[Spatiotemporal Distribution and Source Analysis of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments in Lake Ulansuhai Based on PCA-APCS-MLR Model].

To explore the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of heavy metals in the surface sediments of lakes in cold regions during ice-sealing and non-ice-sealing periods, we analyzed the potential ecological risk degree and the pollution sources. A total of 20 sampling sites in Lake Ulansuhai in cold regions were collected from 2020 to 2021, and 120 surface sediment samples were collected during different periods. The contents of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Hg were determined. Correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and the absolute factor score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) receptor model were used to trace the source of heavy metal pollution. The results showed that:① the distribution of heavy metals in lake surface sediments was different between the ice-sealing period and the non-ice-sealing period. The distribution of heavy metals during the ice-sealing period was higher in the north and lower in the south. Cd and Hg were mainly distributed in the central and southern lakes during the non-glacial period. ② Hg, Cd, and As were moderately polluted, and Ni was mildly polluted in the surface sediments of the lake. The overall performance was at a high risk level, and the pollution level during the non-ice-sealing period was higher than that during the ice-sealing period. The main environmental risk factors were Hg and Cd, which showed high risk and moderate risk, respectively. ③ The sources of heavy metals in lake surface sediments were mainly industrial sources from mining and transportation, agricultural sources, and natural sources. As, Ni, Pb, and Hg were mainly affected by industrial sources, with contribution rates of 62.67%, 75.31%, 77.47%, and 80.11%, respectively. The main sources of Cu and Zn were natural sources, and Cd was greatly affected by agricultural sources. The contribution rate was 81.57%. The source of Cr was mainly affected by natural factors, and the influence of human activities and unknown sources require further attention.

Influence of environmental factors on changes in the speciation of Pb and Cr in sediments of Wuliangsuhai Lake, during the ice-covered period.

Ecological pollution caused by heavy metals released from sediments is a worldwide concern. However, the effect of changes in sediment speciation on their release of heavy metals has not been adequately reported. In this study, the research focused on Pb and Cr in the ice period of Wuliangsuhai. This study analyzed changes in the sediment speciation of Pb and Cr before and after a release experiment using four risk assessment methods while varying the temperature, pH, and salinity of the water column. The results indicated that the total concentration of Pb ranged from 11.17 to 24.25 mg/kg, while for Cr it ranged from 42.26 to 69.68 mg/kg. Both elements exhibited mild contamination. The release of Pb and Cr from sediments increases with increasing water temperature, mainly due to the conversion of the residual fraction of Pb to the Fe-Mn oxide fraction and Cr converting more residual fraction to the organic matter and sulfide fraction. The release of sediment Pb and Cr decreased with increasing pH, with Pb converting more acid extractable fraction to the residual fraction and Cr converting more organic matter and sulfide fraction to the residual fraction. In contrast, the release of Pb and Cr increased and then decreased with increasing salinity. For Pb, the acid extractable fraction was more susceptible to conversion to the residual fraction by environmental influences, whereas for Cr, the organic matter and sulfide fraction were susceptible to conversion to the residual fraction.

Risk assessment and source apportionment of available atmospheric heavy metal in a typical sandy area reservoir in Inner Mongolia, China.

This study evaluated dry and wet deposition of atmospheric heavy metals (HMs) in a sandy area of Inner Mongolia, China, with the Dahekou Reservoir, Xilin Gol League, adopted as the study area. Monthly monitoring of atmospheric HM dry and wet deposition was conducted over one year (2021 to 2022) at 12 monitoring points, producing 144 dry and wet deposition samples, respectively. The sample contents of eight HMs (Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, Zn, Mn, As, and Cd) were determined to estimate the fluxes of available forms of heavy metal (AHM) in dry and wet deposition. The potential ecological index (Eri), risk assessment coding (RAC), and ratio of secondary phase to primary phase (RSP) were used to evaluate the impact of atmospheric HM dry deposition on ecological security. Correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and the absolute principal component scores-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) receptor model were used to quantitatively analyze the sources of AHMs in atmospheric dry and wet deposition. The results showed that the study area experienced annual dry and wet deposition fluxes of AHMs of 1712.59 kg and 534.97 kg, respectively. Atmospheric heavy metal dry deposition over the entire year presented a strong ecological risk, with Cd contributing most to this risk. Risk assessment of HM speciation showed that the greatest risks of migration and transformation were for Cd and Pb. The APCS-MLR receptor model identified five and three sources of dry and wet deposition, respectively, in order of proportion of total contribution of: natural wind and sand > road traffic and coal combustion > mineral mining > other human activities > industrial soot.

