Dietary calcium intake at breakfast is associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment than at dinner in Chinese adults: the CHNS cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: If the proportion of calcium intake over a whole day is related to the risk of cognitive impairment in adults is still largely unknown. This research aimed to examine the relation of dietary calcium intake at dinner versus breakfast with the risk of cognitive impairment by using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A total of 2,099 participants (including 668 cognitive impairment) in the CHNS (1997-2006) were included. The participants were categorized into 5 groups in accordance with the ratio of dietary calcium intake at dinner and breakfast (Δ = dinner/breakfast). After adjustment was conducted for a series of confounding factors, Cox hazard regression modelling was performed to discuss the relation of Δ with cognitive impairment. Dietary substitution models were used to explore the changes in cognitive impairment risk when a 5% dietary calcium intake at dinner was replaced with dietary calcium intake at breakfast. RESULTS: Participants in the highest distribution of Δ showed a greater susceptibility to cognitive impairment than those in the lowest quintile, with an adjusted hazard ratio of cognitive impairment of 1.38 (95% CI: 1.08-1.76). When maintaining total calcium intake, substituting 5% of dietary calcium intake at dinner with calcium intake at breakfast was related to an 8% decrease in the risk of cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Higher dietary calcium intake at dinner was associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment, emphasizing the importance of appropriately distributing dietary calcium intake between breakfast and dinner.

Spatiotemporal Epidemiological Trends of Mpox in Mainland China: Spatiotemporal Ecological Comparison Study.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization declared mpox an international public health emergency. Since January 1, 2022, China has been ranked among the top 10 countries most affected by the mpox outbreak globally. However, there is a lack of spatial epidemiological studies on mpox, which are crucial for accurately mapping the spatial distribution and clustering of the disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide geographically accurate visual evidence to determine priority areas for mpox prevention and control. METHODS: Locally confirmed mpox cases were collected between June and November 2023 from 31 provinces of mainland China excluding Taiwan, Macao, and Hong Kong. Spatiotemporal epidemiological analyses, including spatial autocorrelation and regression analyses, were conducted to identify the spatiotemporal characteristics and clustering patterns of mpox attack rate and its spatial relationship with sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: From June to November 2023, a total of 1610 locally confirmed mpox cases were reported in 30 provinces in mainland China, resulting in an attack rate of 11.40 per 10 million people. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that in July (Moran I=0.0938; P=.08), August (Moran I=0.1276; P=.08), and September (Moran I=0.0934; P=.07), the attack rates of mpox exhibited a clustered pattern and positive spatial autocorrelation. The Getis-Ord Gi* statistics identified hot spots of mpox attack rates in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Hainan. Beijing and Tianjin were consistent hot spots from June to October. No cold spots with low mpox attack rates were detected by the Getis-Ord Gi* statistics. Local Moran I statistics identified a high-high (HH) clustering of mpox attack rates in Guangdong, Beijing, and Tianjin. Guangdong province consistently exhibited HH clustering from June to November, while Beijing and Tianjin were identified as HH clusters from July to September. Low-low clusters were mainly located in Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Xizang, Qinghai, and Gansu. Ordinary least squares regression models showed that the cumulative mpox attack rates were significantly and positively associated with the proportion of the urban population (t0.05/2,1=2.4041 P=.02), per capita gross domestic product (t0.05/2,1=2.6955; P=.01), per capita disposable income (t0.05/2,1=2.8303; P=.008), per capita consumption expenditure (PCCE; t0.05/2,1=2.7452; P=.01), and PCCE for health care (t0.05/2,1=2.5924; P=.01). The geographically weighted regression models indicated a positive association and spatial heterogeneity between cumulative mpox attack rates and the proportion of the urban population, per capita gross domestic product, per capita disposable income, and PCCE, with high R2 values in north and northeast China. CONCLUSIONS: Hot spots and HH clustering of mpox attack rates identified by local spatial autocorrelation analysis should be considered key areas for precision prevention and control of mpox. Specifically, Guangdong, Beijing, and Tianjin provinces should be prioritized for mpox prevention and control. These findings provide geographically precise and visualized evidence to assist in identifying key areas for targeted prevention and control.

