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 investigate the effect of hUCMSC-exos on the expression levels of HDAC in different isotypes of RA FLSs, and to elucidate the possible mechanism of hUCMSC-exos on the apoptosis of RA FLSs by regulating HDAC.Methods:hUCMSC and hUCMSC-Exos were isolated and identified. RT-qPCR was used to detect the changes in HDAC mRNA expression levels in FLSs after hUCMSC-Exos intervention, and the most affected HDAC types were identified. Western blot was used to detect the levels of FLS HDAC1 protein and the expression levels of NF-κB p65 and phospho-NF-κB p65 (Ser 536) in the blank control group, hUCMSC group, hUCMSC-Exos group, Trichostatin A (TSA) group and HDAC1 Inhibitor (Pyroxamide) group. To investigate the effects of hUCMSC-Exos on HDAC expression and NF-κB activity in FLSs. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of hUCMSC-Exos on the apoptosis of FLSs. ELISA was used to detect the effects of hUCMSC-Exos on the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-8 by FLSs. Flow cytometry and ELISA were used to detect the apoptosis level and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion level of RA FLSs in the blank control group, NF-κB Inhibitor (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) group, hUCMSC-Exos group and PDTC+hUCMSC-Exos co-intervention group. Whether inhibition of NF-κB affects the regulatory effect of hUCMSC-Exos on RA FLSs was further explored. All experimental data conforming to the normal distribution were compared by one-way ANOVA. LSD- t test was used for pin-group comparison, and independent sample t test was used for two-sample comparison. Results:Cultured primary hUCMSC were adherently grown spindle-shaped cells, and hUCMSC-Exos were saucer-shaped membranous vesicles, both of which met the identification criteria. hUCMSC-Exos reduced the expression level of HDCA1 mRNA [(0.932±0.091), t=2.19, P<0.001] and protein [(0.204±0.012), t=8.28, P<0.001] in RA FLSs, and the inhibitory effect was stronger than that of hUCMSC ( t=1.09, P=0.009) and HDAC1 ( t=11.29, P=0.013) Inhibitor. hUCMSC-Exos increased the apoptosis rate of RA FLSs [(48.68±0.84)%, t=12.33, P<0.001]. hUCMSC-Exos reduced the secretion levels of TNF-α [(29.6±1.0)pg/ml, t=10.78, P<0.001], IL-6 [(20.1±0.7)pg/ml, t=7.96, P<0.001], IL-1β [(9.28±0.23)pg/ml, t=6.14, P<0.001] and IL-8 [(108.0±3.8)pg/ml, t=1.21, P<0.001] in the supernatant of RA FLSs. hUCMSC-Exos reduced the expression level of p-NF-κB-p65/NF-κB-p65 in RA FLSs(0.351±0.024, t=17.67, P<0.001), and its inhibitory effect was stronger than that of hUCMSC (0.515±0.064, t=8.07, P=0.009) and HDAC1 inhibitor(0.411±0.033, t=2.44, P=0.04). After use of NF-κB inhibitors, hUCMSC-Exos weakened the promotion of apoptosis of RA FLSs [(29.0±0.5)%, t=10.63, P<0.001] and weakened the inhibitory effect of IL-8 secretion in the supernatant of RA FLSs [(125.5±3.2)pg/ml, t=2.63, P=0.002]. Conclusion:hUCMSC-Exos can mimic maternal cells to effectively inhibit the aberrant expression of HDAC1 in RA FLSs. hUCMSC-Exos may affect the apoptosis of RA FLSs and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the HDAC1/NF-κB pathway.

