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: Currently, the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has led to reduced therapeutic efficacy in severe infections such as osteomyelitis. Furthermore, broad spectrum synthetic antibiotics disrupt microbiome balance and weaken the host immune system. Therefore, given the need to investigate natural biologically active supplements that inhibit pathogens without adversely affecting the viability of beneficial microorganisms supported by experimental and clinical studies this study was grounded in determining the effects of the Osteo Calcium-5 supplement on pathogenic and beneficial bacteria Aim: To investigate the in vitro effects of the biologically active supplement Osteo Calcium-5 on pathogenic and beneficial bacteria. Objectives: To determine the antibacterial activity of the biologically active supplement Osteo Calcium-5 by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and the diameter of the inhibition zone. To compare the effects of the Osteo Calcium-5 supplement on the growth of pathogenic and beneficial bacteria, and to evaluate the levels of selective activity and resistance. Materials and Methods: The study was performed using a quantitative research approach with an experimental research design, utilizing two standard pathogenic bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12600 and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 700699 along with two standard beneficial bacterial strains, Lactobacillus paracasei and Streptococcus thermophilus. The Osteo Calcium-5 supplement was extracted using a solution of 70% ethanol and 0.1% HCl. To determine its antibacterial efficacy, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were assessed in triplicate across a concentration range of 0.78% to 12.5% using the broth microdilution method, and evaluated via the agar well diffusion method based on the inhibition zone diameter. Results: It was established that the extract of the biologically active supplement Osteo Calcium-5 exerts selective effects on the growth of pathogenic versus beneficial bacteria. Specifically, for the pathogenic MRSA strain, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 0.78% and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 1.56%, whereas for the S.aureus strain, both MIC and MBC values were 1.56%, demonstrating high antibacterial activity with complete inhibition of colony growth at this concentration. In contrast, L.paracasei and S.thermophilus strains grew normally at low concentrations of the supplement, with MIC values ranging from 6.25% to 12.5%, proving to be several fold more resistant than the pathogenic strains. Furthermore, the agar diffusion method showed active inhibition of S.aureus (16.50±0.29mm) and MRSA (15.00-0.58mm) bacterial growth through the formation of inhibition zones, while exhibiting no adverse effects on the growth of the beneficial bacterial strains L.paracasei and S.thermophilus. Conclusions The MIC of the Osteo Calcium-5 supplement was determined to be 0.78% for MRSA and 1.56% for S.aureus, with the MBC for both strains established at 1.56%. Through the agar well method, the supplement actively inhibited the growth of S.aureus (16.50±0.29mm) and MRSA (15.00±0.58mm) by forming inhibition zones, effectively suppressing osteomyelitis inducing pathogens at low concentrations via mechanisms including bacterial cell wall and membrane disruption and virulence neutralization. For the beneficial bacterial strains L.paracasei and S.thermophilus, the MIC values of the supplement extract ranged from 6.25% to 12.5%, allowing normal growth at low concentrations without forming inhibition zones. This indicates a significantly higher resistance to the supplement compared to pathogens, proving its unique capability to selectively inhibit infections without disrupting the balance of the human normal microbiome.