Long-term relatively high dietary manganese intake could decrease the risk of hyperuricemia: Twelve-year distinct dietary manganese consumption trajectories and the China Health and Nutrition Survey.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Currently, the relationship between dynamic changes in dietary manganese (Mn) intake and risk of hyperuricemia (HU) is still unclear. This study aimed to identify dietary Mn consumption trajectories in the Chinese adults and assess their relation with the risk of HU. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cohort data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) 1997-2009 were employed in this study. Overall, 6886 adult participants were included. Participants were designated into subgroups based on the trajectories of dietary Mn consumption by sex. Cox proportional hazard models were used to explore the associations between different trajectories and the risk of HU. For men, compared with low stable trajectory group, moderate to high trajectory group was significantly related to reduced risk of HU (HR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.98) with adjustment for covariates. TC, HDL-C, ApoB, and TG exerted partial regulation function between trajectories and HU. For women, compared with low stable trajectory group, high stable trajectory group was significantly related to reduced risk of HU (HR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.95) with adjustment for covariates. Similarly, TC, HDL-C, ApoB, and ApoA exerted partial regulation function between trajectories and HU. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term relatively high dietary Mn consumption may have a protective effect against HU in Chinese adults. The differences in HU-related factors among different dietary Mn intake trajectories partially regulated the association between these trajectories and HU.

A highly selective and sensitive rhodamine B-based chemosensor for Sn4+ in water-bearing and biomaging and biosensing in zebrafish.

A novel colorimetric-fluorescent dual-mode chemosensor (JT5) based on rhodamine B has been produced for monitoring Sn4+ in the DMSO/H2O (4:1, v/v) medium. It has high sensitivity, a low detection limit, a short response time (1 s) and high stability, and can still be maintained after two weeks with the red dual fluorescence/ colorimetric response. Enhancement of red fluorescence (591 nm) and red colorimetric (567 nm) response of JT5 by Sn4+ addition. The electrostatic potential of the sensor JT5 molecule was simulated to speculate on the sensing mechanism, and the IR, mass spectrometry and 1H NMR titration were utilized to further demonstrate that JT5 was coordinated to Sn4+ with a 1:1 type, the rhodamine spironolactam ring of JT5 opens up to form a penta-membered ring with Sn4+, meanwhile, its system may have chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect. In addition, theoretical calculations were carried out to give the energy gaps of JT5 and [JT5 + Sn4+] as well as to simulate the electronic properties of the maximal absorption peaks. Notably, the sensor JT5 was successfully applied to monitoring Sn4+ in zebrafish, and the JT5-loaded filter paper provided a solid-state platform for detecting Sn4+ by both naked eye and fluorescent methods. In summary, this work contributes to monitoring Sn4+ in organisms and solid-state materials and promotes understanding of Sn4+ functions in biological systems, environments, and solid-state materials.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Professional Attitudes of Medical Students: A Pre-Post-Like Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the difference in professional attitudes among medical students, both before and after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and identifies the determinants closely associated with it, while providing precise and scientific evidence for implementing precision education on such professional attitudes. METHODS: A pre-post-like study was conducted among medical students in 31 provinces in mainland China, from March 23, to April 19, 2021. RESULTS: The proportion of medical students whose professional attitudes were disturbed after the COVID-19 pandemic, was significantly lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic (χ2 = 15.6216; P < 0.0001). Compared with the "undisturbed -undisturbed" group, the "undisturbed-disturbed" group showed that there was a 1.664-fold risk of professional attitudes disturbed as grade increased, 3.269-fold risk when others suggested they choose a medical career rather than their own desire, and 7.557-fold risk for students with COVID-19 in their family, relatives, or friends; while the "disturbed-undisturbed" group showed that students with internship experience for professional attitudes strengthened was 2.933-fold than those without internship experience. CONCLUSIONS: The professional attitudes of medical students have been strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results provide evidence of the importance of education on professional attitudes among medical students during public health emergencies.

