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: To effectively deliver healthcare services, it is necessary to strengthen and expand the education system for qualified biomedical equipment technicians and engineers. This should be combined with measures such as providing modern equipment to health facilities and making spare parts available. Internationally, there is a reference of one engineer responsible for 100 pieces of equipment. Additionally, one engineer is responsible for each major piece of equipment such as MRI, CT, positron emission tomography (PET SCAN), and angiography equipment. However, in our country, the standard is independent of the number of medical equipment. Although 4 universities nationwide train medical equipment engineers and technicians, they are unable to meet the growing market needs. Aim: To assess human resource needs for biomedical equipment specialists. Materials and Methods: We conducted the study using an analytical survey design. In the study, data were collected from a total of 272 engineers and technicians using a self-administered questionnaire that included years of work experience, post-graduate training, qualification level, and workload. The data were processed using SPSS Statistics 26 software, and the results were presented in figures, tables, and sentences. Results: Of the professionals surveyed, 72.4% were male, 95.6% were full-time employees, and 68.8% had a bachelor’s degree. However, the majority (90.4%) of the professionals did not have a professional degree. When asked about the availability of on-the-job and other training among the professionals 73.5% had not received any training at all. The level of training received by professionals did not depend on the organization they worked for. However, there was a statistically significant difference between the level of training received from foreign and manufacturer-sponsored organizations. The professionals surveyed had relatively little training since they started working. As the number of years of experience in their profession increased, the number of times they participated in manufacturer-sponsored training increased. However, the number of times they participated in domestic, foreign, or postgraduate training was not related to the number of years of experience. Conclusion Medical equipment engineers and technicians are working harder than international professionals. The lack of post-graduate training for healthcare professionals is a concern for the industry.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted mental health, particularly exacerbating conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and emotional disorders among hospitalized patients. This study examined the prevalence of COVID-19-related mental health issues and risk factors in hospitalized patients affiliated with MNUMS, compared to a control group. Aim: To assess the prevalence of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and to identify their associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at hospitals under MNUMS, including the Mongolian-Japanese Hospital, Central Hospital, and the National Center for Maternal and Child Health. A total of 552 participants (399 case group, 153 control group) who were hospitalized were included. Depression (PHQ-9≥10), anxiety (GAD-7≥10), insomnia (ISI≥15), and PTSD (PCL-5≥33) were assessed using standardized scales. Analysis was performed using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression (crude odds ratio [cOR]/adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 95% confidence interval [CI]), adjusted for group, age, and sex. Results: In the case group, depression (23.1% vs. 13.7%, p=0.015, cOR=1.884 [1.124-3.156]), anxiety (16.8% vs. 11.1%, p=0.096), and any mental disorder (18.0% vs. 13.7%, p=0.225) were higher, while insomnia was lower (19.5% vs. 30.1%, p=0.008). PTSD was low overall (1.8% vs. 0.7%, p=0.333). Risk factors included female sex (p<0.001, cOR=0.362 for depression in males), younger age (p=0.004), unemployment (p=0.017), and prior trauma (p<0.001). COVID-19 symptoms (difficulty breathing) increased the risk of depression (p<0.001, cOR=2.828 [1.708-4.682]). Conclusion Hospitalization for COVID-19 increases the risk of depression and anxiety, modulated by demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic factors. Targeted interventions for vulnerable groups are essential.

BACKGROUND. Chronic rhino-sinusitis (CRS) is a common inflammatory disease of the nose and paranasal sinuses, especially after virus infections. It has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. We aimed to evaluate the clinical value of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) forpediatric chronic rhino-sinusitis. METHODS. 30 patients 6-15 years old with CRS were divided into two groups: T1 were treated twice a week and T2 were treated five times a week for 2 treatment sessions within 2 weeks. Laser irradiation was delivered on 12 points over each maxillary and frontal sinuses with 30 seconds and the total treatment duration was 180 seconds. The evaluation was performed by a total symptom score based on SNOT-22 questionnaires of pre and after treatments. RESULTS. The total symptom scoreimproved significantly (p<0.15) in 27 cases. CONCLUSION. This study indicates that LLLT applied for 4 weeks improves symptoms in patients with CRS. LLLT is one of the most cost-efficient and painless treatment methods for pediatric rhino-sinusitis.

