OBJECTIVE: Rhei Radix et Rhizoma has five types of products, namely, raw rhubarb (RR), wine rhubarb (WR), vinegar rhubarb (VR), cooked rhubarb (CR), and rhubarb charcoal (RC). However, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma is easily contaminated with fungi and mycotoxins if not harvested or processed properly. Here, we intend to analyze how microbiome assemblies and co-occurrence patterns are influenced by sampling locations and processing methods. METHODS: High-throughput sequencing and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) were carried out to study the diversities (α- and β-diversity), composition (dominant taxa and potential biomarkers), and network complexitity of surface fungi on RR, WR, VR, CR, and RC collected from Gansu and Sichuan provinces, China. RESULTS: The phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota; the genera Kazachstania, Malassezia, and Asterotremella; and the species Kazachstania exigua, Asterotremella pseudolonga, and Malassezia restricta were the dominant fungi and exhibited differences in the two provinces and the five processed products. The α-diversity and network complexity were strongly dependent on processing methods. Chao 1, the Shannon index, and network complexity and connectivity were highest in the CR group. The α-diversity and network complexity were influenced by sampling locations. Chao 1 and network complexity and connectivity were highest in the Gansu Province. CONCLUSION The assembly and network of the surface microbiome on Rhei Radix et Rhizoma were shaped by processing methods and sampling locations. This paper offers a comprehensive understanding of microorganisms, which can provide early warning for potential mycotoxins and ensure the safety of drugs and consumers.

OBJECTIVE: The investigation of the correlation between ecological factors and the genetic characteristics or metabolites of plants offers valuable insights into the regional causes of genetic and metabolic diversity. Here, Gastrodia elata, a medicinal plant, is employed as a model to explore the environmental factors that influence its genetic characteristics and metabolic accumulations. METHODS: A total of 23 G. elata populations from six cultispecies and 11 cultivated regions were selected based on the predictions of the global geographic information system. The genetic characteristics of these populations were evaluated using highly polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers. Additionally, the metabolic accumulations and antioxidant capacity of mature tubers were measured employing colorimetry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ecological data of each region were obtained from the WorldClim-global climate database and harmonized world soil database. To assess the influence of ecological factors on the genetic characteristics and metabolic profiles of G. elata, Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Genetic variation among G. elata populations exceeded that within populations. Genetic diverisity, distance and structure manifested regional and species-specific patterns. Metabolic profiling and antioxidant capacity exhibited regional variations. Notably, the Lueyang region demonstrated that a content range of total polysaccharide, total protein, and phenolic glycosides was 9.34%-189.67% higher than the average. Similarly, in the Hubei region, total phenolic content, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol content, and antioxidant indicators were observed to be higher than the average levels, by 106.57%, 136.47% and 12.50%-91.14%, respectively. Furthermore, ecological factors had a significant comprehensive impact on G. elata genetic characteristics (r > 0.256 and P < 0.05). Multivariate metabolite accumulations in G. elata were influenced by dominant ecological factors. Temperature notably impacted the accumulation of total protein (|r| > 0.528 and P < 0.05). Moisture, encompassing precipitation and soil content, significantly affected the production of phenolic glycosides (|r| > 0.503 and P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The genetic characteristics of G. elata manifested regional and species-specific patterns, with the metabolic accumulations and antioxidant capacity of mature tubers exhibited regional variations. Specifically, multivariate ecological factors comprehensively influenced genetic characteristics. Temperature and moisture played pivotal roles in regulating the accumulations of proteins and phenolic glycosides, respectively. These findings underscore the significant impact of ecological factors on the shaping of G. elata, highlighting their crucial role in enhancing the quality of Chinese medicinal materials.

