Objective To explore the effect of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) in Taiyuan City on short-term pulmonary function in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Among the 1 015 elderly COPD patients admitted to the respiratory departments of five general hospitals in Taiyuan City from December 2021 to December 2023 were retrospectively selected for research; medical records, air pollutant data and meteorological data were analyzed; the relationship between PM_2.5 and lung function indicators and air pollutants was analyzed; the impact of PM_2.5 on lung function and its lag effect were analyzed; the cumulative effect of PM_2.5 concentration on the risk of pulmonary ventilation dysfunction was analyzed; The influence of gender and age on the relationship between PM_2.5 and patients ' short-term pulmonary function was analyzed. Results PM_2.5, respirable particulate matter (PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO) were negatively correlated with average temperature and average humidity (P<0.05) ; Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), ozone (O₃) were negatively correlated with average temperature (P<0.05) ; There was a positive correlation among PM_2.5, PM₁₀, SO₂, CO, NO₂, and O₃ (P<0.05) ; Elevated PM_2.5 is an independent risk factor for decreased lung function and increased air pollutants (P<0.05) ; At lag0 and lag1, PM_2.5 concentration was negatively correlated with lung function in a dose-response manner (P<0.05); daily average PM_2.5 concentration at lag0 was a dangerous effect (P<0.05). Conclusion The impact of PM_2.5 concentration on lung function has a certain time lag. An increase in PM_2.5 concentrations can lead to a decline in lung function.

Objective: To investigate the implementation and evaluate the effectiveness of health management services for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Urumqi City from 2017 to 2021, so as to provide the reference for enhancing T2DM patients management. Methods: Data on the rates of record establishment, health management and standardized management for T2DM patients, and blood glucose control rate in managed patients in Urumqi City from 2017 to 2021 were collected through the quarterly reports on basic public health service management from the Weining Health Platform System. The trends in the four management indicators, and the differences between urban and rural areas were analyzed. Results: The rates of record establishment, health management and blood glucose control rate in managed patients in Urumqi City were 46.94%, 38.37% and 59.92%, respectively, showing upward trends from 2017 to 2021 (all P<0.05). The rate of standardized management was 75.89%, showing a downward trend (P<0.05). The rate of record establishment was higher in urban areas than in rural areas (47.76% vs. 40.56%, P<0.05). The rates of standardized management and blood glucose control in managed patients were lower in urban areas than in rural areas (75.18% vs. 81.46%, 58.93% vs. 67.64%, both P<0.05). The rate of health management was 38.39% in urban areas and 38.24% in rural areas, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). The trends in the rates of record establishment, health management and standardized management in both urban and rural areas were consistent with those in the overall population. Conclusions From 2017 to 2021, the rates of record establishment, health management and blood glucose control in managed patients in Urumqi City showed upward trends, while the rate of standardized management exhibited a downward trend. There were urban-rural differences in the rates of record establishment, standardized management and blood glucose control in managed patients.

This article highlights the vital role of affordable satellite communications during health emergencies. Drawing on examples from Vanuatu and Tonga, it underscores the importance of integrating satellite technologies into disaster preparedness for effective communication and response.

Background: The study of small-molecule compounds with antitumor activity involves several crucial steps. These include determining their selective effects on cancer cells, understanding the type of cell death they induce, identifying the activated signaling pathways, pinpointing the target molecules, and elucidating the mechanisms of action. Among the plant-derived compounds with anticancer properties, flavonoids are notable for their ease of isolation and their abundance in food. Apigetrin, a representative flavonoid, is a secondary metabolite found in plants, and our previous study indicated that its anticancer selectivity index was 13.1. However, the specific mechanism by which apigetrin inhibits leukemia cell growth remains unclear. Aim: To study of the inhibitory action of apigenin on leukemia cell culture Materials and Methods: In this study, we evaluated the apoptosis of cells using flow cytometry and investigated the in volvement of the caspase pathway through the use of pancaspase inhibitors to explore the effects of apigetrin on leukemia cell growth. Results: After incubating leukemia RAW264.7 cells with 30 μM apigetrin for 24 and 48 hours, we did not detect any apoptosis through Annexin V and PI staining by flow cytometry. We compared the number of viable cells using the MTT assay after 24-hour treatment of apigetrin with or without pretreatment of Z-VAD, a pancaspase inhibitor, for 30 minutes. The results indicated that the pancaspase inhibitor did not reduce the inhibitory effect of apigetrin on the growth of RAW264.7 cells. In contrast, the positive control group, treated with doxorubicin—which induces apoptosis—showed not only significant apoptosis but also a reduction of the pancaspase inhibitor on the cell growth inhibition. Therefore, these data suggested that apigetrin likely has a cytostatic effect or inhibits the cell cycle rather than being cytotoxic. Future research should focus on determining which stage of the cell cycle RAW264.7 cells treated with apigetrin are in, as well as studying the signaling pathways involved in the cell cycle. Conclusions Apigetrin inhibits the proliferation of RAW264.7 leukemia cells in a caspase-independent and non-apoptotic manner.