Analysis of the distribution across media, migration, and related driving factors of fluoride in cold and arid lakes during the freezing period.

Fluoride pollution in water has become a global challenge. This challenge especially affects China as a country experiencing serious fluoride pollution. While the have been past studies on the spatial distribution of fluoride, there has been less attention on different forms of fluoride. This study collected 176 samples (60, 40, and 76 ice, water, and sediment samples, respectively) from Lake Ulansuhai during the freezing period. The occurrence and spatial distribution characteristics of fluoride in lake ice-water-sediment were explored using Kriging interpolation, Piper three-line diagram, and Gibbs diagram analysis methods. The migration and transformation of fluoride during the freezing period were revealed and the factors influencing fluoride concentration in the water body were discussed considering the hydrochemical characteristics of lake surface water. The results showed that the average fluoride concentrations in the upper ice, middle ice and lower ice were 0.18, 0.09, and 0.12 mg/L, respectively, decreasing from north to south in the lake. The average concentrations of fluoride in surface water and bottom water were 0.63 and 0.83 mg/L, respectively. The concentrations of fluoride in ice and water were within the World Health Organisation drinking water threshold of 1.50 mg/L and the Class III Chinese surface water standard (GB3838-2002). The average sediment total fluorine was 1344.38 ± 200 mg/kg, significantly exceeding the global average (321 mg/kg) and decreasing with depth. The contents of water soluble, exchangeable, Fe/Mn bound, organic bound, and residual fluorides were 40.22-47.18, 13.24-43.23, 49.52-160.48, and 71.59-173.03 mg/kg, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between fluoride concentration in ice and that in water. The change in fluoride concentration in water was mainly due to specific climatic and geographical conditions, pH, hydrochemical characteristics and ice sealing. This study is of great significance for the management of high-fluorine lakes in arid and semi-arid areas.

[Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Dust Fall Around Reservoirs in Typical Ecologically Fragile Areas and Traceability Based on APCS-MLR Model].

To assess the health risk status and pollution sources of heavy metals in the atmosphere of ecologically vulnerable areas, the surrounding area of Dahekou Reservoir in Xilingol League was selected as the study area. From 2021 to 2022, 12 monitoring points for atmospheric dust fall were collected for a period of one year. A total of 144 samples were collected to determine the contents of eight types of heavy metals, namely Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, Zn, Mn, As, and Cd. The potential ecological index (Eri) and health risk assessment model were used to assess the risk level of atmospheric heavy metals on ecological security and human health. The analysis of enrichment factors, principal components, and the model of absolute principal component multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) receptor were used to analyze the sources of heavy metal pollution qualitatively in the atmosphere of the study area. The results showed that:① the mean value of the comprehensive potential ecological risk of heavy metals in the annual atmospheric dust fall in the study area was at a high ecological risk, and only the Cd value was at a very high risk level among the heavy metals, whereas the remaining were at a slight risk. ② The results of the health risk showed that intake by hand, mouth, and skin contact were the main exposure routes, which led to non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. Children were under non-carcinogenic and acceptable carcinogenic risks in different months. During those months, the main source of the risks was As. ③ Through enrichment factor analysis, principal component analysis, and APCS-MLR receptor model calculation, the results revealed that the proportion of wind-blown sources was the largest, accounting for 37.82%, and the contribution rates of coal combustion and traffic sources to Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn were 73.01%, 40.22%, 70.31%, and 32.82%, respectively. The contribution rate of mining activities to As was 42.59%, while that of industrial sources of Cd was 22.01%; the contributions of other human activity sources of Cd, As, Pb, and Zn were 21.12%, 34.40%, 23.04%, and 32.15%, respectively.