ObjectiveTo investigate the application value of liver/spleen CT value （CT_L/S）， controlled attenuation parameter （CAP）， and magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction （MRI-PDFF） in chronic hepatitis B （CHB） patients with hepatic steatosis. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 213 CHB patients who underwent liver CT， CAP， and MRI-PDFF examinations in Affiliated Hospital of Yan’an University from October 2018 to December 2022. According to MRI-PDFF， the 213 patients were divided into CHB group with 111 patients （MRI-PDFF<5%） and CHB+hepatic steatosis group with 102 patients （MRI-PDFF≥5%）， among whom there were 69 patients with mild hepatic steatosis and 33 patients with moderate to severe hepatic steatosis. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups. The Bland-Altman plot was used to evaluate the consistency in MRI-PDFF measurement between two physicians. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between CT_L/S and MRI-PDFF and between CAP and MRI-PDFF. The receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve was plotted and the area under the ROC curve （AUC） was calculated to investigate the value of CT_L/S and CAP in the diagnosis of different degrees of hepatic steatosis， and the DeLong test was used to compare the AUCs of the two radiological examinations. ResultsMRI-PDFF had relatively high repeatability and stability in CHB patients. There is a significant negative correlation between CT_L/S and MRI-PDFF （r=-0.800， P<0.001） and a significant positive correlation between CAP and MRI-PDFF （r=0.692， P<0.001）. Both CT_L/S and CAP had a relatively high accuracy in the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in CHB patients， with an AUC of 0.951 and 0.902， respectively， and CT_L/S had a better accuracy than CAP （P<0.05）. In the diagnosis of mild and moderate-to-severe hepatic steatosis， CT_L/S had an AUC of 0.921 and 0.895， respectively， and CAP had an AUC of 0.859 and 0.825， respectively， suggesting that CT_L/S had a slightly higher diagnostic efficiency than CAP. ConclusionMRI-PDFF has high repeatability and stability in CHB patients， and CT_L/S and CAP have a high diagnostic value for different degrees of hepatic steatosis in CHB patients.

ObjectiveTo construct a macro-evaluation tool for dampness syndrome （DS） animal model， which will provide a basis for experimental research on dampness syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. MethodsConceptual framework of this study was clarified through discussions within the core working group， and dimensions of the evaluation of the animal model of DS were identified according to TCM principles. We searched CNKI， Wanfang， VIP and SinoMed databases from the inception to June 30th， 2023， on experiments involving dampness syndrome animals to create a pool of items about DS animal models. The core items were selected and extracted for factor analysis and cluster analysis. An expert importance rating questionnaire was developed based on the results of the literature review， analyzing the distribution of item scores， importance averages， and coefficient of variation. Through a comprehensive analysis of literature， expert importance scoring， and specific expert opinions， items that did not meet anyone of the criteria of average importance rating ≥2.04， coefficient of variation ≤30%， or literature eva-luation frequency ≥2% were removed， thereafter， the macro-evaluation tool for DS animal model was preliminarily constructed. ResultsSpirit and body state， autonomic activity state， body surface characteristics， diet， urination and defecation， tongue manifestation， and motor behavior assessment were constructed as the seven dimensions in the evaluation of DS animal model. A total of 348 papers about animal experiments were included and analyzed， resulting in a saturated pool of 72 items， which was refined to 38 core items of DS animal models. Factor analysis obtained 16 common factors， which were further clustered into two categories， named dampness transforming from heat syndrome and dampness transforming from cold syndrome. The expert importance scoring showed that the Kendall harmony coefficient was 0.359 （P＜0.05） indicating a high level of agreement， coordination and reliability among the experts. Notably， 50% or more of the experts considered the items thick and greasy tongue coating， unclean perianal area， loose stools， lethargy， unformed stools， and listless expression as very important. The median scores for all items were 2.04（1.73， 2.37）， with a coefficient of variation ranging from 19.73% to 53.38%. After expert evaluation， the macro-evaluation tool for DS animal model in TCM with 33 items and corresponding criteria for assessing the formation of DS models was finally contructed. ConclusionThe Macro-evaluation tool for DS animal model in TCM is highly scientific， credible， and operable， and can be utilized in DS animal experiments after its characteristics are actually evaluated.

