Background Metals and metalloids in fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) may cause damage to the respiratory and circulatory systems of the human body, and long-term exposure is prone to causing chronic poisoning, cancer, and other adverse effects. Objective To assess the distribution characteristics of metals and metalloids in outdoor PM_2.5 in a southern city of China, conduct source apportionment, and evaluate the associated health risks, thereby providing theoretical support for further pollution control measures. Methods PM_2.5 samples were collected in districts A, B, and C of a southern China city, and the concentrations of 17 metals and metalloids were detected by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pollution sources were assessed through enrichment factor and principal components analysis, and the main pollution sources were quantified using absolute principal component scores-multivariate linear regression (APCS-MLR). Health risks were evaluated based on the Technical guide for environmental health risk assessment of chemical exposure (WS/T777—2021). Results The ambient air PM_2.5 concentrations in the city were higher in winter and spring, and lower in summer and autumn. The annual average concentrations of ambient PM_2.5 in districts A, B, and C were 36.7, 31.9, and 24.4 μg·m⁻³, respectively. The ambient PM_2.5 levels in districts B and C were below the second-grade limit set by the Ambient air quality standards (GB 3095—2012). The enrichment factors of cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), and antimony (Sb) were greater than 10, those of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), and molybdenum (Mo) fell between 1 and 10, and those of manganese (Mn), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), and uranium (U) were below or equal to 1. The comprehensive evaluation of source analysis showed that the main pollution sources in districts A and C and the whole city were coal-burning. In district B, the main pollution source was also coal combustion, followed by industrial process sources and dust sources. The carcinogenic risks of As and Cr were between 1×10⁻⁶ and 1×10⁻⁴. However, the hazard quotients for 15 metals and metalloids in terms of non-carcinogenic risk were below 1. Conclusion Cr and As in the atmospheric PM_2.5 of the city present a certain risk of cancer and should be paid attention to. In addition, preventive control measures should be taken against relevant pollution sources such as industrial emission, dust, and coal burning.

Objective To study the causal relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and lung function by using Mendelian randomization(MR).Methods Single nucleotide polymorphism sites(SNP)correlated with T2DM,FVC and FEV1 were extracted from the published genome-wide association study(GWAS)database as the instrumental variables.The random effect inverse-variance weighting method(IVW)was used as the primary method for analyzing the bidirectionary causal relationship between T2DM with FVC and FEV1.Meanwhile,the MR-Egger,weighted median method(WM),weighted mode,simple mode and MR-PRESSO method were used to verify and correct the statistical results.Results The MR analy-sis showed that T2DM had the causal relationship with FVC(OR=0.97,95％CI:0.94-0.99,P=0.01)and FEV1(OR=0.95,95％CI:0.91-0.98,P=0.01).There was a causal relationship between FVC and T2DM(OR=0.69,95％CI:0.52-0.92,P=0.01),but no causal relationship existed between FEV1 and T2DM(OR=0.92,95％CI:0.70-1.19,P=0.52).Conclusion T2DM has a certain causal relationship with the lung function.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in aging mice and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which aerobic exercise ameliorates cognitive decline through the regulation of gut microbiota-metabolite network. By providing novel insights into the interplay between exercise, gut microbiota, and cognitive health, this research seeks to offer a robust theoretical foundation for developing anti-aging strategies and personalized exercise interventions targeting aging-related cognitive dysfunction. MethodsUsing naturally aged C57BL/6 mice as the experimental model, this study employed a multi-omics approach combining 16S rRNA sequencing and wide-targeted metabolomics analysis. A total of 18 mice were divided into 3 groups: young control (YC, 4-month-old), old control (OC, 21-month-old), and old+exercise (OE, 21-month-old with 12 weeks of moderate-intensity treadmill training) groups. Behavioral assessments, including the Morris water maze (MWM) test, were conducted to evaluate cognitive function. Histopathological examinations of brain tissue sections provided morphological evidence of neuronal changes. Fecal samples were collected for gut microbiota and metabolite profiling via 16S rRNA sequencing and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). Data were analyzed using a combination of statistical and bioinformatics tools to identify differentially abundant microbial taxa and metabolites and to construct interaction networks between them. ResultsBehavioral tests revealed that 12 weeks of aerobic exercise significantly improved spatial learning and memory capacity of aged mice, as evidenced by reduced escape latency and increased target area exploration and platform crossings in the MWM. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that exercise mitigated aging-related neuronal damage in the hippocampus, enhancing neuronal density and morphology. 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that exercise increased gut microbiota α‑diversity and enriched beneficial bacterial genera, including Bifidobacterium, Parabacteroides, and Rikenella. Metabolomics analysis identified 32 differentially regulated metabolites between OC and OE groups, with 94 up-regulated and 30 down-regulated in the OE group when compared with OC group. These metabolites were primarily involved in energy metabolism reprogramming (e.g., L-homocitrulline), antioxidant defense (e.g., L-carnosine), neuroprotection (e.g., lithocholic acid), and DNA repair (e.g., ADP-ribose). Network analysis further revealed strong positive correlations between specific bacteria and metabolites, such as Parabacteroides with ADP-ribose and Bifidobacterium with lithocholic acid, suggesting potential neuroprotective pathways mediated by the gut microbiota-metabolite axis. ConclusionThis study provides comprehensive evidence that aerobic exercise elicits cognitive benefits in aging mice by modulating the gut microbiota-metabolite network. These findings highlight three key mechanisms: (1) the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria enhances metabolic reprogramming to boost DNA repair pathways; (2) elevated neuroinflammation-inhibiting factors reduce neurodegenerative changes; and (3) enhanced antioxidant defenses maintain neuronal homeostasis. These results underscore the critical role of the “microbiota-metabolite-brain” axis in mediating the cognitive benefits of aerobic exercise. This study not only advances our understanding of the gut-brain axis in aging but also offers a scientific basis for developing personalized exercise and probiotic-based interventions targeting aging-related cognitive decline. Future research should further validate these mechanisms in non-human primates and human clinical trials to establish the translational potential of exercise-induced gut microbiota-metabolite modulation for combating neurodegenerative diseases.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have shown that paeoniflorin has an ameliorative effect on fibrosis in liver and kidney organs,especially in hepatic fibrosis.However,the protective effect of paeoniflorin on angiotensin Ⅱ-induced fibrosis in cardiac fibroblasts remains unclear.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the protective effects of paeoniflorin on angiotensin Ⅱ-induced extracellular matrix deposition in cardiac fibroblasts and molecular mechanisms.METHODS:Angiotensin Ⅱ(1 μmol/L)was added to primary isolated cultured SD rat mammary rat cardiac fibroblasts for 48 hours as the model group.The paeoniflorin low and high dose groups were pretreated with different doses of paeoniflorin(50 and 100 μmol/L)for 2 hours,and then treated with angiotensinⅡ for 48 hours.The SIRT1 inhibitor group was treated with SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 10 μmol/L for 2 hours,followed by paeoniflorin(100 μmol/L)for 2 hours,and then co-incubation with angiotensin Ⅱ for 48 hours.The cell viability was detected using the cell counting kit-8 method(CCK-8)assay.The cell migration ability was detected by Transwell.The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species was detected by DHA fluorescent probe.The level of oxidative stress markers was detected by relevant kits.Protein expression of fibrosis-related genes was detected by western blot assay.The mRNA expression levels of extracellular matrix and fibrosis-related genes were detected by qRT-PCR.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the proliferation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts were significantly increased after angiotensin Ⅱ intervention;the intracellular content of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde content were elevated;the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were decreased,and the mRNA expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin,type Ⅰ collagen,type Ⅲ collagen,fibronectin,connective tissue growth factor,and matrix metalloproteinase 9 were increased.Compared with the model group,paeoniflorin could dose-dependently inhibit the above effect changes(P＜0.01).(2)Compared with the model group,paeoniflorin up-regulated the protein expression of SIRT1 in dose-dependent manner(P＜0.001).(3)Compared with the high-dose paeoniflorin group,the number of cell migration and the expression level of α-smooth muscle actin,type Ⅰ collagen,and typeⅢ collagen were significantly increased in the SIRT1-inhibitor group(P＜0.01).All the experimental results show that paeoniflorin effectively attenuates the angiotensin Ⅱ-induced changes in cardiac fibroblast fibrosis possibly through up-regulating the expression of SIRT1,dose-dependently inhibits cardiac fibroblast oxidative stress and extracellular matrix deposition,and has a protective effect on cardiac fibroblast fibrosis.