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Background: This study aimed to assess the distribution of bacteremia pathogens in elderly patients, examine the impact of gender on pathogen distribution, and evaluate the predictive value of routine blood parameters for diagnosing bacteremia. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 151 elderly patients (≥60 years old) admitted to Fuding Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between October 2022 and June 2023. Comprehensive routine blood tests and blood cultures were performed. The diagnostic efficacy of routine blood parameters, including white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW), was evaluated using receive operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Patients were categorized into either the culture-positive group (82 cases) or the culture-negative group (69 cases) according to blood culture results. Results: No significant differences in age and gender were found between the culture-positive and culture-negative groups. The primary bacterial pathogens of bacteremia in the elderly were Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus. Elderly female patients demonstrated a significantly higher culture positivity rate for E. coli compared to their male counterparts (P = 0.021). The areas under the ROC curve (AUC) for the four parameters were as follows: WBC, 0.851 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.790 - 0.912); NLR, 0.919 (95% CI 0.875 - 0.963); PLR, 0.609 (95% CI 0.518 - 0.700); and RDW was 0.626 (95% CI 0.563 - 0.717). Conclusions: E. coli was identified as the predominant pathogenic microorganism causing bacteremia in the elderly, with a significantly higher culture positivity rate among female patients. Routine blood parameters (WBC, NLR, PLR, and RDW) demonstrated a predictive potential for diagnosing bacteremia in elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the spatial variability and driving mechanisms of humus horizon thickness (HHT) degradation is crucial for effective soil degradation prevention in black soil regions. The study compared ordinary kriging interpolation (OK), inverse distance weighted interpolation (IDW), and regression kriging interpolation (RK) using mean error (ME), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and relative RMSE to select the most accurate model. Environmental variables were then integrated to predict HHT characteristics. Results indicate that: (1) RK was superior to OK and IDW in characterizing HHT with the smallest ME (11.45), RMSE (14.98), MAE (11.45), and RRMSE (0.44). (2) The average annual temperature (0.29), precipitation (0.27), and digital elevation model (DEM) (0.21) were the primary factors influencing the spatial variability of HHT. (3) The HHT exhibited notable variability, with an increasing trend from the southeast towards the central and northern directions, being the thinnest in the southeast. It was thicker in the northeast and southwest regions, thicker but less dense along the southern Bohai coast, thicker yet sporadically distributed in the northwest (especially Chaoyang and Fuxin), and thick with aggregated distribution over a smaller area in the northeastern direction (e.g., Tieling). These findings provide a scientific basis for accurate soil management in Liaoning Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to the rhizobia, other non-rhizobial endophytes (NREs) have been simultaneously isolated from the root nodules. The existence of NREs in leguminous root nodules is a universal phenomenon, and they have the potential to enhance legume survival, especially under conditions of environmental stress. However, the diversity and biogeographic patterns of microbial communities inhabiting root nodules are not well studied or understood. Here, we explored and characterized the diversity of NRE bacteria by using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput amplicon sequencing. Additionally, we compared the biogeography and co-occurrence patterns in review of the bacterial microbiota inhabiting the rhizosphere, the bulk soil and the root nodule bacterial communities associated with Sophora davidii, a native N-fixing wild leguminous shrub in hilly and gully regions of the Loess Plateau of China. The results showed the presence of a large diversity of bacteria belonging to 81 phyla, 154 classes, 333 orders, 463 families, and 732 genera inside the nodules. Proteobacteria were dominant in the nodule and rhizosphere soil samples, and Actinomycetes were dominant in the bulk soil samples. Mesorhizobium was the dominant genus in the nodules, accounting for between 60.15 and 83.74% of the bacteria. The microbial community composition of the NRE in the root nodules differed from that in the rhizosphere soil and the bulk soil of S. davidii. Moreover, we found that the biogeographic patterns and assembly process of the rhizobia and non-rhizobia communities differed in the root nodule, the rhizosphere soil and the bulk soil. Furthermore, the correlation analysis between the soil’s physical and chemical properties and the bacteria showed that available phosphorus was the predominant factor affecting the bacterial diversity within the rhizosphere soil. Finally, our results revealed that the microbial network diagram of co-occurrence patterns showed more complexes in the soil than in the root nodules. This indicates that only specific microorganisms could colonize and thrive in the rhizosphere through the selection and filtering effects of roots. In conclusion, there are significant differences in bacterial community composition in the nodules, rhizosphere and bulk soil in the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau, which is the result of environmental filtration. Our study improves the understanding of the biogeographic patterns and diversity of bacterial microbiota inhabiting root nodules and can help quantify and define the root nodule assemblage process of S. davidii.

