ObjectiveIn the realm of forensic science, dust is a valuable type of trace evidence with immense potential for intricate investigations. With the development of DNA sequencing technologies, there is a heightened interest among researchers in unraveling the complex tapestry of microbial communities found within dust samples. Furthermore, striking disparities in the microbial community composition have been noted among dust samples from diverse geographical regions, heralding new possibilities for geographical inference based on microbial DNA analysis. The pivotal role of microbial community data from dust in geographical inference is significant, underscoring its critical importance within the field of forensic science. This study aims to delve deeply into the nuances of fungal community composition across the urban landscapes of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi in China. It evaluates the accuracy of biogeographic inference facilitated by the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) fungal sequencing while concurrently laying a robust foundation for the operational integration of environmental DNA into geographical inference mechanisms. MethodsITS2 region of the fungal genomes was amplified using universal primers known as 5.8S-Fun/ITS4-Fun, and the resulting DNA fragments were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq FGx platform. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was employed to visually represent the differences between samples, while analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were utilized to statistically evaluate the dissimilarities in community composition across samples. Furthermore, using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis to identify and filter out species that exhibit significant differences between various cities. In addition, we leveraged SourceTracker to predict the geographic origins of the dust samples. ResultsAmong the four cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming and Urumqi, Beijing has the highest species richness. The results of species annotation showed that there were significant differences in the species composition and relative abundance of fungal communities in the four cities. NMDS analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns of samples based on their biogeographic origins in multidimensional space. Samples from the same city exhibited clear clustering, while samples from different cities showed separation along the first axis. The results from ANOSIM and PERMANOVA confirmed the significant differences in fungal community composition between the four cities, with the most pronounced distinctions observed between Fuzhou and Urumqi. Notably, the biogeographic origins of all known dust samples were successfully predicted. ConclusionSignificant differences are observed in the fungal species composition and relative abundance among the cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi. Employing fungal ITS2 sequencing on dust samples from these urban areas enables accurate inference of biogeographical locations. The high feasibility of utilizing fungal community data in dust for biogeographical inferences holds particular promise in the field of forensic science.

Given that ovarian stimulation is vital for assisted reproductive technology (ART) and results in elevated serum estrogen levels, exploring the impact of elevated estrogen exposure on oocytes and embryos is necessary. We investigated the effects of various ovarian stimulation treatments on oocyte and embryo morphology and gene expression using a mouse model and estrogen-treated mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Female C57BL/6J mice were subjected to two types of conventional ovarian stimulation and ovarian hyperstimulation; mice treated with only normal saline served as controls. Hyperstimulation resulted in high serum estrogen levels, enlarged ovaries, an increased number of aberrant oocytes, and decreased embryo formation. The messenger RNA (mRNA)‍-sequencing of oocytes revealed the dysregulated expression of lysine-specific demethylase 6b (Kdm6b), which may be a key factor indicating hyperstimulation-induced aberrant oocytes and embryos. In vitro, Kdm6b expression was downregulated in mESCs treated with high-dose estrogen; treatment with an estrogen receptor antagonist could reverse this downregulated expression level. Furthermore, treatment with high-dose estrogen resulted in the upregulated expression of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and phosphorylated H2A histone family member X (γ-H2AX). Notably, knockdown of Kdm6b and high estrogen levels hindered the formation of embryoid bodies, with a concomitant increase in the expression of H3K27me3 and γ-H2AX. Collectively, our findings revealed that hyperstimulation-induced high-dose estrogen could impair the demethylation of H3K27me3 by reducing Kdm6b expression. Accordingly, Kdm6b could be a promising marker for clinically predicting ART outcomes in patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Female ; Mice ; Demethylation/drug effects* ; Embryonic Stem Cells ; Estrogens/administration & dosage* ; Gene Expression/drug effects* ; Histones/metabolism* ; Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Oocytes ; Ovary/drug effects* ; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted ; Animals

Objective This study aims to elucidate the protective role of Acacetin against apoptosis in HP-infected GES-1 cells and to delineate its potential underlying mechanisms.Materials and Methods GES-1 cells were subjected to in vitro treatment with HP and Acacetin.Cell viability was assessed utilizing the CCK-8 assay,alterations in cell migration and healing capacities through the wound healing assay,rates of apoptosis via flow cytometry,and expression levels of apoptosis-associated proteins through western blot analysis.Results HP infection led to a diminution in GES-1 cell viability,a suppression of cell migration,an augmentation in the rate of apoptosis,and an increase in the expression levels of Bax and cle-caspase3.Conversely,treatment with Acacetin was found to enhance cell viability,mitigate apoptosis induced by HP infection,and modulate the expression of apoptosis proteins by downregulating Bax and cle-caspase3.Discussion and Conclusion Acacetin significantly improves GES-1 cell vitality and inhibits apoptosis in HP-infected GES-1 cells,thereby offering a protective effect on gastric mucosal epithelial cells.