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive double anchoring combined with percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for Kümmell disease.Methods:The clinical data of 24 patients with Kümmell disease who were treated with minimally invasive double anchoring combined with PKP in Cangzhou People's Hospital from October 2022 to March 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, there were 2 T 10 vertebrae, 5 T 11 vertebrae, 7 T 12 vertebrae, 6 L 1 vertebrae, and 4 L 2 vertebrae. There were 6 males and 18 females. The average age was 72.05±4.52 years (range, 66-80 years). The bone mineral density T value was -3.41±0.77 (range, -2.5-4.5). The stages of Li's Kümmell disease included 13 cases of stage II and 11 cases of stage III. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and volume of bone cement injected were recorded. The vertebral index, vertebral angle and Cobb angle of diseased segment were measured before and after operation. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the degree of pain, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) low back pain scale were used to assess spinal function. The Medical Outcome Study short form 36 item health survey (SF-36) was used to assess the general health status of the patients. The postoperative symptom recovery was evaluated by Odom criteria. Results:The mean operative time of the 24 patients was 35.32±6.86 min, the injected volume of bone cement was 4.39±1.72 ml, and the intraoperative blood loss was 16.56±5.21 ml. All patients were followed up for 10 to 14 months, with an average of 11.7 months. Postoperative CT examination showed that the screw positions were satisfactory, and no loosening or displacement of bone cement mass occurred. On the first day after surgery, the vertebral body index, vertebral body angle and Cobb angle of diseased segment were 77.71%±2.75%, 12.40°±1.53° and 25.77°±4.49°, respectively, which represented significant improvements from the preoperative values of 43.09%±5.66%, 22.12°±2.92° and 46.98°±5.68° before surgery ( P<0.05). At the last follow-up, the values were 76.18%±2.32%, 12.41°±2.53°, 26.14°±4.87°, respectively, which were significantly improved compared with those before surgery ( P<0.05), but there was no statistical significance compared with the first day after surgery ( P>0.05). The VAS, ODI and JOA scores on the first day after surgery were 2.11±0.87 points, 22.46±5.49 points and 27.68±2.45 points, respectively, which were significantly improved compared with those before surgery 7.50±0.98 points, 76.25±8.56 points and 14.96±4.91 points ( P<0.05). At the last follow-up, the values were 2.26±0.88, 23.87±3.25 and 26.58±2.77, respectively, which were significantly improved compared with those before surgery ( P<0.05), and there was no statistical significance compared with the first day after surgery ( P>0.05). All 24 patients completed SF-36 scale assessment, and the results showed that there were statistically significant differences in physiological function, physiological role, physical pain, general health status, social function scores and mental health between the patients before surgery and the last follow-up ( P<0.05), while there were no statistically significant differences in vitality and emotional function ( P>0.05). At the last follow-up, the Odom criteria showed excellent results in 18 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 2 cases. Conclusions:The application of minimally invasive double anchoring (single nail fixation) combined with PKP in the treatment of Kümmell disease can effectively prevent the loosening and displacement of bone cement masses, and the fixation effect is satisfactory, which can restore the height of the injured vertebrum, reduce kyphosis and improve spinal function. The clinical symptoms of the patients were significantly improved, and the quality of life was enhanced.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided median interspinous in-plane approach to subarachnoid puncture in obese pregnant patients.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled trial. Eighty obese parturients who underwent elective cesarean section from March 2022 to January 2024 in our hospital were divided into 2 groups( n=40 each) by the random number table method: median interspinous in-plane approach group(group M) and paramedian interlaminar in-plane approach group(group P). After successful puncture, 0.5% ropivacaine 15 mg(3 ml) was intrathecally injected in both groups. The first-attempt success of puncture, the number of puncture attempts, operation time, the total success of puncture, and the visibility scores of the anterior and posterior union, positioning structure(lamina in group P, spinous process in group M) and puncture needle under ultrasound were recorded. Results:Compared with group P, the visibility score of positioning structure under ultrasound was significantly increased, the success rate of puncture at the first attempt was increased, the number of puncture attempts was decreased, the operation time was shortened, the total success rate of puncture was increased( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the visibility scores of the anterior and posterior union and puncture needle in group M( P>0.05). Conclusions:For obese pregnant patients, the ultrasound-guided median interspinous in-plane approach can accurately and quickly perform subarachnoid puncture, which has more advantages than the traditional paramedian interlaminar in-plane approach.