Background: Research on lactic acid bacteria has confirmed how specific strains possess probiotic properties and impart unique sensory characteristics to food products. The use of probiotic lactic acid bacteria in many food products, thus confers various health benefits to humans when they are frequently consumed in adequate amounts. Aim: To determine the effect of lactic acid bacteria on the growth of tomatoes. Materials and Methods: The lactic acid bacteria were cultured using the Lactobacillus medium from whipping cream and Dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum) and identified using the MALDI-TOF MS automated microbial identification analyzer. A solution was prepared using Lactobacillus delbrueckii isolated from whipping cream and Lactobacillus gasseri isolated from Dandelion (10^7CFU/ml), and sterilized tomato seeds were watered for 10 days with the solution, while sterilized distilled water was used as a control. The germination rate of the seeds and the root length were measured and recorded every day. Results: The solution of L.delbrueckii bacteria isolated from cream germinated 100% of the seeds, which is 4% higher than the control seeds, while the solution of L.gasseri bacteria isolated from Dandelion germinated 100%, supporting 4% higher than the control seeds. Seedlings irrigated with the L.delbrueckii bacterial solution exhibited an average length of 10.3cm, which was 1.3cm longer than the control (P=0.003), indicating a statistically significant difference. Similarly, those treated with the L.gasseri solution had an average length of 11.5cm, 2.5cm longer than the control (P=0.005), also demonstrating statistical significance. Conclusion The application of the lactic acid bacterial solution significantly enhanced both the germination of tomato seeds and the growth of the plants compared to the control solution.

Background: Globally, approximately 684,000 deaths occur annually due to falls. In Mongolia, 47 individual aged between 45 and 85 have died as a result of falls. Therefore, there is a pressing need to assess fall risks among the general population in Mongolia and identify risk factors to prevent accidents and injuries. Aim: To assess the risk of falls among individuals aged 45 years and older who are receiving care at tertiary-level referral hospitals in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 408 participants aged 45 years and above who were attending tertiary-level hospitals in Ulaanbaatar. Fall risk was assessed using the internationally recognized Falls Risk Assessment Tool (FRAT) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: The mean age of the participants was 59.24±6.54 years; 40% were male and 60% were female. Among the participants, 45.3% (n=185) were categorized as low risk, 33.6% (n=137) as moderate risk, and 21.1% (n=86) as high risk for falls. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant risk factors associated with falls. Key factors included: slippery shoe soles (OR=0.226, 95% CI: 0.119–0.428, p=0.001), performing unexpected hazardous movements while changing positions (OR=0.262, 95% CI: 0.143–0.480, p=0.001), use of assistive walking devices (OR=0.209, 95% CI: 0.110–0.397, p=0.001), anxiety or unstable mental status (OR=0.276, 95% CI: 0.148–0.514, p=0.001), tendency to resist instructions or behave stubbornly (OR=0.330, 95% CI: 0.183–0.596, p=0.001), difficulty in recognizing the surrounding environment (OR=0.354, 95% CI: 0.187–0.671, p=0.001), and a history of previous falls (OR=4.737, 95% CI: 2.151–10.429). Conclusion 1. Based on the FRAT assesment, 45.3% of participants had low fall risk, 33.6% moderate risk, and 21.1% high risk. 2. Risk factors such as sudden movements, the use of assistive devices, and emotional instability significantly influence fall risk assessment, and individuals with a history of previous falls are 4.7 times more likely to experience another fall.