Distributions of total mercury and methylmercury and regulating factors in lake water and surface sediment in the cold-arid Wuliangsuhai Lake region.

This study aimed to understand the occurrence of mercury in the water environment of typical cold and arid lakes and the regulating environmental factors. Water and surface sediment samples were collected from July to August, 2022 in the Wuliangsuhai Lake region for the analysis of total mercury (THg) and total methylmercury (TMeHg). Lake water THg and TMeHg ranged between 19.20 ~ 668.10 and 0.10 ~ 11.40 ng/L, respectively, exceeding China's environmental quality standards and contents of other lakes and reservoirs in China and other areas. Surface sediments showed lower mean THg and TMeHg of 261.85 and 0.18 µg/kg, respectively, with the former significantly exceeding the background value of Inner Mongolia and unpolluted natural lakes but lower than those of lakes affected by human factors, such as aquaculture. Sediments showed relatively low methylation and TMeHg (0.01-0.21%) concentrations. Correlation analysis identified salinity, total dissolved solids, conductivity, and redox potential as important factors affecting mercury speciation in water, whereas those in surface sediments were organic matter, pH, and total iron content. This study conducted preliminary research on the different species of Hg in Wuliangsuhai Lake water environment, which can provide scientific evidence for the specific treatment of Hg pollution in agriculture, or industry and other related fields. Our results suggest that upstream and downstream regulatory agencies should strengthen the regulation of agricultural and industrial production, moderately reduce human activities, and reduce the use of mercury-rich substances such as pesticides.

Characterization of nitrogen and phosphorus at the ice-water-sediment interface and the effect of their migration on overlying water quality in Daihai Lake (China) during the freezing period.

Approximately one-third of the year, Daihai Lake experiences freezing conditions. During this period, the primary mechanisms that impact the quality of the lake water quality include the freezing of nutrients by the ice sheet and the migration of nutrients between the ice, water, and sediment. The present investigation involved the collection of samples of ice, water, and sediment, followed by the utilization of the thin film gradient diffusion (DGT) technique to and explore the distribution and migration of diverse nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) forms at the interface of ice, water and sediment. The findings indicate that the freezing process led to the precipitation of ice crystals, which in turn caused the migration of a significant proportion (28-64 %) of nutrients to the subglacial water. The predominant constituents of N and P in subglacial water, were NO3--N and PO43--P, which constituted 62.5-72.5 % of total N (TN) and 53.7-69.4 % of total P(TP). Respectively, with increasing depth, the TN and TP of sediment interstitial water increased. The sediment in the lake acted as a source of PO43--P and NO3--N while acting as a sink or NH4+-N. Soluble reactive P (SRP) flux and NO3--N flux were responsible for 76.5 % and 2.5 % of the P and N present in the overlying water. Additionally, it was observed that 60.5 % of the NH4+-N flux in the overlying water was absorbed and subsequently deposited in the sediment. The presence of soluble and active P in the ice sheet could play a crucial role in the regulation of sediment release of both SRP and NH4+-N. Additionally, the presence of high nutritional salts and the concentration of nitrate nitrogen in the overlying water would certainly increase the pressure of the water environment. Endogenous contamination must be urgently controlled.

[Effect of the Process of Returning Farmland to Forest in the Loess Hilly Area on Soil Fungal Communities].

The conversion of farmland to forest significantly affects soil bacterial communities in the Loess Plateau. However, how soil fungal communities respond to the conversion of farmland to forest is not very clear in this region. To illustrate the problem, the loess hilly area located in Jiajiayao, Youyu County, Shanxi Province was taken as the study area, and soil from farmland (growing corn and millet) and artificial forest (growing sea buckthorn and Caragana) were sampled. Based on 18S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, the effect of the conversion of farmland to forest on soil fungal communities was investigated. Ascomycota dominated (61.03%-78.06%) in both farmland and forest soil, followed by Mucoromycota (12.11%-17.13%) and Basidiomycota (6.15%-18.42%). The relative abundance of other fungal phyla, such as Chytridiomycota, was low. At the genus level, the conversion of farmland to forest significantly affected the abundance of Chaetomium, Mortierella, Fusarium, and Geoglossum. Plant pathogenic fungi belonging to Fusarium were enriched in farmland. The results of non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) showed that the conversion of farmland to forest significantly affected soil fungal communities in the hilly area of the Loess Plateau. Differences in the community structure were closely related to changes in soil physicochemical properties. Available phosphorus was particularly the main driving factor affecting soil fungal communities. These results can provide scientific references for the ecological benefit evaluation of vegetation restoration in the loess hilly area.

