The process of U(VI) biosorption by freshwater algae Chlorella pyrenoidosa and its absorption mechanism, absorption thermodynamics and absorption kinetics were investigated in this paper. The effects of pH, contact time, initial U(VI) concentration and temperature on biosorption were studied respectively. Research result showed that the absorption effect of U(VI) by Chlorella pyrenoidosa was affected by pH value of solution to a great extent, the absorption reached its balance within 5 min with optimal pH value 6 and max absorption quantity 2.7 mg/g. On the other hand, the absorption quantity of U(VI) by Chlorella pyrenoidosa was positively correlated with the initial concentration of U(VI); and the absorption quantity did not fluctuate remarkably when temperature was varied at the range of 20℃ to 30℃. Research result also showed that the process of U(VI) absorption was congruent with the second order kinetic model, and the correlation coefficient was high reaching to 0.99. It was suggested that the U(VI) biosorption by Chlorella pyrenoidosa was a complicated process consisting of many simultaneous reactions and could be described by Languir model quite well.

Objective To observe the effects of acupuncture therapy with finger on back-shu point on acid reflux and lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) of the patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods Totally 120 patients of GERD were randomly divided into treatment group and control group through random number table method, 60 cases in each group. Patients in the treatment group were treated with the acupuncture therapy with finger on back-shu point, and patients in control group were treated with lansoprazole tablets and dispersible mosapride citrate for two weeks. Total percentage of acid reflux time, the long time acid reflux episodes, and the longest acid reflux time of two groups were observed six months after the treatment. At the same time, the LESP variation of two groups was followed up six months after the treatment. Results The total percentage of acid reflux time, the long time acid reflux episodes, and the longest acid reflux time decreased significantly in all patients after treatment (P<0.01), while the comparison between groups showed no significant difference (P>0.05). After treatment, LESP of two groups was significantly improved (P<0.05) than before treatment. After stopping treatment half a year, the treatment group had obvious difference (P<0.05) compared with before treatment, while the control group had no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion The acupuncture therapy with finger on back-shu point can reduce acid reflux, and achieve the goal of treatment of GERD by improving the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. The duration of improving LESP is longer.

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis