Background The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is a vast area with a wide array of ecological environments, resulting in considerable regional variations in air pollution characteristics. Current research is limited by a scarcity of systematic, region-wide studies and risk assessments. Objective To assess the health risks associated with inhalation exposure to nine heavy metal and metalloid elements in atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) for the population of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Methods From the 10th to the 16th of each month throughout 2023, atmospheric PM_2.5 samples were collected at designated monitoring sites in 12 leagues (cities) across the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to analyze the characteristics and trends in concentration. The health risk assessment model developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency was employed to evaluate both the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with the heavy metal elements beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), hydrargyrum (Hg), plumbum (Pb), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) and the metalloid elements stibium (Sb) and arsenic (As). Results In 2023, a total of 1206 valid PM_2.5 samples were analyzed from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The annual average PM_2.5 concentrations in Inner Mongolia, as well as in the cities of Ordos, Wuhai, and the Alxa League, all exceeded the national limit of 35 μg·m⁻³. The PM_2.5 concentrations across the leagues (cities) exhibited a clear seasonal variation, peaking in winter, followed by spring, and reaching a minimum in summer and autumn. The median PM_2.5 concentration in Ordos throughout the year was higher than that in the other leagues (cities) of the region. Concerning health risks, the non-carcinogenic risks associated with the 9 elements detected in each league (city) were all below 1, indicating acceptable levels. However, the non-carcinogenic risk values for Mn, Cr, and As were relatively high; specifically, Ordos City displayed the highest non-carcinogenic risk values for Mn (7.74×10⁻¹) and Cr (2.97×10⁻²), while Chifeng City recorded the highest value for As (2.34×10⁻³). The carcinogenic risk values for As, Cd, Cr, and Ni fell within the range of 1×10⁻⁹ to 1×10⁻⁵, representing an acceptable level. The health risks varied with age, and the elderly residents faced the highest non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. Conclusion While the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks from heavy metals and metalloids within atmospheric PM_2.5 in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region are generally within acceptable limits, the potential risks that Mn, As, and Cr pose to the health of elderly people warrants particular attention, and Ordos and Chifeng cities exhibit notably higher health risks among other areas. It is recommended that regular, long-term monitoring be conducted, taking into account the specific conditions at monitoring sites across each league (city), and that targeted air quality management strategies be implemented to protect public health.

Objective To observe the effect of canagliflozin combined with enalapril on diabetic nephropathy(DN).Methods DN patients were randomly divided into control group and treatment group.All patients in 2 groups received basic treatment of recombinant human insulin injection,and the control group was orally administered enalapril tablet 10 mg(qd).The treatment group was given orally canagliflozin tablet 100 mg(qd)on the basis of the control group.Both groups were treated for 8 weeks.Renal function,blood glucose index,serum vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β),homocysteine(HCY)levels,clinical efficacy and incidence of adverse drug reactions were compared between 2 groups.Results There were 71 cases were included in the control group and 73 cases in the treatment group.After treatment,β2 microglobulin(β2-MG)in treatment group and control group were(0.21±0.03)and(0.28±0.04)mg·L-1;blood urea nitrogen(BUN)were(4.23±0.42)and(5.58±0.65)mmol·L-1;serum creatinine(SCr)were(89.32±8.29)and(101.25±10.18)pmol·L-1;24 h microalbumin(mAlb)were(49.38±5.06)and(58.21±6.43)mg;glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)were(6.10±0.11)％and(6.45±0.16)％;2 h postprandial blood glucose levels were(6.05±0.78)and(7.68±1.82)mmol·L-1;fasting blood glucose(FBG)were(5.02±0.32)and(5.67±0.65)mmol·L-1;VEGF levels were(350.18±20.04)and(389.04±24.16)pg·mL-1;TGF-β were(148.32±16.57)and(168.24±20.02)pg·mL-1;HCY were(13.12±2.38)and(19.35±3.21)pmol·L-1,the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).After treatment,the total effective rate of treatment group and control group were 83.56％(61 cases/73 cases)and 67.61％(48 cases/71 cases),the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).The total incidence of adverse drug reactions in treatment group and control group were 6.85％and 4.23％,with no significant difference(P＞0.05).Conclusion Canagliflozin combined with enalapril is effective in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy,which can improve renal function,regulate blood glucose metabolism,and down-regulate serum VEGF,TGF-β and HCY levels,and is safe and reliable.