The spatial distribution and abundance of microplastics in lake waters and ice during ice-free and ice-covered periods.

Understanding the spatial distribution and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in lake waters is essential to assessing and addressing lacustrine MP pollution. This study investigated how lake ice affects the abundance, spatial distribution, and characteristics (size, shape) of MPs in Lake Ulansuhai by analyzing samples collected at ten sites uniformly distributed throughout the lake during ice-free and ice-covered periods. The abundance of MPs ranged between 204 ± 28 and 1224 ± 185 n·L-1 in lake waters during the ice-free period, and from 34 ± 8 to 216 ± 21 n·L-1 and 269 ± 84 to 915 ± 117 n·L-1 in water and ice during the ice-covered period, respectively. During the ice-covered period, MPs were 2.74-8.14 times higher in the ice than in water beneath the ice. Ice formation decreased MP abundance in lake waters, in part, by incorporating a relatively high percentage of MPs into the ice mass during freezing and by inhibiting atmospheric MPs from reaching the lake waters. The abundance of MPs in the water during the ice-free period was 4.50-11.30 times greater than during the ice-covered period. Seasonal variations in MP shape also occurred; the proportion of fibrous MPs in water decreased during the ice-covered period. Variations in MP abundance were partly due to differences in sedimentation rates; the settling of fibrous MPs is slower, making it easier for them to be captured during the formation of surface ice. Spatially, MPs were uniformly distributed during the ice-free period, but exhibited a spatially distinct pattern during ice-covered periods, when MPs in lake waters were higher in the northeast and lower in the southwest portions of the lake. During the ice-free period, small MPs (0.05-0.5 mm) were more likely to move with currents in the lake, whereas water velocities were reduced by ice formation, allowing small MPs to accumulate near the lake inlet.

Isotopic characteristics and sources of suspended particulate organic matter in a reservoir of Chinese desert grassland areas: the influence of dry and wet seasons and the role of atmospheric deposition.

It is essential to study the sources of suspended particulate organic matter (SPOM) for a comprehensive understanding of the carbon and nitrogen cycles in reservoir located in desert grassland areas. Atmospheric deposition is an important pathway for human and natural nutrients to enter water ecosystems. Previous studies have focused on hotspot areas, but neglected the impact of atmospheric deposition on reservoirs in desert grassland regions with little rainfall, long freezing periods, and a dusty climate. In this study, we measured the contents of organic carbon, total nitrogen, the isotopic composition (δ13C and δ15N), and the ratio of total organic carbon to total nitrogen (C/N ratios) for SPOM in the reservoir and its watershed across both dry and wet seasons using carbon and nitrogen isotope techniques. We also analyzed the sources of SPOM in the reservoir using the end-member mixing model. The results showed that the variation range in SPOM for δ13C was - 28.3 to - 21.8‰; for δ15N, it was 2.3 to 8.7‰; and the C/N ratios were 8.12 to 19.12. The variation range of δ13C for atmospheric particulate matter was - 20.0 to - 25.0‰; for δ15N, it was 2.3 to 11.9‰; and the C/N ratios ranged from 7.22 to 17.81. The main sources of carbon in the SPOM were atmospheric deposition and terrestrial C3 plants. The origins were significantly different between the wet and dry periods. Atmospheric nitrogen deposition and soil erosion were the primary sources of particulate nitrogen in the reservoir.

The antihyperlipidemic drug potassium piperonate impairs the migration and tumorigenesis of breast cancer cells via the upregulation of miR-31.

