Incidence, risk factors and clinical outcome of multidrug-resistant organisms after heart transplantation

BACKGROUND Transplant recipients commonly harbor multidrug-resistant organisms(MDROs),as a result of frequent hospital admissions and increased exposure to antimi-crobials and invasive procedures.AIM To investigate the impact of patient demographic and clinical characteristics on MDRO acquisition,as well as the impact of MDRO acquisition on intensive care unit(ICU)and hospital length of stay,and on ICU mortality and 1-year mortality post heart transplantation.METHODS This retrospective cohort study analyzed 98 consecutive heart transplant patients over a ten-year period(2013-2022)in a single transplantation center.Data was collected regarding MDROs commonly encountered in critical care.RESULTS Among the 98 transplanted patients(70%male),about a third(32%)acquired or already harbored MDROs upon transplantation(MDRO group),while two thirds did not(MDRO-free group).The prevalent MDROs were Acinetobacter baumannii(14%),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(12%)and Klebsiella pneumoniae(11%).Compared to MDRO-free patients,the MDRO group was characterized by higher body mass index(P=0.002),higher rates of renal failure(P=0.017),primary graft dysfunction(10%vs 4.5%,P=0.001),surgical re-exploration(34%vs 14%,P=0.017),mechanical circulatory support(47%vs 26%P=0.037)and renal replacement therapy(28%vs 9%,P=0.014),as well as longer extracorporeal circulation time(median 210 vs 161 min,P=0.003).The median length of stay was longer in the MDRO group,namely ICU stay was 16 vs 9 d in the MDRO-free group(P=0.001),and hospital stay was 38 vs 28 d(P=0.006),while 1-year mortality was higher(28%vs 7.6%,log-rank-χ2:7.34).CONCLUSION Following heart transplantation,a predominance of Gram-negative MDROs was noted.MDRO acquisition was associated with higher complication rates,prolonged ICU and total hospital stay,and higher post-transplantation mortality.

Multidrug-resistant organisms in intensive care units and logistic analysis of risk factors

BACKGROUND Intensive care unit(ICU)patients are critically ill and have low immunity.They will undergo various trauma medical procedures during diagnosis and treatment.The use of high-dose hormones and broad-spectrum antibiotics will increase the incidence of nosocomial infection in ICU patients.Therefore,it is necessary to explore the causes of nosocomial infection in ICU and provide basis for the prevention and control of nosocomial infection in ICU.AIM To explore major pathogens of nosocomial infection in ICUs,methods of detection and drug resistance trends.METHODS Risk factors of multidrug-resistant infection were analyzed to provide a basis for clinical rational use of antimicrobial drugs in the ICU.These findings were used to standardize rational use of antimicrobial agents.BD PhoenixTM100 automatic bacterial identification analyzer was used to for cell identification in specimens collected from the ICU between January 2016 and December 2019.Drug sensitivity tests were carried out and drug resistance trends were analyzed using the optical disc diffusion method.Odds ratios and corresponding 95%CI of independent variables were calculated using a logistic regression model.Backward elimination(trend=0.1)was used as an inclusion criterion for multivariate analysis.All data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0,and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS We collected 2070 samples from ICU patients between January 2016 and December 2019.Sample types comprised sputum(1139 strains,55.02%),blood(521 strains,25.17%),and drainage fluid(117 strains,5.65%).A total of 1051 strains of major pathogens,including Acinetobacter baumannii,Escherichia coli(E.coli),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa),Klebsiella pneumoniae(K.pneumoniae)and Staphylococcus aureus,were detected,with a detection rate of 35.97%(378/1051).Most of these strains were resistant to antibiotics.Detection rate of E.coli was 21.79%(229/1051),and it was generally sensitive to many antimicrobial drugs.Detection rate of P.aeruginosa was 24.74%(260/1051),and showed low sensitivity to most antibiotics.Detection rate of K.pneumoniae was 9.42%(99/1051),which was generally resistant to multiple antimicrobial drugs and resistant forms.K.pneumoniae was resistant to imipenem for approximate 4 years,and showed a 19.9%(19/99)and 20.20%(20/99)rate of meropenem resistance.Logistic analysis showed that mechanical ventilation and ureteral intubation were risk factors for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.CONCLUSION This study showed a high incidence of ICU infections.Mechanical ventilation and urine tube intubation were risk factors for infection with multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Risk factors for infection with multidrug-resistant organisms in diabetic foot ulcer patients:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To systematically evaluate the risk factors for multidrug-resistant organisms(MDROs)infection in patients with diabetic foot ulcer(DFU).Methods:The quality assessment of outcome measures was performed by searching the Web of Science,Embase library,PubMed,Cochrane Library databases and screening the literature on the risk factors of MDROs infection in DFU patients according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,and meta-analysis was performed using revman5.3 analysis software.Results:13 literature was retrieved,involving in 1715 patients.A total of 15 risk factors were included in the analysis and the meta-analysis showed that Previous hospitalization(OR=2.61,95%CI[1.51,4.52],P=0.0006),Previous antibiotic use(OR=2.17,95%CI[1.24-3.78],P<0.01),Type of diabetes(OR=2.44,95%CI[1.29-4.63],P<0.01),Nature of ulcer(OR=2.16,95%CI[1.06-4.40],P=0.03),Size of ulcer(OR=2.56,95%CI[1.53-4.28],P<0.01),Osteomyelitis(OR=3.50,95%CI[2.37-5.17],P<0.01),Peripheral vascular disease(OR=2.37,95%CI[1.41-3.99],P<0.01),and Surgical treatment(OR=4.81,95%CI[2.95-7.84],P<0.01)were closely associated with MDROs infection in DFU patients.Conclusions:The risk factors of MDROs infection in patients with DFU were previous hospitalization,previous antibiotic use,type of diabetes,nature of ulcer,size of ulcer,osteomyelitis,peripheral vascular disease,and surgical treatment.This study is conducive to early detection of MDROs infection in high-risk groups and timely comprehensive treatment to delay the development of the disease.