PURPOSE: Recent data indicate that sensitization to mold contributes to the severity and persistence of asthma. In this study, we investigated the relationships between sensitization to mold and lung function parameters in children with asthma. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data from 551 asthmatic subjects. We selected subjects who met clinical diagnostic criteria of asthma. Their spirometry, methacholine challenge tests, and measurements of blood eosinophils, serum IgE, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) results were included. Skin prick testing (SPT) results with 13 common aeroallergens in Korea including house dust mites, animal dander, pollen, cockroach and mold were reviewed. Subjects were divided into 3 groups according to their SPT results. Subjects who showed no positive result to any aeroallergen were designated as group 1 (non-sensitized). Group 2 represented subjects who were sensitized to aeroallergens other than mold (other allergen-sensitized) and group 3 included subjects who were sensitized to mold allergens (mold-sensitized). RESULTS: Among the 551 asthmatic subjects, 67 (12.2%) were sensitized to mold and 366 (66.4%) were sensitized to other aeroallergens. The log mean IgE levels were higher in groups 2 (5.96±1.14 IU/mL) and 3 (5.81±0.97 IU/mL) compared to group 1 (3.88±1.68 IU/mL). Blood eosinophils, ECP and FeNO concentrations were significantly higher in groups 2 and 3, but no significant difference was found between the 2 groups. The mean FEV1 value was significantly lower in group 3 (86.9±12.1%pred) than in groups 2 (92.0±14.8%pred) and 1 (93.4±15.4%pred). The log mean methacholine PC20 was significantly lower in group 3 (0.08±1.91 mg/mL) than in groups 2 (1.31±1.69 mg/mL) and 1 (2.29±1.66 mg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a differential association between mold and other aeroallergen sensitization, and severity of asthma. Sensitization to mold is associated with lower lung function and increased airway hyper-responsiveness in children with asthma. Mold sensitization could be an important factor determining asthma severity particularly airflow limitation in children.
Allergens ; Animals ; Asthma* ; Child* ; Cockroaches ; Dander ; Eosinophil Cationic Protein ; Eosinophils ; Fungi* ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Korea ; Lung ; Methacholine Chloride ; Nitric Oxide ; Pollen ; Pyroglyphidae ; Respiratory Hypersensitivity ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin ; Spirometry

BACKGROUND Bovine colostrums is the milk secreted by cows during the first few days after parturition. It contains many essential nutrients and bioactive components, including growth factors, immunoglobulins, lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin and cytokines ets. Lactoferrin has been reported for its multifunctional properties such as antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral antioxidant and anticancer activities. The aims of this study focused on the isolation and purification of lactoferrin from Mongolian bovine colostrums. Lactoferrin purified using HiTrap DEAE an ion exchange chromatography. Lactoferrin purification efficiency was about 60.5%. The single band of purified lactoferrin has been observed in SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. METHODS Bovine colostrum was collected at a cow farm in the Darkhan province of Mongolia. At first the cream was separated by centrifugation (10000 xg 20 min at 4oC). In order to separate the whey, the samples were precipitated with 1mol/l to pH 4.6 and centrifuged at 10000 g 20 min again. The samples of whey were stored at -18oC to the analysis. Lactoferrin was purified by HiTrap DEAE an ion exchange chromatography using 0.005 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.7) and linear gradient NaCl from 0.25M, 0.5M, 1M. During chromatography, protein in the eluents was monitored by ultraviolet absorbation at 280 nm with the instrument. Purity test done by using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturated condition (SDS-PAGE) method by Laemmli (1970). For HPLC determination of the lactoferrin by Shimadzu Nexera X2 HPLC system with UV/ VIS detector were used. Detection was carried out at the wavelength 280 nm. Separation was performed