Changes in tuberculosis burden and its associated risk factors in Guizhou Province of China during 2006-2020: an observational study

BACKGROUND

Understanding the trends of tuberculosis (TB) burden and its risk factors at the provincial level in the context of global End TB targets is crucial to identify the progress and challenges in TB control. We aimed to estimate the burden of TB and risk factors for death from 2006 to 2020 for the first time in Guizhou Province, China.

METHODS

Data were collected from the national TB surveillance system. Four indicators of TB burden and their corresponding age-standardized rates (ASRs), including incidence (ASIR), prevalence (ASPR), mortality (ASMR) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) (ASDR), were estimated and stratified by year, age, gender and prefecture. Temporal trends of ASRs were presented by locally weighted regression, and the annual percentage change was calculated. The correlation between gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and ASRs was evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. The associated risk factors for death in PTB patients were determined using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 557,476 pulmonary TB (PTB) cases and 11,234 deaths were reported, including 2233 (19.9%) TB specific deaths and 9001 (80.1%) deaths from other causes. The 15-year average incidence, prevalence and mortality rates were 94.6, 102.6 and 2.1 per 100,000 population, respectively. The average DALY rate was 0.60 per 1000 population. The ASIR and ASPR have shown downward trends since 2012, with the largest percentage decrease in 2020 (ASIR: -29.8%; ASPR: -30.5%). The number in TB specific deaths consistently decreased during the study period (P<0.001), while the increase in deaths from other causes drove the overall upward trend in ASMR and ASDR. Four ASRs remained high in males and 5 prefectures. GDP per capita was negatively associated with the ASIR, ASPR and ASDR (P<0.05). Among PTB patients, men, patients with no fixed job, those with a low GDP level, patients with increasing age, those previously treated, those with severe symptoms, those transferred in and those receiving directly observed treatment were more likely to suffer death.

CONCLUSION

Guizhou has made progress in reducing PTB cases and TB specific deaths over the last 15 years. Targeted interventions are needed to address these risk factors for death in PTB patients and high-risk areas.

Genomic formation of Tibeto-Burman speaking populations in Guizhou, Southwest China

Sino-Tibetan is the most prominent language family in East Asia. Previous genetic studies mainly focused on the Tibetan and Han Chinese populations. However, due to the sparse sampling, the genetic structure and admixture history of Tibeto-Burman-speaking populations in the low-altitude region of Southwest China still need to be clarified. We collected DNA from 157 individuals from four Tibeto-Burman-speaking groups from the Guizhou province in Southwest China. We genotyped the samples at about 700,000 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. Our results indicate that the genetic variation of the four Tibeto-Burman-speaking groups in Guizhou is at the intermediate position in the modern Tibetan-Tai-Kadai/Austronesian genetic cline. This suggests that the formation of Tibetan-Burman groups involved a large-scale gene flow from lowland southern Chinese. The southern ancestry could be further modelled as deriving from Vietnam's Late Neolithic-related inland Southeast Asia agricultural populations and Taiwan's Iron Age-related coastal rice-farming populations. Compared to the Tibeto-Burman speakers in the Tibetan-Yi Corridor reported previously, the Tibeto-Burman groups in the Guizhou region received additional gene flow from the southeast coastal area of China. We show a difference between the genetic profiles of the Tibeto-Burman speakers of the Tibetan-Yi Corridor and the Guizhou province. Vast mountain ranges and rivers in Southwest China may have decelerated the westward expansion of the southeast coastal East Asians. Our results demonstrate the complex genetic profile in the Guizhou region in Southwest China and support the multiple waves of human migration in the southern area of East Asia.

Molecular epidemiological investigation of piroplasms carried by pet cats and dogs in an animal hospital in Guiyang, China

Piroplasmosis is a zoonotic disease mainly caused by the Babesia and Theileria parasites. Piroplasmosis is often a subclinical infection in dogs and cats that is difficult to detect and is often suspected when clinical signs such as anemia are present. It has been reported to be prevalent in China. However, molecular evidence of the disease has not been reported in pet dogs and cats in Guiyang. In this study, we collected 307 anticoagulated blood samples from an animal hospital in the Wudang District of Guiyang during the period March 2021 to November 2021 and extracted DNA from the samples. The 18S rDNA gene was amplified using PCR, and the positive amplification product was sequenced. The sequences were then analyzed for homology and phylogeny. Of the 307 samples collected, 164 were feline and 143 were canine, with a total of 23 amplifying a target band of approximately 400 bp. The percentage of positives of piroplasms infection in pet cats was 4.27% (7/164), with the pathogens being T. uilenbergi (3) and T. luwenshuni (4). One Colpodella sp. and two undetermined species were also detected in the cat samples. The percentage of positives of piroplasms infection in pet dogs was 7.69% (11/143), with the pathogen being T. uilenbergi (11). One Colpodella sp. was also detected in the dog samples. The results confirmed that T. uilenbergi and T. luwenshuni are prevalent in pet cats and dogs in this area. In addition, the study found a rare zoonotic pathogen, Colpodella sp., in cats and dogs. Therefore, this study is expected to serve as a valuable reference for decision-making regarding animal health management and public health work.

The genus Pseudophanias Raffray (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae) from Nanling Priority Area for Biodiversity Conservation, China

Prior to this study, no species of Pseudophanias Raffray had been reported from Nanling, a vast biodiversity conservation area that spans five provinces in southern China. In this paper, three new species of the genus are described: Pseudophaniasfurcilobussp. nov. (Guizhou, Guangxi), P.leigongsp. nov. (Guizhou), and P.mulunsp. nov. (Guangxi), suggesting that additional study on the diversity of this group in the area is required. These species are characterized, keyed, and compared to similar congeners, supplemented with illustrations of the habitus and other morphological characters.