Objective:To analyze the material basis, target and pathway of Chebulae fructus and Margarita in Mongolian medicine Garidi-13 Pill on stroke with the method of network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, so as to better understand its "detoxification" mechanism. Methods:TCMIP and BATMAN-TCM were used to predict the target of Chebulae fructus and Margarita composition, and GeneCards were used to search for the target of stroke. The overlapping targets of the two platforms were imported into the Metascape software for GO biological analysis and KEGG pathway analysis. The molecular docking of key molecules and targets was carried out with LEDOCK. Results:A total of 22 active components were collected and 217 targets related to stroke were predicted. Among them, 1-O-galloyl-glucose, cuprum, ellagicacid, arjungenin and corilagin were the key substances playing the role of "detoxification" of the Chebulae fructus and Margarita; IL6, TNF, HSP90AA1, PTGS2, CASP3, NR1I2, VKORC1 and ATP1A1 were the key targets playing the role of "detoxification" . These targets were significantly enriched in cell response, humoral level regulation, hemostasis, response to steroid hormones, steroid metabolism, coagulation and other biological processes, as well as nitrogen metabolism, IL-17 signaling pathway and other pathways. Molecular docking verified the accuracy of previous prediction results from computer simulation level. Conclusion:The process of Chebulae fructus and Margarita intervening strok is closely related to the elimination of harmful metabolites and calmingthe inflammatory reaction, which was not only consistent with the modern medicine on the pathological process of stroke, but also consistent with the interpretation of "evil and poison" with Mongolian medicine theory.

Objective:Dysmenorrhea is the common gynecological problem among adolescent girls and women of reproductive age. This study aim to develop a dysmenorrhea Quality of Life (QoL) scale based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory.Methods:We conducted focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with TCM gynecologists and patients, and adapted items from previously published scales. We generated an initial pool of 41 items with 8 domains. Delphi method was used to item preliminary selection. Then, we administered the items to a sample of adolescent girls ( n=200), and the distribution of survey items, discrete trend, factor analysis, correlation coefficient, Cronbach’s α coefficient were used to select items. Results:After two rounds of Delphi, a total of thirty items were included in the dysmenorrhea QoL scale. The expert positive coefficient were 100% and 83.3% with high motivation. The authoritative coefficient were greater than 0.7, the results showing authoritative and reliable. The Kendall’s coefficient of concordance W was 0.333 ( χ2=128.271, P<0.001). In sample analysis, the items were deleted when they met more than two standards. The final scale retained 20 items, covering 8 dimensions. Conclusions:The methods for selection of dysmenorrhea QoL scale based on TCM theory were preferable. Given the paucity of research in this area, this new dysmenorrhea QoL scale may provide opportunities for the patient-reported outcome (PRO) evaluation in the field of TCM.

Objective:To investigate the effect of hydroxyurea (HU) combined with temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy (RT) on the sensitivity of human glioma U251 cells to chemoradiotherapy (CRT).Methods:Human glioma U251 cell line was cultured in vitro. CCK8 cell assay was used to detect the proliferation activity of U251 cells treated with different concentrations of HU/TMZ under different conditions. Flow cytometry was utilized to detect apoptosis rate and cell cycle distribution of U251 cells. Transwell chamber assay and scratch test were performed to evaluate the changes of cell invasion and migration. The expression levels of apoptosis proteins were determined by Western blot. Colony formation assay was adopted to detect the cell survival fraction . Results:HU concentration at 50μmol/L and below did not affect the proliferation of human glioma U251 cells ( P>0.05). Low-dose HU combined with CRT significantly inhibited cell proliferation ( P<0.05), invasion ( P<0.01) and migration (12h P<0.001, 24h P<0.01), and promoted cell apoptosis ( P<0.01) compared with the use of CRT alone. Application of 50μmol/L HU combined with RT increased the radiosensitivity of cells (SER=1.49), significantly prolonged the cell cycle of S phase and G 2 phase (both P<0.05), considerably up-regulated the expression levels of the apoptosis-associated proteins of Caspase-3 and Bax and significantly down-regulated the expression level of anti-apoptosis protein of Bcl-2(all P<0.001). Conclusions:Compared with CRT, HU combined with CRT can further inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of human glioma U251 cells, promote cell apoptosis, increase the radiosensitivity and prolong the cell cycle of S and G 2 phases, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of human glioma U251 cells to CRT.