Inferior plant competitor allocates more biomass to belowground as a result of greater competition for resources in heterogeneous habitats.

Nutrient heterogeneity in soil widely exists in nature and can have significant impacts on plant growth, biomass allocation, and competitive interactions. However, limited research has been done to investigate the interspecific competitive intensity between two clonal species in a heterogeneous habitat. Therefore, this greenhouse experiment was conducted with two clonal species, Phragmites australis and Scirpus planiculumis, exposed to heterogeneous and homogeneous patches of soil nutrients at five different planting ratios (0:4, 1:3, 2:2, 3:1 and 4:0), to assess the effects of both soil heterogeneity and interspecific competition on plant growth. It was found that soil nutrient heterogeneity significantly enhanced P. australis' interspecific competitive capacity and biomass by promoting a 20% increase in belowground allocation. Interestingly, the planting ratio did not affect the magnitude of this net outcome. In contrast, the superior competitor S. planiculumis did not exhibit significant change of growth indicators to the heterogeneous soil patches. These findings imply that the uncertainties associated with human-induced redistribution of plant species may lead to a shift in dominance from other species to those like P. australis, which have strong nutrient foraging abilities in response to heterogeneity in emergent wetland plant communities.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hospital attendance of patients with primary cervical cancer in Heilongjiang, China.

Information regarding the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on cervical cancer in mainland China is lacking. We explored its impact on the hospital attendance of patients with primary cervical cancer. We included 1918 patients with primary cervical cancer who initially attended Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital between January 23, 2019, and January 23, 2021. Attendance decreased by 31%, from 1135 in 2019 to 783 in 2020, mainly from January to June (𝜒2 = 73.362, P < .001). The percentage of patients detected by screening decreased from 12.1% in January-June 2019 to 5.8% in January-June 2020 (𝜒2 = 7.187, P = .007). Patients with stage I accounted for 28.4% in 2020 significantly lower than 36.6% in 2019 (𝜒2 = 14.085, P < .001), and patients with stage III accounted for 27.1% in 2020 significantly higher than 20.5% in 2019 (𝜒2 = 11.145, P < .001). Waiting time for treatment was extended from 8 days (median) in January-June and July-December 2019 to 16 days in January-June (𝜒2 = 74.674, P < .001) and 12 days in July-December 2020 (𝜒2 = 37.916, P < .001). Of the 179 patients who delayed treatment, 164 (91.6%) were for the reasons of the healthcare providers. Compared to 2019, the number of patients in Harbin or non-Harbin in Heilongjiang Province and outside the province decreased, and cross-regional medical treatment has been hindered. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted cervical cancer patient attendance at the initial phase. These results are solid evidence that a strategy and mechanism for the effective attendance of cervical cancer patients in response to public health emergencies is urgently needed.

Association of Plasma Selenium and Its Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling with Cervical Cancer Prognosis.

Selenium is an essential trace element that shows beneficial or adverse health effects depending on the dose. However, its role in the prognosis of cervical cancer (CC) has been less reported. We aimed to explore the association between selenium status and prognosis in CC patients with different prognoses and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of selenium in CC prognosis. This cross-sectional observational study had a case-control design at the Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital and was conducted using 29 CC cases with poor prognosis and 29 CC cases with good prognosis. Plasma selenium levels were measured using an atomic fluorescence spectrometer. Untargeted metabolomics was used to identify metabolites. Plasma selenium levels of the poor prognosis group (49.90 ± 13.81 µg/L) were lower than that of the good prognosis group (59.38 ± 13.00 µg/L, t = 2.69, P = 0.009). In the logistic regression analysis, plasma selenium levels were associated with lower poor prognosis risk [odds ratio (OR) = 0.952, 95% CI: 0.909-0.998]. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed an optimal cut-off point of plasma selenium levels ≤ 47.68 µg/L for poor prognosis of CC. Based on the cut-off selenium levels, patients with different prognoses were divided into high and low selenium groups. Metabolomic analysis revealed six differential metabolites among different prognoses with low and high selenium levels, and the glycerophospholipid (GPL) metabolism was enriched. Plasma selenium levels were positively correlated with metabolite levels. Our findings provided evidence that low plasma selenium levels may associate with a poor prognosis of CC. Low plasma selenium levels might suppress GPL metabolism and influence the prognosis of CC. This finding requires confirmation in future prospective cohort studies.