Growth history of hepatitis C virus among HIV/HCV co-infected patients in Guizhou Province

Background: The evolutionary and epidemiological history and the regional differences of various hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes are complex. Our aim was to better understand the molecular epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics of HCV among HIV/HCV co-infected individuals in Guizhou Province. This information could contribute to improve HCV prevention and control strategies in Guizhou and surrounding provinces. Methods: The HCV RNA was extracted from the serum of HIV/HCV co-infected patients, and reverse transcription/nested PCR was performed to amplify nucleotide sequences of the C-E1 region. Then, the successfully amplified sequences were selected for phylogenetic analysis. The available C-E1 region reference sequences from the surrounding provinces of Guizhou (Guangxi, Yunnan, Hunan, and Sichuan) were retrieved in GenBank, and the evolutionary analysis by Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm was performed using BEAST software to reconstruct a phylogeographic tree in order to explore their migration patterns. Finally, the epidemiological history of HCV in the Guizhou region was retraced by reconstructing Bayesian skyline plots (BSPs) after excluding sequences from surrounding provinces. Results: Among 186 HIV/HCV co-infected patients, the C-E1 region sequence was successfully amplified in 177 cases. Phylogenetic analysis classified these sequences into six subtypes: 1a, 1b, 3a, 3b, 6a, and 6n. Among them, subtype 6a was the most dominant strain (n = 70), followed by 3b (n = 55), 1b (n = 31), 3a (n = 11), 1a (n = 8), and 6n (n = 2). By reconstructing the phylogeographic tree, we estimated that the 6a strain in Guizhou mainly originated from Yunnan and Guangxi, while the 3b strain emerged due to transmission from the IDU network in Yunnan. Subtypes 1b, 3a, 3b, and 6a, as the major subtypes of HCV in HIV/HCV co-infected individuals in Guizhou, emerged and later grew more rapidly than the national average. Notably, BSPs of the currently prevalent HCV predominant strain subtype 6a in Guizhou have shown a rapid population growth since 2004. Although the growth rate slowed down around 2010, this growth has continued to date. Conclusion: Overall, despite the improvement and implementation of a series of HCV prevention and control policies and measures, a delayed growth pattern may indicate a unique history of the spread of 6a in Guizhou. Its trend as the dominant strain in Guizhou in recent years may continue to increase slowly over subsequent years.

The Association Between Household Financial Burden and Patient Mobility and Their Impact on Loss to Follow-Up Among Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in Guizhou, China

Purpose

We aimed to assess the household financial burden due to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment and its predictors, examine its association with patient mobility, and test their impact on patient loss to follow-up (LTFU).

Methods

A cross-sectional study combining follow-up data collection was conducted at the largest designated MDR-TB hospital in Guizhou. Data were collected from medical records and questionnaires. Household financial burden was measured by the incidence of 2 indicators: catastrophic total costs (CTC) and catastrophic health expenditure (CHE). Mobility was classified as mover or non-mover after the patient's address was verified twice. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify associations between variables. Model I and Model II were separated by CHE and CTC.

Results

Out of 180 households, the incidence of CHE and CTC was 51.7% and 80.6%, respectively. Families with low income and patients who were primary income earners were significantly associated with catastrophic costs. 42.8% of patients were movers. Patients from households with CHE (OR_adj=2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.1) or with CTC (OR_adj=2.6, 95% CI: 1.1-6.3) were more likely to move. Finding a job against financial difficulty (58.4%) was the top reason for movers. 20.0% of patients experienced LTFU. Patients from households with catastrophic payments (CHE: OR_adj=4.1, 95% CI 1.6-10.5 in Model I; CTC: OR_adj=4.8, 95% CI 1.0-22.9 in Model II), patients who were movers (OR_adj=6.1, 95% CI 2.5-14.8 in Model I; OR_adj=7.4, 95% CI 3.0-18.7 in Model II) and primary income earners (OR_adj=2.5, 95% CI: 1.0-5.9 in Model I; OR_adj=2.7, 95% CI 1.1-6.6 in Model II) had an increased risk of LTFU.

Conclusion

There is a significant association between household financial burden due to MDR-TB treatment and patient mobility in Guizhou. They impact patients' treatment adherence and cause LTFU. Being a primary breadwinner increases the risk for catastrophic household payments and LTFU.

Additions to hyphomycetes from Yungui Plateau, China with three new species (Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes)

Background

Yungui Plateau is rich in fungal diversity. Hyphomycetes, growing on submerged wood, can promote the degradation of organisms and the reuse of rotten wood energy. During an investigation of hyphomycetes in this region, 19 species of dematiaceous hyphomycetes were collected in Yungui Plateau.

New information

Both morphological identification and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of ITS, tef1 and LSU sequences supported Coryneumsevenseptatis as a new species. Phaeoisariaguizhouensis and Pleurotheciumyunanensis were introduced, based on morphology. Morphological descriptions and illustrations of the new species were detailed. Known species are listed with notes.

[Mercury Pollution in Dryland Soil and Evaluation of Maize Safety Production in Guizhou Province]

Guizhou Province is the province with the largest Hg production and reserves in China, and maize is the second largest grain crop in Guizhou Province. It is necessary to identify the status of soil Hg content in Guizhou Province and evaluate the safety of maize production. A total of 990 soil-maize samples and 270 single soil samples were collected in the main maize-producing areas to determine soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and organic matter content (SOM), as well as Hg content in soil and maize. The results showed that the pH of dryland soil in Guizhou Province ranged from 3.93 to 9.82, the geometric mean of ω(SOM) was 27.5 g·kg^-1, and the geometric mean of CEC was 11.7 cmol·kg^-1. Soil ω(Hg) ranged from 0.005 to 686 mg·kg^-1, the geometric mean was 0.632 mg·kg^-1, and the over-standard rate was 7.22%. Among them, the soil Hg pollution in Tongren was the most prominent, with the exceedance rate of 21.3%. At the county level, Danzhai County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, and Tongren City Wanshan District and Bijiang District had high exceedance rates of Hg. According to the Limit of Pollutants in Food according to National Standards for Food Safety (GB 2762-2017), the exceedance rate of Hg content in maize grains was 1.11%, and the exceedance points were mainly distributed around industrial and mining activity areas such as Wanshan District in Tongren City and Xixiu District in Anshun City. According to the results, there was serious soil Hg pollution in Guizhou Province. On the whole, maize can be safely planted, but it is necessary to pay close attention to the Hg content in grains and the Hg exposure risk of residents around industrial and mining areas.

