristics, value congruence is a useful concept that managers can leverage to improve positive outcomes for both the organisation and its nurses.