To improve the current situation of multiple preoperative visits and evaluations for elderly patients and other patients with complex conditions, in December 2022, Peking Union Medical College Hospital established preoperative multidisciplinary evaluation clinic (shorted as joint clinic). The joint clinic established a multidisciplinary team, clarified service targets, and developed standardized clinic workflows to provide patients with a " one-stop" preoperative assessment(physical fitness assessment, nutritional assessment, and frailty assessment, etc.), nutritional optimization intervention, and prerehabilitation education and guidance services. This practice strengthened preoperative risk management, improved preoperative assessment efficiency, and ensured the safety of patients during the perioperative period. As of September 2023, the joint clinic had received a total of 128 patients, of which 86 underwent surgery after preoperative evaluation and prehabilitation optimization. The obesity rate, smoking rate, and number of frailty cases of these patients had decreased from 13.96%, 11.63%, and 18 at the time of visit to 9.30%, 4.65%, and 14 on the day before surgery, respectively. They had recovered well after surgery. This practice had improved the preoperative status of patients and created conditions for high-risk patients to undergo surgery smoothly, so as to provide references for other hospitals to carry out multidisciplinary collaborative preoperative evaluation works.

Objective To observe the safety and efficacy of perioperative short-duration platelet membrane glycoprotein Ⅱ b/Ⅲ a receptor antagonist(GPI)in elderly patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PPCI)for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)with high thrombotic burden.Methods A total of 140 elderly patients with acute STEMI admitted to our department from October 2021 to January 2024 were recruited and ran-domly divided into experimental group(short duration)and control group(standard duration),with 70 cases in each group.The occurrence of MACE,complete rate of ST segment resolution 2 h after surgery,blood flow classification thrombolysis in myocardial infarction(TIMI),left ventric-ular ejection fraction(LVEF),N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),inhibition of platelet aggregation(IPA)by thromboelastography(TEG),maximum amplitude of adenosine diphosphate receptor pathway(MAADP),platelet-related indicators,and incidences of thrombocy-topenia and bleeding events were observed in the 2 groups after operation.Results There were no significant differences in postoperative recurrence of angina pectoris,acute heart failure,malignant arrhythmia,rate of ST segment resolution,TIMI blood flow grade 3,no reflow,LVEF,NT-proBNP level before discharge,and incidences of severe hemorrhage and thrombocytopenia during hospi-talization between the two groups(P＞0.05).The experimental group had significantly lower IPA[(76.1±15.3)％vs(96.3+19.4)％,P=0.016]and higher MAADP(45.6±8.2 mm vs 26.7±9.7 mm,P=0.028)in 18 h after operation,and lower incidence of minor bleeding(7.1％vs 24.3％,P＜0.05)during hospitalization when compared with the control group.Conclusion Under the premise of using a novel oral purinergic receptor P2Y12 inhibitor,short-term GPI is not inferior to the standard time course in achievement of IPA,with similar efficacy and relatively better safety.

The geographical origin of forensic evidence provides important information for crime investigation and solving cases,and is one of the key elements of criminal cases.Previous studies have shown significant differences in the distribution of microorganisms in different regions.Detecting environmental DNA samples and inferring the geographical and spatial sources can provide clues and evidence for case handling.However,due to the diversity of criminal environments and the trace amount of frequently encountered exhibits,stable and reliable technical methods for inferring geographical origin from environmental DNA are not yet available.This article summarizes the sample collection and DNA extraction methods for four types of environmental samples:dust,soil,water,and air.It compares the differences between amplicon sequencing and metagenomic sequencing in studying environmental biological populations,outlines the full process of high-throughput sequencing-based data analysis,and focuses on reviewing the research progress in inferring geographical sources of environmental samples based on bacteria,fungi,and other eukaryotes,to provide references for establishing sequencing and analysis methods for environmental DNA in forensic DNA laboratories and exploring environmental DNA information for forensic applications.

Objective Sequencing depth is a key parameter in next generation sequencing,which is closely related to the accuracy of sequencing results.Forensic biological evidence examination requires extremely high accuracy.It is crucial to scientifically and reasonably set the sequencing depth analysis threshold for forensic next generation sequencing testing.Methods This study used targeted sequencing data of microhaplotypes from 50 samples with known genotypes.By calculating the accuracy,precision,recall,and F1 score of each locus under various threshold conditions,two types of analysis threshold setting methods,which were based on fixed read count and fixed sequencing depth ratio,were studied extensively.Results The results showed that false positives were observed when the analysis threshold was set at 50×or 100×.When the analysis threshold was set at 200×,false negatives were observed.When the analysis threshold was set at 1.5%,3.0%,or 4.5%,false positives were observed.This study further proposed a third type of analysis threshold setting method,which was based on sequencing depth ratio scatter plots.With this method,no false positive or false negative was observed in the results.This article then explored four factors that lead to significant differences in the sequencing depth of forensic next generation sequencing experiments,compared with the analysis threshold setting method for capillary electrophoresis technology,and discussed the correlation between analysis thresholds and the ability to distinguish mixed DNA.Conclusion Employing the sequencing depth ratio scatter plot method to set analysis threshold has significant application value in next generation sequencing-based forensic genetic marker genotyping.