Primulapingbaensis (Primulaceae), a new species from Guizhou, China

Primulapingbaensis Na Zhang, X.Q.Jiang & Z.K.Wu, a new species of Primulaceae from Gaofeng Mountain of Pingba county, Guizhou, China, is described and illustrated. Morphological evidence supports P.pingbaensis as a member of P.sect.Petiolares on account of scape elongating, pedicels conspicuously thickening in fruit, and its capsule cracking irregularly round the top and crumbling away. Amongst the members of subsect. Davidii, the new species is characterized by having a uniquely smooth leaf blade due to inconspicuously raised veinlets and homostylous flowers with the style usually extending beyond the anthers. The distribution, phenology and conservation status of the new species are also provided.

Clinical Analysis of Poor Outcomes After Surgery for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Guizhou, China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate poor outcomes of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, and compare the clinicodemographic characteristics, imaging features, intervention strategies, laboratory tests, and complications of patients with good and poor outcomes, to identify potential risk factors.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage who underwent surgery in Guizhou, China, between June 1, 2014, and September 1, 2022. The Glasgow Outcome Scale was used to evaluate outcomes at discharge, with scores of 1-3 and 4-5 considered poor and good, respectively. Clinicodemographic characteristics, imaging features, intervention strategies, laboratory tests, and complications were compared between patients with good and poor outcomes. Multivariate analysis was used to determine independent risk factors for poor outcomes. The poor outcome rate of each ethnic group was compared.

RESULTS

Of 1,169 patients, 348 were ethnic minorities, 134 underwent microsurgical clipping, and 406 had poor outcomes at discharge. Patients with poor outcomes were older, represented fewer ethnic minorities, had a history of comorbidities, experienced more complications, and underwent microsurgical clipping. The top three types of aneurysms were anterior, posterior communicating, and middle cerebral artery aneurysms.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes at discharge varied according to ethnic group. Han patients had worse outcomes. Age, loss of consciousness at onset, systolic blood pressure on admission, Hunt-Hess grade 4-5 on admission, epileptic seizures, modified Fisher grade 3-4, microsurgical clipping, size of the ruptured aneurysm, and cerebrospinal fluid replacement were independent risk factors for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage outcomes.

Knowledge, attitude, and perception regarding HPV-related diseases and vaccination among the general public in Guizhou Province of China

BACKGROUND

The rising prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) type-related diseases pose an ongoing health challenge in China. In this study, we assessed the current views of the general public of the Guizhou Province on HPV and HPV vaccinations to provide recommendations for future directions regarding the rollout of HPV vaccination in the area.

METHODS

An online questionnaire survey was conducted that included 3412 (2532 females and 880 males) native adult residents of the Guizhou Province. Data on the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of HPV, and perceptions of HPV vaccinations were collected. Data comparisons were made between students and non-students and between participants with and without medical backgrounds. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0.

RESULTS

The self-reported HPV infection rates were 5.85% in women and 0.86% in men. A total of 46.29% of women and 34.43% of men achieved acceptable knowledge levels of HPV and 47.54% of women possessed an acceptable knowledge level of HPV vaccines. Non-students and medical participants performed significantly better in the knowledge tests than their respective opposing groups. Online media was the most popular HPV information source for all the participants. A total of 93.58% of women and 87.88% of men expressed willingness toward HPV vaccination. The major facilitators of vaccination acceptance were females (OR = 1.932, 95% CI: 1.390-2.685, p < 0.001) or students (OR = 2.276, 95% CI: 1.207-4.291, p = 0.011), and participants with higher HPV knowledge level (OR = 1.796, 95% CI: 1.300-2.481, p < 0.001). Ages 41-50 (OR = 0.255, 95% CI: 0.121-0.538, p = 0.001) or > 50 (OR = 0.141, 95% CI: 0.059-0.337, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of a negative attitude towards HPV vaccination.

CONCLUSION

Guizhou residents had poor knowledge of HPV-related issues. The percentage of healthcare workers who achieved acceptable knowledge levels was one-half or less. The increasing HPV prevalence and cervical cancer incidence can be contained if more affordable vaccines are developed and the low knowledge levels pervading young adults and medical staff is eliminated.

Cause Analysis and Preventive Measures of Guizhou D2809 Train Derailment Accident in Guizhou, China on 4 June 2022

This paper summarizes the cause of the debris flow impact train accident by investigating the local geological condition, meteorological data and field investigation that happened in Guizhou, China on 4 June 2022. The result showed that the major reason is the continuous heavy rain in the surrounding area, which led to a small landslide at the upper right of the tunnel entrance. Besides, the construction of the Jianrong Expressway in the upper reaches increased the catchment area, which makes the water content of the upper soil increase while the shear strength decreases. Such large-scale catastrophic accidents significantly threaten the local environment and public safety. Therefore, it is urgent to pay special attention to the changes in geological conditions along the line, especially the adverse effects of construction, to improve the early risk warning and post-accident treatment ability.

Ten new species of genus Tachycines (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae, Aemodogryllinae) from karst caves in Guizhou, China

Ten new karst cave-dwelling rhaphidophorids species of the subgenus Gymnaeta of the genus Tachycines are described from Guizhou Province, southern China; i.e., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) zhongisp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) jinniuisp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) shibenzhangisp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) lahaidensissp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) pinglangussp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) shanduensissp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) buyiisp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) portaesp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) ziyunensissp.nov., and Tachycines (Gymnaeta) jialiangensissp. nov. All specimens were collected from Guizhou Plateau.