Hair Selenium of Residents in Keshan Disease Endemic and Non-endemic Regions in China.

Few nationwide investigations on hair selenium (Se) and Keshan disease (KD) have been conducted. KD is closely associated with Se deficiency. Hair Se is an important biomarker for selenium nutrition. This research aimed to provide evidence for assessment of KD prevention, control, and elimination at the molecular level from the etiological perspective of selenium nutrition. The hair Se of the residents living in the KD endemic and non-endemic areas were determined through atomic fluorescence spectrometer. The median of the hair Se levels of the inhabitants living in KD endemic counties was significantly lower than that in KD non-endemic counties (0.34 vs 0.39 mg/kg, U = -10.03, P < 0.0001). The proportion of Se-deficient or Se-marginal residents in KD endemic counties was significantly higher than that in KD non-endemic counties (56.9% vs 36.6%, U = -9.57, P < 0.0001). The medians of the hair Se levels in KD endemic provinces of Shannxi, Heilongjiang, and Gansu were the lowest (0.35mg/kg), and in the category of Se-marginal status. The hair Se level featured a positive Spearman correlation with per capita disposable income (rs = 0.20, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, the median of the hair Se contents of residents living in KD endemic counties was significantly lower than that in KD non-endemic counties. The hair Se contents of nearly 57% of inhabitants living in KD endemic regions were in Se-deficient or Se-marginal status. The KD endemic provinces of Shannxi, Heilongjiang, and Gansu should be given high priority in KD prevention and control.

A county-level spatial epidemiological study of hair selenium and Keshan disease.

Background: No spatial analysis of hair selenium and Keshan disease (KD) on a nationwide county-level has been performed. Selenium deficiency is a recognized environmental risk factor for KD. Hair selenium is one of the recognized biomarkers of selenium nutrition. This study aimed to perform a geographically precise and visualized assessment of the achievement of KD prevention and control at the level of selenium nutrition in terms of etiology. Methods: A spatial ecological study was conducted. The hair selenium content of the residents was assayed using an atomic fluorescence spectrometer. The spatial analysis was performed using ArcGIS. Results: The median of the hair selenium levels of the 3,028 participants in the 1,174 counties was 0.38 mg/kg, and the content of inhabitants in KD endemic counties was significantly lower than that in KD non-endemic counties (0.34 vs. 0.39 mg/kg, z = -10.03, P < 0.0001). The proportion of Se-deficient and Se-marginal counties in KD endemic counties was significantly higher than that in KD non-endemic counties (59.4 vs. 29.0%, z = -7.45, P < 0.0001). The global autocorrelation analysis was not statistically significant (Moran's I = 0.0005, P = 0.68). Local autocorrelation analysis identified 174 low-low clusters of hair selenium levels, 83 (47.7%) of which are KD endemic counties located in KD endemic provinces of Henan, Gansu, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Jilin, and Heilongjiang. The hair selenium featured a positive correlation with per capita GDP (r s = 0.20, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The median of the hair selenium levels of inhabitants living in KD endemic counties was significantly lower than that in KD non-endemic counties. All the 83 KD endemic counties with low-low clusters of hair selenium levels should be prioritized in KD precision prevention and control. These findings are geographically precise and visualized evidence of the assessment of the effectiveness of KD prevention and control at the level of selenium nutrition in terms of etiology.

Spatial Epidemiological Analysis of Keshan Disease in China.

