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.

Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mass and strength, leading to increased fragility. Buqi-Tongluo (BQTL) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has yet to be fully evaluated for its potential in treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To investigate the mechanism by which BQTL decoction inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and validate these findings through in vivo experiments. We employed MTS assays to assess the potential proliferative or toxic effects of BQTL on bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) at various concentrations. TRAcP experiments were conducted to examine BQTL's impact on osteoclast differentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were utilized to evaluate the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins under BQTL stimulation. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using an osteoporosis model to further validate the in vitro findings. This study revealed that BQTL suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorption activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner without observable cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of BQTL on osteoclast formation and function were attributed to the downregulation of NFATc1 and c-fos activity, primarily through attenuation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and Calcineurin signaling pathways. BQTL's inhibitory capacity was further examined in vivo using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, demonstrating a strong protective effect against bone loss. BQTL may serve as an effective therapeutic TCM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the alleviation of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency and related conditions.
Animals ; NFATC Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Ovariectomy ; Osteoclasts/metabolism* ; Female ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Osteoporosis/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Bone Resorption/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Humans ; RANK Ligand/metabolism* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Transcription Factors

Sesquiterpenes are natural terpenes containing 15 carbon atoms. They are widely used in the perfume, pharmaceutical, and biofuel industries due to their remarkable biological activities. The traditional production of sesquiterpenes relies on chemical synthesis or plant extraction, which has the disadvantages of low yields and waste of resources. The construction of microbial cell factories for the efficient synthesis of sesquiterpenes by means of synthetic biology provides a new option. In recent years, with the development of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, the heterologous synthesis of a variety of sesquiterpenes has been successfully achieved by metabolic engineering of the oleaginous yeast, Yarrowia lipolytica. In this paper, we review the research progress in the heterologous synthesis of different sesquiterpenes by Y. lipolytica, discuss the synthetic biology strategies commonly used in this field, and make an outlook on the research directions and engineering approaches to further enhance the sesquiterpene yield in this host. This paper provides a reference for strategies such as synergistic optimization of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, enhanced precursors, and opens up new directions for the application of synthetic biology in green chemistry and sustainable production.
Yarrowia/genetics* ; Sesquiterpenes/metabolism* ; Metabolic Engineering/methods* ; Synthetic Biology/methods*

Objective: To explore the surgical methods for children with contracture deformity on hands after burn. Methods: From January 2014 to January 2018, 33 pediatric patients, a total of 42 hands with scar contracture deformities were reviewed. There were 24 males and 9 females, aged from 11 months to 6 years and 7 months. Among them, 20 hands were volar metacarpophalangeal joint contractures, 9 were volar interphalangeal joint contractures, 7 were dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint contractures (3 claw-shaped hands), 3 were hand back contractures, and 3 were palm contractures. Of the 42 hands, 36 hands were repaired with full-thickness skin grafts or split-thickness skin grafts, after the removal of contracted scar, and 6 hands were repaired with abdominal skin flaps, due to the tendon or bone exposure after the scar removal. Results: Skin grafts on 31 hands were all survived after 2 weeks. However, the survival area of 3 skin grafts was about 90%, and 2 skin grafts survived about 80%. All of them healed well after dressing changing. The 6 hands repaired with abdominal skin flap healed well too. After 1-2.5 years of follow-up, finger scar contracture occurred in 4 hands with skin grafting, and they were performed scar excision and sheet skin grafting. Three hands were treated with Z-plasty, due to web space contracture. The function of other hands were normal, without contracture or deformity. The skin color and texture were similar to the surrounding skin, with limited pigmented. Scars on the edge of skin grafts was not obvious. Patients and their families were satisfied. Conclusions The sheet skin graft is the main method for postburn scar contracture in children′s hands. The abdominal skin flap should be considered, if tendon or bone is exposed, especially for large wound or multiple sites.

Clinically, routine urinalysis includes more than 10 items, such as urine protein, urinary pH, urinary bilirubin and so on. The above items are usually analyzed by dry chemical methods. The principle is that after the urine infiltrates the reagent strips, the color changes can be observed in each strip. The color depth is related to the component concentration, and the darker the color, the greater the measured component concentration, and vice versa. In this paper, four color discrimination methods in urinary dry chemical analysis were introduced, i.e. the method based on integrating sphere photoelectric conversion, the method based on charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor, the method based on color sensor, and the method based on the combination of color sensor and fiber bundle. Besides, the four methods were compared and analyzed. Finally, the recent research progress in urinalysis was reviewed.

OBJECTIVE:To explore the role of clinical pharmacists participating in the individualized treatment for purulent meningitis. METHODS:Clinical pharmacists participated in the therapy for a patient with purulent meningitis complicated with Staphylococcus aureus infection. According to patient's condition,clinical pharmacists assisted physicians to formulate preliminary therapeutic plan. Reviewing relevant guidelines,domestic and foreign literatures,clinical pharmacists suggested to combine with dexamethasone so as to relieve inflammatory reaction. According to the results of drug sensitivity test,based on vancomycin plasma concentration monitoring and population pharmacokinetics model fitting,clinical pharmacists suggested to reduce the dose of vanco-mycin to 0.5 g,ivgtt,q12 h. The pharmaceutical care were conducted throughout the therapy,including efficacy evaluation of an-ti-infective therapy,ADR monitoring,renal function monitoring,etc. RESULTS:Physicians adopted some suggestions of clinical pharmacists. The disease condition of the patient was recovred,and no ADR related to vancomycin was found. On the 16th day, the patient was discharged from the hospital. CONCLUSIONS:Clinical pharmacists participate in treatment of purulent meningitis, assist physicians to optimize therapy plan based on relevant guideline,literature,etiological examination,blood concentration moni-toring and pharmacokinetics model fitting results. It not only guarantee therapeutic efficacy of anti-infective therapy,but also pre-vent and reduce the occurrence of ADR.