New insights into the South China Lower Devonian flora based on fossils from Hezhang, Guizhou Province

The Early Devonian flora of South China is composed of many endemic members and has been studied mainly based on Yunnan materials. We in this study report a new Lower Devonian plant locality, recognize four sub-regions of the Early Devonian flora from South China and furthermore demonstrate these plants' distribution pattern and probable dispersal route. The new finds of plant fossils are from the Lower Devonian of Hezhang County, Guizhou Province, and include Zosterophyllopsida Demersatheca and Euphyllophytopsida Pauthecophyton. Demersatheca contigua, consisting of cylindrical strobili with four longitudinal rows of sporangia decussately arranged, shows great similarities to the plant from Yunnan and Guangxi localities. Pauthecophyton hezhangensis sp. nov. has distinct fertile units with grouped sporangia and each unit with two or three fusiform sporangia. The new locality belongs to the Guizhou sub-region and shares some taxa with the eastern Yunnan and Cathaysia sub-regional floras within South China, in which the shared plant members are distributed around the epicontinental sea. We suggest that the Guizhou sub-region might act as a bridge during plant dispersal from eastern Yunnan to Cathaysia Oldland in the Early Devonian. This article is part of the theme issue 'The impact of Chinese palaeontology on evolutionary research'.

Silenevanchingshanensis (Caryophyllaceae) a new species from Southwest China

Silenevanchingshanensis (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from Fanjingshan Mountain in Guizhou (southwest China) is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to S.morrisonmontana and S.hupehensis, from which it can be easily distinguished by having pubescent stems usually 10-15 cm long, linear-oblanceolate leaves 3-6 cm × 3-6 mm, often 2-5-flowered cymes, pink or violet petals and narrowly ovoid capsules.

A new species of Cinnamomum (Lauraceae) from southwestern China

Field investigations in Guizhou, China, in 2020 resulted in the discovery of an unknown species of Lauraceae. Morphological studies revealed that it is a new species of CinnamomumSchaeff.sect.Camphora Meisn., based on the large terminal buds, and alternate leaves with pinnate veins. It is distinguished from other species of sect. Camphora by the rather large perulate terminal buds with numerous bracts, larger flowers, oblong-elliptic linear tepals twice as long as the stamens, and the deep cup-shaped fruiting cupule. It is here described and illustrated as a new species, Cinnamomumguizhouense C.Y.Deng, Zhi Yang et Y.Yang. A key to distinguish it from related species in the same area is provided. In addition, we list the new species as Critically Endangered (CR), and suggest to conduct ex situ conservation, collect seeds and plant the species in botanic gardens.

Two new genera and three new species of cavernicolous trechines from the western Wuling Mountains, China (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechinae)

Two new genera and three new species of cave-adapted ground beetles belonging to the tribe Trechini are established and described: Wulongiusqilingergen. nov. and sp. nov. from limestone cave Qiankou Dong (Chongqing: Wulong), Qianotrechuscongcongaesp. nov. from cave Shigao Dong (Chongqing: Nanchuan), and Qianlongiuszhouigen. nov. and sp. nov. from cave Qianlong Dong (Guizhou: Songtao). Wulongiusqilingersp. nov. is a small aphaenopsian beetle with a thin and elongated body, while Qianlongiuszhouisp. nov. is a semi-aphaenopsian with a stout body. Both new genera are not closely related to any genus of Trechini occurring in the South China Karst, and so their systematic positions remain unclear.

Increase in leaf organic acids to enhance adaptability of dominant plant species in karst habitats

Estimation of leaf nutrient composition of dominant plant species from contrasting habitats (i.e., karst and nonkarst forests) provides an opportunity to understand how plants are adapted to karst habitats from the perspective of leaf traits. Here, we measured leaf traits-specific leaf area (SLA), concentrations of total carbon ([TC]), nitrogen ([TN]), phosphorus ([TP]), calcium ([Ca]), magnesium ([Mg]), manganese ([Mn]), minerals ([Min]), soluble sugars, soluble phenolics, lipids, and organic acids ([OA])-and calculated water-use efficiency (WUE), construction costs (CC), and N/P ratios, and searched for correlations between these traits of 18 abundant plant species in karst and nonkarst forests in southwestern China. Variation in leaf traits within and across the abundant species was both divergent and convergent. Leaf [TC], [Ca], [Min], [OA], and CC were habitat-dependent, while the others were not habitat- but species-specific. The correlations among [TN], [TP], SLA, [TC], CC, [Min], WUE, [OA], and CC were habitat-independent, and inherently associated with plant growth and carbon allocation; those between [CC] and [Lip], between [Ca] and [Mg], and between [Mg] and [WUE] were habitat-dependent. Habitat significantly affected leaf [Ca] and thus indirectly affected leaf [OA], [Min], and CC. Our results indicate that plants may regulate leaf [Ca] to moderate levels via adjusting leaf [OA] under both high and low soil Ca availability, and offer new insights into the abundance of common plant species in contrasting habitats.

Classification of typical hot springs and their relationship with health in Guizhou, China

Aim to classify typical hot springs in Guizhou, China and their relevance to health. Assessing geochemical characters of typical hot springs of Guizhou and classifying through hierarchical cluster analysis, an epidemiologic study was conducted to analyze the correlation between hot spring types and health, which showed typical hot springs in Guizhou can be divided into two types, A and B. Type A is rich in fluorine, metasilicic acid, radon components and a large number of essential elements, such as Na, that the human body needs, with trace elements, such as Cr and V, that are essential or possibly essential. Type B is rich in fluorine, metasilicate, strontium components and a large number of essential elements, Ca, Mg, and S, with trace elements, Cu, Mn, Mo, Co, and Ni, that are essential or possibly essential. These hot springs' effects on the health of those bathing in them showed both types were associated with bone and joint diseases. Having bathed in hot springs during the past year was associated with skin symptoms and bone and joint symptoms, and having bathed within the past two weeks was linked to sleep quality and levels of appetite and energy. However, differences do exist between the correlation between the two types and some chronic diseases, with Type A hot springs significantly related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and diabetes and Type B to hypertension. This classification of Guizhou's hot springs can guide the future development and use of hot spring physiotherapy.