BACKGROUND:Atlantoaxial dislocation,because of its high difficulty and high risk of surgery,has been regarded as the"surgical restricted area"by the international orthopedic community.However,with the rapid development of intelligent digitization in orthopedics,robot-assisted navigation screw placement technology has been widely used in clinical practice,which significantly reduces the difficulty and risk of surgery and improves the safety of surgery.However,there are few reports on the application of this technique in the treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation. OBJECTIVE:To explore the application value of robot-assisted pedicle screw internal fixation in the treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation. METHODS:The medical records of five patients with atlantoaxial dislocation treated with C1-C2 pedicle screw fixation under robot-assisted navigation in Zhuhai Hospital of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from October 2021 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Operation time,length of neck incision,blood loss,postoperative drainage volume,and length of hospital stay were recorded.Attention should be paid to cerebrospinal fluid leakage,vertebral artery injury,nerve injury,operative area infection and other complications.The visual analog scale score of neck pain,the spinal cord injury grade of the American Spinal Injury Association,the cervical spine score of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association,and the imaging indicators were collected before surgery and at the last follow-up.Screw placement accuracy was assessed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Five patients were successfully completed surgery,without vascular,nerve injury or other complications,and were followed up for 12-20 months.(2)A total of 20 cervical pedicle screws were placed in 5 patients,including 9 type A screws,10 type B screws,and 1 type C screw.The accuracy of screw placement was 95%.(3)At the last follow-up,the visual analog scale score was(0.80±0.71)points,which was significantly lower than that before operation(4.00±2.83)points;the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was(14.80±0.84)points,which was significantly higher than that before operation(8.00±0.71)points.Anterior atlantodental interval decreased from(7.86±3.25)mm to(2.82±0.93)mm;space available of the spinal cord increased from(6.74±1.99)mm to(12.10±3.51)mm;cervicomedullary angle increased from(133.32±13.55)° to(153.44±9.53)°;clivus-canal angle increased from(128.02±9.92)° to(143.25±12.99)°.The results of the last follow-up indexes were improved compared with those before operation,and the differences were significant(all P<0.05).(4)Postoperative imaging follow-up showed that all patients had bone fusion in the bone graft area,and no internal fixation loosening,fracture or pull-out occurred.(5)This method can avoid relying on the doctor's experience and hand feeling,ensure the accuracy of upper cervical screw placement,reduce the risk of surgery,and obtain satisfactory results in mid-term follow-up.

Objective　To explore the characteristics of toxic heavy metal pollution in atmospheric PM2.5 (Particulate matter 2.5) during winter in Nanning City and to evaluate the health risks for the population. Methods　Atmospheric PM2.5 samples were continuously collected in the urban areas of Nanning from January to February 2019. The concentrations of seven toxic heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), and manganese (Mn) in atmospheric PM2.5 were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The pollution characteristics of toxic heavy metals were studied by geo-accumulation index and enrichment factor methods, and their health risks to children and adults were assessed using the health risk assessment model of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Results　The mass concentration of atmospheric PM2.5 in Nanning in winter 2019 was (44±29) μg/m3, which was generally at a low level. Different degrees of pollution were found for Hg, Cd, As, Cr, and Pb in PM2.5, with Hg and Cd being more seriously polluted. Hg and Cd were highly enriched in PM2.5, followed by Pb with moderate enrichment. These three elements mainly originated from man-made pollution. As, Cr and Ni were mildly enriched and affected by both natural and anthropogenic sources. The non-carcinogenic risks were in the order of As>Pb>Hg>Cr>Cd>Mn>Ni. The total non-carcinogenic risks for the three populations were all less than 1, which is within acceptable limits. The carcinogenic risks were ranked as Cr>As>Cd>Ni, with Cr, As, and Cd posing carcinogenic risks to children and adults ranging from 1×10-6 to 1×10-4. Moreover, the total carcinogenic risks of heavy metals (Cr, As, Cd, and Ni) were higher than 1×10-4 for children, indicating a potential carcinogenic risk. Conclusions　The mass concentration of PM2.5 and heavy metal elements in Nanning City during the winter of 2019 was relatively low, but the pollution of heavy metals still exists. The non-carcinogenic risk of heavy metals is within an acceptable range, but the carcinogenic risk poses a potential danger to children.

Objective:To investigate the association and predictive value of serum biomarkers with carotid atherosclerosis(CAS)in the elderly population.Methods:The data used in this study were obtained from the China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study(CHCCS), a prospective cohort that includes elderly individuals from community populations in Hainan Province.The baseline survey was conducted between 2014 and 2019.A total of 737 elderly individuals aged 80 to 100 were included in the analysis.The study examined various factors including questionnaires, physical examination data, liver and kidney function indicators(albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and glomerular filtration rate), blood cell counts(red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and monocyte count), inflammatory markers(high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), and lipid metabolism markers(total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein AI, and apolipoprotein B).The objective was to explore the lipids of serum biomarkers and diagnostic performance of carotid atherosclerosis.Results:The prevalence of CAS in the elderly population was found to be 80.7%.Spearman's correlation analysis and a fully adjusted multivariate logistic regression model were used to examine the relationship between CAS and various factors in elderly patients.Result showed that systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and serum apolipoprotein B levels were significantly correlated with CAS[ OR(95% CI): 1.012(1.004-1.021), 0.998(1.011-1.024); 15.796(4.914-50.772), respectively; all P<0.001].Additionally, ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the combined application of serum apolipoprotein B, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate improved the predictive value of CAS in the elderly(Area under the curve: 0.820, 95% CI: 0.782-0.858; Sensitivity: 78.8%; Specificity: 86.8%; Positive likelihood ratio: 5.97; Negative likelihood ratio: 0.24). Conclusions:Our study discovered that serum apolipoprotein B is an autonomous risk factor for CAS among the elderly.The utilization of a specific set of biomarkers, in conjunction with other risk markers, holds potential as a promising strategy for evaluating CAS in the elderly population.

