Background: According to the WHO, 1.28 billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension, with the majority living in developing countries. In Mongolia, the prevalence of hypertension remains high, and the STEPS-2019 survey found the disease is common even among younger age groups. Manual/Automated blood pressure measurement methods require specific conditions and carry risks of measurement error. In recent years, the availability of AI-based mobile applications to measure blood pressure and vital signs has increased; however, there is a lack of research in Mongolia evaluating their accuracy in accordance with the ANSI/AAMI/ISO 81060-2:2022 standard, highlighting the necessity for this study. Aim: To compare the results of blood pressure, heart rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation SpO₂ determined by an AI-based application with the results of traditional clinical device measurements. Materials and Methods: We included 120 participants who consented to the study. Measurements were taken 3 times each using both the clinical device and the AI-based application, collecting a total of 360 measurement values. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Paired t-Test, Bland-Altman plots, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Result: The mean difference between the clinical device and the AI-based smartphone measurements was -2.05 mmHg (p<0.001) for systolic pressure, -2.36 mmHg (p<0.001) for diastolic pressure, -0.30 bpm (p=0.088) for heart rate, and 0.32% (p<0.05) for SpO₂. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were r=0.772 (p<0.001) for systolic pressure, r=0.892 (p<0.001) for diastolic pressure, r=0.978 (p<0.001) for heart rate, and r=0.391 (p<0.001) for SpO₂. Conclusion While AI-based application measurements are capable of determining blood pressure, heart rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation, they are not accurate enough for use in clinical practice.

Background: Speciality choice among graduating students is important for professional development and health workforce planning. Studies of medical graduates in the United Kingdom have reported that speciality preferences may change over time. Evidence concerning speciality choice among final-year dental students in Mongolia remains limited. Identifying students’ preferences and perceived influencing factors may inform curriculum development and career guidance. Aim: To identify the factors perceived to influence speciality choice among final-year dental students graduating from the School of Dentistry, MNUMS, in 2026. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire study included 111 of 136 eligible final-year students (81.6%). A questionnaire adapted from Svirko et al. (2013) collected demographic information, decision status, up to two preferred specialties, and ratings of nine potential influencing factors on a three-point Likert scale (strongly influenced=2, slightly influenced=1, not influenced=0). Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were used, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Result: Of the 111 respondents, 96 (86.5%) were female and 74 (66.7%) were aged 24–26 years. Sixty (54.1%) had not finalized their specialty choice, while 37 (33.3%) had made a definitive decision. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics were each mentioned by 48 respondents (43.2%), followed by Prosthodontics (25, 22.5%). Personal motivation and conviction had the highest mean rating (1.58/2.0), whereas family members’ decisions or traditions had the lowest (0.48/2.0). Teaching methodology and faculty attitudes/communication showed a strong positive correlation (Spearman’s ρ=0.72). The reported statistical results for sex-related comparisons require verification against the original dataset. Conclusion More than half of respondents had not finalized their specialty choice. Personal motivation received the highest perceived-influence rating, while family-related factors received the lowest. Teaching methodology and faculty attitudes/communication were strongly correlated. These findings may inform further evaluation of career guidance, training environments, and clinical learning opportunities. The single-institution, cross-sectional design limits generalizability and does not establish causality.

Background: In recent years, natural compounds have been shown to play an important role in cancer prevention and early-stage therapy. Flavanones, a class of polyphenolic compounds present in plants, vegetables, seeds, fruit peels, and flowers, have been identified to possess anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial bioactivities. Cancer has become a major global economic and public health challenge. According to international statistics, one in four individuals (22.8%) die from non-communicable diseases, while one in six (16.8%) die from cancer. Aim: To investigate the effect of a flavanone (5,2’,3’-trihydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavanone) isolated from Iris tenuifolia on the migration of liver cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Institute of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. The effect of the flavanone (5,2’,3’-trihydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavanone) on cancer cell migration was evaluated in vitro using the scratch assay. Human liver cancer cells (HepG2) were revived and stabilized before experiments were performed. Results: HepG2 cells were treated with a 2.5 μg/mL concentration of the flavanone for 24 hours. In the control group, an initial scratch width of 0.9 mm was reduced to 0.65 mm after 24 hours due to cell proliferation and migration into the denuded area. However, treatment with the 2.5 μg/mL flavanone concentration resulted in the complete inhibition of cell migration. Conclusion The flavanone isolated from Iris tenuifolia effectively suppresses the migration of liver cancer cells.