Objective:To investigate the effect of nuclide distribution with time from the in vivo metabolism based on measurement of radioactive contamination using lung counting method. Methods:The distribution of nuclides in the body with time was calculated on a basis of a single inhalation of aerosols containing 235U and the International Commission of Radiological Protection(ICRP) nuclide metabolism compartment model. A passive efficiency calibration of the lung counter, was performed using the simulation and calculation software Geant4 to obtain the contribution of the tissue or organs of interest to the lung counter, and to investigate the effect of the nuclide distribution on the lung counting method. Results:The time elapsed after inhalation of radionuclides, as well as their physicochemical state, has the effect on their distribution in the body and on the detection efficiency of the lung counter. Radionuclides with smaller particulate sizes have a higher initial retention in the lungs, and those with an activity median aerodynamic diameter (ADAM) of 1 μm contributed more fraction to the lung counter than those with an ADAM of 5 μm. F-type compounds were metabolized more rapidly by the respiratory system, and after 8 h of ingestion, nuclides were distributed in the lungs. F-type compounds were metabolized in the respiratory system at a relatively fast rate, and 8 h after inhalation, the fraction of nuclides retained in the lung contributed no more than 30% to the lung counter. Within 3 d after ingestion of M-type and S-type compounds, radioactive particulats largely deposites in the nasopharyngeal region. With biological metabolization and clearance, the fraction contributed by lung to counter is in rising, and the fraction to the lung counter typically remained larger than 80% after 3 d.Conclusions:Radionuclide metabolization in the body varies with their physicochemical properties and measurement time and site. For estimating internal contamination, consideration should be given to the distribution of nuclides, in order to avoid the overestimation.

Aim To study the protective effect of the silibinin derivative Sil-1 on acute myocardial ischemia in SD rats and its mechanism of action.Methods Af-ter 18 hours of oxygen-glucose deprivation and treat-ment of H9c2 cells,the protective effect of Sil-1 on rat cardiomyocytes was examined.SD rats were treated 30 minutes before surgery,followed by 24 h ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.The cardiopro-tective effects of Sil-1 and its mechanisms for improving myocardial ischemic injury were investigated using pro-teomics technology.Results In vitro,compared with the control group,the activity of H9c2 cells in the mod-el group showed reduced cell viability,increased dead cells,elevated ROS and higher levels of LDH and in-flammatory cytokines TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in the culture medium.Sil-1 could improve the above condi-tions to different degrees.In vivo,compared with the control group,rats in the model group showed signifi-cantly higher T waves on electrocardiogram,significant ischemic areas in the heart section,disorganized ar-rangement of cardiomyocytes,increased inflammatory factor infiltration and elevated CK,CK-MB,LDH and inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β.Besides,NF-κB phosphorylation levels in myocardial tissue in-creased.Sil-1 improved the above conditions to varying degrees.The results of proteomics showed that 90 pro-teins were found between the control vs model group and the Sil-1 vs model group,and KEGG enrichment a-nalysis showed that MAPK,chemokines,VEGF and other signaling pathways were abundant.Western blot results showed that Sil-1 blocked the phosphorylation of ERK,JNK and p38 MAPK.Conclusions Sil-1 inhib-its the MAPK pathway by blocking the phosphorylation of JNK,ERK,and p38 MAPK,and achieves a protec-tive effect on rats with acute myocardial infarction.