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: Copper is a mineral that is involved in many functions og the human body and copper has antibacterial reaction. However many scientists have studied the antibacterial activity of nano copper, in our country, the lack of research is the basis of our research. Aim: Determination of antibacterial activity of colloidal copper (CuNP) Materials and Methods: The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Review Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences on February 18, 2022 (Protocol No. 2022/3-02). An ionized copper solution was produced by passing an electric current (19–20 V, 3–5 A, for 24 h) through sterilized distilled water using copper plates. Ascorbic acid was then added to prepare colloidal copper. The concentration was determined using a PPM meter, and the solution was filtered through a 0.22 µm bacterial filter. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against standard bacterial strains were determined by the broth dilution method. To determine the bactericidal time, bacterial cultures were exposed to the bactericidal concentration and subcultured hourly for 10 hours. Additionally, antibacterial activity was evaluated on Mueller–Hinton agar using the disk diffusion method according to CLSI standards, where 20 µL of colloidal copper was applied onto antibiotic disks. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours, and the diameter of the inhibition zones was measured. Result: The concentration of the prepared colloidal copper was 0.7 ppm. Using the broth dilution method, complete bactericidal activity was observed at 0.006 ppm against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enteritidis, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was completely killed at 0.008 ppm. In terms of exposure time, complete bacterial killing occurred after 2 hours for S. enteritidis and K. pneumoniae, after 6 hours for E. coli, and after 11 hours for P. aeruginosa. In addition, antibacterial activity was evaluated on Mueller–Hinton agar using the disk diffusion method according to CLSI standards. Colloidal copper increased the inhibition zone diameter of most antibiotics by 1–5 mm, particularly against P. aeruginosa. In K. pneumoniae, the activity of aztreonam and ceftriaxone was enhanced. When evaluating the inhibition zone diameter of cefotaxime against E. coli, the susceptibility result changed from intermediate to susceptible, while no significant change was observed for the other antibiotics tested. For K. pneumoniae, the addition of colloidal copper increased the inhibition zone diameter of aztreonam and ceftriaxone by approximately 1–2 mm. In P. aeruginosa, the inhibition zone diameters of most antibiotics increased by 1–5 mm; however, the activity of imipenem decreased. For S. enteritidis, most antibiotics showed an increase in susceptibility of approximately 1–2 mm, while ceftriaxone showed no observable effect. Conclusion 1. Colloidal copper solution, at low concentrations, exhibits bactericidal activity against some Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria. 2. Colloidal copper solution shows a synergistic effect with certain drugs, enhancing their activity; however, it exhibits an inhibitory effect on the activity of imipenem.

Background: The cornerstone of medical education in training qualified physicians lies in foundational scientific knowledge, which forms the basis for clinical reasoning and diagnostic-therapeutic decision-making. Anatomy constitutes one of the core foundational subjects within the medical doctor training curriculum and exerts a direct influence on the development of students’ baseline knowledge and the formation of their clinical thinking. This study was conducted to evaluate the anatomy curriculum through assessments by first-year students enrolled in the basic medical education program, with the aim of enhancing instructional quality and improving the structure and organization of the course. Aim: To investigate the satisfaction ratings of first-year students in the basic medical education program regarding the Anatomy-1 course. Material and Methods: The study was carried out using an analytical cross-sectional design during the first semester of the 2025–2026 academic year. Data were collected from a total of 289 first-year students of the basic medical education program at the School of Bio-Medicine of MNUMS (Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences) using a questionnaire comprising 24 items in total—3 demographic questions, 20 general satisfaction questions, and 1 open-ended question—with each item rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were processed using SPSS 23.0 software, employing descriptive statistics, two-sample t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and factor analysis. Results: Of the study participants, 14.2% were male and 85.8% were female, with the cohort distributed across programs as follows: TAM 10.38%, TMS 17.30%, MDS 44.29%, PDS 13.15%, and DSS 14.88%. The overall satisfaction level was 4.59±0.66, falling within the “good” range. The highest rating was attributed to “Faculty members possess strong professional knowledge and skills” (DSS, 4.91±0.37), whereas the lowest rating was assigned to “Students’ knowledge and skills are evaluated objectively and fairly” (PDS, 4.16±0.75). The internal consistency coefficient of the questionnaire yielded α=0.909, indicating excellent reliability. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations among instructors’ respect for students’ viewpoints (Q4), instructors’ communication and demeanor (Q5), and professional ethics (Q6) (r=0.787; r=0.755; p<0.01). Factor analysis produced a KMO value of 0.865 and a Bartlett’s test result of p=0.000; accordingly, all 20 items were grouped into two factors—”Faculty Professional Competence” and “Learning Environment and Organization”—which collectively accounted for 58.74% of the total variance. Conclusions 1. The findings indicate that the overall satisfaction of first-year basic medical education students who participated in the study was at a favorable level. 2. Faculty professional competence and the learning environment and organization were identified as factors influencing student satisfaction, explaining 58.74% of the total variance in the results. It was further established that adherence to professional ethics, respect for students’ perspectives, and equitable treatment are contingent upon the instructor’s knowledge and professional expertise.