Objective:To analyze the effective and safety of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) at one tertiary center, and to improve the outcomes of RAAA under fast-track protocol.Methods:Nineteen cases of RAAA in the 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA from January 2014 to December 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. EVAR-fist strategy was employed from the emergency room to the operating room by using fast-track protocol. Preoperative management, anatomic characteristics, choice of anesthesia, operative procedures and postoperative complications were collected and analyzed. Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and hospital mortality were paid special attention.Results:Nineteen cases were undergone EVAR procedures. The age was (73.4 ± 7.4) years old, and the AAA size was (67.8 ± 13.6) mm. Two cases underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation at emergency department. General anesthesia was used in 13 patients and local anaesthesia in 6 patients. Successful stent graft deployment was achieved in all cases. The duration from emergency room to operating room was (84.8 ± 22.4) min. The hospital stay time was (9.7 ± 5.7) d. The hospital mortality was 5/19. The 5 deaths were reviewed: 3 died for multiple organ failure, 1 for irreversible shock, and 1 for ongoing bleeding.Conclusions:Excellent results were confirmed by using EVAR-first strategy for RAAA. The management of hemodynamically unstable state, standardized endovascular procedure, fast-track program and multidiscipline team collaboration were the very important determining factors for the implementation of EVAR. Focused efforts to reduce RAAA mortality are warranted.

Objective:To compare the value of 3 methods (threshold method, visual method and CT method) based on 18F-FDG PET-CT for qualitative diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN). Methods:The clinical characteristics, pathological results, CT signs and maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max) of 226 SPN patients who underwent 18F-FDG PET-CT and met lung imaging reporting and data system (Lung-RADS1.1) grading criteria grade 2-4 in Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital from January 2015 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, and the diagnostic efficacy of threshold method (according to SUV max), visual method [according to the degree of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the mediastinum or liver blood pool] and CT method (according to Lung-RADS1.1 grading criteria) for SPN were compared by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The highest diagnostic accuracy of CT method and the highest diagnostic accuracy of threshold method and visual method were combined as PET-CT comprehensive diagnosis method, and the diagnostic efficiency of which was compared with the other methods. Results:Among the 226 patients with SPN, 174 cases were malignant and 52 cases were benign in pathology. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of CT method 2 (defined Lung-RADS1.1 grade 4A and below as benign, grade 4B and above as malignant) in CT methods for qualitative diagnosis of SPN was 0.622, the sensitivity was 87.93%, and the accuracy was 76.11%, the diagnostic efficiency was higher than method 2. The AUC of the threshold method 1 (defined solid nodules that SUV max≥2.5 and ground-glass nodules that SUV max≥1.14 as malignant, the others as benign) in threshold methods for qualitative diagnosis of SPN was 0.675, the sensitivity was 85.06%, and the accuracy was 76.99%, the diagnostic efficiency was higher than other methods in the threshold methods and visual methods. The AUC of PET-CT comprehensive diagnosis method (combination of CT method 2 and threshold method 1) for qualitative diagnosis of SPN was 0.652, the sensitivity was 97.70%, and the accuracy was 82.74%, the diagnostic efficiency was higher than other methods. Conclusions:There is no significant difference among threshold method, visual method and CT method based on 18F-FDG PET-CT in qualitative diagnosis of SPN. The diagnostic efficiency of combining CT method with threshold method is significantly improved.

Stoma refers to the channel established by surgery to excrete the excreta in the body, which changes the excretion mode of patients, and has a serious impact on the physiological, psychological, spiritual, social and other aspects of patients. The World Council of Enterostomal Therapists released International Ostomy Guideline (Second Edition) in 2020, covering four aspects, including the education and scope of practice, holistic approach to care, preoperative nursing needs and postoperative nursing needs, and a total of 15 recommendations. This article focuses on the interpretation of eight recommendations on the two aspects of preoperative and postoperative nursing needs, with a view to promoting the reform of clinical practice and providing evidence-based basis for clinical nurses. At the same time, it is suggested that clinical nurses should make targeted transformation according to specific clinical situations to improve the quality of clinical nursing.