Background: A 2018 study on the global burden of disease, accidents, and risk factors reported that 1.6 million peo ple died in 2017 due to household air pollution. Poor indoor air quality has been highlighted as a contributing factor to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and exacerbation of asthma and allergies. A 2019 study estimated that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less reduces average life expectancy by 1.8 years, with more severe effects in highly polluted regions. Additionally, a study by Miller et al. (2007) found that prolonged exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly among women. Direct measurement devices are highly effective in determining indoor PM2.5 concentrations, identifying sources of pollution, tracking pollutant dispersion, and monitoring temporal variations. Studies suggest that direct measurement is an accurate, cost-effective method that provides detailed data suitable for local conditions. Aim: To investigate the indoor air quality of houses and apartments in Darkhan city during the winter season using the Purple Air monitoring device. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a targeted sample of 128 households in Darkhan city. The study examined factors such as stove type, type of coal used, annual and daily coal consumption, frequency of heating, and chimney sealing conditions. To collect data, the Purple Air monitoring device was installed in each house hold for a month, after which it was retrieved. During retrieval, participants completed a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 55 questions across 7 pages at the time of device installation and 25 questions across 3 pages at the time of device retrieval. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Results: A total of 128 households in Darkhan city participated in the study. The average duration of residence in the current home was 9.5 years, with no statistically significant variation. The distribution of housing types was as follows: traditional Mongolian gers (40.6%), houses (39.1%), and apartments (20.3%). The 24-hour average PM2.5 concentration was highest in gers (70.9 μg/m³), followed by houses (46.8 μg/m³) and apartments (22.8 μg/m³), with a statistically significant difference (p=0.0001). PM2.5 levels were most variable in gers, followed by houses and then apartments. House holds using central heating (apartments) had an average 24-hour PM2.5 concentration of 22.8 μg/m³, whereas households using stoves (gers and houses) had a significantly higher concentration of 59.4 μg/m³ (p=0.0001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between traditional and improved stoves. Among study participants, 21.4% reported that someone in their household smoked indoors. Additionally, 86.5% regularly burned incense, candles, or herbs, while 99.2% did not use an air purifier. Conclusion The indoor particulate matter concentration in houses and gers in Darkhan was 59.4μг/m3. Variations in stove types, poor chimney sealing limited space, and frequent gaps and cracks contribute to increased spread of indoor air pollutants.

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 6.7 million people die annually due to air pollution caused by solid fuel use, with the majority of deaths resulting from respiratory diseases and cardiovascular conditions. In Mongolia, air pollution ranks as the fourth leading risk factor contributing to mortality, following hypertension, diabetes, and other major health risks. Although there have been numerous studies on outdoor air pollution in Mongolia, research linking indoor air pollution at the household level with the health status of residents remains limited. Aim: To compare indoor PM2.5 concentrations in households of Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan and examine their association with hypertension during the winter season. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted during November and December 2023, and January 2024, involving 240 households in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan. Indoor PM2.5 concentrations were measured using Purple Air real-time sensors continuously for 24 hours over approximately one month. After measuring indoor air pollution, individuals aged 18–60 years living in the selected households were recruited based on specific inclusion criteria. Blood pressure was measured three times and the average value was recorded. Information on respiratory illnesses was collected through structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 19.0. Results: A total of 241 households participated in the study, with 116 from Ulaanbaatar and 125 from Darkhan. Of the participants, 46.5% were male and 53.5% were female. In terms of housing type, 96 households (39.8%) lived in gers, 97 (40.2%) lived in stove-heated houses, and 48 (19.9%) lived in apartments. Among all participants, 66.0% (n=159) had hypertension and 34.0% (n=79) had normal blood pressure. Among participants aged over 40, 69.9–88.5% had hypertension, which is statistically significantly higher compared to younger individuals (p=0.0001). By body mass index, 75.3% (n=72) of overweight individuals and 78.4% (n=58) of obese participants had hypertension, showing a statistically significant difference compared to participants with normal weight (p=0.0001). The 24-hour average concentration of indoor PM2.5 was measured using the Purple Air device, and the levels in gers and stove-heated houses exceeded the limit set by the MNS 4585:2025 standard (37.5 µg/m³) Conclusion This study identified a relationship between environmental factors, such as air pollution and housing type, and the prevalence of hypertension. The indoor PM2.5 concentration in gers and stove-heated houses was above the standard limit, indicating a negative impact on the health of those residents. Furthermore, the high prevalence of hypertension among participants over the age of 40 and those who are overweight suggests a possible link to lifestyle and environmental conditions.