Objectives: Few researchers have studied the national prevalence of Keshan disease (KD) in China using spatial epidemiological methods. This study aimed to provide geographically precise and visualized evidence for the strategies for KD prevention and control. Methods: We surveyed and analyzed 237,000 people in 280 out of 328 KD-endemic counties (85.4%) in mainland China using a design of key investigation based on case-searching in 2015-2016. ArcGIS version 9.0 was used for spatial autocorrelation analysis, spatial interpolation analysis and spatial regression analysis. Results: Global autocorrelation analysis showed that global clustering of latent Keshan disease (LKD) prevalence was noted (Moran's I = 0.22, Z = 7.06, and P < 0.0001), no global clustering of chronic Keshan disease (CKD) prevalence (Moran's I = 0.03, Z = 1.10, and P = 0.27) was observed. Spatial regression analysis showed that LKD prevalence was negatively correlated with per capita disposable income (t = -4.36, P < 0.0001). Local autocorrelation analysis at the county level effectively identified the cluster areas of LKD prevalence in the provinces of Shaanxi, Gansu, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, and Jilin. The high-high cluster areas should be given priority for precision prevention and control of Keshan disease. Conclusions: This spatial epidemiological study revealed that LKD prevention and control should be strengthened in areas with high values of clustering. Our findings provided spatially, geographically precise and visualized evidence for prioritizing KD prevention and control.

Sodium selenite inhibits cervical cancer growth via ROS mediated AMPK/FOXO3a /GADD45a axis.

Selenium is a trace element that has been shown to inhibit the growth of various cancer cell types. However, its role in cervical cancer and its underlying mechanisms remains largely unknown. Herein, we explored the anti-cervical cancer effect of selenium and its potential mechanisms through xenograft and in vitro experiments. HeLa cell xenografts in female nude mice showed tumor growth retardation, with no obvious liver and kidney toxicity, after being intraperitoneally injected with 3 mg/kg sodium selenite (SS) for 14 days. Compared to the control group, selenium levels in the tumor tissue increased significantly after SS treatment. In vitro experiments, SS inhibited the viability of HeLa and SiHa cells, blocked the cell cycle at the S phase, and enhanced apoptosis. RNA-sequencing, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analysis showed that forkhead box protein O (FOXO) was a key regulatory signaling pathway for SS to exhibit anticancer effects. Gene Ontology analysis filtered multiple terms associated with apoptosis, anti-proliferation, and cell cycle arrest. Further research revealed that SS increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impaired mitochondrial function, which activated adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) via phosphorylation at Thr172, resulting in activation of FOXO3a and its downstream growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible alpha (GADD45a). In summary, SS exhibited anti-cervical cancer effects, and their mechanisms may be that SS is involved in inducing cell cycle arrest and potentiating cell apoptosis caused by ROS-dependent activation of the AMPK/FOXO3a/GADD45a axis.

Xiao-Chai-Hu Decoction Ameliorates Poly (I:C)-Induced Viral Pneumonia through Inhibiting Inflammatory Response and Modulating Serum Metabolism.

Viral pneumonia is widespread, progresses rapidly, and has a high mortality rate. Developing safe and effective therapies to treat viral pneumonia can minimize risks to public health and alleviate pressures on the associated health systems. Xiao-Chai-Hu (XCH) decoction can be used in the treatment of viral pneumonia. However, the mechanisms of XCH on viral pneumonia remain unclear. In this study, poly (I:C) was used to establish a mouse model of viral pneumonia, and the therapeutic effects of XCH on viral pneumonia were assessed. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of XCH on inflammatory response. Lastly, untargeted metabolomics were used to study the metabolic regulatory mechanisms of XCH on viral pneumonia model mice. Our results showed that XCH treatment decreased the wet/dry ratio in lung tissue, total protein concentration, and total cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). H&E staining indicated that XCH treatment alleviated the pathological changes in lung. Moreover, XCH treatment decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) and lowered the ratio of CD86+/CD206+ macrophages and CD11b+LY6G+ neutrophils in BALF. XCH treatment also decreased the myeloperoxidase (MPO) and reduced the phosphorylations of PI3K, AKT, and NF-κB p65 in lung. Serum untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that XCH treatment could affect 18 metabolites in serum such as creatine, hydroxyproline, cortisone, hydrocortisone, corticosterone, hypotaurine, and taurine. These metabolites were associated with arginine and proline metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism processes. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that treatment with XCH can ameliorate viral pneumonia and reduce inflammatory response in viral pneumonia. The mechanism of action of XCH in the treatment of viral pneumonia may be associated with inhibiting the activation of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in lung and regulating arginine and proline metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism in serum.