Background: In recent years, due to the rapid development of digital technology and the decline in physical activity, there has been a noticeable decrease in the physical development of children and adolescents, along with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases. Organizations such as the World Health Organization, UNESCO, and the International Olympic Committee recommend integrating regular physical activity into daily life to promote population health. Therapeutic physical exercise is an effective method for restoring bodily functions, increasing muscle strength, and correcting movement impairments, and it serves as an important tool for supporting the physical development and health of school-aged children. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of therapeutic physical exercise on the physical development indicators of children with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Aim: To determine the impact and effectiveness of inclusive participation of students with pathological conditions in physical education classes on their physical development and health indicators. Materials and Methods: Thirty students diagnosed with chronic diseases and enrolled in general education schools participated voluntarily. At the beginning of the study, demographic information was collected, and baseline measurements were taken to assess flexibility, waist and hip circumference, forearm and back muscle strength. Therapeutic exercises tailored to the characteristics of each condition were then implemented according to the FITT principle. After the intervention period, follow-up measurements were conducted. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, independent t-test, Pearson correlation, and Cohen’s d in SPSS 25.0 software. Statistical significance was evaluated at the p<0.05 level. Results: After the therapeutic exercise intervention, participants’ flexibility increased by 3.70 cm, right-hand muscle strength by 7.50 kg, left-hand muscle strength by 6.92 kg, and back muscle strength by 17.60 kg, all of which were statistically significant changes (p<0.05). Height increased by 2.36 cm and weight by 1.98 kg. The effect sizes of these indicators ranged from moderate to high. Conclusions 1. The results of this study demonstrate that therapeutic exercise may produce statistically significant positive changes in certain physical fitness parameters among students with pathological conditions, particularly in upper limb and back muscle strength, as well as flexibility. The observed effect sizes ranged from moderate to high, indicating potential practical significance for implementation in practice. 2. In contrast, the changes observed in height and body weight are considered to reflect the indirect effects of therapeutic exercise together with the participants’ natural physiological growth and development. 3. This study suggests that therapeutic exercise may serve as an effective approach for promoting inclusive participation in educational activities among students who are exempted from regular physical education classes, while also supporting the improvement of their physical capacity.

Background: Allergic and atrophic forms of chronic rhinitis are common among the population, characterized by a chronic progressive course with a tendency toward increasing prevalence. Worldwide, allergic rhinitis affects approximately 10–40% of adults and 2–25% of children. According to a study conducted in Mongolia, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis among adults in Ulaanbaatar was reported to be 23.6%, with an increasing trend anticipated in the future. In allergic and atrophic rhinitis, structural alterations occur in the nasal mucosa, including disruption of the normal architecture of the pseudostratified epithelium and ciliated cells, accompanied by changes in goblet cell number and dysfunction of their activity, resulting in a complex pathological process. In otorhinolaryngology practice in Mongolia, there is a relative lack of studies investigating the ultrastructural changes of the nasal mucosa in allergic and atrophic rhinitis. Aim: To compare ultrastructural and histological changes of the nasal mucosa in allergic and atrophic rhinitis. Materials and Methods: Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Review Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences at the meeting held on April 24, 2020 (Protocol No. 2020/З-04). Appropriate ethical permission was also obtained from the EMJJ ENT Hospital. Nasal mucosal tissue samples were collected from surgically resected specimens of patients aged 20–45 years diagnosed with allergic and atrophic rhinitis. The mucosal specimens were processed at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. Samples were fixed and dehydrated according to the protocol, coated with 100 Å gold, and examined using a scanning electron microscope (FEI Quanta FEG 250, USA). In addition, paraffin blocks were prepared, sectioned at 4 μm thickness, stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, and analyzed histologically. Results: In allergic rhinitis, the pseudostratified epithelium was relatively preserved; however, disorganization of ciliated cells, partial loss of cilia, and goblet cell hyperplasia were observed. In contrast, atrophic rhinitis showed epithelial thinning, near-complete loss of ciliated structures, glandular atrophy, and submucosal fibrosis. Conclusion Allergic rhinitis is associated with relatively mild and predominantly functional mucosal alterations, whereas atrophic rhinitis demonstrates severe structural damage with irreversible impairment of mucosal protective function.