BACKGROUND: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is an important therapeutic target for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In recent years, with the emergence of several ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), the overall survival (OS) of ALK fusion positive patients is gradually extended. This paper reports the treatment of a late stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient with ALK fusion positive for more than 5 years, and analyzes the treatment process and effect evaluation, so as to provide experience for the follow-up treatment of patients. METHODS: The diagnosis and treatment process of a patient with advanced ALK fusion mutation positive lung cancer admitted to the third ward of Department of oncology, Chifeng hospital, Inner Mongolia on July 3, 2015 was retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: A 42 years old male patient was admitted to our department on July 3, 2015 for "intermittent cough, chest tightness for 2 months, diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma for 1 day". Imaging examination showed a space occupying lesion in the left lower lobe of the lung, accompanied by mediastinal lymphadenopathy and left encapsulated pleural effusion. Bronchoscopic pathology showed non-small cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma was tentatively suggested. DIAGNOSIS: left lower lobe adenocarcinoma T1bN2M1a stage IV. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) indicated the translocation of ALK (2p23) chromosome. After 2 cycles of docetaxel+cisplatin (DP) regimens chemotherapy, disease progression occurred, so we used 6 cycles of pemetrexed+carboplatin to apply combination chemotherapy, 4 cycles of pemetrexed monotherapy were used after that. The efficacy evaluation: PR. On April 9, 2016, the patient was treated with crizotinib. In August 2019, multiple intracranial metastases were found and whole brain radiotherapy was given. Since September 4, 2019, oral administration of nsatinib has been carried out. As of March 1, 2021, the patients were followed up well. CONCLUSIONS The advanced ALK fusion positive lung adenocarcinoma patients, though the first-line and the second-line chemotherapy, and the follwing application of ALK-TKI treatment, has procured a total OS has reached 68 months, and the current follow-up is good.

Objective:To investigate the effect of miR-129-3p on the proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting E2F transcription factor 5 (E2F5).Methods:The expression of miR-129-3p and E2F5 in different liver cancer cell lines and normal liver cell lines were detected by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. HepG2 cell lines overexpressing miR-129-3p were constructed, thiazole blue cell proliferation assay and plate cloning test were used to detect the proliferation and clone formation ability of each cell. Cell scratch assay and transwell assay were used to detect cell migration and invasion. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression. The targeting relationship between miR-129-3p and E2F5 was verified by dual luciferase reporter gene method and western blotting. The experimental groups were as follows: non-transfection (NC) group; transfection control miR-con (miR-con) group; transfection of miR-129-3p (miR-129-3p) group; co-transfection of miR-129-3p and empty vector pcDNA (miR-129-3p+ pcDNA) group; co-transfection of miR-129-3p and pcDNA-E2F5 (miR-129-3p+ pcDNA-E2F5) group.Results:The expression of miR-129-3p in MHCC-97H, HepG2, LM3, Hep3B, PLC, HUH7 were all lower than that of HL-7702, the difference were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The number of cell clones [(86.56±20.84) vs. (511.29±45.03)and(509.78±40.81)], the cell migration rate [(3.03±1.29)% vs. (15.01±2.30)% and(14.99±2.31)%], the relative expression of migration-related protein MMP-2 [(0.51±0.22)vs.(1.87±0.30)and(1.84±0.35)]and the number of transmembrane cells [(33.10±1.58) vs. (101.23±0.31) and (100.96±3.44)] in miR-129-3p group were all decreased when compared with NC group and miR-Con group, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Dual luciferase reporting assay showed that miR-129-3p can negatively target E2F5 and inhibit its expression. Conclusion:The expression level of miR-129-3p is low in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, overexpression of miR-129-3p can inhibit the malignant biological behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting E2F5.