The role of selenoprotein P in the determining the sensitivity of cervical cancer patients to concurrent chemoradiotherapy: A metabonomics-based analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effect of selenoprotein P (SELENOP) levels on the sensitivity of cervical cancer patients to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) has not been reported. In this study, the effects of the variations in plasma SELENOP levels on the sensitivity of cervical cancer patients to CCRT were investigated using metabonomics. METHODS: Two patient groups were evaluated, i.e., the case group: 11 patients with intermediate to advanced primary squamous cervical cancer, who developed resistance against CCRT, and the sensitivity group: 11 patients who did not develop resistance were matched in a 1:1 ratio (controls). Blood samples were collected before and after CCRT, and the plasma SELENOP levels were measured by ELISA. The different metabolites present in the plasma were analyzed by UPLC-MS-MS. RESULTS: SELENOP levels exhibited a significant reduction in both the resistant and sensitive groups after CCRT (F = 50.705, P < 0.001), and interaction effects between sensitivity and pre-and post-treatment on SELENOP levels were observed (F = 7.414, P = 0.013). Further, a more significant reduction in the SELENOP levels was observed in the CCRT-resistant group (mean reduction, 0.028 µg/mL; P < 0.001) than in the sensitive group (mean reduction, 0.013 µg/mL; P = 0.006). Four metabolic biomarkers, i.e., C18, C19, C20 sphingomyelin, and phosphatidylcholine 20:2/22:6, were shown to be differentially expressed between the resistant and sensitive groups pre-and post-treatment. C20 sphingomyelin levels exhibited a significant correlation with SELENOP levels (r = -0.326, P = 0.031). CONCLUSION: The levels of plasma SELENOP in the CCRT-resistant group decreased significantly, suggesting that SELENOP might affect the sensitivity by modulating lipid synthesis and metabolism.

The performance and mechanism of cadmium availability mitigation by biochars differ among soils with different pH: Hints for the reasonable choice of passivators.

The performances of passivation materials mitigating Cadmium (Cd) bioavailability considerably vary with the pH condition of Cd-contaminated soils. However, less information was available for the method of improving Cd passivation efficiency taking into account the pH of the targeted soil. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism of Cd availability mitigation in soils with different pH has not been clearly explored. In this study, cotton straw biochar (CSB) and its modified products using NaOH (CSB-NaOH) were prepared and applied in two kinds of Cd-contaminated soils with different pH. It was found that CSB-NaOH was more effective than CSB in regulating the Cd bioavailability in the acid soil, while the opposite tendency was observed in alkaline soil. The difference of the Cd passivation efficiency is correlated with contributions of various Cd-biochar binding mechanisms, which cation exchange mechanism is largely eliminated for CSB-NaOH. The interaction of Cd with CSB/CSB-NaOH was further evidenced through characterization results of Scan Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Characterization results proved that carboxyl, hydroxyl and ethyl groups were the key functional groups involved in Cd passivation. XPS results showed that Cd binding methods varied between CSB and CSB-NaOH, which Cd2+ and Cd-O were the main form of Cd binding to CSB while Cd-O was the main form on CSB-NaOH. In this work, it was demonstrated that in acid soil, pH change caused by biochar plays a more significant role in controlling the Cd bioavailability, while in alkaline soil, the strength of the Cd-biochar interaction is more decisive for the Cd passivation efficiency. This work provides information on how to select the suitable passivator to decrease the Cd bioavailability in terms of different soil pH and property.

