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.

Osteocytes, which develop from osteoblasts, are recognized as the main cells embedded in mature bone tissue. The traditional notion is that osteocytes exclusively play a structural role, however, with the development of related research in recent years, the role of osteocytes in bone metabolism has been explored. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease initiated by plaque biofilm, and is the main cause of adult tooth loss. Clinically, periodontitis primarily manifests as attachment loss, bleeding on probing and other symptoms. Alveolar bone resorption is the most characteristic pathological change. Current research demonstrated that osteocytes sense mechanical stress, participate in bone remodeling, regulate mineral balance, and participate in endocrine function. Thus, these cells play an important role in bone homeostasis and systemic metabolic balance. Osteocytes are actively involved in the development of periodontitis through the high expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), secretion of sclerostin, and effect on apoptosis, senescence and autophagy. In the future, the detection of bone cell metabolism-related products will have certain application prospects for the clinical evaluation of periodontitis prevention and treatment. Therefore, this paper reviewed the role of osteocytes in bone homeostasis and the relationship between osteocytes and periodontitis, to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: To review the technical details of retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy and evaluate the clinical effect. METHODS: Between June 2004 and December 2008, 69 patients (55 males and 14 females) with upper ureteral calculus received retroperitoneal laparoseopic ureterolithotomy (40 left sides and 29 right sides). The stone size ranged from 1.5 to 3.1 cm [(2.2±0.6) cm]. RESULTS: All the patients underwent retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy. The operation time was 40-295 (63.1±19.8) min,and the blood loss was 30-150 (57.2±23.0) mL.The hospital stay was 5-8 (6.7±1.3) d. During the followup, there was neither ureteral stricture nor recurrent calculus. CONCLUSION Retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy is safe, effective and minimally invasive, which may replace the conventional open surgery.
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retroperitoneal Space ; Ureter ; surgery ; Ureteral Calculi ; surgery ; Urologic Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Young Adult