Epidemiology and Clonal Spread Evidence of Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms in the Center of Care and Protection of Orphaned Children, Vietnam

Objective: To determine the prevalence of colonization and transmission of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative organisms in order to develop of an effective infection prevention program. Design: Cross-sectional study with carbapenem-resistant organisms (CRO) colonization detection from the fecal specimens of 20 Health Care Workers (HCWs) and 67 residents and 175 random environment specimens from September 2022 to September 2023. Setting: A Care and Protection Centre of Orphaned Children in South of HCM City. Participants: It included 20 HCWs, 67 residents, and 175 randomly collected environmental specimens. Method: Rectal and environmental swabs were collected from 20 HCWs, 67 residents (most of them were children), and 175 environmental specimens. MELAB Chromogenic CARBA agar plates, Card NID, and NMIC-500 CPO of the BD Phoenix TM Automated Microbiology System and whole genome sequencing (WGS) were the tests to screen, confirm CROs, respectively and determine CRO colonization and transmission between HCWs, residents, and the environment. Result: We detected 36 CRO isolates, including 6, 11 and 19 CROs found in 6 HCWs, 10 residents and 19 environments. The prevalence of detectable CRO was 30% (6/20) in HCWs, 14.92% (10/67) in residents, and 10.86% (19/175) in environmental swabs in our study. WGS demonstrated CRO colonization and transmission with the clonal spread of E. coli and A. nosocomialis, among HCWs and residents (children). Conclusion: Significant CRO colonization and transmission was evident in HCWs, residents, and the center environment. Cleaning and disinfection of the environment and performing regular hand hygiene are priorities to reduce the risk of CRO colonization and transmission.

Multidrug-Resistant of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Strains in Chicken Feces Intended for Consumption in Open Spaces of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Resistant bacteria can be transmitted to humans through feces or contaminated meat from local chickens. Bacterial strains were isolated from the intestinal contents of 400 local chicken samples from various sales sites. These strains were then characterized using bacteriological and biochemical methods to identify resistant strains. In a study conducted in Ouagadougou, we systematically collected chicken fecal samples from 20 locations across the city, followed by isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. using specific enrichment and culture methods, as well as Escherichia coli. Bacterial strains were characterized using antibiotic resistance profiles were determined through agar diffusion tests, revealing sensitivity or resistance to a range of antibiotics based on established scientific criteria. The results showed that out of the 400 samples collected, 81.25% and 63.5% were contaminated by Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., respectively. Among these, 86.15% of identified Escherichia coli and 50.78% of Salmonella spp. displayed resistance to at least one tested antibiotic. Among 280 Escherichia coli isolates identified resistant to at least one antibiotic, 31.07% were resistant to cefotaxime (CTX), 20.35% to ceftazidime (CAZ), 21.07% to ceftriaxone (CTR), 75% to amoxicillin clavulanic acid (AMC), 23.57% aztreoname (ATM) and 27.14% were resistant to imipenem (IMP). In the case of the 129 Salmonella spp. isolates resistant to at least one tested antibiotic, 34.88% were resistant to CTX;41.08% to CAZ;35.65% to CTR, 92% to AMC, 39.53% to ATM and finally 47.28% were resistant to IMP. Our study revealed high prevalence of resistance in bacterial strains isolated from local chickens sold outdoors in Ouagadougou. These findings raise significant public health concerns, due to the possible transmission of these resistant strains to humans through the consumption of contaminated meat, thus complicating the treatment of bacterial infections.