A new species of the Asian leaf litter toad genus Leptobrachella (Amphibia, Anura, Megophryidae) from southwest China

A new species of the Asian leaf litter toad genus Leptobrachella from Guizhou Province, China is described based on molecular phylogenetic analyses, morphological comparisons, and bioacoustics data. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene sequences supported the new species as an independent clade nested into the Leptobrachella clade and sister to L.bijie. The new species could be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: small body size (SVL 30.8–33.4 mm in seven adult males, and 34.2 mm in one adult female); dorsal skin shagreened, some of the granules forming longitudinal short skin ridges; tympanum distinctly discernible, slightly concave; internasal distance longer than interorbital distance; supra-axillary, femoral, pectoral and ventrolateral glands distinctly visible; absence of webbing and lateral fringes on fingers; toes with rudimentary webbing and shallow lateral fringes, relative finger lengths II < IV < I < III; heels overlapped when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; and tibia-tarsal articulation reaches the tympanum.

A new species of Rhododendron (Ericaceae) from Guizhou, China

A new species of the Rhododendron (Ericaceae) in subgen. Tsutsusisect.Tsutsusi from Puding county of Guizhou, China, is described and illustrated. The new species, R.pudingense X.Y. Dai, C.H. Yang & Y.P. Ma, is similar to R.myrsinifolium Ching ex Fang et M. Y. He and R.minutiflorum Hu, but it can be easily distinguished by its length and being pubescent on inner surface of corolla tube, sparse hairs below the middle of filament and the glabrous style.

Paraphlomis kuankuoshuiensis (Lamiaceae), a new species from the limestone areas of northern Guizhou, China

Paraphlomis kuankuoshuiensis (Lamiaceae), a new species found in the limestone areas of northern Guizhou, China, is described and illustrated in this paper. Based on its tubular-campanulate calyx, this taxon should be a member of sect. Paraphlomis Prain. The new species resembles P. patentisetulosa C.Y. Wu & H. W. Li, P. hispida C.Y. Wu, and P. hirsutissima C.Y. Wu & H.W. Li, but differs from these three taxa in the following aspects: the stems are very short (<7 cm), with one or two short internodes, giving the impression of having a tuft of basal leaves; it has sparsely setose hairs on the outer surface of the calyces and short fruiting calyces. The florescence, fruit period, habitat, and the geographical distribution of P. kuankuoshuiensis are also quite different from the three closely related species.

Household biogas digesters or medium-large-scale biogas plants: a conflicting issue in rural China

There has been a conflicting issue in rural China that whether or not encouraging the development of medium-large-scale biogas plants (MLBPs) to reduce household biogas digesters (HBDs) will be better for China in the long run. In this study, we investigate the difference between HBD users and MLBP users and the factors that affect the biogas use of these two user types on the basis of a survey of 1125 households in four provinces in China. The results indicate that compared to HBD users, MLBP users have a higher ratio (29%) of biogas use, obtain a higher subsidy-to-cost ratio (25%), and present a more positive evaluation of biogas service (3%). For HBD users, installation years and service evaluation are significant predictors of biogas use. For MLBP users, in addition to installation years and service, the subsidy-to-cost ratio affects biogas use negatively, and the biogas price is a key constraint for biogas use. These results provide valuable insights into the future development of biogas energy in rural China and guidance for the development of biogas in similar countries worldwide.

Habitat Selection and Genetic Structure of the Endangered Frog Species Odorrana wuchuanensis (Anura: Ranidae)

Understanding the habitat selection and population genetic structure of an endangered species can play important roles in its protection. The Wuchuan odorous frog (Odorrana wuchuanensis) is endemic to the karst regions of southwest China. This frog is currently listed as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN, but little is known about its habitat selection and population genetics. In this study, we conducted analyses of habitat selection with occurrence/absence sites and environmental data, and assessed the genetic structure between north and south populations in Guizhou provinces in China using three mitochondrial markers. The results revealed that the probability of this frog occupying cave habitats increased with higher average humidity in July and higher lowest temperature in January, but was negatively related to precipitation in January. Analyses of F statistics combined with analyses of median-joining haplotype networks and the phylogenetic tree showed low genetic differentiation between the two populations of O. wuchuanensis. Considering the small population size and geographic isolation because of the complex karst terrains, we suggest careful management practices are needed to protect this species.

Drug Non-Adherence And Reasons Among Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients In Guizhou, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE

Treatment interruption and incorrect dosage for measuring drug non-adherence have seldom been studied in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment. This study aimed to 1) estimate the overall and drug-specific incidence of short (≤14 days) and serious (>14 days) treatment interruption among MDR-TB patients, 2) identify main reasons and predictors for serious interruption, and 3) document the level of agreement of classification for incorrect drug dosage between self-report and pill count.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study combining hospital-based interviews and home-based pill count was conducted from January to June 2018. Treatment interruption was determined from patient's medical records and interviews using a structured questionnaire among 202 patients treated at one designated hospital for MDR-TB treatment. Concordance of pills counted with self-reports for each drug use within one month was assessed for a subgroup of patients at their homes using kappa statistics.

RESULTS

Of 202 patients, the incidence of short and serious treatment interruption was 37.6% and 28.7%, respectively. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and financial hardship were the top two reasons for serious interruption. Amikacin and cycloserine had the highest rate of specific drug interruption (18.3% and 10.2%, respectively). ADRs (ORadj: 2.82, 95% CI: 1.41-5.61), monthly out-of-pocket expenses exceeding 250 US dollars (ORadj: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.14-4.50), and baseline co-morbidities (ORadj: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.19-5.38) were significantly associated with serious treatment interruption. Of 111 patients assessed for pill count at home, 5.4% had perfect drug adherence, 54.1% had drug under-use, 6.3% had drug over-use, and 34.2% had both problems. The respective number from self-reports was 7.2%, 56.8%, 5.4% and 30.6%. The two methods gave an acceptable level of agreement for most of the drugs (kappa: 0.52-0.95).

CONCLUSION

Close monitoring of ADRs, revision of drug regimens, and financial support for MDR-TB in this study population are needed. Self-report on drug under-use and over-use should be monitored monthly in clinical settings.

[Study on infectious diseases in Guizhou during the Republic of China]

There are many infectious diseases in Guizhou Province during the Republican period, including cholera, smallpox, typhoid, typhus, dysentery, scarlet fever, diphtheria, epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, recurrent fever, malaria, trachoma, acute conjunctivitis, skin diseases, venereal diseases, leprosy and so on. Natural and social factors together led to the prevalence of infectious diseases during that period. For example, natural factors mainly include Guizhou province's special geographical condition and its frequent flood disasters, and social factors such as the unhealthy lifestyle and low medical level have also caused bad effects. In general, infectious diseases during the Republican period have resulted in a large number of mortalities and great financial losses, hindering the development of Guizhou economic society at that time.

Alterations of arsenic levels in arsenicosis residents and awareness of its risk factors: A population-based 20-year follow-up study in a unique coal-borne arsenicosis County in Guizhou, China

BACKGROUND

Currently, most arsenic (As) studies in populations are concerned with water-borne arsenicosis. However, residents in Xingren County of Guizhou Province, Southwest of China, represent a unique case of arsenicosis which is related to indoor combustion of high As-containing coal. This study aimed to assess the alterations of As levels and its risk factors in coal-borne arsenicosis residents during the past 20 years.

METHODS

Four follow-up investigations in Xingren County were selected from the year 1998 to 2017, a total of 245, 272, 584, and 309 residents were involved in the four investigations, respectively. Local external environmental medium (coal, soil, water, air, rice, corn and chili peppers) and biological samples (urine, hair) were collected at each time of investigation for total As analysis. Sociodemographics and lifestyles variables were extracted from the questionnaire investigation. Both univariate and multivariate unconditional logistic regression models were performed to analyze the variation of risk factors for coal-borne arsenicosis.

RESULTS

A substantial reduction of total As levels was observed both in external environmental medium and biological samples in the unique coal-borne arsenicosis region, especially since the year 2006. In addition, age, duration of consuming high As-containing coal and smoking status were found to be the most significant risk factors for coal-borne arsenicosis during the past 20 years by both two different logistic regression models. Room ventilation and grain drying modes were no longer to be risk factors since 1998 survey. Annual household income had always been an important protective factor for coal-borne arsenicosis in recent 20 years by both two different logistic regression models. Grain storage modes had become significant protective factor in 2014 and 2017 survey. A certain correlation between sex, education and coal-borne arsenicosis was observed by univariate logistic regression model but no clear links were found by multivariate logistic regression model.

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable efforts to blocking As exposure from burning coal and As contaminated foods in this region are observed over the study period. Further practical health education programs may need to target individuals with long-term of As exposure, lower socioeconomic status and smoking in order to better prevent and control the occurrence and development of coal-borne arsenicosis.

The rediscovery and delimitation of Elatostemasetulosum W.T.Wang (Urticaceae)

Of the 280 species of Elatostema documented in China, 189 are known only from a single collection. Elatostemasetulosum is one such species, having been known only from the type collection for nearly half a century, until recent field investigations in Guangxi. Due to its morphological similarity to E.huanjiangense and E.tetracephalum, we undertook a critical review of all three species using morphological and molecular evidence. Our results suggest that all three names refer to the same species, which based on priority should be known as Elatostemasetulosum. We recognize E.huanjiangense and E.tetracephalum as synonyms. A distribution map of E.setulosum and the extinction risk according to the IUCN criteria is provided. After recircumscription, the taxon must be considered as Least Concern (LC).

Genomic Characterization of a New HIV-1 CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC Recombinant Virus Form in Guizhou in Southwest China

A novel HIV-1 second-generation recombinant form (CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC) was isolated from an HIV-positive subject among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guizhou province in Southwest China. Recombinant analyses of the near full-length genome suggested that the strain was composed of CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC with one region of CRF07-BC inserted into a CRF01-AE backbone. Further analysis indicated that the CRF01_AE regions of the recombinant were highly clustered together with a subcluster 4 lineage of CRF01_AE, which is exclusively circulating among MSM in China. The CRF07_BC region of the recombinant was clustered with the CRF07_BC cluster, which was identified among MSM. The emergence of the novel HIV-1 recombinant may be a harbinger of more novel intersubtypes recombinants occurring in Guizhou province in Southwest China, and was of great important in understanding the dynamics and complexity of the HIV-1 epidemic in this region.

Capacity assessment of the health laboratory system in two resource-limited provinces in China

BACKGROUND

Strong laboratory capacity is essential for detecting and responding to emerging and re-emerging global health threats. We conducted a quantitative laboratory assessment during 2014-2015 in two resource-limited provinces in southern China, Guangxi and Guizhou in order to guide strategies for strengthening core capacities as required by the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).

METHODS

We selected 28 public health and clinical laboratories from the provincial, prefecture and county levels through a quasi-random sampling approach. The 11-module World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory assessment tool was adapted to the local context in China. At each laboratory, modules were scored 0-100% through a combination of paper surveys, in-person interviews, and visual inspections. We defined module scores as strong (> = 85%), good (70-84%), weak (50-69%), and very weak (< 50%). We estimated overall capacity and compared module scores across the provincial, prefecture, and county levels.

RESULTS

Overall, laboratories in both provinces received strong or good scores for 10 of the 11 modules. These findings were primarily driven by strong and good scores from the two provincial level laboratories; prefecture and county laboratories were strong or good for only 8 and 6 modules, respectively. County laboratories received weak scores in 4 modules. The module, 'Public Health Functions' (e.g., surveillance and reporting practices) lagged far behind all other modules (mean score = 46%) across all three administrative levels. Findings across the two provinces were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Laboratories in Guangxi and Guizhou are generally performing well in laboratory capacity as required by IHR. However, we recommend targeted interventions particularly for county-level laboratories, where we identified a number of gaps. Given the importance of surveillance and reporting, addressing gaps in public health functions is likely to have the greatest positive impact for IHR requirements. The quantitative WHO laboratory assessment tool was useful in identifying both comparative strengths and weaknesses. However, prior to future assessments, the tool may need to be aligned with the new WHO IHR monitoring and evaluation framework.