Background: Bone mineral density (BMD) is a key indicator reflecting bone strength and resistance to fracture. It is influenced by multiple factors, including age, sex, genetic background, body composition, nutrition, and physical activity. During young adulthood, peak bone mass is actively formed; therefore, identifying early variations in this period is essential for predicting future skeletal health risks. Accordingly, assessing BMD and evaluating its relationship with physical characteristics among first-year nursing students provides a scientific rationale for this study. Aim: To examine the relationship between bone mineral density and selected physical parameters among students. Materials and Methods: A total of 297 first-year students aged 17-35 years from the School of Nursing, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences were included. Bone mineral density was assessed by measuring the speed of sound through the radius using an ultrasound bone densitometry device. Handgrip strength was measured using an electronic dynamometer. Physical parameters including age, sex, height, and body weight were measured using standardized procedures, and statistical analysis was performed. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of MNUMS on November 21, 2025 (No. 26/1) and March 28, 2026 (No. 26/03-B02), with no ethical violations identified. Results: According to T-scores, 37.1% (n=110) of participants had normal bone status and 62.9% (n=187) showed reduced bone density. Based on Z-scores, 52.5% (n=159) were normal, while 45.6% (n=138) had decreased values. T-score values were 1.87±0.69 (<20 years), 1.44±0.55 (20–30 years), and 1.10±0.31 (>30 years), while Z-score values were −0.73±1.38, −0.43±1.23, and −0.02±1.27, respectively. ANOVA analysis revealed statistically significant differences among age groups (p<0.01). A positive correlation was observed between T-score and age, whereas no significant correlations were found with other physical parameters. Z-score showed a positive correlation with handgrip strength. Conclusions 1. A high prevalence of reduced bone mineral density was observed among the students, which may be associated with incomplete attainment of peak bone mass in adolescents and young adults. 2. A significant difference in bone mineral density was found between age groups (p<0.01), indicating that age is an important factor influencing bone mineral density.

Background: The Anatomy course, which provides general foundational knowledge on the structure of all organ systems of the human body, is a core professional course in the bachelor’s curricula of Pharmacy, Biomedical Science, Hygiene and Epidemiology, Public Health, Occupational Safety and Health, and Nutrition and Dietetics. Student satisfaction is not only an important indicator of the quality of medical education, but also influences graduates’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes; therefore, continuous research in this area is necessary. Aim: To determine the level of satisfaction with the Anatomy curriculum among first-year students in basic health science programs and to identify factors influencing their satisfaction, with the aim of improving the quality of teaching. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2025 to February 2026 among 182 first-year students enrolled in the following programs at Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS): Biomedical Research, Pharmacy, Health Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Informatics, and Traditional Medicine Therapy. Student satisfaction with the quality of the Anatomy course was assessed using a 24-item questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, applying descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation, factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The internal consistency of the satisfaction scale was very high (Cronbach’s α=0.928). The mean overall satisfaction score of the participants was 4.61±0.67. There was no significant difference in overall satisfaction by gender (p > 0.05). Factor analysis identified two main factors influencing the evaluation of teaching quality (KMO=0.894; Bartlett’s test p<0.001), which together explained 52.73% of the total variance. The first factor was “Teachers’ professional competence, communication, attitude, and assessment,” and the second factor was “Course organization, learning environment, and instructional materials.” Correlation analysis showed that better course organization and higher teacher engagement were positively associated with students’ satisfaction (p<0.01). Conclusions 1. Among first-year basic health science students, satisfaction with the Anatomy course was influenced by teachers’ professional competence, ethics, interpersonal communication, and fair, objective assessment. 2. Adherence to professional ethics and maintaining respectful communication with students were found to be closely related to teachers’ knowledge and professional skills.

