ObjectiveTo compare the differences in color， odor， coumarin content and microbial community composition of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix（ADR） during different drying processes， and to explore the correlation between changes in microbial community composition and changes in quality indexes of ADR. MethodsThe fresh ADR was processed at three drying temperatures（50， 70， 100 ℃） by drying and steaming cutting， semi-fresh cutting and drying， fresh cutting and drying， and sulfur fumigation methods. The color values of samples were extracted by Adobe Photoshop 2022 software and subjected to principal component analysis（PCA）， electronic nose was used to identify the odor information of medicinal powders and subjected to loadings analysis， PCA， and linear discriminant analysis（LDA）， and high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC） was used to determine the contents of five coumarins（bergapten， oxypeucedanin， imperatorin， phellopterin， isoimperatorin）. The samples for microbial detection were taken from fresh dried samples， 50 ℃（dried and steamed cut， sulfur fumigated） samples， and 100 ℃（dried and steamed cut） samples when the water content was 50% and 14%， respectively. And the changes of microbial community composition during processing were determined by high-throughput sequencing method. The relationship between the changes of microbial community composition and the changes of odor， color and active component content of ADR during drying process was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. ResultsThe color quantification results showed that an increase in drying temperature led to the decrease of brightness value（L）， and the increases of red-green value（a） and yellow-blue value（b）， and the change of processing method had no obvious effect on the color of medicinal materials. The results of odor quantification showed that W1S， W2S， W5S， W2W and W1W sensor were sensitive to the odor changes of ADR and could be used to distinguish ADR decoction pieces from different processing methods. The results of HPLC showed that the coumarin content of ADR decreased with the increase of drying temperature and the delay of processing time， the optimal processing method was drying and steaming cutting method， and the optimal temperature was 50 ℃. High-throughput sequencing results showed that the dominant bacteria in ADR during processing were Achromobacter， Agrobacterium， Nocardioides， Mycobacterium and Enterobacter， the dominant fungi were Coprinopsis， Meyerozyma and Apiotrichum. The results of correlation analysis showed that the quality indexes of ADR were positively correlated with Agrobacterium， Mycobacterium in bacteria， Candida in fungi， and negatively correlated with Bacillus in bacteria. ConclusionThere are significant differences in the color， odor， coumarin content and microbial community composition of ADR in different drying processes， and the best drying method is drying and steaming cutting at 50 ℃. The relative abundance changes of 9 bacterial genera and 4 fungal genera are closely related to the quality formation of ADR during the drying process.

Objective To analyze the urban drinking water quality and its influencing factors in Anhui Province from 2014 to 2022, and to provide a scientific basis for water quality improvement and protection. Methods The data were collected, saved and monitored according to the Standard Test Method for Drinking Water (GB/T5750-2006) and evaluated according to the Hygienic Standard for Drinking Water (GB 5749-2006). Results A total of 20 941 samples were collected, and the overall qualified rate was 84.26%. The qualified rate of urban drinking water increased from 76.9% in 2014 to 93.3% in 2022, and the qualified rate of water quality was on the rise (χ²=544.43, P＜0.01). From 2014 to 2022, the qualified rate of water quality in dry season was higher than that in wet season (χ²=35.98, P<0.001), the qualified rate of surface water was higher than that of ground water (χ²=4440.8, P<0.001), and the qualified rate of peripheral tap water was higher than that of factory water (χ²=145.1, P<0.001). Among all kinds of disinfection methods, chlorination disinfection had the highest qualified rate (χ²=1483.8, P<0.001). The qualified rate of water quality increased with the increase of the scale of water plant. Among the inspected indicators, the main unqualified indicators were chlorine dioxide (7.72%), fluoride (7.41%), free residual chlorine (3.90%), and total bacterial count (2.13%). Conclusion The passing rate of urban drinking water quality in Anhui Province is on an upward trend, and the quality of urban drinking water has improved. However, it is still important to pay attention to the problem of excessive microorganism and fluoride in water, and the quality of drinking water varies from place to place.