BACKGROUND:Exercise training can improve osteoporosis,but its effects and mechanisms on senile osteoporosis are not fully understood. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of treadmill exercise on osteoporosis and wnt/β-catenin signal pathway in aged rats. METHODS:Sixteen 24-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into osteoporosis group(n=8)and treadmill group(n=8)and eight 6-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were used as young control group.The model of senile osteoporosis was replicated by natural aging and the rats in the treadmill group were treated with treadmill exercise once a day,5 days a week,for 8 weeks.Levels of bone metabolic markers such as type I collagen cross-linked C-terminal peptide,tartrate resistant acid phosphatase,osteocalcin and bone specific alkaline phosphatase were detected by ELISA;bone mineral density of the left femur and L5 was measured by dual energy X-ray;bone scanning and bone microstructure quantitative analysis were performed by bone micro-CT;and the mRNA and protein expression levels of wnt3a,β-catenin,LRP5,DKK1 and GSK3β were detected by RT-PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the young control group,the osteoporosis group showed a reduction in serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels(P<0.05),bone mineral density of the femur and L5,the number of tibia and L4 bone trabeculae,bone volume,bone volume fraction(P<0.05),and mRNA and protein expression of wnt3a,β-catenin,and LRP5 in bone marrow tissue(P<0.05)as well as an increase in serum levels of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase and type I collagen cross-linked C-terminal peptide(P<0.05),the intertrabecular space between the tibia and L4,structural model index(P<0.05),and mRNA and protein expression of DKK1 and GSK3 β in bone marrow tissue(P<0.05).In addition to the reduced number of trabeculae in the tibia and L4 vertebrae,the trabeculae were structurally disturbed and sparsely aligned and fractured.Compared with the osteoporosis group,the treadmill group showed an increase in serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels(P<0.05),bone mineral density of the femur and L5(P<0.05),the number of tibial trabeculae,bone volume,bone volume fraction(P<0.05),mRNA and protein expression of wnt3a,β-catenin,and LRP5 in bone marrow tissue(P<0.05)but a reduction in the serum levels of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase and type I collagen cross-linked C-terminal peptide,L4 trabecular space,tibial trabecular space,structural model index,and mRNA and protein expression of DKK1 and GSK3 β in bone marrow tissue(P<0.05).In addition to the increased number of tibial and L4 trabeculae,the trabeculae were arranged in a regular and dense pattern and were connected to a network.To conclude,treadmill exercise may improve osteoporosis in aged rats by activating the wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.

Objective:To explore if miR-133a is involved in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)via regulating G6PD.Methods:Bioinformatics analysis predicted the binding sites of miR-133a and G6PD;RT-PCR or western blot was used to assess the expres-sion of miR-133a and G6PD in HCC tissues and the adjacent normal tissues;CCK-8 and flow cy-tometry assays were performed to evaluate the effects of miR-133a/G6PD on cell proliferation,apop-tosis;Fluorescent reporter gene and western blot assays were used to assess the effect of miR-133a on G6PD expression.Results:miR-133a expression was decreased in HCC tissues while G6PD was increased(P0.01);Up-regulation of miR-133a significantly reduced G6PD expression(P＜0.01);up-reg-ulation of miR-133a inhibited cell growth and promoted cell apoptosis(P＜0.05),whereas these effects induced by miR-133a over-expression were all abolished when G6PD was up-regulated(P＜0.01).Conclusion:miR-133a represses the occurrence and development of HCC via targeting G6PD.

Objective:Employing the cascade care model, this qualitative study explores determinants influencing the cascading care stages of hypertension and diabetes by interviewing various stakeholders.Methods:In July 2023, purposive sampling was employed to recruit participants from Gongyi and Wugang cities in Henan Province, and Linqu County in Weifang City, Shandong Province. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with representatives of policymakers, healthcare institution managers, providers, and patients with hypertension and diabetes.And thematic analysis was performed using both inductive and deductive approaches.Results:A total of 82 individuals were interviewed, with an age range of (53.8±12.0) years, among which 48 (58.5%) were male; including 5 policymakers, 10 institutional managers, 20 healthcare providers, and 47 patients with hypertension and diabetes. The study identified both barriers and facilitating factors at the patient, healthcare provider, and system levels across various stages: awareness, screening, diagnosis, treatment, long-term management, and control of hypertension and diabetes.Conclusion:By delineating and analyzing the barriers and facilitators at each stage of hypertension and diabetes care, this study lays the groundwork for the development of effective, feasible, and sustainable implementation pathways, with significant implications for the enhanced management of hypertension and diabetes in China.

Objective:To employ qualitative research methods to evaluate the sustainability of the Shandong-Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension (SMASH) interventions and their influencing factors.Method:In September 2023, interviewees meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited through purposive sampling in Jinan, Shandong Province. A semi-structured interview guide was designed based on the CFIR and RE-AIM frameworks. Personal in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to gather insights on the feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of the project interventions from various stakeholders, including representatives from the government, food manufacturers, restaurants, academia, and residents.Results:A total of 15 individuals participated in in-depth interviews, involving six representatives from food manufacturers, four from restaurants, three from the government, and two from academia. There were four focus group discussions with 30 residents. The study found that at the individual resident level, health awareness and the availability of sodium reduction tools in the market could affect their salt reduction practices. For food manufacturers and restaurants, consumers′ preferences, technical challenges in reformulation, and government support were key factors determining the smooth progress of their salt reduction efforts. At the governmental level, multi-sectional coordination, chronic disease management demonstration areas, and the impact of the pandemic were the main factors influencing the implementation of sodium reduction interventions.Conclusion:Future endeavours should strengthen long-term management and optimise the complex influencing factors associated with intervention measures. This will be essential in sustaining and expanding the positive health outcomes achieved through the Shandong population sodium reduction strategy.