Background: Breast cancer is the second cause of cancer death in women, and tumor metastasis is the primary cause of mortality. Due to the involvement of many regulatory molecules and signaling pathways, the occurrence and development of metastases needs to be further studied. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ubiquitously expressed small non-coding RNAs that have been shown to play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, as well as representing an attractive candidate for metastasis control. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of potassium piperonate (GBK) in impairing breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis by targeting miR-31. Methods: Breast cancer cells, either treated with GBK or left untreated, were assessed for migration and invasion capacities using wound healing and transwell assays. GBK-targeted miRNAs were identified and verified using RT-qPCR. Western blotting was used to validate the changes in expression levels of miR-31-targeted genes. Methylation specific PCR was performed to detect the effect of GBK on the methylation levels of the lncRNA LOC554202 host gene. The synergistic effect of GBK and the chemotherapy drug cisplatin (DDP) on breast cancer cells was verified using cell proliferation, colony formation, and RT-qPCR assays in vitro, and the tumor xenograft model in vivo. Results: We found that miR-31 was the main target of GBK. GBK treatment affected the epigenetic modification at CpG sites by downregulating DNA methyltransferases. Thus, the CpG-associated methylation levels of lncRNA LOC554202 decreased significantly, and in turn upregulated both miR-31 and its host gene LOC554202 in breast cancer cells. We also observed the significant inhibition of miR-31-targeted genes following GBK treatment, including RHOA, WAVE3, and SATB2, with functions closely related to cancer cell invasion, migration, and proliferation. Furthermore, we revealed that the combination of GBK and DDP had a synergistic effect on inhibiting the proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, especially in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Conclusions: This study investigated the target of GBK in the inhibition of breast cancer migration and invasion, and the underlying mechanisms involved, providing theoretical support for the development of GBK as an auxiliary drug for clinical treatment.

Potential biocontrol efficiency of Trichoderma species against oomycete pathogens.

Plant health is of utmost importance for optimal agricultural production and sustainability. Unfortunately, biotic and abiotic factors put a major constraint on crop safety and productivity. Plant diseases caused by oomycetes inflict serious damage to various crops. Moreover, the injudicious use of chemical pesticides poses threats related to pesticide resistance development in pathogens and environmental pollution. Biocontrol offers an effective solution for disease control; however, research on biocontrol of oomycete-related diseases is scarce. Thus, this study undertakes the screening of biocontrol resources for the effective management of oomycete-related plant diseases. In this regard, 86 isolates of Trichoderma spp. were assessed against Phytophthora nicotianae, P. capsici, Pythium vexans, P. ultimum, and P. dissotocum through dual culture assay. Furthermore, the antagonistic effect of selected isolates was studied against tobacco black shank disease and damping-off of cucumber seedlings in the greenhouse. The relative control effect of the three antagonistic Trichoderma strains AR-4, Tv-1, and ST4-1 on tobacco black shank was more than 60%, which was not significantly different from 6.88 gl-1 fluopicolide-propamocarb. Whereas, the relative control effect of Trichoderma AR-4 and ST4-1 on damping-off of cucumber seedlings was 80.33% and 82.67%, respectively, which were significantly higher than Trichoderma Tv-1 (35.49%) and fluopicolide-propamocarb (47.82%). According to the morphological and molecular characterization, the fungal strains AR-4, Tv-1, and ST4-1 were identified as Trichoderma koningiopsis, T. asperellum, and T. gamsii, respectively. In conclusion, the strains exhibited a strong antagonistic effect against oomycete pathogens and can be integrated into disease management strategies.

Efficacy of Phenotype-vs. Genotype-Guided Therapy Based on Clarithromycin Resistance for Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children.