Objective To explore the uranium concentration in surface water and drinking water in Beijing, China and the relationship between uranium concentration and gross α activity concentration. Methods Water samples were collected from 16 districts in Beijing. Uranium concentration and gross α activity concentration were measured with WGJ-III trace uranium analyzer and LB6008 six-channel α/β counter using the ultraviolet fluorescence and thick source methods. Results The uranium concentrations in surface water and drinking water were 1.131 and 1.572 μg/L, respectively. The gross α activity concentrations in surface water and drinking water were 0.059 and 0.074 Bq/L, respectively. There were no significant differences in uranium concentration and gross α activity concentration between surface water and drinking water (P > 0.05). The uranium concentration was positively correlated with the gross α activity concentration, with a correlation coefficient of 0.700 (P < 0.05). The gross α activity concentration was determined by the uranium concentration with a determination coefficient of 48%. The committed effective dose of ²³⁸U in drinking water was between 3.284 × 10⁻⁵ and 1.640 × 10⁻³ mSv, with an average value of 5.400 × 10⁻⁴ mSv. Conclusion The uranium concentration and gross α activity in the surface water and drinking water in Beijing fluctuate and remain in the background range. These values are much lower than the recommended limits of 0.03 mg/L and 0.5 Bq/L stipulated in the GB 5749-2021 Standard for Drinking Water Quality. The annual committed effective dose of ²³⁸U through drinking water ingestion is very small.

Background ¹³⁷Cs in atmospheric aerosol is the product of past nuclear weapon tests and nuclear accidents. When ¹³⁷Cs is released into the atmosphere, it will deposit in dry land and marine environment, causing pollution of soil surface, water, agricultural products, and animal byproducts, and affecting public health. Objective To identify the variation pattern of ¹³⁷Cs activity concentration in aerosol and its correlation with dust concentration in Beijing area from 2017 to 2020. Methods A total of 958 aerosol samples were collected from November 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 in Beijing with a high volume air sampler at a sampling flow rate about 600 m³·h⁻¹ and a collection time for each sample about 24 h. The activity concentration of ¹³⁷Cs in the aerosol samples was determined with a low-background high-purity germanium γ spectrometer. The dust concentration was calculated using the difference in the mass of the aerosol filter before and after sampling. The detection rate of ¹³⁷Cs and dust concentration in different seasons were compared. Spearman rank correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between ¹³⁷Cs activity concentration and dust concentration. Results From 2017 to 2020, the ¹³⁷Cs activity concentrations of 33 from 958 aerosol samples in Beijing were above the minimum detectable activityconcentration, the overall detection rate of ¹³⁷Cs was 3.4%, and the activity concentration ranged from 1.86 to 45.53 μBq·m⁻³, with a median value of 4.85 μBq·m⁻³. The detection rate of ¹³⁷Cs was highest in spring, followed by autumn, and lowest in winter and summer (8.4%, 3.0%, 1.1%, and 0.5%, respectively). The dust concentration ranged from 0.03 to 1.55 mg·m⁻³, with an average value of 0.18 mg·m⁻³. There was a statistically significant difference in the dust concentrations in spring, summer, autumn, and winter (F=45.51, P<0.05), and the highest value was 0.24 mg·m⁻³ in spring (P<0.05). The ¹³⁷Cs activity concentration was positively correlated with the dust concentration (P<0.05). Conclusion The ¹³⁷Cs activity concentration in aerosol in Beijing from 2017 to 2020 fluctuates within the range of background level, and its activity concentration is highest in spring, followed autumn, and lowest in summer and winter.