Iron in soil exists in various valence states and is prone to changes with alterations in soil environmental conditions. Its migration and transformation are crucial for soil formation and understanding soil evolution. This study focuses on Quaternary red soils found in woodland, sparse forest grassland, grassland, and cultivated land located in the semi-humid region of the middle temperate zone. For comparison, buried Quaternary red soil was also examined. A soil reconstruction model was used to quantitatively calculate the variation of different forms of iron in order to analyze various forms of iron composition, migration, and transformation within the soil profile, as well as the evolutionary traits of Quaternary red soils influenced by diverse land use activities. This study found that after exposure and use, iron from the topsoil of buried Quaternary red soil migrated to the subsoil, altering the iron distribution. Free iron and crystalline oxides decreased in the topsoil but increased in specific subsoil layers, with woodland and grassland showing the most significant changes. Silicate-bound iron pooled in the soil weathered to form free iron under different land uses, and poorly crystalline iron oxides transformed into crystalline oxides, with grassland exhibiting the highest transformation intensity. Conversion processes predominated over iron migration in the Quaternary red soils. The evolution of Quaternary red soils can be divided into three stages, marked by changes in iron composition and crystallization due to anthropogenic land use activities. Initially, during 140−94 ka BP, iron composition was stable. Then, between 94–24 ka BP, plant decomposition formed iron–metal complexes, releasing and crystallizing poorly crystalline iron oxides. Finally, from 24 ka BP to the present, anthropogenic activities intensified, increasing the formation and conversion rates of these oxides. This study quantifies iron migration and transformation in Quaternary red soils, providing insights for sustainable soil management, especially in regions where human activities have accelerated iron evolution. Based on these findings, the following policy recommendations are proposed: implement sustainable land use practices, encourage land management strategies that preserve natural vegetation, promote research on soil management techniques, develop and implement regulatory policies, and support educational programs to maintain the health and stability of Quaternary red soils, particularly in regions prone to accelerated iron evolution due to anthropogenic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron isotope compositions, along with the partial extraction of iron in its various forms, can be utilized to investigate the complex interplay of iron migration and transformation with respect to iron isotope patterns. This study investigated the iron composition of a typical loess-paleosol sequence in Northeast China and aimed to understand the influence of iron migration and transformation of the typical loess-paleosol sequence on iron isotopes and environmental and climatic changes that occurred in the region over time by analyzing the distribution and characteristics of iron compositions in sedimentary layers. Samples were collected from Chaoyang in Northeast China, and the iron isotopic composition was analyzed using the multi-receiver inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS). The findings revealed depth-dependent variations in the content of different iron forms, reflecting paleoclimatic shifts primarily through pedogenic transformation processes. Notably, iron migration within the section was observed to be limited. The variations in the reddening index and magnetic susceptibility of the loess-paleosol were primarily influenced by the presence of free iron (Fed), exhibiting a range of colors from yellow to red-yellow and red. The δ56Fe values for loess and paleosols ranged from 0.097 ± 0.035‰ to 0.167 ± 0.010‰, with an average of 0.133 ± 0.024‰ and a coefficient of variation (CV) of 15.66% at the stratum scale. These values indicated a systematic enrichment of heavy iron isotopes and a significant negative correlation with the slightly fluctuating total iron content. Specifically, our analysis highlighted distinct differences in δ56Fe values between paleosol (0.126 ± 0.024‰) and loess (0.146 ± 0.021‰). The δ56Fe in Fed was negative, averaging −0.101 ± 0.022‰, while the δ56Fe in silicate-bound iron was positive, averaging 0.156 ± 0.032‰. Intense pedogenesis, driven by warm and wet climates, facilitated iron transformations and migrations, resulting in the accumulation of light iron isotopes in the paleosols. These transformations and migrations were predominantly observed in microdomains characterized by iron depletions and concentrations, as reflected in the profile morphologies. However, the limited iron transformations and migrations did not result in significant Fe redistribution within the soil section, as evidenced by the limited variations in δ56Fe with soil depth at the stratum scale. Sampling from the stratum or pedogenic horizon could potentially create the illusion of the minimal fractionation of iron isotopes within the sequence. Therefore, a detailed examination of the iron isotope composition in