Background: The human head is an integrated biological structure composed of the brain, cranial bones, facial structures, neuromuscular systems, and sensory organs, all interconnected through coordinated signaling. The relationship between brain development, function, and craniofacial growth is most evident after birth, during which the head increases approximately fourfold in size before adulthood. Brain morphology and volume are associated not only with neurological disorders but also with cognitive and behavioral characteristics. For example, children with holoprosencephaly often present with varying degrees of facial anomalies, while studies have shown that adolescents with malocclusion exhibit higher levels of anxiety, depression, and psychological stress. With the increasing availability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it has become an essential diagnostic tool in clinical practice. MRI is particularly advantageous in pediatric populations due to the absence of ionizing radiation and its superior soft tissue contrast. Recent advances in image processing techniques have enabled comprehensive analysis of both brain structures and craniofacial morphology from a single MRI dataset, forming the basis of this study. Aim: To investigate the relationship between brain tissue volumes and maxillary hypoplasia using MRI-based voxelbased morphometry in children with neurological conditions. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the School of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, in collaboration with Chifeng University, as part of the project titled “Investigation of the relationship between craniofacial anomalies and brain disorders using MRI”, funded by the Ministry of Education and Science. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was performed on brain MRI scans of children aged 9–11 years. Results: Among the 25 children included in the study, 17 (68%) were male. The youngest average age was observed in the maxillary hypoplasia group (8.4±0.95 years). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of MRI was lowest in the non-temporal epilepsy group (41.1±1.35) and higher in the maxillary hypoplasia group (49.6±8.22). Both epilepsy and maxillary hypoplasia groups demonstrated physiological asymmetry of the cerebral hemispheres, with left parietal lobe dominance (−0.1% and −0.3 cm, respectively). Right frontal lobe dominance (+1.1%) was observed only in the epilepsy group. Conclusion Children aged 9–11 years with maxillary hypoplasia showed a reduction in both gray and white matter volumes of the brain. These findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders affecting odontogenesis and emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary team-based management approach.

Background: In recent years, scientists have found that certain natural compounds have significant potential in cancer prevention and early-stage cancer treatment. Flavanones, a class of polyphenolic compounds found in plants, vegetables, seeds, fruit peels, and flowers, have been identified to possess anticancer, antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, and antibacterial bioactivities. Cancer has become a major global challenge in terms of both economic and public health concerns. Global statistics indicate that 22.8% of deaths are attributed to non-communicable diseases, and 16.8% are caused by cancer, accounting for one in four and one in six deaths, respectively. Aim : To investigate anticancer effects of Iris Tenuifolia-derived flavanone on cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods : The study was conducted at the Bio-Medical Research Institute of the Mongolian National Uni versity of Medical Sciences, investigating the effect of flavanones on cancer cell viability under in vitro conditions using the MTT assay. In the study, colon, liver, and lung cancer cells were cultured, stabilized, and used for the experiments. Colorectal cancer cells (MC38), liver cancer cells (HepG2), and lung cancer cells (A549) were revived, cultured, and stabilized for use in the experimental procedures. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using Microsoft Excel 2010, and graphs were generated using GraphPad Prism 8. Differences between groups were analyzed using Student’s t-test, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results : We treated MC38, HepG2, and A549 cancer cells with different concentrations of flavanone (2.5 µM, 5 µM, and 10 µM) for 24 to 48 hours to evaluate cell viability. Flavanone inhibited A549 cell viability by 2.5 μM-10%, 5 μM-25%, and 10 μM-38%, respectively. For HepG2 cells, flavanone treatment at concentrations of 5-10 µM reduced cell viability by 28–58%. No statistically significant effect on the viability of MC38 cells was observed following treatment with flavanone at concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 10 µM. Additionally, although MC38 inhibited cell viability in a dose-de pendent manner in cell cultures, it had a statistically significant effect at higher concentrations of 30-200 μM (p<0.01). Conclusion Flavanone inhibits the cancer cell viability in a dose and time dependent manner

Backround: The university period is a unique phase in students’ lives, often marked by independent living, changes in lifestyle, diet, sleep patterns, increased psychological stress, and the development of unhealthy behaviors. Among students, particularly those studying in the medical field, research on dietary habits and influencing factors is scarce in our country, which serves as the rationale for this study. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the dietary habits of medical students and the factors influencing them, including sleep, impulsivity, depression, anxiety, and stress. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 358 students from years 1 to 6 across 7 schools of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS). Data were collected using internationally standardized and validated questionnaires, including the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire Revised-18 (TFEQ-R18), the Short UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale-20 (SUPPS-P-20), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0. Results: In terms of eating behavior, uncontrolled eating (UE) and cognitive restraint (CR) were similar between male and female students, while emotional eating (EE) was more prevalent among male students. Students’ eating behaviors were associated with body mass index (BMI). As BMI increased, levels of depression, anxiety, and stress also tended to rise. Sensation-seeking and positive urgency were higher among female students. Overall, 83.5% of students had poor sleep quality, which contributed to increased depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity. Psychological burden and impulsivity were independent of the field of study but decreased as students progressed through their academic years, while sleep quality improved. Conclusion The dietary habits of medical students were similar across genders but varied by academic year and field of study. Poor sleep quality, observed in 83.5% of students, was associated with increased depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity. Psychological burden and impulsivity were unrelated to the field of study but decreased with advancing academic years, alongside improved sleep quality. As BMI increased, cognitive restraint in eating behaviors decreased.