Background: Clarithromycin resistance reduces the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Cultures with susceptibility testing and molecular determination of genotypes are recommended to guide-tailored therapy. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled patients aged 6 and 18 years with H. pylori infection, who underwent an endoscopy and agreed to undergo both culture and genetic testing for clarithromycin resistance. Patients receiving tailored therapy based on traditional culture results (phenotype-guided therapy) or genetic testing results (genotype-guided therapy) were included in the study. 13C-urea breath test was used to evaluate the success of eradication at least 4 weeks after the completion of treatment. We aimed to determine whether the eradication rate of phenotype- or genotype-guided therapy based on clarithromycin resistance is greater than 90% in children. Results: Between September 2017 and October 2020, 226 eligible patients were enrolled. There were 71 with clarithromycin-sensitive strains in the phenotype-guided therapy group and 87 without 23S rRNA point mutations (A2142G, A2142C, and A2143G) in the genotype-guided therapy group. Eradication rates were 70.4% (50/71, [95% CI: 58.4-80.7%] for phenotype-guided therapy and 92.0% (80/87, [95% CI: 84.1-96.7%]) for genotype-guided therapy (P < 0.01). The incidence of side effects was 4.2% (3/71) and 10.3% (9/87), with no major differences between these two groups (P = 0.15), respectively. The compliance rate was also similar (97.2 vs. 95.4%, P = 0.87). Conclusion: Tailored therapy according to genetic testing results achieved eradication rates of 92% and was superior to tailored therapy guided by traditional culture results.

Clinical outcome of infantile-onset inflammatory bowel disease in 102 patients with interleukin-10 signalling deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Infantile-onset inflammatory bowel disease can be caused by defects in interleukin-10 signalling. The natural history and clinical outcomes of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, medical treatment and surgery have not been thoroughly described. AIMS: This study evaluates disease progression and clinical outcome in patients with interleukin-10 signalling deficiency. METHODS: One hundred and nine patients with interleukin-10 signalling deficiency were retrospectively reviewed from a single tertiary centre. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to calculate probabilities of survival and interval between transplant and stoma closure. RESULTS: One hundred and nine patients were reviewed, and 102 patients were included in the survival analysis. One hundred and eight patients were identified with IL10RA mutations, and one patient harboured IL10RB mutation. Seventy-three patients received haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The overall survival after transplantation was 64.2% (95% confidence interval, 52.8 to 75.6), and without transplantation, it was 47.5% (95% confidence interval, 14.8 to 80.2, P = 0.47). The median timeframe between transplant and stoma closure was 19.6 months. The probability of survival was significantly lower in patients with perforation (P < 0.001), ileus (P = 0.038) and without thalidomide treatment (P < 0.001) among patients who did not receive haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The survival probability was not associated with timeframe between transplant and onset, graft source and genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The survival probability was not significantly different between patients with transplantation and the non-transplanted patients.

[Water use characteristics of artificial sand-fixing vegetation on the southern edge of Hunshandake Sandy Land, Inner Mongolia, China]. / æµ‘å–„è¾¾å ‹æ²™åœ°å—ç¼˜äººå·¥å›ºæ²™æ¤è¢«æ°´åˆ†åˆ©ç”¨ç‰¹å¾.

We examined the characteristics of water use in typical tree species of arbor and shrub in Hunshandake Sandy Land, Populus cathayana and Salix gordejevii, in the different seasons, with the aim to provide theoretical basis for the structural optimization of the artificial shelterbelt. Samples of precipitation, soil water, groundwater and stem water of the two vegetation were collected, and their distribution characteristics of δD-δ18O were analyzed by hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope technology. The contribution rate of these potential water source to the arbor and shrub species were calculated using multi-source linear mixing model. The precipitation equation line in the study area was δD=7.84δ18O+9.12, while soil moisture lines in the dry and wet season were δD=3.56δ18O-41.28 and δD=4.30δ18O-42.02, respectively. The δD-δ18O of soil water and stem water in the two seasons were lower than the precipitation δD-δ18O, indicating that both of them were strongly affected by the evaporation. Soil water contents in the shallow layer were strongly affected by rainfall and evaporation, with substantial fluctuation. With the increases of soil depth, soil water content tended to be stable, and the hydrogen and oxygen isotope in each soil layer showed significant differences. In the dry season, P. cathayana mainly utilized soil water in 0-40 cm and 120-200 cm layers, with contribution rates of 50.2% and 31.5%, respectively. S. gordejevii mainly absorbed soil water in 20-40 cm and 60-100 cm layers, and the contribution rates were 53.2% and 22.9%, respectively. In the wet season, the greatest contribution of soil water to P. cathayana was mainly in the 0-40 cm soil layer, accounting for 72.8%. S. gordejevii was mainly in the 0-20 cm soil water, evenly utilized the deeper soil water and groundwater. Due to the differences in root depth and distribution of the arbor and shrub, their water use strategies differed in different seasons, which was conducive to the stability of the shelterbelt community and tree species coexistence in Hunshandake Sandy Land. We proposed that the mixed planting species with different root depth should be considered in the future planting of artificial shelterbelt, which would help rationally utilize water resources and maintain the stability of sandy land ecosystem.