the micro-domains of the loess-paleosol sequence is crucial to elucidate the fractionation processes and mechanisms of iron isotopes during the formation of these sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The iron content can be used as a proxy for the intensity of weathering and pedogenesis, which reflect long‐term climate cycles and short‐term climate fluctuations and events. In this study, a typical loess–palaeosol sequence for 19.85 m in thickness deposited since 423 ka BP in northeastern China was investigated, and its iron pools were determined. The results reveal that with increasing depth, the abundances of different forms of iron are consistent with the changes in the magnetic susceptibility. Iron (Fe) in all forms is more abundant in the palaeosol than in the loess. The silicate‐bound Fe pool (Fer = Fet − Fed) accounts for 60.4% of the total Fe (Fet), indicating weak pedogenesis. The Fe in the crystalline oxides (Fec = Fed − Feo) is predominantly free Fe (Fed), with a crystallinity [Fey = (Fed − Feo) × 100 / Fed] of as high as 97.2%. The coefficients of variation of the different forms of iron associated with the soil depth are as follows: Fec > Fed > poorly crystalline Fe (Feo) > Fer > Fet. The distribution of the forms of Fe throughout the profile is a clear indicator of the pedogenesis. The Fed, Fec, and Fe freeness (freeness = Fed × 100 / Fet) correlate with the magnetic susceptibility. The neoformation of iron (Fe) oxides was closely related to the degree of pedogenesis. More crystalline Fe oxides were found in the soil layers corresponding to warm interglacial periods. We detected variations in the abundance of the Fe pools for characterizing climate fluctuations that occurred in a short period of time. In this study, we demonstrated that when used in combination with dating techniques, morphological development indices, and magnetic susceptibility, the measurement of soil Fe pools can be extremely useful for tracing the iron evolution in the Earth's critical zone and reconstructing past climatic events in loess–palaeosol sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The patent data of rubidium and cesium separation based on IncoPat patent database was searched, and 2 617 patents related to rubidium and cesium separation were retrieved. The pattern of rubidium and cesium separation patents in terms of patent trends, technical status, geographical distribution and applicant status using the common visual chart analysis method were analyzed. Analysis shows that patents in the field of rubidium and cesium separation developed rapidly and were highly active from 2013 to 2021; current technological research and development hotspots of rubidium and cesium separation were B01J, G21F and C22B technical field; China and Japan were the main patent layout of rubidium and cesium separation worldwide; Beijing, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Qinghai and other provinces and cities were mainly involved in rubidium and cesium separation patents in China; rubidium and cesium separation had high recognition and attention in manufactures of chemical materials; the main research institutions of rubidium and cesium separation technology were mainly distributed in China; the overall value of patents owned by the top 10 patent applicants were high; according to the current development trend for rubidium and cesium separation technology, there was still a lot of room for advancement in the field in the future, and Chinese patent applicants for rubidium and cesium separation could create effective and consistent development plans based on their own advantages and opportunities for advancement globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) in 2- to 5-year-old preschool children in Weifang City, China, and to investigate the factors related to this condition.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 2829 children (2-5 years old, including 1601 boys and 1228 girls) in twenty kindergartens in Weifang City, China, in 2014. These children were selected via cluster sampling. First, the percentages of ECC and severe ECC (S-ECC) as well as the mean dmft were compared between different genders and ages, and the tooth distribution pattern of ECC was analysed. Meanwhile, the information regarding feeding and oral hygiene practices was collected by a questionnaire with 14 questions to evaluate their relationships with the percentages of ECC and S-ECC as well as the mean dmft. The chi-squared test, t-test and one-way ANOVA were conducted to evaluate the significant differences.Results: The ECC prevalence of the preschoolers was 53.3%, and the mean dmft was 2.12 ± 2.56. 71.4% of the 1509 children with ECC were identified as S-ECC. Not only the percentages of ECC and S-ECC but also the mean dmft differed statistically significantly according to gender and age (p < 0.05). Furthermore, caries was most common in primary maxillary central incisors. Feeding and oral hygiene practices were shown to be the significant determining factors for caries.Conclusions: The oral health status of children living in Weifang is very poor. Appropriate strategies must be implemented to promote oral health early on by improving feeding and oral hygiene practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]