Screening of Polyphosphate Accumulating Organisms and Their Phosphorus Removal Performance

[Objectives]To study the phosphorus removal performance of phosphate accumulating organisms(PAOs).[Methods]Activated sludge from domestic sewage treatment plant was used as the strain source,and phosphate accumulating organisms were screened by plate streaking method and dilution coating plate method.Six kinds of excellent phosphate accumulating organisms were obtained by metachromatic granule staining experiment,total phosphorus experiment and simulated sewage phosphorus removal experiment to assist the observation of bac-terial morphology and experiment of phosphorus removal capacity.In addition,the influencing factors of phosphorus removal capacity(nitrogen source,trace metal ions)were analyzed.[Results]In the case of simulated sewage,the phosphorus removal rate of strain b was the highest,reaching 66.25%,while the phosphorus removal rate of strain e and f was about 10%lower than that of the phosphorus uptake experiment.[Conclusions]This study is expected to provide a theoretical reference for the gradual optimization of the screening method of phosphorus re-moval bacteria in domestic sewage treatment.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety Analysis of Tigecycline in the Treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Combined with Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infection

Objective:To study the clinical efficacy and safety of tigecycline in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)combined with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection.Methods:113 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD combined with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection were recruited between January 2021 and January 2023,and given tigecycline treatment.The total effective rate,lung function indexes,related biochemical index levels,and the incidence rate of adverse reactions were observed after the treatment.Results:After the treatment,100 patients were cured,1 case with apparent effect,2 cases were effective,10 cases were ineffective,and the total effective rate was 91.15%.The post-treatment CRP(21.22±3.35 mg/L),PCT(3.18±1.11 ng/L),CRE(76.36±9.24μmol/L),and ALT(37.76±6.99 U/L)were significantly improved as compared to the pre-treatment(P<0.05).After treatment,10 cases of vomiting(8.85%),13 cases of nausea(11.50%),4 cases of diarrhea(3.53%),1 case of abdominal pain(0.88%),and 2 cases of allergy(1.77%)were observed in 113 patients.Conclusion:Tigecycline therapy for patients with acute exacerbation of COPD combined with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection not only has significant therapeutic efficacy but also has a high degree of safety.

Multilevel analysis of the central-peripheral-target organ pathway:contributing to recovery after peripheral nerve injury

Peripheral nerve injury is a common neurological condition that often leads to severe functional limitations and disabilities.Research on the pathogenesis of peripheral nerve injury has focused on pathological changes at individual injury sites,neglecting multilevel pathological analysis of the overall nervous system and target organs.This has led to restrictions on current therapeutic approaches.In this paper,we first summarize the potential mechanisms of peripheral nerve injury from a holistic perspective,covering the central nervous system,peripheral nervous system,and target organs.After peripheral nerve injury,the cortical plasticity of the brain is altered due to damage to and regeneration of peripheral nerves;changes such as neuronal apoptosis and axonal demyelination occur in the spinal cord.The nerve will undergo axonal regeneration,activation of Schwann cells,inflammatory response,and vascular system regeneration at the injury site.Corresponding damage to target organs can occur,including skeletal muscle atrophy and sensory receptor disruption.We then provide a brief review of the research advances in therapeutic approaches to peripheral nerve injury.The main current treatments are conducted passively and include physical factor rehabilitation,pharmacological treatments,cell-based therapies,and physical exercise.However,most treatments only partially address the problem and cannot complete the systematic recovery of the entire central nervous system-peripheral nervous system-target organ pathway.Therefore,we should further explore multilevel treatment options that produce effective,long-lasting results,perhaps requiring a combination of passive(traditional)and active(novel)treatment methods to stimulate rehabilitation at the central-peripheral-target organ levels to achieve better functional recovery.