Our previous studies found that mitochondrial uncouplers CCCP and niclosamide inhibited artery constriction and the mechanism involved AMPK activation in vascular smooth muscle cells. BAM15 is a novel type of mitochondrial uncoupler. The aim of the present study is to identify the vasoactivity of BAM15 and characterize the BAM15-induced AMPK activation in vascular smooth muscle cells (A10 cells). BAM15 relaxed phenylephrine (PE)-induced constricted rat mesenteric arteries with intact and denuded endothelium. Pretreatment with BAM15 inhibited PE-induced constriction of rat mesenteric arteries with intact and denuded endothelium. BAM15, CCCP, and niclosamide had the comparable IC value of vasorelaxation in PE-induced constriction of rat mesenteric arteries. BAM15 was less cytotoxic in A10 cells compared with CCCP and niclosamide. BAM15 depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential, induced mitochondrial fission, increased mitochondrial ROS production, and increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate in A10 cells. BAM15 potently activated AMPK in A10 cells and the efficacy of BAM15 was stronger than that of CCCP, niclosamide, and AMPK positive activators metformin and AICAR. In conclusion, BAM15 activates AMPK in vascular smooth muscle cells with higher potency than that of CCCP, niclosamide and the known AMPK activators metformin and AICAR. The present work indicates that BAM15 is a potent AMPK activator.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate three methods of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in detecting bone marrow infiltration in patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

METHODSSeventy-seven patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma from July 2012 to June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received both ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scan and bone marrow biopsy in the region of the posterior iliac crests. There were three evaluation methods of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT to detect bone marrow infiltration, including visual comparison (the FDG uptake in bone marrow of iliac crests was higher than the normal liver tissue), the maximal standardized uptake values (SUV(max)) in bone marrow of iliac crests (more than or equal to 2.5), the ratio of maximal standardized uptake values of iliac crests bone marrow to liver parenchyma intensity (more than 1). All results were compared with the bone marrow biopsy.

RESULTSVisual comparison of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT could be used to diagnose bone marrow infiltration, with the sensitivity of 100.00%, specificity of 80.00%, positive predictive value of 48.00%, and negative predictive value of 100.00%. When the SUV(max) of iliac crests was used as the diagnostic threshold, the sensitivity was 75.00%, with 92.31% specificity, 64.29% positive predictive value, and 95.24% negative predictive value. The ratio of SUV(max) had the best diagnostic efficiency, with sensitivity of 100.00%, specificity of 90.77%, positive predictive value of 66.67%, and negative predictive value of 100.00%.

CONCLUSIONThe ratio of SUV(max) is a valuable diagnostic method in detecting diffuse large B-cell lymphoatic bone marrow involvement.

This article was aimed to study the immunomodulatory effect of ethanol sediments of the seeds of Descurainia sophia(L.) Webb. ex Prantl. both in vitro and in vivo. The lymphocyte proliferation test in vitro was carried out to explore the effect of the ethanol sediments on the proliferation of T cell and B cell in the spleen of normal mice. And, the carbon clearance test, serum hemolysin test, and delayed-type hypersensitivity test were used to investigate the influence of fraction on non-specific immunity, humoral immunity and cellular immunity in the immunosuppressive mice induced by cyclophosphamide. Besides, the immunosuppressive model was used to evaluate the effect of fraction on immune organs and content of cellular factors in blood serum. The results showed that the ethanol sediments promoted Concanavalin A (Con A) induced T cell and Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induced B cell (P < 0.01). It increased the carbon clearance index K, phagocytic index α, half value hemolysis (HC50), and swelling degree of auricula (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). It reduced the body weight and atrophy of thymus and spleen index (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). It increased the contents of IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-4 in serum in immunosuppressive mice (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). It was concluded that ethanol sediments of the seeds of D. sophia(L.) Webb. ex Prantl. can boost the lymphocyte proliferation, protect the immune organs, and enhance the non-specific and specific immunity in immunosuppressive mice, which indicated that it had immune-promotion effect.