Background: Alloxan is a chemical compound commonly used in experimental animal models of diabetes. In 1943, Shaw Dunn and Mc- Letchie reported that alloxan causes specific necrosis of pancreatic β-cells in experimental animals, which led to the study of alloxan in relation to diabetes. In this study, we evaluated the structural changes in the pancreatic tissue of diabetic mice induced by alloxan. Aim: To study the structural changes in the pancreatic tissue of diabetic mice induced by alloxan. Materials and Methods: According to the protocol for establishing a diabetic model, alloxan monohydrate was injected intraperitoneally into 6- to 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice to develop a diabetic model and evaluate the structure of pancreatic tissue. Results: Alloxan induced severe degenerative changes in the centers of the pancreatic islets of mice in the diabetic group. The islet shape was irregular, and the central part was relatively sparse; dead (karyolysis) cells were observed. In the exocrine part of the pancreas, the acinar structure was preserved; the nuclei of acinar cells were stained bright blue. The plasma-particle ratio of some acinar cells was lost, the plasma contained vacuoles, and the interstitial spaces were enlarged and appeared pale. On the 7th day of the experiment, the positive expression of β-cells in the pancreatic islets of mice in the diabetic group was reduced compared to the control group, and a necrotic area was observed. On the 28th day, the positive expression of β-cells was visible in the central part of the islet. When the qualitative characteristics of the positively stained cells of the islets of Langerhans were converted into quantitative values, the percentage of the area of insulin-positive stained cells was 13.37% ± 0.89% in the control group and 6.01% ± 0.39% in the diabetic group. The percentage of glucagon-positive stained cells in the control group was 15.27% ± 1.11%, and in the diabetic group was 5.01% ± 0.58%. The islet area of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans in the diabetic group was observed to be increased compared to the control group. This is thought to be due to the swelling of the islet cells and the formation of empty spaces created by necrotic cells. Conclusion The results of the functional assay showed that glucose- dependent insulin secretion was still active after 28 days of the experiment. Alloxan-induced necrosis and apoptosis reduced the percentage of insulin- and glucagon-positive cells in the islets of Langerhans.

Background: The skin barrier serves as the primary defense against environmental factors. Mongolia’s extreme climate conditions may contribute to skin barrier impairment, increased trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and decreased skin moisture. Objective: To determine and compare skin moisture, TEWL, and skin pH levels in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2023 with 104 relatively healthy children selected through random sampling. Skin physiological parameters, including skin moisture, skin pH and TEWL were measured following the EEMCO (European Group on Efficacy Measurement of Cosmetics and Other Topical Products) guidelines using the Multi Skin Test MC750 device (Courage+Khazaka Electronics, Germany) at nine different sites. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and Stata-14 software. Results: Among the participants, 51.9% (n=54) reported having dry skin (p<0.0001). Additionally, 64.5% (n=67) used moisturizers, but their usage did not show a statistically significant difference in skin moisture (p=0.929), skin pH (p=0.378), or TEWL (p=0.332). 14.42% (n=15) had extremely dry skin, while 85.58% (n=89) had dry skin, with no participants falling within the normal skin moisture range. TEWL showed a moderate inverse correlation with age (r=-0.331, p=0.0006). When analyzed by age groups, skin moisture (p=0.023) and TEWL (p=0.038) differed significantly between groups. Conclusion Skin moisture and TEWL significantly differ across age groups. Given that all participants had dry skin, moisturization is crucial. Mongolia’s extreme climate is likely a key contributing factor to childhood skin dryness.

Background: Double-lumen tubes (DLTs) are widely used in thoracic surgery to achieve one-lung ventilation. International recommendations suggest tube size selection based on height and sex (39 41 Fr for males ≥160 cm, 35–37 Fr for females ≥150 cm). However, in Mongolian practice, applying these standards often leads to oversized tube use and related complications. Objective: To compare international standards for DLT size selection with body height and sex in Mongolian patients. 10 Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who underwent esophagectomy with left-sided DLT placement at the National Cancer Center of Mongolia between 2018 and 2023. Data included age, sex, height, and DLT size. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and t-tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: A total of 211 patients were analyzed (58.8% male, 41.2% female). Among males, 170 cm patients received 37 Fr in 90% of cases (p < 0.001). Among females, 160 cm patients either 35 Fr or 37 Fr (p < 0.001). Tube size also differed significantly by sex (p < 0.001): 68.5% of males received 37 Fr, while 83.9% of females received 35 Fr. Conclusion In Mongolian clinical practice, DLT sizes are generally chosen smaller than those recommended by international standards, based on sex and height. All patients in the study achieved successful one-lung ventilation and favorable surgical conditions, indicating that international standards may not be fully applicable to the Mongolian population. Moreover, the study highlights that while DLT size selection correlates strongly with height in males, the association is weaker in females. Therefore, reliance solely on height and sex may be insufficient, and additional biometric and anatomical parameters should be considered for optimal tube selection