Global transplantation:Lessons from organ transplantation organizations worldwide

Although national transplant organizations share common visions and goals,the creation of a unified global organization remains impractical.Differences in ethnicity,culture,religion,and education shape local practices and infrastructure,making the establishment of a single global entity unfeasible.Even with these social disparities aside,logistical factors such as time and distance between organ procurement and transplantation sites pose significant challenges.While technological advancements have extended organ preservation times,they have yet to support the demands of transcontinental transplantations effectively.This review presents a comparative analysis of the structures,operational frameworks,policies,and legislation governing various transplant organizations around the world.Key differences pertain to the administration of these organizations,trends in organ donation,and organ allocation policies,which reflect the financial,cultural,and religious diversity across different regions.While a global transplant organization may be out of reach,agreeing on best practices for the benefit of patients is essential.

Molecular Structure Tailoring of Organic Spacers for High‑Performance Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskite Solar Cells

Layer-structured Ruddlesden–Popper(RP)perovskites(RPPs)with decent stability have captured the imagination of the photovoltaic research community and bring hope for boosting the development of perovskite solar cell(PSC)technology.However,two-dimensional(2D)or quasi-2D RP PSCs are encountered with some challenges of the large exciton binding energy,blocked charge transport and poor film quality,which restrict their photovoltaic performance.Fortunately,these issues can be readily resolved by rationally designing spacer cations of RPPs.This review mainly focuses on how to design the molecular structures of organic spacers and aims to endow RPPs with outstanding photovoltaic applications.We firstly elucidated the important roles of organic spacers in impacting crystallization kinetics,charge transporting ability and stability of RPPs.Then we brought three aspects to attention for designing organic spacers.Finally,we presented the specific molecular structure design strategies for organic spacers of RPPs aiming to improve photovoltaic performance of RP PSCs.These proposed strategies in this review will provide new avenues to develop novel organic spacers for RPPs and advance the development of RPP photovoltaic technology for future applications.

Porous Organic Cage‑Based Quasi‑Solid‑State Electrolyte with Cavity‑Induced Anion‑Trapping Effect for Long‑Life Lithium Metal Batteries

Porous organic cages(POCs)with permanent porosity and excellent host–guest property hold great potentials in regulating ion transport behavior,yet their feasibility as solid-state electrolytes has never been testified in a practical battery.Herein,we design and fabricate a quasi-solid-state electrolyte(QSSE)based on a POC to enable the stable operation of Li-metal batteries(LMBs).Benefiting from the ordered channels and cavity-induced anion-trapping effect of POC,the resulting POC-based QSSE exhibits a high Li+transference number of 0.67 and a high ionic conductivity of 1.25×10^(−4) S cm^(−1) with a low activation energy of 0.17 eV.These allow for homogeneous Li deposition and highly reversible Li plating/stripping for over 2000 h.As a proof of concept,the LMB assembled with POC-based QSSE demonstrates extremely stable cycling performance with 85%capacity retention after 1000 cycles.Therefore,our work demonstrates the practical applicability of POC as SSEs for LMBs and could be extended to other energy-storage systems,such as Na and K batteries.

An Unprecedented Efficiency with Approaching 21%Enabled by Additive‑Assisted Layer‑by‑Layer Processing in Organic Solar Cells

Recently published in Joule,Feng Liu and colleagues from Shanghai Jiaotong University reported a record-breaking 20.8%power conversion efficiency in organic solar cells(OSCs)with an interpenetrating fibril network active layer morphology,featuring a bulk p-in structure and proper vertical segregation achieved through additive-assisted layer-by-layer deposition.This optimized hierarchical gradient fibrillar morphology and optical management synergistically facilitates exciton diffusion,reduces recombination losses,and enhances light capture capability.This approach not only offers a solution to achieving high-efficiency devices but also demonstrates the potential for commercial applications of OSCs.