on a chromatographic column Protein R C18 ,2.2 x 150 mm, 5 μm particle size. Linear gradient and flow rate 0.2 ml/min were used. Mobile phase a consisted of water / acetonitrile/ trifluoroacetic acid ( 95:5:0.1). The column temperature was set at 40oC and injection volume was 10 μl. Data were collected and evaluated by software Lab Solution. An external standard method for quantification analytes was used. RESULTS Purified lactoferrin in the present study had a good concentration and purification efficiency was about 60.5 %. Protein fraction from 1M NaCl gradient delivers sharp and clean peak to HPLC chromatogram that fits intensity and retention time of standard bovine lactoferrin. Ammount of lactoferrin in bovine colostrums was 0.6 mg/ml and it`s molecular weight 80 kDa as a standard sample. The retention time of lactoferrin fraction which is purified by SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis. The peak of fraction same compared to the standard lactoferrin 5.8 minutes by HPLC analysis. CONCLUSION Ion exchange chromatography shows reliable and easy isolation of lactoferrin from Mongol bovine colostrum.

BACKGROUND: The goal is to lower overall health care costs by improving health status among individuals and communities. To become all the people healthier, good health human resource management is critically necessary. METHODS: This research work was done with document research method and got all the necessary information from databases of Public Health development center, Mongolian national statistic agency, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education Culture and Science. The Statistic processing took on Excel 10 and Stata 14 programs. RESULTS: The exact population of Mongolia is 3.119.935 in 2016. To compare the population spread through the country, Ulaanbaatar, capital city, has the highest density of population. The number of the hospitals and doctors was enough. Actually it was lower than world standard (500 patients per a doctor). Even the number of the doctors are enough, in remote area, it is not enough. In the whole country there are 309 patients per doctor, 237 patients per doctor in Ulaanbaatar and 433 patients per doctor in isolated areas. In conclusion, the human resource distribution is not even in the public health care. CONCLUSION: There are 32.4 chief doctors, 37.2 nurses and, 24 other health employees are assigned to work for 10000 people from the study of 2016. Comparing this study with the previous year’s study, the number of the doctors has gone up by 0.8, but the number of the nurses has gone down by 0.3. Due to the world health organization statistic, the number of the patients per doctor is considered to be low.

IntroductionThe p53 gene is frequently mutated in various forms of human cancers. The p53 signaling pathway isactivated by endogenous and exogenous stress signals and induces growth arrest, cellular senescenceand apoptosis. A common polymorphism occurs at codon 72 of the p53 has been demonstrated that itmight be associated with bladder cancer risk. However, results of researches related to this topic werecontroversial and more investigations and samples size needed.GoalTo evaluate TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphism in Mongolian patients with bladder cancer.Materials and MethodWe evaluated TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphism in DNA samples from 82 patients with bladder cancerand 82 age and gender matched healthy subjects using polymerase chain reaction-based restrictionfragment length polymorphism. All enrolments of this study were Mongolians. The association betweeneach genotype of TP53 Arg72Pro and bladder cancer risk was examined by the odds ratio and 95%confi dence interval, using logistic regression analysis. The early age onset of bladder cancer patientswas also evaluated among different genotypes of TP53 Arg72Pro.ResultsThe proportion of the polymorphism of TP53 Arg72Pro were RR 53.7% (n=44); PR 34.1% (n=28); andPP 12.2% (n=10) in the bladder cancer patients, whereas RR 52.4% (n=43); PR 28% (n=23); and PP19.6% (n=16) in healthy controls. The PR genotype increased the risk of bladder cancer (OR1.189;95% CI 0.42-0.75; p=0.997) in Mongolian people, whereas PP genotype protected from the cancer(OR=0.610; 95% CI 0.22-0.44, p=0.998) compared to the RR, respectively, however signifi cance isweak. Moreover, there was no association between each genotype of TP53 Arg72Pro (RR=52; PR=54;PP=58) and early onset of bladder cancer in the Mongolian population.Conclusion: Our result indicates that the PR genotype tends to increase the risk of bladder canceramong Mongolians. RR genotype of TP53 Arg72Pro is more prevalent among Mongolians.