A County-Level Spatial Study of Serum Selenoprotein P and Keshan Disease.

BACKGROUND: Keshan disease (KD) is strongly associated with selenium deficiency. Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) is a recognized molecular biomarker of selenoproteins and an important indicator of selenium nutrition. This study was aimed at providing geographically precisely visualized evidence of selenium nutrition at molecular level for assessing KD prevention, control, and elimination on the etiological perspective. METHODS: We used spatial ecological design for this study. The serum SELENOP levels of the residents were measured by ELISA. ArcGIS version 9.0 was used for spatial description, spatial autocorrelation analysis of SELENOP levels and spatial regression with per capita disposable income. RESULTS: The mean serum SELENOP levels of the 6,382 residents in 1,688 counties were 4.62 ± 1.82 µg/mL. The mean serum SELENOP levels of the residents living in the townships and rural areas of KD endemic counties were not statistically significantly lower than those of the KD non-endemic counties. The mean serum SELENOP levels were globally clustered (Moran's I = 0.03, z = 6.37, and P < 0.0001), and 99.3% (553/557) of the cold spots, identified by local autocorrelation analysis (Getis-Ord-Gi* analysis), were located in the KD endemic provinces of Shaanxi, Shanxi, Henan, Hebei, Shandong, Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Hubei, Chongqing, Yunnan, and Sichuan. The serum SELENOP level was positively correlated with per capita disposable income (t = 3.52, P = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study were the geographically precisely visualized evidence of selenium nutrition at molecular level for assessing KD elimination on the etiological perspective. The cold spot counties found by Getis-Ord-Gi* analysis in the KD endemic provinces should be the high priority of KD precision prevention and control.

Phytoavailability and transfer of mercury in soil-pepper system: Influencing factors, fate, and predictive approach for effective management of metal-impacted spiked soils.

Mercury (Hg) contamination and accumulation in food crops is a global threat posing potential health risk to humans. However, Hg phytoavailability in soil-pepper system and its influencing factors largely remain unknown. In this study, a greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to grow peppers using 21 Chinese agricultural soils with varied soil properties and aged Hg levels. Mercury concentration in pepper leaves and fruits ranged from 0.021 to 0.057 mg kg-1 and 0.005-0.022 mg kg-1 respectively, while fruit Hg content in three soils (Anhui, Hubei, Beijing) exceeded the safety limit. Fruit Hg concentration was better positively correlated with soil Mg(NO3)2-extractable Hg content (r = 0.7, P < 0.0001) than soil total Hg content (r = 0.45, P < 0.0001). Highest bioconcentration factor (BCF, ratio of Hg plant to Hg soil) yielded in acidic soils, while the lowest BCF occurred in alkaline soils. Path analysis indicated available-Hg (R2 = 0.40) and total-Hg (R2 = 0.40) had direct positive effects on the pepper fruit Hg concentration, while direct negative effects including pH (R2 = -0.86), organic matter (R2 = -0.7), crystalline-Fe (R2 = -0.68). Those agreed with the stepwise multiple linear regression analysis which yielded a regression predictive model (R2 = 0.73, P < 0.0001). Soil available-Hg, total-Hg, pH, organic matter and crystalline-Fe & Mn were the most influencing factors of Hg phytoavailability. These results provide new insights into the phytoavailability of Hg in soil-pepper system, thus facilitating the management of pepper cultivation in Hg-enriched soils.

Exogenous fulvic acid enhances stability of mineral-associated soil organic matter better than manure.

