Objective To monitor the concentrations of six disinfection byproducts including trichloromethane,dibromochloromethane,bromodichloromethane, tribromomethane, dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid in drinking water in the main urban area of Wuhan, and to assess the potential health risks. Methods A total of 373 samples were collected from the central urban area during 2023 to 2024. The concentrations of the substances were tested according to the national Standard Examination Methods for Drinking Water. The detection rates of the six disinfection byproducts were statistically analyzed, and the concentration differences of the six disinfection byproducts in different time periods and different types of water samples were compared. The health risk assessment model recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency was used for risk assessment. Results Trichloromethane was the most common substance found in drinking water, followed by dichlorobromomethane, chlorodibromomethane, trichloroacetic acid, tribromomethane, and finally dichloroacetic acid. The concentration of dichlorobromomethane in treated water was higher than that in tap water, while the concentration of dichloroacetic acid was lower than the tap water, both with significant differences. The concentrations of the six chlorination disinfection by-products in the dry season were all significantly higher than those in the wet season. The carcinogenic risks of the disinfection byproducts were trichloroacetic acid > dichloroacetic acid > dichlorobromomethane > chlorodibromomethane > tribromomethane, and the non-carcinogenic risks were trichloromethane > trichloroacetic acid > dichlorobromomethane > chlorodibromomethane > dichloroacetic acid > tribromomethane. Conclusion Trichloroacetic acid is the substance with the highest carcinogenic risk, while trichloromethane is the non-carcinogenic substance with the highest risk, which requires special attention.

ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the modeling effects of submaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen in the establishment of Sjögren syndrome (SS) mouse models, and to characterize the phenotypic and immunological features of these models in comparison with spontaneous SS-prone non-obese diabetic (NOD)/LtJ mice. MethodsAdult C57BL/6J mice (equal numbers of males and females) were immunized with submaxillary gland antigen or salivary gland antigen, respectively, combined with Freund's adjuvant to induce SS models. Mice immunized with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) combined with Freund's adjuvant served as the control group. Immunization was induced via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) on Days 1 and 7. A booster immunization was administered via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) on Day 14. Female NOD/LtJ mice were used as the spontaneous SS model group, with ICR mice as the corresponding control strain for comparative analysis. Body weight, water intake, and salivary flow rate of mice were dynamically monitored for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, tissue and serum samples were collected, the weights of submaxillary glands, thymus, and spleen were measured, and organ indices (organ-to-body weight ratios) were calculated. Pathological morphological analysis of the submaxillary gland and spleen was performed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) level was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of SS type A (SSA) and SS type B (SSB) in submaxillary gland tissues. ResultsFemale mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group exhibited significantly increased water intake (P<0.05) and reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.05) compared with the female control group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the submaxillary gland index, thymus index and spleen index (P>0.05). Focal lymphocytic infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic marginal zone was enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the female control group, female mice in the salivary gland antigen group showed no statistically significant differences in water intake, salivary flow rate, submaxillary gland index, and spleen index (P>0.05), whereas the thymus index was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Mild inflammatory cell infiltration and glandular atrophy were observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic white pulp and marginal zone were slightly enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels and submaxillary gland SSB mRNA expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), whereas no significant change was observed in submaxillary gland SSA expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the male control group, mild submaxillary gland atrophy was observed in male mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group, whereas no obvious changes were found in other modeling-related indicators (P>0.05). Compared with the ICR control group, NOD/LtJ model mice exhibited elevated water intake (P<0.05), significantly reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.01), no significant differences in the submaxillary gland index or spleen index (P>0.05), but a significantly increased thymus index (P<0.05). Marked focal infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, the splenic marginal zone was obviously enlarged, and serum IL-17 concentrations as well as submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionSubmaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen can induce SS-related features in female C57BL/6J mice. The SS-related phenotype is more pronounced in the submaxillary gland antigen group than in the salivary gland antigen group, but weaker than that in spontaneously SS-prone female NOD/LtJ mice. Immunization of male C57BL/6J mice with submaxillary or salivary gland antigens fails to induce an obvious SS phenotype.

ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into a normal group， model group （M）， Sini San group （MS， 2.5 g·kg^-1）， and fluoxetine group （MF， 2 mg·kg^-1）. Except for the normal group， rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress （CUMS）. After 8 weeks， the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect serum corticosterone （CORT）， adrenocorticotropic hormone （ACTH）， corticotropin-releasing factor （CRF）， lipopolysaccharide （LPS）， Zonulin， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， γ-aminobutyric acid （GABA） levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex， and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy， and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced （P0.01）， whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group （P0.05）. Compared with the normal group， hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased （P0.05）， and compared with the model group， both were significantly increased in the Sini San group （P0.05， P0.01）. Compared with the normal group， serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased （P0.05， P0.01）， and compared with the model group， Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased （P0.05）. No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group， widened and blurred tight junctions， sparse and shortened microvilli， and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group， which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators， liver function， and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.

ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into a normal group， model group （M）， Sini San group （MS， 2.5 g·kg^-1）， and fluoxetine group （MF， 2 mg·kg^-1）. Except for the normal group， rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress （CUMS）. After 8 weeks， the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect serum corticosterone （CORT）， adrenocorticotropic hormone （ACTH）， corticotropin-releasing factor （CRF）， lipopolysaccharide （LPS）， Zonulin， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， γ-aminobutyric acid （GABA） levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex， and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy， and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced （P<0.01）， whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group （P<0.05）. Compared with the normal group， hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and compared with the model group， both were significantly increased in the Sini San group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the normal group， serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and compared with the model group， Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group， widened and blurred tight junctions， sparse and shortened microvilli， and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group， which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators， liver function， and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.

Oculopharyngodistal myopathy （OPDM） is a hereditary neuromuscular disorder occurring in adolescence or early adulthood and is characterized by slowly progressive external ophthalmoplegia， facial muscle weakness， dysphagia， and distal limb weakness. This article reports a patient with OPDM type 4 who had the initial presentation of bilateral pyroptosis and external ophthalmoplegia and was misdiagnosed with thyrotoxic myopathy， and later the patient developed the clinical manifestations of bilateral masticatory and facial muscle weakness， bulbar paralysis， and limb weakness. Genetic testing revealed abnormal CGG repeat expansion in the RILPL1 gene. The clinical data of the patient was analyzed， and a literature review was performed， so as to improve the awareness of this condition among clinicians.

Objective To investigate the expressions of IL-18,IL-18 binding protein isoform a(IL-18BPa)and IL-18Rα in blood CD4+Th1 cells of patients with allergic asthma(AA),and with allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome(ARA),and the effects of allergens on their expressions.Methods Blood samples were collected from patients with AA,ARA and healthy control(HC)subjects.Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the actions of allergens on the expressions of IL-18,IL-18BPa and IL-18Rα in CD4+Th1 cells.Ovalbumin(OVA)-induced AA mouse models were established,and the expression level of IL-18Rα along with the influence of IL-18 on its expression in blood and lung Th1 cells was also explored by flow cytometry.Results Compared with HC,we observed increased IL-18 while decreased IL-18BPa expression in blood Th1 cells of AA and ARA patients.Moreover,allergens upregulated the expression levels of IL-18,IL-18BPa and IL-18Rα in Th1 cells of patients with AA and ARA.Additionally,intratracheal challenge with OVA plus IL-18 increased the proportions of blood and lung Th1 cells of HC and AA mice,and upregulated IL-18Rα expression on blood and lung Th1 cells of HC mice.Conclusion Allergens may be involved in the pathogenesis of airway allergic diseases by inducing the expressions of IL-18 and IL-18Rα in CD4+Th1 cells.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of poisoning inpatients in the first affiliated hospital of chongqing medical and pharmaceutied hospital, and to provide basis for improving the level of prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment of regional poisoning.Methods:In January 2024, using the HIS medical record system of The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical and Pharmeceutical College, we collected the clinical data of poisoning inpatients admitted to our hospital from 2018 to 2023. The data of sex, age, time of poisoning, poison species, poisoning cause, poisoning route, season, treatment and prognosis were analyzed.Results:A total of 972 patients were enrolled, among whom 71.71% (697/972) were young and middle-aged adults, with a higher incidence in summer. Chemical poisoning accounted for 53.61% (521/972) , followed by pesticide poisoning and mixed poisoning in the second and third places. The overall detection rate of toxins was 58.23% (566/972) . The number of domestic poisonings increased year by year, while occupational poisonings decreased year by year, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05) . The overall cure and improvement rate was 97.22% (945/972) , and the cure and improvement rate of pesticide poisoning was the lowest at 90.23% (120/133) . Factors such as age >60 years, intentional exposure to toxins, pesticide exposure, gastric lavage, blood purification, and length of hospital stay affected the prognosis of patients ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Health education should be actively promoted, toxin control should be strengthened, scientific and reasonable prevention and control measures as well as treatment methods should be adopted to reduce the incidence and mortality of poisoning.

