Phytoremediation with kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) for cadmium-contaminated paddy soil in southern China: translocation, uptake, and assessment of cultivars.

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is suitable for growing in heavy metal-polluted soil for non-food purposes and can be used as a potential crop to remediate heavy metal-contaminated soil. The main objective of this study was to investigate kenaf phytoextraction of cadmium (Cd), including uptake, translocation, and accumulation differences in tissues among kenaf cultivars. A field experiment was conducted in a Cd contaminated paddy field in southern China area with 13 kenaf cultivars in 2015 and 2016. Agronomic performance, Cd concentrations in plant tissues (root, xylem, and phloem), and biomass of different tissues of each cultivar were measured and evaluated. Significant differences in Cd concentrations and accumulation among tissues and cultivars were observed. The phloem had the highest Cd accumulation and transfer capability compared with the roots and xylem. Approximately 35 ~ 65 g of Cd could be taken up by the aerial parts of different kenaf cultivars within every hectare of soil. The percentage of Cd uptake by the phloem ranged from 47 to 61% and by the xylem ranged from 38 to 53%. By evaluating the agronomic traits and Cd bioaccumulation capacity, Fuhong 952, Fuhong 992, and Fuhong R1 were regarded as Cd accumulators for the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil. Our study clearly demonstrated that a significant level of Cd in the soil was taken up through the phytoremediation with kenaf. In addition, harmless utilization of kenaf planting in Cd-contaminated paddy soil was discussed.

Exploration of postnatal integrated management for prenatal renal and urinary tract anomalies in China.

Objective: The aim of this prospective observational study was to establish a suitable model for the postnatal follow-up and management of prenatal renal and urinary tract anomalies in Shanghai, China.Methods: Minhang and Changning maternal child health care hospitals were selected to establish the integrated management model. Newborns with prenatal renal and urinary tract anomalies in these two centers were eligible to participate in the study from 2015 to 2017. All newborns were classified into three groups based on prenatal findings: (1) severe/complex urinary tract dilatation (UTD) with ureterectasia, (2) other renal and urinary tract abnormalities, and (3) isolated mild to moderate UTD. The newborns underwent their first postnatal ultrasound and follow-up according to the presumed management strategy. Demographic and clinical data were collected from all institutes.Results: A total of 129 newborns fulfilled the study criteria, and 121 completed the postnatal evaluation. Ten newborns in group 1 (n = 13) were diagnosed with obstructive uropathy, including 9 with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and one with megaureter. All 13 newborns in group 2 had consistent postnatal results and were followed under previously established procedures. Sixty-seven cases in group 3 (n = 95) had a UTD at their first scan at 42 postnatal days, and two were diagnosed with UPJO. A total of 2 infants with UPJO underwent surgery, and 71 (65.7%, 71/108) of the UTD cases were resolved.Conclusions: The majority of the patients had a favorable outcome. Close multidisciplinary collaboration among obstetricians, neonatologists, pediatricians, and pediatric nephrologists and urologists is mandatory.