Objective To investigate the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in drinking water (tap water and well water) in urban and rural areas of Hohhot, assess the safety of drinking water, and to provide data support for local drinking water radioactivity monitoring and management. Methods Representative samples of well water and tap water were collected from nine banners/counties/districts in Hohhot. Activity concentrations were measured using a low-background gross α/β counter, an α spectrometer, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and a radium/radon analyzer. Results A total of nine tap water samples and nine well water samples were analyzed. For the tap water samples, gross α activity concentrations ranged from 0.093 to 0.193 Bq/L, gross β from 0.091 to 0.225 Bq/L, uranium mass concentrations from 2.32 to 10.36 μg/L, thorium mass concentrations from 0.09 to 0.20 μg/L,²¹⁰Po activity concentrations from below the minimum detectable limit to 0.41 mBq/L, and ²²⁶Ra activity concentrations from 8.70 to 13.35 mBq/L. For the well water samples, gross α activity concentrations ranged from 0.111 to 0.203 Bq/L, gross β from 0.111 to 0.270 Bq/L, uranium mass concentrations from 2.31 to 13.28 μg/L, thorium mass concentrations from 0.17 to 0.26 μg/L,²¹⁰Po activity concentrations from 1.03 to 2.12 mBq/L, and ²²⁶Ra activity concentrations from 15.38 to 23.63 mBq/L. Conclusion The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in both well water and tap water in the Hohhot region were at environmental background levels and met national drinking water hygiene standards.

To investigate the effect of isthmin-1 (ISM1) on the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer and its underlying mechanism, this study analyzed the expression of ISM1 in pancreatic cancer patients and normal pancreatic tissues using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Western blot was employed to detect differences in ISM1 protein expression between pancreatic cancer cell lines (Aspc1, Bxpc3, PANC1, SW1990) and the pancreatic epithelial cell line (hPNE). Cell models with stable ISM1 overexpression and knockdown were constructed, and changes in cell migration and invasion capabilities were assessed via Transwell invasion assays and wound healing assays. Meanwhile, Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of key markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, TCGA and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were utilized to analyze pathways regulated downstream of ISM1 and the mechanisms promoting pancreatic cancer invasion and metastasis. Immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry (IP-MS) was used to screen for vimentin as an ISM1-binding protein, and the interaction between ISM1 and vimentin was verified by immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Bxpc3 cells overexpressing ISM1 were treated with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) to detect vimentin protein stability. The results indicate that ISM1 promotes the EMT process by inhibiting vimentin degradation, thereby enhancing the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. This study provides new experimental evidence for elucidating the mechanism of pancreatic cancer metastasis.

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) can potentially induce immunogenic cell death in tumor cells, leading to the release of ATP, and facilitating the initiation of an immune response. Nevertheless, the enzymes CD39 and CD73 can swiftly convert ATP into immunosuppressive adenosine (ADO), resulting in an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). This study introduced a nanomedicine (QD/POM1@NP@M) engineered to reprogram TME by modulating the CD39/CD73/ADO pathway. The nanomedicine encapsulated sonosensitizers silver sulfide quantum dots, and the CD39 inhibitor POM1, while also incorporating homologous tumor cell membranes to enhance targeting capabilities. This integrated approach, on the one hand, stimulates the release of ATP via SDT, thereby initiating the immune response. In addition, it reduced the accumulation of ADO by inhibiting CD39 activity, which ameliorated the immunosuppressive TME. Upon administration, the nanomedicine demonstrated substantial anti-tumor efficacy by facilitating the infiltration of anti-tumor immune cells, while reducing the immunosuppressive cells. This modulation effectively transformed the TME from an immunologically "cold" state to a "hot" state. Furthermore, combined with the checkpoint inhibitor α-PDL1, the nanomedicine augmented systemic anti-tumor immunity and promoted the establishment of long-term immune memory. This study provides an innovative strategy for combining non-invasive SDT and ATP-driven immunotherapy, offering new ideas for future cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) have pharmacological functions and clinical use. BIAs are mainly distributed in plant species across the order Ranunculales and the genus Phellodendron from Sapindales. The BIA biosynthesis has been intensively investigated in Ranunculales species. However, the accumulation mechanism of BIAs in Phellodendron is largely unknown. The aim of this study is to unravel the biosynthetic pathways of BIAs in Phellodendron amurens. METHODS: The transcriptome and metabolome data from 18 different tissues of P. amurense were meticulously sequenced and subsequently subjected to a thorough analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), a powerful systems biology approach that facilitates the construction and subsequent analysis of co-expression networks, was utilized to identify candidate genes involved in BIAs biosynthesis. Following this, recombinant plasmids containing candidate genes were expressed in Escherichia coli, a widely used prokaryotic expression system. The purpose of this genetic engineering endeavor was to express the candidate genes within the bacteria, thereby enabling the assessment of the resultant enzyme activity. RESULTS: The synonymous substitutions per synonymous site for paralogs indicated that at least one whole genome duplication event has occurred. The potential BIA biosynthetic pathway of P. amurense was proposed, and two PR10/Bet v1 members, 14 CYP450s, and 33 methyltransferases were selected as related to BIA biosynthesis. One PR10/Bet v1 was identified as norcoclaurine synthase, which could catalyze dopamine and 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde into (S)-norcoclaurine. CONCLUSION Our studies provide important insights into the biosynthesis and evolution of BIAs in non-Ranunculales species.