Background: In the treatment of plaque-induced gingivitis, in addition to mechanical plaque control, the use of chemical plaque control such as mouth rinses for a certain period has shown a positive effect on treatment outcomes and prognosis. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of a probiotic mouthwash in the treatment of plaque-induced gingivitis. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was designed for a period of 2 weeks on 45 systemically healthy subjects between 20 and 25 years having plaque-induced gingivitis. The study population was divided into three groups. Group 1-15 subjects were advised experimental (probiotic) mouthwash. Group 2-15 subjects were advised positive control (chlorhexidine) mouthwash and Group 3-15 subjects into a negative control group. Oral prophylaxis was done for all groups at baseline. After the proper oral hygiene instructions, groups 1 and 2 were instructed to rinse their mouth with 15 ml of their respective mouthwashes, for 1 min twice daily, 30 min after brushing. Clinical parameters such as Full mouth plaque score (FMPS), Full mouth bleeding score (FMBS) were assessed at baseline, 2 weeks respectively. Results: At baseline, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of FMBS and FMPS mean values (p=0.174, p=0.887). At day 14, the FMPS, FMBS mean values were significantly reduced by all treatment modalities ranking probiotic and chlorhexidine is greater than negative control group (p<0.001, p<0.001). Conclusion The probiotic mouthwash was effectively used as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control in the treatment of plaque-induced gingivitis.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders account for 23.1-47.1% of occupational diseases in several countries. Studies have shown that operators of heavy machinery, including tractors and dump trucks, are twice as likely to experience lower back pain compared to workers not exposed to whole-body vibration. Furthermore, research has indicated that acute exposure to vibration can cause vasoconstriction and vascular inflammation. However, limited research has explored the relationship between lower back pain and specific biomarkers, highlighting the need for this study. Aim: This study aimed to compare lower back pain prevalence and muscle inflammation biomarkers among heavy machinery operators. Materials and Methods: A purposive sampling method was used to recruit 15 male participants aged 25-35 years who had worked as heavy machinery drivers for no more than three years. Inclusion criteria were: no alcohol consumption within 24 hours prior to sampling, body mass index (BMI) between 18.5-28.9 kg/m², no prior diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders, and absence of infectious or non-infectious diseases during the study period. Blood samples were analyzed for Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The mean BMI of participants was 25.89±3.23 kg/m². Over half (53.3%, n=8) exceeded the exposure limit for whole-body vibration. Low back pain was reported by 13 participants (86.7%) over the past six months and by 12 participants (80%) over the past seven days. TNF-α levels did not differ significantly between groups based on low back pain status or vibration exposure. However, IL-6 levels showed a significant increase 24 hours after whole-body vibration exposure (p=0.027). Conclusion Lower back pain was highly prevalent among participants exposed to whole-body vibration. Furthermore, IL-6 levels were elevated among participants reporting lower back pain, regardless of vibration exposure levels.

Background: Mastication is a biomechanical process that involves the jaws and teeth working together to effectively break down food through the contraction of masticatory muscles. The efficiency of this process is influenced by factors such as bite force, the integrity of the dental arch, and individual characteristics, including age, gender, and body weight. Previous research has investigated the bite force of natural teeth, comparing the differences between removable and fixed denture teeth. For instance, Gibbs et al. estimated the bite force of Eskimo individuals to be 348 lbs (138 kg), while Al-Zarea et al. reported a bite force of 580.9 N for fixed partial dentures. Additionally, J. Urangua estimated the bite force of first permanent molars to be 472 N. Although studies have explored the bite force of Mongolian individuals with removable dentures, there has been no investigation into the bite force of fixed partial dentures, highlighting a significant gap in the literature that the current study aims to address. Aim: This study aims to assess the bite force following the restoration of teeth with Zirconia and Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal crowns. Materials and Methods: The study involved 20 individuals aged 18 to 34 years, each of whom had their mandibular molars restored with Zirconia and Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) crowns on one side, while the other side retained their natural teeth, which had not undergone root canal treatment and exhibited no significant alveolar bone loss. A single-instance design was employed to measure occlusal force using the Occlusal Force Meter GM10. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 software, with results considered statistically significant at a probability level of p < 0.05. Results: The cohort comprised 20 subjects aged 18 to 34 years, with 65% (13) male and 35% (7) female, yielding a mean age of 28.2 ± 3.5 years. The mean bite force for teeth covered with crowns was (393.2±0.3 N), compared to (445.5±70 N) for natural teeth. Notably, the bite force of the Zirconia crown (407.0±0.7 N) was higher than that of the Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) crown 367.7±0.9N. When analyzed by gender, the bite force of natural teeth in men averaged 484.1±46.2N, while that of crowns was 445.3±43.7N. In women, the bite force of natural teeth averaged 373.7±15.4N, compared to 296.4±19.6 N for crowns. Conclusion 1. The bite force of zirconia porcelain crowns was 407.0±76N, while the bite force of metal porcelain crowns was 367.7±97N. 2. When determining the bite force of crowns and natural teeth, the bite force of crowns and natural teeth was 296.4±19.6N, and the bite force of uncoated teeth was 445.5±70N, respectively. 3. When compared by gender, the bite force of uncoated teeth in men was 484.1±46.2N, the bite force of coated teeth was 445.3±43.7N, and the bite force of uncoated teeth in women was 373.7±15.4N, and the bite force of coated teeth was 296.4±19.6N, and the bite force was significantly related to gender (p<0.0001).