Mineral-associated soil organic matter (MAOM) is seen as the key to soil carbon sequestration, but its stability often varies with types of exogenous organic materials. Fulvic acid and manure are ones of the exogenous organic materials used for the improvement of degraded soil. However, little is known about if and how fulvic acid and manure affect the stability of MAOM. Using a field experiment of four fertilization treatments (no fertilization, mineral fertilizers, fulvic acid, and manure) and a comprehensive meta-analysis using relevant studies published prior to January 2020, we investigated effects of exogenous fulvic acid and manure applications on four MAOM stability indexes: association intensity, humus stabilization index, iron oxide complex coefficient, and aluminum oxide complex coefficient. Exogenous fulvic acid and manure applications increased soil organic carbon fractions by 26.04-48.47%, MAOM stability by 12.26-387.41%, and complexed iron/aluminum contents by 16.12-20.01%. Fulvic acid application increased MAOM stability by promoting mineral oxide complexation by 20.33% and manure application improved MAOM stability via increasing humus stabilization by 21-25%. Association intensity was positively correlated with contents of soil carbon fractions and the metal oxide complex coefficients were positively correlated with iron/aluminum oxide contents. Moreover, stable-humus exerted significantly positive direct and indirect effects on association intensity and humus stabilization index, while amorphous iron/aluminum content had significantly negative influences on metal oxide complex coefficients. The meta-analysis verified that long-term fulvic acid application improved MAOM stability more so than manure application in acidic soils. We recommend that strategies aiming to prevent land degradation should focus on the potential of fulvic acid as a soil amendment because it can significantly increase MAOM stability.

Health Literacy and Disparities in Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding COVID-19 Among College Students During the COVID-19 Outbreak in China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards COVID-19 of Chinese college students during the COVID-19 outbreak and identify the determinants considerably associated with KAP. METHODS: An online cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in February 2020 in China to recruit participants on the Wen-Juan-Xing online platform. A self-made questionnaire was used to assess the KAP towards COVID-19. RESULTS: The average scores of COVID-19-related KAP among college students were 32.16 ± 4.09, 16.84 ± 3.18 and 15.36 ± 1.83, respectively. The average correct response rate of COVID-19-related knowledge was 84.62%. 94.59% of the respondents believed China could control and conquer the pandemic; 98.92% of the respondents wore a mask when they went out. The multiple linear regression showed that the female students had higher scores of COVID-19-related knowledge than male students (ß = 0.79, P = 0.01), and the students from 985 or 211 universities (ß = -2.22, P < 0.01) were significantly associated with higher knowledge scores. Furthermore, a significantly positive correlation was found between the scores of COVID-19-related KAP among students. CONCLUSION: The college students had a good KAP towards the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study was able to access the COVID-19-related KAP among college students during the pandemic and identify their weaknesses in pandemic prevention. Consequently, the results of this study provide theoretical basis for implementing precision health education among college students and reference for campuses to conduct scientific prevention and control during a pandemic. Results also provide beneficial experience to curb similar major public health emergencies in the future.

A Spatial Ecological Study on Hair Selenium Level of Residents in Keshan Disease Endemic and Non-endemic Areas in Heilongjiang Province, China.

This study was aimed to provide, by mapping the spatial distribution of hair selenium levels of residents, visualized evidence for assessment of KD elimination from a perspective of selenium nutrition of the residents living in the KD-endemic and non-endemic areas. Using a spatial ecological research design, 401 male permanent residents in KD-endemic and non-endemic areas participated in this study. Demographic information and hair samples were obtained through a questionnaire survey and sample collection, respectively. Hair selenium was measured using hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Thematic maps were created, and spatial analysis was conducted using ArcGIS 9.0. The median of hair selenium of the participants was 0.30 (IQR, 0.23-0.34) mg/kg. The median hair selenium of the residents in the KD-endemic areas was significantly lower than that of the residents of the non-endemic areas. The hair selenium levels of residents were spatially clustered, with cold spots and hot spots located in northwest and southwest regions respectively. Residents living in KD-endemic areas may still have selenium deficiency. Measuring hair selenium levels of residents in KD-endemic areas as a molecular marker of selenium nutritional status as part of KD surveillance could provide visualized evidence for the evaluation of KD elimination from a perspective of selenium nutrition of the residents living in the KD endemic areas.