Backgroun: Air pollution is a major global public health concern that poses serious risks to human health regardless of a country’s level of economic or technological development. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021), nine out of ten people worldwide breathe polluted air, and air pollution is responsible for the deaths of approximately 800 people every hour and 13 people every minute. Prolonged exposure to polluted air has been linked to a wide range of chronic illnesses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung and bronchial cancers, asthma, and stroke. In Mongolia, air pollution reaches its highest levels during the winter months, particularly in Ulaanbaatar, where the majority of the country’s population resides. A study conducted by Enkhjargal G. (2012) reported that the concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 in Ulaanbaatar were 7–8 times higher than the WHO recommended guidelines. In response to such challenges, many countries have increasingly adopted low-cost, direct measurement devices such as PurpleAir to monitor air quality. These devices are valued for their accessibility, network connectivity, and potential role in smart city pollution management systems. Despite their global application, there remains a lack of research in Mongolia on the use of PurpleAir sensors to measure PM2.5 concentrations and compare the results with official monitoring station data. Addressing this gap is essential for improving local air quality monitoring capacity and informing effective public health and environmental policies. Aim: Determination of PM2.5 particulate matter pollution in the outdoor environment of Ulaanbaatar city using a direct measurement device (Purple Air). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Direct measurement devices (Purple Air) were installed in selected districts of central Ulaanbaatar between December 2024 and February 2025, measuring PM2.5 concentrations at two-minute intervals over 24-hour periods. All data were statistically processed and analyzed using the SPSS-26 software package. Results: The average concentration of PM2.5 particles in the air of Ulaanbaatar city in winter is 66.68 μg/m3. Compared to the districts, the highest concentration was determined in SKHD (118.58±90.22 μg/m3), while the lowest concentration was determined in KHUD (42.37±43.51 μg/m3). Compared to the days of the week, the highest concentrations were measured on Monday (76.68±71.98 μg/m³), Saturday (77.50±71.63 μg/m³), and Sunday (80.34±74.45 μg/m³). The highest concentration of PM2.5 particles occurred from 6 pm to 1 am, and the lowest concentration was measured during the day (between 2 pm and 4 pm). The highest concentration of PM2.5 was measured in December (74.22±73.45 μg/m3), while the lowest concentration was measured in February (50.25±57.44 μg/m3). Conclusion The concentration of PM2.5 in the air of Ulaanbaatar city is 1.7 times higher than the general standard and technical requirements of Mongolia in winter, and the highest concentration is in the SKHD. The highest concentration of PM2.5 occurs more often in December and at night than in the winter months.

Background: Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5) penetrates deep into the alveoli through the respiratory tract and is characterized by its ability to induce oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and vascular inflammation. Mongolia ranks among the countries with the highest levels of air pollution. In Ulaanbaatar, where more than half of the country’s population resides, wintertime PM2.5 concentrations often exceed 200 μg/m³, which is about eight times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value. A study involving 1,200 adults in Ulaanbaatar showed that quality of life deteriorated sharply during periods of high air pollution, with effects more pronounced among individuals who already had impaired respiratory function. Aim: To examine the relationship between indoor household PM2.5 concentrations and lung function indicators among adults in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study recruited adult participants from Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan through targeted sampling. Household air quality was measured using PurpleAir sensors, which were installed in participants’ homes for one month. After exposure measurement, lung function was assessed via spirometry. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25.0. Results: A total of 236 participants were included: 114 (48.3%) from Ulaanbaatar and 122 (51.7%) from Darkhan. The sample consisted of 111 men (47.0%) and 125 women (53.0%). The mean indoor PM2.5 concentration was 66.24 μg/m³ (SD 44.87 μg/m³), ranging from a minimum of 7.79 μg/m³ to a maximum of 264.55 μg/m³. Stratification by housing type showed the highest PM2.5 levels in gers (82.34 μg/m³), followed by detached houses (67.34 μg/m³), while apartments had the lowest concentrations (32.24 μg/m³). Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant negative associations between PM2.5 levels and measures of expiratory function, including the FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and mid-expiratory flow (FEF25–75). Reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) was observed in 9.4% of participants, reduced forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in 15.3%, and a decreased FEV1/FVC ratio in 3.8%. Conclusion Indoor household PM2.5 concentrations were highest in gers, and expiratory flow-related lung function parameters showed significant negative associations with particulate exposure. This suggests that indoor PM2.5 primarily affects airflow limitation rather than overall lung volumes in this population.