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer is a cancer of significant morbidity and mortality in the worldwide. It is the second most common urological cancer in Mongolia. It is important to understand the risk factors of bladder cancer.We evaluated the association of smoking, alcohol intake, body mass index and other potential risk factors with bladder cancer incidence in Mongolians.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed data from a case-control study (116 histologically confirmed bladder cancer cases and 300 cancer-free healthy, age, gender-matched controls). All participants signed the consent form andfilled out the structured questionnaire including cigarette smoking, BMI, chronic urinary disease andalcohol drinking etc. Using logistic regression we estimated the covariate-adjusted odds ratio (OR) and95% confidence interval (CI) of the associations.RESULTS: Mean age of the patients with bladder cancer was 56±10.5 years and 79.3% male and 20.7% female.Cigarette smoking, history of urinary tract diseases and body mass index were associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer OR 6, 48 (95% CI 1, 61-1, 70), OR 80 (95% CI 1, 48-1, 93) and OR=9.8 (95% CI 2.32-2.91) respectively but not alcohol drinking OR 0, 26 (95% CI 1, 56-1, 66).CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that cigarette smoking, history of urinary tract diseases and body mass indexincreased risk of bladder cancer in Mongolian patients.

BACKGROUND:The mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) is a negative regulator of the p53 tumor suppressor protein.Overexpression of MDM2 is associated with poor survival and is a useful predictive factor for poor prognosisin various cancers in human. Studies revealed a genetic polymorphism located in intron 1 of the MDM2gene, MDM2-SNP309, (a change from T to G) is main functional polymorphism and important to developtumors. However, inconsistent associations between the MDM2-SNP309 and the risk or early onset ageof human different cancers have been reported worldwide. These conflicting results may have dependedon different patient subgroups and ethnicities studies. We studied the association of the MDM2-SNP309polymorphism andbladder cancer in Mongolian patients for the first time.OBJECTIVE:To investigate association between MDM2-SNP309 and the risk bladder cancer or early onset age of thecancer in Mongolian patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS:We genotyped MDM2-SNP309 in 44 patients with bladder cancer and 44 age and gender matched healthycontrols among Mongolian people.Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood samples by the standardmethod of Qiagen mini blood DNA extraction kit (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, CA) and PCR amplification wasperformed using 100 ng genomic DNA template according to manufacturer’s protocol (Invitrogen, Carlsbad,CA). MDM2 SNP309 genotyping was carried out by restriction fragment length polymorphism assay.RESULTS: The allele frequencies of MDM2 SNP309 in the 44 bladder cancer patients were wild-type (T/T) 27.3%,homozygous (G/G) 34.1% and heterozygous (T/G) 38.6% whereas in the control cases were wild-type(T/T) 29.5%, homozygous (G/G) 20.5% and heterozygous (T/G) 50.0%. The proportion of homozygous(G/G) genotype was higher for bladder cancer cases than for healthy controls. Compared to the low-risk(wild type) genotype, an increased risk association with bladder cancer was shown for the GG genotype(OR=2.0, 95% CI=1.03-1.84). There is also a significant difference in median age onset of bladder cancerbetween GG low and high risk genotypes T/T and T/G (p=0,003)( p=0.0001), respectively (Figure2).CONCLUTION: The current sample data suggests that MDM2 SNP309 GG genotype may be associated withthe risk of bladder cancer as well as an earlier age onset in Mongolian patients with bladder cancer.