Long-term changes in the gut microbiota after 14-day bismuth quadruple therapy in penicillin-allergic children.

BACKGROUND: Penicillin-allergic children who are infected with Helicobacter pylori constitute a relatively common subgroup. We aimed to study the short-term and long-term effects of bismuth quadruple therapy on gut microbiota in penicillin-allergic children. METHODS: We prospectively recruited treatment-naive children with H pylori infection and H pylori-negative asymptomatic children as healthy controls. Patients received 14-day bismuth quadruple therapy consisting of omeprazole, clarithromycin, metronidazole, and bismuth. Fecal samples were collected at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 52. Alterations in the gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: Twenty-two subjects (14 gastritis patients, 8 duodenal ulcer patients) and 23 controls participated in this study. At week 2, alpha diversity was reduced in both gastritis (P < .05) and ulcer (except P = .16 with Chao 1 index) patients compared with baseline. Some changes persisted at week 6, and all were restored at week 52. Beta diversity was significantly altered 2 weeks after treatment in the gastritis and duodenal ulcer groups (P = .001, P = .002, respectively) and restored at weeks 6 and 52. The mean relative abundance of Bacteroidetes (P < .001, P = .005, respectively) decreased and that of Proteobacteria increased (P < .001, P = .03, respectively). All alterations recovered at week 6 and 52. In both the gastritis and ulcer groups at week 2, some beneficial bacteria were decreased including Bacteroides (P < .001 and P = .003), Faecalibacterium (P < .001 and P = .02), Phascolarctobacterium (P = .002 and P = .004), Roseburia ( P < .001 and P = .13), Bifidobacterium (P = .08 and P = .04), and Blautia (P < .001 and P = .002). Some detrimental bacteria were increased including Escherichia-Shigella (P < .001 and P = .19), Klebsiella (P < .001, and P = .09), Enterococcus (P < .001 and P = .007), and Streptococcus (P = .002 and P = .004). The changes returned to almost the pre-eradication level 1 year after therapy. CONCLUSION: Bismuth quadruple therapy causes short-term dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Most changes recovered 1-year post-eradication, indicating the long-term safety of H pylori therapy.

Correction: Clinical and genetic spectrum of children with congenital diarrhea and enteropathy in China.

There is an error in the figure legend of Figure 1(a). The correct figure legend for this figure should be "Fig.1 (a) Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) analysis of the descending duodenum shows the loss of goblet cells and Paneth cells and the presence of apoptotic cells in patient 48."

Phenotype and Genotype of a Cohort of Chinese Children with Early-Onset Protein-Losing Enteropathy.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the phenotypes and perform next-generation sequencing in children with early-onset protein-losing enteropathy. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective review of 27 children with early-onset protein-losing enteropathy. Patients were characterized on clinical, immunologic, and systemic involvements. Targeted gene panel sequencing and whole-exome sequencing were performed in 9 patients. RESULTS: In 27 patients (55.6% male), median age of disease onset was 173 days, and 59.3% had onset of disease before 1 year of age. Initial gastrointestinal symptoms included diarrhea (74.1%), vomiting (33.3%), and abdominal distention (48.1%). All patients had hypoalbuminemia, with an average serum albumin concentration of 20.2 ± 5.4 g/L. Hypogammaglobulinemia was identified in 72% of the patients. Upper endoscopy showed typical presentation of intestinal lymphangiectasia (n = 13). Patients frequently received intravenous albumin and immunoglobulin infusions as well as parenteral nutrition. Next-generation sequencing in 9 patients with available DNA showed 1 patient had compound heterozygous CCBE1 mutations and 2 had novel homozygous DGAT1 mutations. Monogenic diseases were identified in 3 of 9 patients who underwent genetic sequencing. Three subjects (11.1%) died, of whom 2 had homozygous DGAT1 mutations. No significant correlation was found between age of symptom onset, serum albumin, serum IgG, lymphocyte count, CD4+ cells, and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Monogenic diseases may be observed in children with early-onset protein-losing enteropathy, and genetic evaluation with next-generation sequencing should be considered.