<b>Objective:b> To investigate the feasibility and safety of modified interposed jejunal anastomosis following total laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy. <b>Methods:b> The modification in the digestive tract reconstruction involves transecting the small intestine 2-3 cm below the gastrojejunostomy site and relocating the enteroenterostomy cranially, based on the double-tract anastomosis technique. Specifically, the jejunum and its mesenteric vessels are transected 20-25 cm from the ligament of Treitz. An overlap anastomosis is performed between the esophagus and the distal jejunum, with the common opening closed using a 15 cm barbed suture in a buried manner. A side-to-side gastrojejunostomy is completed under natural anatomical alignment, and the common opening is closed similarly. A side-to-side anastomosis is then created between the small intestine approximately 10 cm below the gastrojejunal anastomosis and the small intestine distal to the ligament of Treitz. Finally, the small intestine is transected 2-3 cm below the gastrojejunal anastomosis without dividing the mesenteric vessels. <b>Results:b> From April to December 2024, a total of five patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction underwent modified interposed jejunum anastomosis following totally laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy at the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. The median age of the group was 56 (53-74) years, including four males and one female, with a median body mass index of 24 (21-29) kg/m². Three cases were classified as Siewert type II and two as type III. All five patients successfully completed the totally laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with modified interposed jejunum anastomosis. The median operative time was 215 (165-240) minutes, the digestive tract reconstruction time was 75 (65-93) minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was 50 (30-100) ml. The median time to postoperative flatus was 71 (68-88) hours, with no severe complications occurring in any case. The median postoperative hospital stay was 8 (8-9) days. Within three months after surgery, none of the patients reported reflux symptoms such as acid regurgitation or heartburn. <b>Conclusions:b> Total laparoscopic modified interposed jejunal anastomosis is safe and feasible, with relatively simple operative steps. It effectively prevents reflux while ensuring the passage of food through the remnant stomach and duodenal loop.
Humans ; Gastrectomy/methods* ; Jejunum/surgery* ; Laparoscopy/methods* ; Anastomosis, Surgical/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Stomach Neoplasms/surgery* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods*

Xerostomia (dry mouth) is frequently experienced by patients treated with radiotherapy for head and neck cancers or with Sjögren's syndrome, with no permanent cure existing for this debilitating condition. To this end, in vitro platforms are needed to test therapies directed at salivary (fluid-secreting) cells. However, since these are highly differentiated secretory cells, the maintenance of their differentiated state while expanding in numbers is challenging. In this study, the efficiency of three reversible thermo-ionically crosslinked gels: (1) alginate-gelatin (AG), (2) collagen-containing AG (AGC), and (3) hyaluronic acid-containing AG (AGHA), to recapitulate a native-like environment for human salivary gland (SG) cell expansion and 3D spheroid formation was compared. Although all gels were of mechanical properties comparable to human SG tissue (~11 kPa) and promoted the formation of 3D spheroids, AGHA gels produced larger (>100 cells/spheroid), viable (>93%), proliferative, and well-organized 3D SG spheroids while spatially and temporally maintaining the high expression of key SG proteins (aquaporin-5, NKCC1, ZO-1, α-amylase) for 14 days in culture. Moreover, the spheroids responded to agonist-induced stimulation by increasing α-amylase secretory granules. Here, we propose alternative low-cost, reproducible, and reversible AG-based 3D hydrogels that allow the facile and rapid retrieval of intact, highly viable 3D-SG spheroids.
Humans ; Hydrogels/chemistry* ; Acinar Cells/cytology* ; Spheroids, Cellular/cytology* ; Salivary Glands/cytology* ; Gelatin/chemistry* ; Collagen/chemistry* ; Alginates/chemistry* ; Cell Culture Techniques/methods* ; Hyaluronic Acid/chemistry* ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Survival ; Cells, Cultured

[摘 要] 目的：探讨解偶联蛋白2（UCP2）抑制剂京尼平（GEN）对人下咽癌FaDu细胞增殖及线粒体功能的影响。方法：使用不同浓度的GEN作用于FaDu细胞24 h，实验分为GEN 0（对照）、50、100、200和400 μmol/L组。采用CCK-8法检测各组细胞增殖能力，DCFH-DA探针及JC-1染色联合流式细胞术检测GEN对FaDu细胞活性氧（ROS）含量及线粒体膜电位的影响，激光共聚焦显微镜观察GEN对FaDu细胞线粒体膜通透性转换孔的影响，可见分光光度法检测细胞中乳酸的含量，WB法检测细胞中UCP2蛋白的表达变化。结果：与对照组相比，GEN可显著抑制FaDu细胞的增殖活力（P<0.05或P<0.01）、细胞中UCP2蛋白的表达（P<0.05），降低线粒体膜电位（P<0.05或P<0.01）、乳酸含量（P<0.000 1），改变细胞线粒体膜孔道通透性，提高细胞中ROS水平（P<0.05或P<0.01）。结论：GEN通过调节细胞中UCP2的表达水平进而影响细胞的氧化还原能力及线粒体功能，从而发挥抑制人下咽癌FaDu细胞增殖并诱导细胞凋亡的作用。