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.

Background: In recent years, natural compounds have been shown to play an important role in cancer prevention and early-stage therapy. Flavanones, a class of polyphenolic compounds present in plants, vegetables, seeds, fruit peels, and flowers, have been identified to possess anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial bioactivities. Cancer has become a major global economic and public health challenge. According to international statistics, one in four individuals (22.8%) die from non-communicable diseases, while one in six (16.8%) die from cancer. Aim: To investigate the effect of flavanone (5,2’,3’-trihydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavanone) isolated from Iris tenuifolia on the migration of lung cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Institute of Biomedicine, MNUMS. The effect of flavanone (5,2’,3’-trihydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavanone) on cancer cell migration was evaluated in vitro using the scratch assay. Human lung cancer cells (A549) were revived and stabilized before experiments were performed. Results: We treated A549 cancer cells with different concentrations of flavanone (1.25 μg/ml, 2.5 μg/ml) for 24 hours and analyzed them using the scratch assay. A cell-free gap of 0.9 mm in width was created, and after 24 hours, A549 cells migrated and proliferated into the gap, reducing its width to 0.25 mm. Treatment with 2.5 μg/ml flavanone completely inhibited cell migration. Conclusion Flavanone isolated from Iris tenuifolia inhibits lung cancer cell migration in a doseand time-dependent manner.

Background: Cigarette smoking is known to reduce appetite and body weight. This effect is mainly mediated by nicotine. Quit smoking without nicotine replacement therapy often result in increased body weight. Even though number of studies explored different levels of effects of smoking, there are few studies which address short-term effect of smoking on metabolism. Aim: To study short-term effect of smoking on appetite, body weight and blood glucose level of mice (Experimental animal) Objectives:
- To study effect of smoking on appetite
- To study effect of smoking on body weight
- To study effect of smoking on blood glucose and anxiety Methods: Inbred strain, Balb/c mice (n=20) were used. Mice were divided into two groups control (n=7) and treatment (n=9) group. Smoking treatment conducted in 5 days consequently in treatment group, three times a day with cigarette smoke. During experiment both control and treatment groups were monitored for food intake, water intake, body weight. In the end of the experiment blood glucose and anxiety levels were measured. In addition, liver, white adipose tissue and brown adipose issue were sampled comparison. Results: Short-term (5 days) treatment of smoking of treatment group result in significant difference in food and water intake (p<0.05) as well as tendency to lowering blood glucose and reduction of mesenterial, perirenal, epidydimal, white adipose tissues and brown adipose revealed tendency to reduction of mesenterial white adipose with control group. (Mes. White adipose tissue weights 0.44g in control group, 0.23g in treatment group). There was not significant difference in blood glucose test and anxiety test evaluated by time spent on alleys and transition between alleys in two groups. Conclusion
1. Cigarette smoking significantly reduced food and water intake in mice (or experimental animal).
2. Smoking didn’t affect body weight, but inhibited normal body weight gain.
3. Short-term treatment of smoking was not enough to change blood glucose level and anxiety behavior of mice.

BACKGROUND Cigarette smoking is known to reduce appetite and body weight. Even though number of studies explored different levels of effects of smoking, there are few studies which address short-term effect of smoking on metabolism. METHODS Inbred strain, Balb/cmice (n=20) were used. Mice were divided into two groups control (n=7) and treatment (n=9) group. Smoking treatment conducted in 5 days consequently in treatment group, three times a day with cigarette smoke. During experiment both control and treatment groups were monitored for food intake, water intake, body weight. RESULTS In the end of the experiment blood glucose and anxiety levels were measured. In addition, liver, white adipose tissue and brown adipose issue were sampled comparison. Short-term (5 days) treatment of smoking of treatment group result in significant difference in food and water intake (p<0.05) as well as tendency to lowering blood glucose and reduction of mesenterial, perirenal, epidydimal, white adipose tissues and brown adipose revealed tendency to reduction of mesenterial white adipose with control group. (Mes. White adipose tissue weights 0.44g in control group, 0.23g in treatment group). CONCLUSION There was not significant difference in blood glucose test and anxiety test evaluated by time spent on alleys and transition between alleys in two groups.