Hospital Ownership and Hospital Institutional Change: A Qualitative Study in Guizhou Province, China

Objectives: To qualitatively compare the influence of different ownership which is considered as a kind of institutional environment in public hospitals, private hospitals, and mixed-ownership hospitals on hospital governance structure and organizational behavior. Design: Qualitative descriptive study, using semi-structured, in-depth interviews and thematic template analysis, theoretically informed by critical realism. Participants: 27 key informants including national policymakers in charge of the health sector, influential researchers, local administrators responsible for implementing policies, and hospital managers who are experienced in institutional change. Results: Hospital ownership has a significant influence on hospitals in terms of decision-making power allocation, residual ownership allocation, market entry level, accountability, and social functions. These five aspects in hospital organizational structure incentivize hospitals to adapt to the internal and external environment of the hospital organization-such as market environment, governance, and financing arrangements-affect the behavior of the hospital organization, and ultimately affect the efficiency of hospital operation and quality of service. The incentives under the public system are relatively distorted. Private hospitals have poor performance in failing their social functions due to their insufficient development ability. Compared to them, mixed ownership hospitals have a better performance in terms of incentive mechanism and organizational development. Conclusion: Public hospitals should improve the governance environment and decision-making structure, so as to balance their implementation of social functions and achieve favorable organizational development. For private hospitals, in addition to the optimization of the policy environment, attempts should be made to strengthen their supervision. The development of mixed-ownership hospitals should be oriented towards socialized governance.

A new species of Catapiestus Perty, 1831 from China (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Cnodalonini)

A new species of the genus Catapiestus Perty, 1831 (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Cnodalonini), C.bispinosus, is described from Leigonsan National Nature Reserve, Leishan County, Guizhou, China. The identification key by Lang and Ren for the species of Catapiestus is modified.

[Spatial evolution of land use intensity and landscape pattern response of the typical basins in Guizhou Province, China]

Based on the small scale characteristics of the basin, which is a kind of special landform influenced by the human activities obviously in Karst mountain area, the system grid method and the semivariogram model were used to analyze the 15 basins which belonged to three types in the territory of Guizhou Province to reveal the general pattern of spatial evolution of land use intensity and the mutual relationship with the landscape pattern change of the typical basins in the Karst mountainous area of Guizhou Province in 2005, 2010 and 2015. The results showed that the dynamic spatial evolution of land use intensity and response mode of landscape pattern showed obvious difference under the different basin types. In general, with the decrease of economic level of the basins from high to low, the land use intensity decreased in the form of a gradient. At the level of microcosmic evolution, the land use intensity of basins in the center of the cities and counties descended first and then ascended in the form of concentric band around the periphery of the center in the basin, and the spatial evolution trend of this kind of basin exhibited a stable and expanded form. The land use intensity of basins surrounding cities and towns, with a high intensity center, that could either increase or decrease, exhibited a fluctuating spatial evolution trend. The land use intensity of remote basins was basically stable, even slightly weakened and its space evolution was stable and debilitating. Because of the divergence of dominant function of the basins, there were five different modes of response between the change of land use intensity and landscape pattern of basins. During the study period, the spatial evolution of land use intensity of these 3 basin types was driven by natural and human factors. The interaction among various factors formed the typical characteristics of the land use intensity spatial evolution type of different basins.

Occurrence of the millipede genus Tonkinosoma Jeekel, 1953 in China, with the description of the first presumed troglobitic species of this genus (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae)

The genus Tonkinosoma Jeekel, 1953 has hitherto been known to contain only two species, both from northern Vietnam. T.flexipes Jeekel, 1953, the type species of the genus, is recorded from Guangxi, southern China, for the first time. T.tianisp. n., a presumed troglobite, is described from caves in Guizhou, southwestern China. A key is presented to all three species of the genus.

Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis (Rubiaceae), a new species from Guizhou Province, southwestern China

In this study, Ophiorrhiza guizhouensis, a new species of Rubiaceae from south-western China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to O. japonica, but differs from the latter by having terete stems which are densely hirtellous, usually persistent ciliate stipules with well-developed colleters inside the base of the stipule, shorter corolla tubes and shorter stamens and styles.

A new species of Xylotrechus Chevrolat from China (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)

Xylotrechustristisfaciessp. n. (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae, Clytini) from China is described and illustrated. Characters distinguishing the new species from its close relatives, which possess an entirely black or dark brown pronotum with a black median stripe on the disc and dense yellowish to gray pubescent elytra with black or brown spots or bands, are presented.

[Polymorphisms of 19 STR Loci in Guizhou Han Population and Their Forensic Application]

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the allelic distribution of 19 autosomal STR loci in Guizhou Han population, and to estimate the forensic application value.

METHODS

The 19 autosomal STR loci in 520 unrelated healthy individuals from Guizhou Han population were studied using Goldeneye™ 20A kit. The 310 genetic analyzer was used for capillary electrophoresis, and the GeneMapper®ID v3.1 for genotyping.

RESULTS

The heterozygosis, the discrimination power, the probability of exclusion, the polymorphism information content, the cumulative discrimination power and the cumulative probability of exclusion of the 19 STR loci were 0.603 8-0.916 4, 0.790 0-0.985 6, 0.295 5-0.826 9, 0.553 5-0.908 9, 1-1.230 0×10⁻²² and 0.999 999 99, respectively. Compared with other five Han populations in pairwise allelic frequencies, Guizhou Han only had significant differences with Shandong Han, Liaoning Han and Shanxi Han.

CONCLUSIONS

The 19 autosomal STR loci such as D19S433 have a highly genetic polymorphic in Guizhou Han population, which have application values in the researches of population genetics and forensic genetics.