[摘 要] 目的：探究中链脂肪酸癸酸对CD8+ T细胞活化的影响，及其对CD8+ T细胞介导的抗肿瘤免疫反应的作用和机制。方法：建立C57BL/6小鼠黑色素瘤B16F10皮下荷瘤模型，随机分为癸酸组（10 mg/kg癸酸灌胃）和对照组（等量溶剂灌胃），观察癸酸对小鼠肿瘤生长以及生存率的影响，采用流式细胞术检测肿瘤微环境中浸润CD8+ T细胞的活化水平。建立B16F10-OVA和OT-I T细胞共培养体系，采用流式细胞术检测癸酸对CD8+ T细胞的肿瘤细胞杀伤能力的影响。采用α-CD8抗体清除B16F10荷瘤小鼠体内CD8+ T细胞，观察对小鼠肿瘤体积的影响。小鼠原代CD8+ T细胞经癸酸处理后，采用WB、ELISA及qPCR、流式细胞术检测T细胞受体（TCR）活化、效应细胞因子产生以及增殖和代谢水平。在B16F10荷瘤小鼠模型中，观察α-PD-1抗体联合癸酸给药对小鼠肿瘤生长以及生存率的影响。结果：在小鼠黑色素瘤荷瘤模型中，与对照组相比，癸酸组小鼠移植瘤体积显著降低且生存率显著提高（均P<0.05），肿瘤浸润CD8+ T细胞IFN-γ和TNF-α的表达水平显著升高（P<0.01）。经癸酸处理的OT-I T细胞对B16F10-OVA细胞的杀伤水平显著升高（P<0.01）。在荷瘤小鼠模型中用α-CD8抗体清除CD8+ T细胞后，癸酸对移植瘤的抑制作用显著降低（P<0.000 1）。小鼠原代CD8+ T细胞经癸酸处理后，TCR活化水平显著升高、细胞因子IL-2和IFN-γ的产生增多、线粒体代谢水平显著上调（均P<0.05）。在黑色素瘤荷瘤小鼠模型中，癸酸与α-PD-1抗体联用，能够显著抑制小鼠移植瘤生长并提高其生存率（均P<0.05）。结论：癸酸能够促进CD8+ T细胞活化、增强其抗肿瘤免疫反应能力。

Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists ; Consensus ; Cardiovascular System ; Cardiology ; Asia

<b>Objective:b> To examine a predictive model that incorporating high risk pathological factors for the prognosis of stage Ⅰ to Ⅲ colon cancer. <b>Methods:b> This study retrospectively collected clinicopathological information and survival outcomes of stage Ⅰ~Ⅲ colon cancer patients who underwent curative surgery in 7 tertiary hospitals in China from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. A total of 1 650 patients were enrolled, aged (M(IQR)) 62 (18) years (range: 14 to 100). There were 963 males and 687 females. The median follow-up period was 51 months. The Cox proportional hazardous regression model was utilized to select high-risk pathological factors, establish the nomogram and scoring system. The Bootstrap resampling method was utilized for internal validation of the model, the concordance index (C-index) was used to assess discrimination and calibration curves were presented to assess model calibration. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves after risk grouping, and Cox regression was used to compare disease-free survival between subgroups. <b>Results:b> Age (HR=1.020, 95%CI: 1.008 to 1.033, P=0.001), T stage (T3:HR=1.995,95%CI:1.062 to 3.750,P=0.032;T4:HR=4.196, 95%CI: 2.188 to 8.045, P<0.01), N stage (N1: HR=1.834, 95%CI: 1.307 to 2.574, P<0.01; N2: HR=3.970, 95%CI: 2.724 to 5.787, P<0.01) and number of lymph nodes examined (≥36: HR=0.438, 95%CI: 0.242 to 0.790, P=0.006) were independently associated with disease-free survival. The C-index of the scoring model (model 1) based on age, T stage, N stage, and dichotomous variables of the lymph nodes examined (<12 and ≥12) was 0.723, and the C-index of the scoring model (model 2) based on age, T stage, N stage, and multi-categorical variables of the lymph nodes examined (<12, 12 to <24, 24 to <36, and ≥36) was 0.726. A scoring system was established based on age, T stage, N stage, and multi-categorical variables of lymph nodes examined, the 3-year DFS of the low-risk (≤1), middle-risk (2 to 4) and high-risk (≥5) group were 96.3% (n=711), 89.0% (n=626) and 71.4% (n=313), respectively. Statistically significant difference was observed among groups (P<0.01). <b>Conclusions:b> The number of lymph nodes examined was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival after curative surgery in patients with stage Ⅰ to Ⅲ colon cancer. Incorporating the number of lymph nodes examined as a multi-categorical variable into the T and N staging system could improve prognostic predictive validity.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Prognosis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Retrospective Studies ; Nomograms ; Lymph Nodes/pathology* ; Risk Factors ; Colonic Neoplasms/surgery*