Flavanoids are important phytochemistry compositions in foods and traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) and are mainly oxidized by CYP1A family in vivo. Some methoxyflavones could also be metabolized through demethylation. Usually, flavanoids own one or more phenolic hydroxyl group in their molecular structures, which facilitate conjugation with glucuronic acid and sulphuric acid, forming metabolites with good water-solubility to excrete. Natural flavanoids mainly exist in glycoside, and after oral ,they would be easily metabolized to aglycone by hydratase in gut microflora and then absorbed into blood. Besides, many flavanoids have strong inhibitory actions on Cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are significant mechanisms in cancer precaution and tumor inhibition. In this paper, we reviewed lots of articles and summarized metabolism characteristics of flavanoids and metabolism interaction with Cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Animals ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System ; metabolism ; Drug Therapy ; Flavonoids ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Humans

Objective To explore the changing trend of Ia on monocyte, lymphocyte apoptosis rate, TNF-α and IL-6 in abdominal aorta of burned rats with delayed resuscitation and the influence of application of carbachol on them. Methods Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group(n =8), scald group(n =48) and scald with carbachol treatment group(n =48). In latter two groups, rats were inflicted with 30% total body surface area (TBSA) full-thickness scald and delayed fluid resuscitation. All scald rats were sacrificed at the 6th hours or 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 14th day after scald, with 8 rats at each time point. Expression of Ia antigen on monocyte and lymphocyte apoptosis rate were determined by direct immunofluorescence on a flow cytometer, and TNF-α and IL-6 was measured by ELISA. Results Expression of la on monocyte was obviously lower than that of controls. The lowest levels were recorded on the 6th hours and 1st day after scald. Subsequently, Ia was elevated gradually, but still lower than that of normal rats(P <0. 01). After administration of carbachol, Ia expression was obviously promoted, compared with the simple scald group (P <0. 01). Lymphocyte apoptosis rate, TNF-α and IL-6 was higher than that of controls(P <0. 01). After administration of cavachol, , lymphocyte apoptosis rate and TNF-α and IL-6 was obviously down-regulated on the 6th hours, 1st day, 2nd day and 3rd day after scald injury, compared with the simple scald group (P < 0. 01 or 0. 05). Conclusion After severe burn with delayed fluid resuscitation, there is a low la expression, high lymphocyte apoptosis rate and increased releasing of proinflammatory cytokine. Immune function was suppressed. Carbacho] could improve the immune function of scald rats with delayed fluid resuscitation.

This paper is to introduce our experiences in treating 2 batches of 13 burn victims transferred from remote areas on postburn days 3 and 4. Methods Thirteen burn victims of 2 mass casualties were transferred to our burns institute from remote areas on postburn days 3 and 4 on June 27, 2001 and June 2, 2002, respectively. There were 4 males and 9 females, age ranged from 20 to 43 years, with a mean age of 31.1±6.2 years. The mean total burn area was 74.3%±24.7% TBSA (range, 25% to 97%). Among them, 10 patients suffered from serious burn with mean total burn area involving 86.0%±11.5% TBSA (range, 60% to 97%), and mean full-thickness burn of 63.9%±26.3% TBSA. Four patients also manifested signs of severe inhalation injury, and 6 patients with moderate inhalation injury. In three patients with mean total burn area covering 35.5%±10.0% TBSA (range, 25% to 45%), with mean full-thickness burn of 15.3%±5.0%, were al having moderate inhalation injuries. Among these 13 patients, 3 were having high body temperature (39℃), while 3 manifested hypothermia. The heart rate was 140-160/min, and respiratory rate 26 to 32/min in 6 patients. Abdominal distension or loss of bowel sound were found in 4 patients. Low white cell and platelet count were found in some patients. In 13 cases, liver function, renal function, myocardiac enzyme, and coagulation function were abnormal. Results Among 13 burn victims, one patient died of myocarditis on postburn day 29, and another one died of hepatic failure (history of chronic hepatitis B) on postburn day 45 with only 2% TBSA of burn wound remained open. Conclusion Burns victims occurred in mass casualties who were transferred from remote areas to our Burns Institute were all in critical condition, usually with multiple complications, demanding most meticulous care. Our strategies in this regard consisted of dispatch of experienced surgeons and nurses to the referring hospitals and the airport to receive the patients to offer appropriate care to them during the journey,organization of the medical staff so that each of them was ordained specific function, thus conditions of the patients were evaluated immediately and appropriate treatment started expeditiously for those lethal complications on arrival. Timely and exact comprehensive treatments were prerequisite to save the patients’ life. Adequate metabolic support should be emphasized, and coagulant of anticoagulant treatment should be carried out when indicated.