Background: Hearing loss (HL) is one of the most common sensory disorders, affecting over 5-8% of the world's population. Approximately half of HL cases are attributed to genetic factors. In hereditary deafness, about 75-80% is inherited through autosomal recessive inheritance, and common pathogenic genes include GJB2 and SLC26A4. Pathogenic variants in the SLC26A4gene are the leading cause of hereditary hearing loss in humans, second only to the GJB2 gene. Variants in the SLC26A4gene cause hearing loss, which can be non-syndromic autosomal recessive deafness (DFNB4, OMIM #600791) associated with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) or Pendred syndrome (Pendred, OMIM #605646). DFNB4 is characterized by sensorineural hearing loss combined with EVA or less common cochlear malformation defect. Pendred syndrome is characterized by bilateral sensorineural hearing loss with EVA and an iodine defect that can lead to thyroid goiter. Currently, it is known that EVA is associated with variants in the SLC26A4 gene and is a penetrant feature of SLC26A4-related HL. Predominant mutations in these genes differ significantly across populations. For instance, predominant SLC26A4 mutations differ among populations, including p.T416P and c.1001G>A in Caucasians, p.H723R in Japanese and Koreans, and c.919-2A>G in Han Taiwanese and Han Chinese. On the other hand, there has been no study of hearing loss related to SLC26A4 gene variants among Mongolians, which is the basis of our research. Aim: We aimed to identify the characteristics of the SLC26A4 gene variants in Mongolian people with Enlarged vestibular aqueduct and Mondini malformation. Materials and Methods: In 2022-2024, We included 13 people with hearing loss and enlarged vestibular aqueduct, incomplete cochlea (1.5 turns of the cochlea with cystic apex- incomplete partition type II- Mondini malformation) were examined by CT scan of the temporal bone in our study. WES (Whole exome sequencing) analysis was performed in the Genetics genetic-laboratory of the National Taiwan University Hospital. Results: Genetic analysis revealed 26 confirmed pathogenic variants of bi-allelic SLC26A4 gene of 8 different types in 13 cases, and c.919-2A>G variant was dominant with 46% (12/26) in allele frequency, and c.2027T>A (p.L676Q) variant 19% (5/26), c.1318A>T(p.K440X) variant 11% (3/26), c.1229C>T (p.T410M) variant 8% (2/26) ) , c.716T>A (p.V239D), c.281C>T (p.T94I), c.1546dupC, and c.1975G>C (p.V659L) variants were each 4% (1/26)- revealed. Two male children, 11 years old (SLC26A4: c.919-2A>G) and 7 years old (SLC26A4: c.919-2A>G:, SLC26A4: c.2027T>A (p.L676Q))had history of born normal hearing and progressive hearing loss. Conclusions 1. 26 variants of bi-allelic SLC26A4 gene mutation were detected in Mongolian people with EVA and Mondini malformation, and c.919-2A>G was the most dominant allele variant, and rare variants such as c.1546dupC, c.716T>A (p.V239D) were detected. 2. Our study shows that whole-exome sequencing (WES) can identify gene mutations that are not detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or NGS analysis.