Machine learning in solid organ transplantation:Charting the evolving landscape

BACKGROUND Machine learning(ML),a major branch of artificial intelligence,has not only demonstrated the potential to significantly improve numerous sectors of healthcare but has also made significant contributions to the field of solid organ transplantation.ML provides revolutionary opportunities in areas such as donorrecipient matching,post-transplant monitoring,and patient care by automatically analyzing large amounts of data,identifying patterns,and forecasting outcomes.AIM To conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of publications on the use of ML in transplantation to understand current research trends and their implications.METHODS On July 18,a thorough search strategy was used with the Web of Science database.ML and transplantation-related keywords were utilized.With the aid of the VOS viewer application,the identified articles were subjected to bibliometric variable analysis in order to determine publication counts,citation counts,contributing countries,and institutions,among other factors.RESULTS Of the 529 articles that were first identified,427 were deemed relevant for bibliometric analysis.A surge in publications was observed over the last four years,especially after 2018,signifying growing interest in this area.With 209 publications,the United States emerged as the top contributor.Notably,the"Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation"and the"American Journal of Transplantation"emerged as the leading journals,publishing the highest number of relevant articles.Frequent keyword searches revealed that patient survival,mortality,outcomes,allocation,and risk assessment were significant themes of focus.CONCLUSION The growing body of pertinent publications highlights ML's growing presence in the field of solid organ transplantation.This bibliometric analysis highlights the growing importance of ML in transplant research and highlights its exciting potential to change medical practices and enhance patient outcomes.Encouraging collaboration between significant contributors can potentially fast-track advancements in this interdisciplinary domain.

Efficacy of antimicrobials in preventing resistance in solid organ transplant recipients:A systematic review of clinical trials

BACKGROUND In the absence of effective antimicrobials,transplant surgery is not viable,and antirejection immunosuppressants cannot be administered,as resistant infections compromise the life-saving goal of organ transplantation.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobials in preventing resistance in solid organ transplant recipients.METHODS A systematic review was conducted using a search methodology consistent with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses.This review included randomized clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy of antimicrobial agents(prophylactic or therapeutic)aimed at preventing antimicrobial resistance.The search strategy involved analyzing multiple databases,including PubMed/MEDLINE,Web of Science,Embase,Scopus,and SciELO,as well as examining gray literature sources on Google Scholar.A comprehensive electronic database search was conducted from the databases’inception until May 2024,with no language restrictions.RESULTS After the final phase of the eligibility assessment,this systematic review ultimate-ly included 7 articles.A total of 2318 patients were studied.The most studied microorganisms were cytomegalovirus,although vancomycinresistant enterococci,Clostridioides difficile,and multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales were also analyzed.The antimicrobials used in the interventions were mainly maribavir,valganciclovir,gancic-lovir,and colistin-neomycin.Of concern,all clinical trials showed significant proportions of resistant microorga-nisms after the interventions,with no statistically significant differences between the groups(mean resistance 13.47%vs 14.39%),except for two studies that demonstrated greater efficacy of maribavir and valganciclovir(mean resistance 22.2%vs 41.1%in the control group;P<0.05).The total reported deaths in three clinical trials were 75,and there were 24 graft rejections in two studies.CONCLUSION All clinical trials reported significant proportions of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms following interventions.More high-quality randomized clinical trials are needed to corroborate these results.

Longitudinal assessment of peripheral organ metabolism and the gut microbiota in an APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease not only affects the brain,but also induces metabolic dysfunction in peripheral organs and alters the gut microbiota.The aim of this study was to investigate systemic changes that occur in Alzheimer’s disease,in particular the association between changes in peripheral organ metabolism,changes in gut microbial composition,and Alzheimer’s disease development.To do this,we analyzed peripheral organ metabolism and the gut microbiota in amyloid precursor protein-presenilin 1(APP/PS1)transgenic and control mice at 3,6,9,and 12 months of age.Twelve-month-old APP/PS1 mice exhibited cognitive impairment,Alzheimer’s disease-related brain changes,distinctive metabolic disturbances in peripheral organs and fecal samples(as detected by untargeted metabolomics sequencing),and substantial changes in gut microbial composition compared with younger APP/PS1 mice.Notably,a strong correlation emerged between the gut microbiota and kidney metabolism in APP/PS1 mice.These findings suggest that alterations in peripheral organ metabolism and the gut microbiota are closely related to Alzheimer’s disease development,indicating potential new directions for therapeutic strategies.

Safety Evaluation of Myricetin and Crude Extract from Myrica rubra Leaves on Non-target Organisms

[ Objective] The study aimed to supply important basis for developing environment-friendly pesticides with myricetin and crude extract of Myrica rubra leaves as effective components. [ Method] According to ＂Test guidelines for environmental safety evaluation on chemical pesticides＂, the toxicity of myricetin and crude extract of M. rubra leaves on non-target organisms was determined and the safety evaluation was carried out. [Result] MyriceUn and crude extract of M. rubra leaves had low toxicity on non-target organisms, such as earthworm, silkworm and soil microbes. Myricetin showed low toxicity and the crude extract of M. rubra leaves showed middle toxicity on tadpole. The high-concentration crude extract of M. rubra leaves had some antifeedant effect on silkworm. [ Conclusion] Myricetin and crude extract of M. rubra leaves had low toxicity on non-tar- get organisms in environment and they were relatively safe.