Allergic rhinitis(AR)is the most common airway allergic diseases.Basophils are the classical effector cells in allergy,including AR:Both IgE and non-IgE mediated methods can activate basophils during allergic reactions and induce basophils to release various inflammatory mediators,which is accompanied by changes in the expression of multiple membrane proteins,and ulti-mately leading to the clinical manifestations of allergic diseases.IL-18 may be involved in the pathogenesis of AR by directly inducing basophil activation and inflammation response via binding to its receptor IL-18Rα.Nevertheless,the binding of IL-37b to IL-18Rα initiates the downstream anti-inflammatory signals,thus inhibiting inflammation reaction in AR.Therefore,understanding the role and mechanism of IL-18 and IL-37b in the activation of blood basophils of AR patients is of great significance for the pathogenesis,treat-ment of AR and the development of related biological agents.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of electroacupuncture(EA)intervention on the protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)/hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)signaling pathway in the hippocampal tissue of Alzheimer's disease(AD)model mice and its effect on astrocytic glycolytic function,further exploring how EA ameliorates AD-related cognitive impairment.Methods Eighteen APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into model,EA,and sham EA groups(n=6)using the random number table method.Six wild-type C57BL/6J mice served as the control group.The EA group received EA stimulation at acupoints"Shenshu"(BL23),"Baihui"(GV20),and"Zusanli"(ST36)(administered every other day,20 min per session,for 4 weeks).The sham EA group received identical needle insertions at the same acupoints without electrical stimulation.The control and model groups were only restrained.Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze and Y-maze spontaneous alternation tests.Hippocampal morphology was observed via hematoxylin and eosin staining.Hippocampal β-amyloid peptide 1-42(Aβ1-42)deposition was detected using immunohistochemistry.HIF-1α protein expression,the p-Akt/Akt,and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios were measured using Western blotting.Pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2)and lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA)activities were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Hexokinase(HK)activity and L-lactate content were determined using a colorimetric assay.Co-localization of LDHA with the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein was quantitatively analyzed using immunofluorescence double-labeling combined with Pearson's correlation coefficient.Results Compared with the control group,the model group mice exhibited cognitive decline,as shown by prolonged escape latency(P<0.01),reduced number of platform crossings,lower time spent in the target quadrant,and decreased spontaneous alternation accuracy(P<0.01).The hippocampal neurons showed cell body swelling,deeper nuclear staining,enlarged intercellular spaces,and increased average optical density of Aβ1-42(P<0.01).The p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios,as well as HIF-1α protein expression,were elevated(P<0.01).PKM2,LDHA,HK,and L-lactic acid levels were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the co-localization coefficient of LDHA with astrocytes was enhanced.Compared to the model group,the EA group of mice showed improved cognitive function.The hippocampal neurons had more intact structures,with a more uniform cell distribution.The average optical density of Aβ1-42 decreased(P<0.01),and the p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios,as well as HIF-1α protein expression,decreased(P<0.01).PKM2,LDHA,HK,and L-lactic acid levels decreased(P<0.05),and the co-localization coefficient of LDHA with astrocytes significantly decreased(P<0.01).No significant improvement was observed in any of the indicators in the sham EA group compared with the EA group.Conclusion EA at"Shenshu"(BL23),"Baihui"(GV20),and"Zusanli"(ST36)ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in AD model mice.The underlying mechanism may involve suppressing the overactivation of the hippocampal Akt/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling pathway,thereby downregulating key glycolytic enzyme activities and reducing abnormal lactate accumulation.Furthermore,the astrocytic glycolytic metabolic pathway may constitute a key therapeutic target for this intervention.

Objective:To investigate the effects of allergens on expressions of IL-18,IL-18BPa and IL-18Rα in blood CD4+Th17 cells of patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome(ARA)and plasma levels of IL-17A and IL-17F in ARA patients.Methods:ARA patients(n=25)and healthy volunteers(n=22)in the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University and Henan Provincial People's Hospital were recruited,and blood samples of the subjects were collected.Proportions of CD4+Th17 cells,and effects of allergens on expressions of IL-18,IL-18BPa and IL-18Rα in Th17 cells were determined by flow cytometry.Levels of IL-17A and IL-17F were examined by Bioplex system.Correlation between levels of free plasma free IL-18(fIL-18)and IL-17A,and per-centage of Th17 cells was further analyzed.Results:Proportion of IL-18+cells in Th17 cells was increased in ARA patients by 26.0%(P<0.01),and house dust mite allergen induced 1.22-fold elevation in expression of IL-18 in Th17 cells(P<0.05).In addition,Arte-misiae sieversiana wild pollen allergen enhanced expressions of IL-18 and IL-18Rα in Th17 cells of ARA patients(P<0.05).Plasma levels of IL-17A and IL-17F were increased by 2.2 and 1.1 folds,respectively(P<0.05)in ARA patients,and they correlated well with other(R=0.712,P<0.01).Moreover,the increased level of fIL-18 was moderately correlated with the increased level of IL-17A and the elevated proportion of Th17 cells in ARA patients(r=0.607,r=0.652,P<0.05).Conclusion:The increased plasma fIL-18 in ARA patients may be derived from Th17 cells.Allergens may be involved in pathogenesis of ARA by inducing elevated IL-18 and IL-18Rα expressions in Th17 cells.