Nanozymes are a distinct category of nanomaterials that exhibit catalytic properties resembling those of enzymes such as peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Nanozymes derived from Chinese herbal medicines exhibit the catalytic functions of their enzyme mimics, while retaining the specific medicinal properties of the herb (termed "herbzymes"). These nanozymes can be categorized into three main groups based on their method of synthesis: herb carbon dot nanozymes, polyphenol-metal nanozymes, and herb extract nanozymes. The reported catalytic activities of herbzymes include POD, SOD, CAT, and GPx. This review presents an overview of the catalytic activities and potential applications of nanozymes, introduces the novel concept of herbzymes, provides a comprehensive review of their classification and synthesis, and discusses recent advances in their biomedical applications. Furthermore, we also discuss the significance of research into herbzymes, including the primary challenges faced and future development directions.
Nanostructures/chemistry* ; Humans ; Herbal Medicine/methods* ; Superoxide Dismutase/chemistry* ; Catalase/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Catalysis ; Glutathione Peroxidase/chemistry*

Objective:To investigate the effect of preoperative continuous fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) on perioperative opioids dosage and quality of postoperative recovery in elderly patients with frail.Methods:A prospective study method was used. Sixty elderly frail patients underwent selective unilateral femoral head replacement surgery from November 2022 to October 2024 in Sihui People′s Hospital were selected. The patients were divided into control group and FICB group by random digits table method with 30 cases each. The patients in control group did not receive continuous FICB before surgery, and the patients in FICB group received continuous FICB 1 d before surgery. The perioperative use of opioids and analgesic effect, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, quality of recovery-40 (QoR-40) score at discharge and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 57 patients completed the study, with 29 cases in the FICB group and 28 cases in the control group. There were no statistical differences in operative time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay between the two groups ( P>0.05). The sufentanil dosage of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), perioperative nalbuphine dosage, frequency of perioperative visual analog score (VAS)>4 scores, rate of preoperative rescue analgesia, rate of postoperative rescue analgesia and pressing frequency of PCA in FICB group were significantly lower than those in control group: (94.1 ± 5.4) μg vs. (102.1 ± 6.1) μg, 0 (0, 0) mg vs. 10.0 (0, 20.0) mg, 3.0 (2.0, 5.0) times vs. 5.0 (4.0, 6.0) times, 3.4% (1/29) vs. 32.1% (9/28), 13.8% (4/29) vs. 39.3% (11/28) and 2.0 (1.0, 3.0) times vs. 4.0 (3.0, 5.0) times, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01 or <0.05). The total QoR-40 score and physical comfort, pain scores in FICB group were significantly higher than those in control group: 156(153, 161) scores vs. 153 (148, 159) scores, 47 (45, 50) scores vs. 45 (43, 47) scores and 30 (29, 31) scores vs. 28 (25, 30) scores, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05 or <0.01); there were no statistical differences in emotional state, physical independence and psychological support scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). The incidences of dizziness and nausea vomiting in FICB group were significantly lower than those in control group: 13.8% (4/29) vs. 42.9% (12/28) and 10.3% (3/29) vs. 35.7% (10/28), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05); there were no statistical difference in the incidences of delirium, pulmonary infection and deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremities between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Preoperative continuous FICB can reduce perioperative opioids dosage in elderly patients with frail, and improve early stage postoperative recovery quality.