Objective To systematically evaluate the application efficacy of failure mode and effect analysis(FMEA)management mode in the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infection(HAI).Methods Li-terature on the application of FMEA management mode in HAI prevention and control were retrieved from PubMed,Embase,the Cochrane Library,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),VIP Database,Wanfang Data-base,and China Biomedical Literature Database(CBM).Two researchers independently screened the literature,ex-tracted data,and conducted cross checking.Risk and quality assessments were performed on the included studies of randomized controlled trials by ROB tool,the included cohort studies were scored by Newcastle-Ottawa(NOS)scale,and Meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.4 software.Results A total of 22 studies involving 42 815 patients were included in the analysis,with 21 784 in the FMEA management mode group and 21 031 in the control group.Meta-analysis results showed that the incidence of HAI in the FMEA management mode group was lower than that in the control group(OR=0.31,95％CI[0.24,0.40]).Compared with the conventional management mode,incidences of superficial surgical site infection(OR=0.53,95％CI[0.36,0.78]),respiratory system infec-tion(OR=0.44,95％CI[0.35,0.56]),urinary system infection(OR=0.45,95％CI[0.38,0.53]),and blood system infection(OR=0.29,95％CI[0.18,0.45])in the FMEA management mode group were all lower(all P＜0.01).Conclusion The application of FMEA management mode in HAI prevention and control can reduce the inci-dence of HAI,which should be actively promoted in hospital management.

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of high energy metabolism in lung cancer patients and its correlation with body composition,nutritional status,and quality of life,and to develop a corresponding risk prediction model.Methods Retrospectively analyzed 132 primary lung cancer patients admitted to the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from January 2022 to May 2023,and categorized into high(n=94)and low energy metabolism group(n=38)based on their metabolic status.Differences in clinical data,body composition,Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment(PG-SGA)scores,and European Organization for Research and treatment of Cancer(EORTC)Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30(QLQ-C30)scores were compared between the two groups.Logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors for high energy metabolism in lung cancer patients,and a risk prediction model was established accordingly;the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess the model fit,and the ROC curve was used to test the predictive efficacy of the model.Results Of the 132 patients with primary lung cancer,94(71.2%)exhibited high energy metabolism.Compared with low energy metabolism group,patients in high-energy metabolism group had a smoking index of 400 or higher,advanced disease staging of stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ,and higher levels of IL-6 level,low adiposity index,low skeletal muscle index,and malnutrition(P<0.05),and lower levels of total protein,albumin,hemoglobin level,and prognostic nutritional index(PNI)(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in age,gender,height,weight,BMI and disease type between the two groups(P>0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking index≥400,advanced disease stage,IL-6≥3.775 ng/L,and PNI<46.43 were independent risk factors for high energy metabolism in lung cancer patients.The AUC of the ROC curve for the established prediction model of high energy metabolism in lung cancer patients was 0.834(95%CI 0.763-0.904).Conclusion The high energy metabolic risk prediction model of lung cancer patients established in this study has good fit and prediction efficiency.

Objective To analyze the resistance mechanism,characteristics of drug sensitivity,and homology of polymyxin resistant Escherichia coli,and provide molecular epidemiological basis for the effective prevention and control of its outbreak and epidemic.Methods The strains of polymyxin resistant Escherichia coli isolated from our hospital during May 2016 and June 2022 were collected.The PCR technology was used to screen for the mobile colistin resistance(MCR)gene and the micro broth dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration.The clinical data of the patients were collected.The homology of the collected strains was analyzed by the pulsed field gel electrophoresis(PFGE).One of the strains was performed whole genome sequencing.Results Four strains of polymyxin resistant Escherichia coli carrying the MCR-1 gene were isolated and identified.Except for being sensitive to tigecycline,all four strains showed varying degrees of resistance to the vast majority of clinically common antibiotics.Clinical data showed that no polymyxin was used in the patients with polymyxin resistant Escherichia coli.The four strains of bacteria could be divided into two types,including three strains of type A and one strain of type B.The whole genome sequencing analysis of one of the bacteria revealed that the MCR-1 gene was located on a plasmid with a size of 70 kb.Conclusion The Escherichia coli carrying the MCR-1 gene has a potential threat to clone transmission and exhibits high resistance to common antibiotics in clinical practice,posing a serious challenge to clinical treatment.Therefore,it is necessary to strengthen protective measures to prevent its outbreak and epidemic.