Objective:To investigate the correlation of the emm genotypes and virulence genes with the isolation sites of Group A Streptococcus (GAS). Methods:It was a retrospective study.The specimens were collected from children with impetigo in Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University from 2006 to 2008 for GAS isolation and identification.A total of 24 GAS strains were isolated from 16 children with impetigo, among which 7 pairs of strains were isolated from the throat and skin of 7 children, and 1 pair of strains was isolated from the vulva and skin of one child, and the remaining 8 GAS strains were isolated from the skin pus samples of 8 children.Polymerase chain reaction was applied to detect the emm genotypes and 13 virulence genes ( speA, speB, speC, speF, speG, speH, speI, speJ, speK, speL, speM, smeZ and ssa). The correlation of the emm genotypes and virulence genes with the isolation sites of GAS strains was analyzed. Results:In this study, four emm genotypes were detected, including emm1.0 (15/24), emm12.0 (4/24), emm22.0 (2/24) and emm160.0 (1/24), and one subtype emm12.19 (2/24) was detected as well.The carrying rates of 13 virulence genes speA, speB, speC, speF, speG, speH, speI, speJ, speK, speL, speM, smeZ and ssa were 58.3%, 100%, 91.7%, 100%, 50.0%, 12.5%, 54.2%, 66.7%, 16.7%, 25.0%, 12.5%, 100% and 91.7%, respectively.All strains carried 5 to 11 virulence genes and they all carried speB, speF and smeZ.There were significant differences in the carrying rate of speA and speJ among the strains with different emm genotypes (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the distribution of virulence genes between skin isolates and pharyngeal isolates, including the 5 pairs of strains carrying the emm1.0 genotype (all P>0.05). Conclusions:The distribution of virulence gene of GAS in children with impetigo is significantly correlated with the emm genotype, rather than the isolation site.

Objective To investigate the effects of calcium and integrin-binding protein 1(CIB1)on the cell proliferation,invasion,apoptosis,and migration of triple-negative breast cancer cells and its possible mechanism.Methods MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells were divided into CIB1-knockdown(infected with CRISPR/Cas9 lentivirus)and negative-control groups.Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU)assays were performed to detect cell proliferation.Cell apoptosis was determined through flow cytometry.Scratch and Transwell experiments were conducted to measure the migration and invasion abilities of cells.The mRNA and protein expression levels of β-catenin,adenomatous polyposis coli(APC),glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK-3β),and c-myc were detected via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.Results Compared with the negative-control group,the CIB1-knockdown group showed decreased cell proliferation,invasion,and migration(P<0.05)and increased cell apoptosis(P<0.05).The mRNA and protein expressions of β-catenin,APC,and c-myc decreased(P<0.05),and that of GSK-3β increased(P<0.05).Conclusion CIB1 knockdown can inhibit cell proliferation,invasion,and migration and promote the apoptosis of breast cancer cells.Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Objective:To explore the genetic basis of eighteen patients with tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency (BH4D) from Gansu Province.Methods:Eighteen patients diagnosed with BH4D at Gansu Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were selected as the study subjects. Whole exome sequencing was carried out, and candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing.Results:All of the thirty-six alleles of the eighteen patients were successfully determined by molecular genetic testing. Sixteen patients were found to harbor variants of the PTS gene, and two had harbored variants of the QDPR gene. Ten variants were detected in the PTS gene, with the most common ones being c. 259C>T (34.38%) and c. 286G>A (15.63%). Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the c. 259C>T was classified as a pathogenic variant, whilst the c. 286G>A, c. 166G>A, c. 200C>T, c. 272A>G, c. 402A>C, c. 421G>T, c. 84-291A>G and c. 317C>T were classified as likely pathogenic variants. A novel c. 289_290insCTT variant was classified as likely pathogenic (PM1+ PM2_Supporting+ PM3+ PP3+ PP4). The two variants (c.478C>T and c. 665C>T) detected in the QDPR gene were both classified as variants of uncertain significance (PM1+ PM2_Supporting+ PP3+ PP4). Conclusion:Genetic testing has clarified the pathogenic variants in these BH4D patients, which has enabled timely and accurate clinical intervention and treatment, and provided a reference for genetic counseling and reproductive guidance for their families.