Objective To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of polypoid lesion of gallbladder(PLG)of soldiers stationed on an island.Methods A total of 687 soldiers stationed on an island who underwent annual physical examination from October to December 2020 were selected.They took transabdominal ultrasound and blood biochemical examination,and filled out the questionnaire.There were 62 cases with PLG(PLG group)and 625 cases without PLG(non-PLG group).Age,body mass index(BMI),blood pressure,smoking,eating habits,blood biochemical indexes,and self-rating depression scale(SDS)scores were compared between the two groups.Logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain the independent risk factors for the prevalence of PLG of the soldiers.Results There were significant differences in age,BMI,blood pressure,smoking,irregular diet,total cholesterol(TC),triacylglycerol(TG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and SDS scores between the two groups(all P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age,high BMI,smoking,irregular diet,high TC,high TG,high LDL-C,and high SDS scores were independent risk factors for PLG(all P<0.05).Conclusion There is a high overall prevalence of PLG in the soldiers of this island,which is related to age,high BMI,smoking,irregular diet,high TC,high TG,high LDL-C,and high SDS scores.

Objective To study the current status of the randomized controlled trial(RCT)outcome indicators of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS);To provide guidance and references for clinical research and protocol design.Methods RCT of acupuncture and moxibustion for CFS were retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,SinoMed,PubMed,Embase,Web of Science databases from January 1,2015 to December 9,2024.Through literature screening and data extraction,Excel 2019 was used to make a descriptive analysis of the basic characteristics,diagnostic criteria,intervention measures,classification of outcome indicators,use frequency and evaluation time points of the included studies.Origin2021 software was used to draw bubble charts for visual display.Results Totally 119 RCT were included,involving 8 445 subjects,5 diagnostic criteria of Western medicine,5 diagnostic criteria of TCM,and 6 outcome indicators,namely clinical symptoms/signs,symptoms/syndrome of TCM,physical and chemical examination,quality of life,safety evaluation,and patient satisfaction.A total of 58 outcome indicators were reported,with a cumulative frequency of 430 times.Conclusion The RCT of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of CFS have some problems,such as incomplete baseline assessment,lack of sample size calculation basis,high risk of bias,ignorance of primary and secondary indicators in the selection of outcome indicators,numerous indicators selection and measurement points,lack of long-term follow-up,inconsistent evaluation criteria for TCM syndrome efficacy,and insufficient attention to health economics evaluation and safety outcome indicators.

Objective:To establish a method for detecting serum non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper (NCC) by immunoprecipitation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (IP-ICP-MS) and evaluate its clinical application.Methods:Methodological evaluation research. Immunoprecipitation was first used to separate serum ceruloplasmin, followed by detection of serum NCC levels using ICP-MS. Two levels of quality control serum were reconstituted to determine the limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), accuracy, and precision of the self-developed method. The serum samples of 131 healthy individuals (healthy group) and 69 first-time diagnosed Wilson′s disease (WD) patients(WD group) from November 2023 to June 2024 in the Affiliated Hospital of Institute of Neurology, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were collected. Using self-developed method detected the serum NCC levels, established the healthy reference intervals, and NCC levels between the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results:The calibration curve exhibited excellent lineary across the concentration range of 1.562 to 300.000 μg/L, as demonstrated by coefficient of determination ( R2) of 0.999. The self-developed NCC method exhibited that the LOD was 0.99 μg/L, the LOQ was 3.29 μg/L, the accuracy (spike and recovery experience) was 87.67%?106.27%, and the intra-batch and inter-batch imprecision expressed as coefficient of variation ( CV) was 2.8%?7.3%, and the healthy reference range was 34.31-71.79 μg/L. The serum NCC levels in the WD group were 102.39 (74.38, 144.04) μg/L, which was significantly higher than those in healthy group (51.45±10.34) μg/L ( Z=?7.967, P<0.01). Conclusions:The established IP-ICP-MS method for detecting serum NCC meets the required analytical performance criteria. It is simply operative, highly sensitive, and provides accurate and reliable results, which could be used for clinical detection.