Octoradiate Spiral Organisms in the Ediacaran of South China

Shales of the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation of South China contain a new disc-shaped macrofossil, Eoandromeda octobrachiata, characterized by eight spiral arms that were probably housed within an outer membrane. Although the presence of eight radiating structures entails a resemblance to cnidarian octocorals as well as to ctenophores, direct homologies with these extant groups are unlikely. Instead we bring attention to the helicospiral morphology of newly reported embryos from the Doushantuo Formation, suggesting that the long-sought adults of the Ediacaran embryonic metazoans have finally been found.

Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections after liver transplantation: An ever-growing challenge

Bacterial infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among solid organ transplant recipients.Over the last two decades,various multidrug-resistant(MDR)pathogens have emerged as relevant causes of infection in this population.Although this fact reflects the spread of MDR pathogens in health care facilities worldwide,several factors relating to the care of transplant donor candidates and recipients render these patients particularly prone to the acquisition of MDR bacteria and increase the likelihood of MDR infectious outbreaks in transplant units.The awareness of this high vulnerability of transplant recipients to infection leads to the more frequent use of broad-spectrum empiric antibiotic therapy,which further contributes to the selection of drug resistance.This vicious cycle is difficult to avoid and leads to a scenario of increased complexity and narrowed therapeutic options.Infection by MDR pathogens is more frequently associated with a failure to start appropriate empiric antimicrobial ther-apy.The lack of appropriate treatment may contribute to the high mortality occurring in transplant recipients with MDR infections.Furthermore,high therapeutic failure rates have been observed in patients infected with extensively-resistant pathogens,such as carbapenemresistant Enterobacteriaceae,for which optimal treatment remains undefined.In such a context,the careful implementation of preventive strategies is of utmost importance to minimize the negative impact that MDR infections may have on the outcome of liver transplant recipients.This article reviews the current literature regarding the incidence and outcome of MDR infections in liver transplant recipients,and summarizes current preventive and therapeutic recommendations.

Effect of nitrification inhibitor DMPP on nitrogen leaching, nitrifying organisms, and enzyme activities in a rice-oilseed rape cropping system

DMPP （3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate） has been used to reduce nitrogen （N） loss from leaching or denitrification and to improve N supply in agricultural land. However, its impact on soil nitrifying organisms and enzyme activities involved in N cycling is largely unknown. Therefore, an on-farm experiment, for two years, has been conducted, to elucidate the effects of DMPP on mineral N （NH4^＋- N and NO3^--N） leaching, nitrifying organisms, and denitrifying enzymes in a rice-oilseed rape cropping system. Three treatments including urea alone （UA）, urea ＋ 1% DMPP （DP）, and no fertilizer （CK）, have been carded out. The results showed that DP enhanced the mean NH4^＋-N concentrations by 19.1%-24.3%, but reduced the mean NO3^--N concentrations by 44.9%-56.6% in the leachate, under a two-year rice-rape rotation, compared to the UA treatment. The population of ammonia oxidizing bacteria, the activity of nitrate reductase, and nitrite reductase in the DP treatment decreased about 24.5%-30.9%, 14.9%-43.5%, and 14.7%-31.6%, respectively, as compared to the UA treatment. However, nitrite oxidizing bacteria and hydroxylamine reductase remained almost unaffected by DMPP. It is proposed that DMPP has the potential to either reduce NO3^--N leaching by inhibiting ammonia oxidization or N losses from denitrification, which is in favor of the N conversations in the rice-oilseed rape cropping system.

Pollution monitoring of marine organisms grown in the Zhoushan Sea of China

The sustainable regeneration of the biggest fishery resource in the Zhoushan Sea area of China has been adversely affected in recent years. Wastewater discharged into the marine ecosystem is the main source of pollution. Affected organisms such as hairtail prawn, jellyfish, crab, laver and kelp were monitored, and the contributions and fluxes of three sort of pollutants(oils, Cr and phenol) from the expansion of rural enterprises in the Yangtze River valley, the Qiantang River valley, the Ningbo coastal area and the Zhoushan islands were calculated. More than 16 chemical pollutants were jointly responsible for the decrease in the yield and quality of marine organisms. Furthermore, combined contamination effects and their joint toxicity differed between summer and winter, because they were varied with different temperature, salinity, pH and E h.