Clinical and genetic spectrum of children with congenital diarrhea and enteropathy in China.

PURPOSE: Genetic sequencing for children with congenital diarrhea and enteropathy (CODE) has important implications for the diagnosis, prognosis, and implementation of precision medicine. METHODS: We performed exome sequencing or targeted panel sequencing on 137 children with CODE. Endoscopic, imaging, histological, and immunological assessments were also applied. Patients were divided into three subgroups: watery, fatty, and bloody diarrhea. RESULTS: The median age of onset among patients was 28.0 (interquartile range: 7.5-120.0) days. Genetic diagnosis was achieved in 88/137 (64.2%) of patients. The diagnostic rate was significantly higher in the neonatal group than in the group of patients who had disease onset within 2 years of age (p = 0.033). The diagnostic rates were 71.9% (46/64) for targeted gene panel sequencing and 57.5% (42/73) for exome sequencing (p = 0.081). We identified pathogenic variants in 17 genes. Based on genetic sequencing, 59.9% of patients were diagnosed with medically actionable disorders. Precision medicine was carried out by means of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with IL10RA, CYBB, or FOXP3 deficiency; pancreatic enzyme replacement for patients with SBDS or UBR1 deficiency; and a special diet for patients with SLC5A1 deficiency. The overall mortality rate was 14.6%. CONCLUSION: Single-gene disorders are common among CODE patients. Genetic diagnosis can improve therapy by enabling precision medicine.

Phenotypic Characterization of Very Early-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease with Interleukin-10 Signaling Deficiency: Based on a Large Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-10 (IL10)/interleukin-10 receptor (IL10R) deficiency is a rare disease with life-threatening infantile-onset colitis. We sought to accurately phenotype this disorder based on a large cohort of patients with a proven defect of IL10 signaling and to clarify the effects of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). METHODS: We analyzed the phenotypes of our 61 patients and reviewed 78 other previously reported cases with identified mutations in the genes encoding IL10 or IL10R. We also compared the clinical features of patients with interleukin-10 receptor B (IL10RB), interleukin-10 receptor A (IL10RA), and IL10 mutations. The therapeutic effects of allogeneic HSCT were evaluated. RESULTS: We found that the disease onset time was extremely early: 70.3% within 30 days postnatal and 94.9% within the first 6 months of life. In addition, 94.2% of patients typically presented with perianal lesions. Oral ulcers and skin rash were common extra-intestinal manifestations (33.8% and 51.8%, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in disease onset time, perianal lesion involvement, or mortality rate among patients with IL10RB, IL10RA, or IL10 deficiency. However, the surgery rate was higher in patients with IL10RB mutations than in those with IL10 or IL10RA mutations (P < 0.05). Compared with those with IL10RA deficiency, a higher percentage (32%, 9 of 28) of patients with IL10RB mutations developed B-cell lymphoma (P < 0.01). Compared with other regions, a higher percentage (98.7%) of IL10RA mutations was detected among patients in East Asia countries (P < 0.01), with hot-spot mutation sites of c.C301T and c.G537A. Allogeneic HSCT is efficacious but has a high mortality rate (17.5%, 7 of 40). CONCLUSIONS: Our study expands the current knowledge on the genotype-correlated phenotypes with a defect of IL10 signaling. B-cell lymphoma was more frequent than would be expected in patients with IL10RB mutations. There may be a unique genetic architecture among Eastern Asia compared with other populations. Although allogeneic HSCT represents a causal therapeutic approach for IL10-and IL10R-deficient patients, a word of caution is warranted.