Emerging research suggests a potential association of progression of Alzheimer's disease(AD)with al-terations in synaptic currents and mitochondrial dynamics.However,the specific associations between these pathological changes remain unclear.In this study,we utilized Aβ42-induced AD rats and primary neural cells as in vivo and in vitro models.The investigations included behavioural tests,brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS)analysis,Nissl staining,thioflavin-S staining,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,Golgi-Cox staining,trans-mission electron microscopy(TEM),immunofluorescence staining,proteomics,adenosine triphosphate(ATP)detection,mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)and reactive oxygen species(ROS)assess-ment,mitochondrial morphology analysis,electrophysiological studies,Western blotting,and molecular docking.The results revealed changes in synaptic currents,mitophagy,and mitochondrial dynamics in the AD models.Remarkably,intervention with Dengzhan Shengmai(DZSM)capsules emerged as a pivotal element in this investigation.Aβ42-induced synaptic dysfunction was significantly mitigated by DZSM intervention,which notably amplified the frequency and amplitude of synaptic transmission.The cognitive impairment observed in AD rats was ameliorated and accompanied by robust protection against structural damage in key brain regions,including the hippocampal CA3,primary cingular cortex,prelimbic system,and dysgranular insular cortex.DZSM intervention led to increased IDE levels,augmented long-term potential(LTP)amplitude,and enhanced dendritic spine density and length.Moreover,DZSM intervention led to favourable changes in mitochondrial parameters,including ROS expression,MMP and ATP contents,and mitochondrial morphology.In conclusion,our findings delved into the realm of altered synaptic currents,mitophagy,and mitochondrial dynamics in AD,concurrently highlighting the therapeutic potential of DZSM intervention.

Hereditary bilirubin metabolic disorder is an important cause for jaundice. For its diverse types and similar clinical manifestations, it has been difficult to make a clear etiological diagnosis. The application of next generation sequencing in recent years has delineated the more and more genetic etiologies for jaundice. This article has reviewed the clinical manifestations and genetic etiology of bilirubin metabolic disorder jaundice, with an aim to enhance the understanding of such diseases and facilitate their clinical diagnosis and treatment, which will provide a reference for genetic counseling and/or prenatal diagnosis for the affected individuals and families.
Female ; Pregnancy ; Humans ; Metabolic Diseases/genetics* ; Jaundice/genetics* ; Bilirubin ; Genetic Counseling ; Phenotype

Objective:To investigate the factors affecting postoperative short-term improvement of consciousness level in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness after severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI).Methods:A case-control study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 55 patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness after sTBI admitted to Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University and Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from September 2021 to September 2022. There were 33 males and 22 females, with the age range of 13-68 years [(43.0±15.5)years]. All patients were assessed for the consciousness level using the coma recovery scale-revision (CRS-R) preoperatively and within 48 hours postoperatively. A total of 33 patients were observed in vegetative state and 22 in minimally conscious state preoperatively. The consciousness level was found to be improved in 26 patients (consciousness- improved group), but not improved in the remaining 29 patients (consciousness-unimproved group). Indicators were documented including gender, age, cause of injury, Glasgow coma score (GCS) on admission, course of injury, preoperative consciousness level, operation mode, operation time, intraoperative fluid replenishment, intraoperative urine volume, intraoperative bleeding volume, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, analgesic regimen and sedation maintenance drugs. A univariate analysis was conducted first to assess those indicators′ correlation with postoperative short-term improvement of consciousness level in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness after sTBI. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was then used to determine the independent risk factors for their postoperative short-term improvement of consciousness level.Results:Univariate analysis showed that GCS on admission, course of injury, preoperative consciousness level and analgesic regimen were correlated with short-term improvement of postoperative consciousness level in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness after sTBI (all P<0.05), whereas gender, age, cause of injury, operation mode, operation time, intraoperative fluid replenishment, intraoperative urine volume, intraoperative bleeding volume, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade and sedation maintenance drugs showed no relation to the improvement of postoperative consciousness level (all P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the GCS ≥7 points on admission ( OR=0.06, 95% CI 0.01, 0.36, P<0.01), preoperative minimally conscious state ( OR=0.09, 95% CI 0.02, 0.40, P<0.01) and intraoperative use of Sufentanil combined with Remifentanil ( OR=0.07, 95% CI 0.01, 0.43, P<0.01) were significantly correlated with postoperative improvement of consciousness level. Conclusion:The GCS on admission (≥7 points), preoperative minimally conscious state and intraoperative use of Sufentanil combined with Remifentanil are independent risk factors affecting short-term postoperative improvement of consciousness level in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness after sTBI.