Contributions to the knowledge of subterranean trechine beetles in southern China's karsts: five new genera (Insecta, Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechinae)

Recent discoveries reveal that southern China’s karsts hold the most diverse and morphologically modified subterranean trechine beetles in the world, albeit the first troglobitic blind beetle was only reported in the early 1990’s. In total, 110 species belonging to 43 genera of cavernicolous trechines have hitherto been recorded from the karsts of southern China, including the following five new genera proposed below: Shiqianaphaenops Tian, gen. n., to contain two species: Shiqianaphaenopsmajusculus (Uéno, 1999) (= Shenaphaenopsmajusculus Uéno, 1999, comb. n.), the type species from Cave Feng Dong, Shiqian, Guizhou, and Shiqianaphaenopscursor (Uéno, 1999) (= Shenaphaenopscursor Uéno, 1999, comb. n.), from Cave Shenxian Dong, Shiqian, Guizhou; and the monotypic Dianotrechus Tian, gen. n. (the type species: Dianotrechusgueorguievi Tian, sp. n., from Cave Dashi Dong, Kunming, Yunnan), Tianeotrechus Tian & Tang, gen. n. (the type species: Tianeotrechustrisetosus Tian & Tang, sp. n., from Cave Bahao Dong, Tian’e County, Guangxi), Huoyanodytes Tian & Huang, gen. n. (the type species: Huoyanodytestujiaphilus Tian & Huang, sp. n., from Longshan, Hunan) and Wanhuaphaenops Tian & Wang, gen. n. (the type species: Wanhuaphaenopszhangi Tian & Wang, sp. n., from Cave Songjia Dong, Chenzhou, Hunan).

The complete mitochondrial genome of Capricornis sp., possible a new species of Serow from Guizhou, China

The genus Capricornis was widely distributed in Asia. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Capricornis sp., possible a new species of Serow from Guizhou province of China, was sequenced for the first time. Sequence analysis showed it is 16,441 bp in length, consisting of 12S rRNA gene, 16S rRNA gene, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 13 protein-coding genes and one control region (CR).

Assessment of mercury erosion by surface water in Wanshan mercury mining area

Soil erosion is a main cause of land degradation, and in its accelerated form is also one of the most serious ecological environmental problems. Moreover, there are few studies on migration of mercury (Hg) induced by soil erosion in seriously Hg-polluted districts. This paper selected Wanshan Hg mining area, SW China as the study area. Revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) and Geographic information system (GIS) methods were applied to calculate soil and Hg erosion and to classify soil erosion intensity. Our results show that the soil erosion rate can reach up to 600,884tkm(-2)yr(-1). Surfaces associated with very slight and extremely severe erosion include 76.6% of the entire land in Wanshan. Furthermore, the cumulative erosion rates in the area impacted by extremely severe erosion make up 90.5% of the total. On an annual basis, Hg surface erosion load was predicted to be 505kgyr(-1) and the corresponding mean migration flux of Hg was estimated to be 3.02kgkm(-2)yr(-1). The erosion loads of Hg resulting from farmland and meadow soil were 175 and 319kgyr(-1) respectively, which were enhanced compared to other landscape types due to the fact that they are generally located in the steep zones associated with significant reclamation. Contributing to establish a mass balance of Hg in Wanshan Hg mining area, this study supplies a dependable scientific basis for controlling soil and water erosion in the local ecosystems. Land use change is the most effective way for reducing Hg erosion load in Wanshan mining area.

The distribution of HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 alleles and haplotypes in inhabitants of Guizhou Province of China

The present study was aimed to analyze the frequencies of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A, -B, and -DRB1 alleles and A-B-DRB1, A-B, A-DRB1 and B-DRB1 haplotypes in inhabitants of Guizhou province, China. All samples were typed in the HLA-A,-B, and -DRB1 loci using the polymerase chain reaction-reverse sequence specific oligonucleotide probe (PCR-rSSOP) method and HLA polymorphisms were analyzed. A total of 18 HLA-A, 31 HLA-B, and 13 HLA-DRB1 alleles were found in the Guizhou population. The first two frequent alleles in the HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 loci were A*11(30.72%) and A*02(30.65%), B*40(16.27%) and B*46(16.27%), and DRB1*09(15.91%) and DRB1*15(13.51%), respectively. The most common haplotype was A*02-B*46-DRB1*09(5.59%) in A-B-DRB1, A*02-B*46(11.73%) in A-B, B*46-DRB1*09(7.49%) in B-DRB1, and A*02-DRB1*09(8.08%) in A-DRB1. Some haplotypes with strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) were found not only in the common haplotypes, such as A*33-B*58, B*30-DRB1*07, and B*33-DRB1*03, but also in the rare haplotypes, such as A*01-B*37, B*37-DRB1*10, and A*01-DRB1*10. Guizhou inhabitants shared some characteristics of the Southern Chinese population but also had their own unique features. Overall, HLA polymorphism in Guizhou population was more consistent with that of Chengdu population than that of other populations in China.

Three new species of Pilea (Urticaceae) from limestone karst in China

Three hitherto undescribed species of Pilea (Urticaceae) from limestone karst in China are described and illustrated. Affinities of the species are discussed and Global Species Conservation Assessments presented. The new species are Pilea cavernicola A.K. Monro, C.J. Chen & Y.G. Wei, sp. nov. (Vulnerable) which most closely resembles Pilea scripta (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Wedd. and Pilea gracilis Handel-Mazzetti, Pilea shizongensis A.K. Monro, C.J. Chen & Y.G. Wei, sp. nov. (Endangered) which is most similar to Pilea aquarum Dunn and Pilea guizhouensis A.K. Monro, C.J. Chen & Y.G. Wei, sp. nov. (Vulnerable) which resembles Pilea boniana Gagnep. and Pilea rubriflora C. Wright mostclosely.

Rapid monitoring of mercury in air from an organic chemical factory in China using a portable mercury analyzer

A chemical factory, using a production technology of acetaldehyde with mercury catalysis, was located southeast of Qingzhen City in Guizhou Province, China. Previous research showed heavy mercury pollution through an extensive downstream area. A current investigation of the mercury distribution in ambient air, soils, and plants suggests that mobile mercury species in soils created elevated mercury concentrations in ambient air and vegetation. Mercury concentrations of up to 600 ng/m(3) in air over the contaminated area provided evidence of the mercury transformation to volatile Hg(0). Mercury analysis of soil and plant samples demonstrated that the mercury concentrations in soil with vaporized and plant-absorbable forms were higher in the southern area, which was closer to the factory. Our results suggest that air monitoring using a portable mercury analyzer can be a convenient and useful method for the rapid detection and mapping of mercury pollution in advanced field surveys.