Objective:Employing the cascade care model, this qualitative study explores determinants influencing the cascading care stages of hypertension and diabetes by interviewing various stakeholders.Methods:In July 2023, purposive sampling was employed to recruit participants from Gongyi and Wugang cities in Henan Province, and Linqu County in Weifang City, Shandong Province. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with representatives of policymakers, healthcare institution managers, providers, and patients with hypertension and diabetes.And thematic analysis was performed using both inductive and deductive approaches.Results:A total of 82 individuals were interviewed, with an age range of (53.8±12.0) years, among which 48 (58.5%) were male; including 5 policymakers, 10 institutional managers, 20 healthcare providers, and 47 patients with hypertension and diabetes. The study identified both barriers and facilitating factors at the patient, healthcare provider, and system levels across various stages: awareness, screening, diagnosis, treatment, long-term management, and control of hypertension and diabetes.Conclusion:By delineating and analyzing the barriers and facilitators at each stage of hypertension and diabetes care, this study lays the groundwork for the development of effective, feasible, and sustainable implementation pathways, with significant implications for the enhanced management of hypertension and diabetes in China.

Objective:To employ qualitative research methods to evaluate the sustainability of the Shandong-Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension (SMASH) interventions and their influencing factors.Method:In September 2023, interviewees meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited through purposive sampling in Jinan, Shandong Province. A semi-structured interview guide was designed based on the CFIR and RE-AIM frameworks. Personal in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to gather insights on the feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of the project interventions from various stakeholders, including representatives from the government, food manufacturers, restaurants, academia, and residents.Results:A total of 15 individuals participated in in-depth interviews, involving six representatives from food manufacturers, four from restaurants, three from the government, and two from academia. There were four focus group discussions with 30 residents. The study found that at the individual resident level, health awareness and the availability of sodium reduction tools in the market could affect their salt reduction practices. For food manufacturers and restaurants, consumers′ preferences, technical challenges in reformulation, and government support were key factors determining the smooth progress of their salt reduction efforts. At the governmental level, multi-sectional coordination, chronic disease management demonstration areas, and the impact of the pandemic were the main factors influencing the implementation of sodium reduction interventions.Conclusion:Future endeavours should strengthen long-term management and optimise the complex influencing factors associated with intervention measures. This will be essential in sustaining and expanding the positive health outcomes achieved through the Shandong population sodium reduction strategy.

Objective To compare the application value of three image post-processing techniques volume rendering(VR),multiplanar reformation(MPR)and curved planar reformation(CPR)in the identifi-cation of rib fracture malunion.Methods The types and numbers of rib fracture malunion in 75 pa-tients were recorded,and the sensitivity,specificity,accuracy and Youden index of VR,MPR and CPR in the diagnosis of rib fracture malunion were compared.Receiver operator characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn and area under the curve(AUC)was calculated,and the detection rates of three image post-processing techniques for different types of rib fracture malunion were compared.Results A total of 243 rib fractures were malunion in 75 patients.The diagnostic sensitivity of VR,MPR and CPR for rib fracture malunion was 52.67%,79.84%and 91.36%,the specificity was 99.58%,97.89%and 99.15%,the accuracy was 83.66%,91.76%and 96.51%,the Youden index was 0.52,0.78 and 0.91,the AUC was 0.761,0.889 and 0.953,respectively.Compared with VR,there were statistically signifi-cant differences in the number of broken rib end misalignment over 1/3,broken rib end overlap,bro-ken rib end angulation and intercostal bridge detected in MPR(P<0.05).Compared with VR,there was a statistically significant difference in the number of different types of rib fracture malunion de-tected by CPR(P<0.05).Compared with MPR,there were statistically significant differences in the number of broken rib end misalignment over 1/3,broken rib end separation and intercostal bridge de-tected in CPR(P<0.05).Conclusion The three image post-processing techniques are of great signifi-cance for the identification of rib fracture malunion.Especially CPR is highly effective in the diagno-sis of rib fracture malunion,and can be used as the main post-processing technique for forensic clini-cal identification of rib fracture malunion.

The biological clock(also known as the circadian rhythm)is the fundamental reliance for all organisms on Earth to adapt and survive in the Earth's rotation environment.Circadian rhythm is the most basic regulatory mechanism of life activities,and plays a key role in maintaining normal physiological and biochemical homeostasis,disease occurrence and treatment.Recent studies have shown that the biologi-cal clock plays an important role in the development of oral tissues and in the occurrence and treatment of oral diseases.Since there is cur-rently no guiding literature on the research methods of biological clock in stomatology,researchers mainly conduct research based on pub-lished references,which has led to controversy about the research methods of biological clock in stomatology,and there are many confusions about how to rationally apply the research methods of circadia rhythms.In view of this,this expert consensus summarizes the characteristics of the biological clock and analyzes the shortcomings of the current biological clock research in stomatology,and organizes relevant experts to summarize and recommend 10 principles as a reference for the rational implementation of the biological clock in stomatology research.