Background: Globally, gastric cancer accounts for 1,089,000 new cases and 769,000 deaths annually, ranking fifth in overall cancer incidence and third in cancer-related mortality. The aim to determine HER2 expression in patients with gastric cancer and to evaluate its correlation with clinical and immunological biomarkers, as well as the need for further laboratory diagnostics. Aim: To determine HER2 expression in patients with gastric cancer and to evaluate its association with clinical and immunological biomarkers, as well as the potential need for further laboratory diagnostics. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using archived materials from patients with gastric cancer at the Clinical Pathology, Molecular Genetics, and Pathology Laboratories of the National Cancer Center of Mongolia, covering the period from 2019 to June 2025. HER2 protein expression in tumor tissue was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), and chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH-HER2) was employed to confirm gene amplification. Statistical analysis was performed using the Prisma-10 software. Results: In our study, among 210 cases of gastric cancer evaluated by IHC for HER2, 46 (21.9%) were HER2-positive and 164 (78.1%) were HER2-negative. When comparing patients with gastric cancer stratified into HER2 1+ (negative) and HER2 3+ (positive) groups, no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in age, sex, tumor location (surgically resected tissue), morphology, or disease stage. However, a higher proportion of males was noted in the HER2 3+ group (80.9%), though this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.0879). Significant associations were found with tumor markers. Elevated serum CA-72-4 (>5 ng/mL) was more frequent in the HER2 3+ group (58.8%; p = 0.0069). In contrast, elevated CA-19-9 (>35 U/mL) was more common in the HER2 1+ group (93.5%; p = 0.0117), and elevated CEA (>6.9 U/mL) was also predominant in the HER2 1+ group (90.6%; p = 0.002). These findings suggest that HER2 3+ status predominates in cases with elevated CA-72-4, which may influence diagnostic strategies and HER2-targeted therapies (e.g., trastuzumab). Conversely, elevated CA-19-9 and CEA were more associated with HER2 1+ status, indicating a need for further detailed investigation of these markers in relation to HER2 expression. In patients evaluated by CISH for HER2 expression, stratification into HER2-positive and HER2-negative groups revealed no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in age, sex, tumor location, morphology, stage, or serum tumor markers (CA-72-4, CA-19-9, CEA). This suggests that HER2 status (positive/negative) may be independent of these variables. Although HER2 positivity was higher in poorly differentiated tumors (48% vs. 30.6% negative; p=0.1414) and in stage IV disease (50% vs. 39.3% negative; p=0.2607), these differences were not statistically significant. Elevated serum markers (CA-72-4, CA-19-9, CEA) were observed but showed no significant correlation with HER2 status. Conclusion Determining the molecular profile of gastric cancer patients can significantly contribute to refining clinical diagnosis, developing treatment strategies, enhancing therapeutic outcomes, and improving patients’ quality of life.

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: Studying the human embryonic and fetal organ systems development patterns and determining their quantitative indicators is of scientific and practical importance in medicine and health in every nation.
Distortions and pathologies during the development of the embryo are the causes of congenital disabilities. Among the congenital malformations, facial malformations are the 3rd place, including cleft lip and palate in 70% and Srouzon's syndrome in 30%. In addition, abnormalities due to changes in the size, shape, and position of the jaw are also mentioned in the 2021.04.21 issue of Morphology magazine in the study "Morphometric parameters of the bones of the skull and face during the development of newborns and fetuses". In our country, Ariuntuul G (2005) determined that cleft lip and cleft palate occur at 0.76/1000 or 1 in 1314 live births, while Ayanga G (2012) found that it occurs at 1 in 1072 live births or 0.93/1000. Moreover, the eye cup dimensions of Mongolian fetuses aged 16 36 weeks have a positive linear relationship with the gestational age determined using ultrasound by Nandintsetseg B (2015) et al. Compared with the other countries, the eyecup is slightly wider, and the outer edge distance is similar, whereas the inner edge distance is shorter. Purpose: To summarize research work and determine the embryonic development of bones involved in the formation of the face and facial parts, the period of bone formation, the point of ossification, and the period of formation. Methods: During fetal development, human organ systems grow and develop at different rates but in a particular relationship. This feature of growth and development is also clearly observed in the structure of the head and facial bones, and the results of researchers who have studied this aspect are selected in the articles. Results: Embryonic and fetal development of bone are clinically significant not only from the point of view of its morphogenesis but also from the point of view of congenital disabilities. Conclusion In the analysis of the sources, most of the works on the prenatal period of the development of the same body have studied the development of specific structures of the face and facial area, such as the palatine bones and nasal bones, or have generally covered the development of particular systems in the embryo and fetus, and face, there are relatively few works that show the entire dynamics of growth and development of facial bones.

BACKGROUND OF STUDY: According to WHO report estimation, 76.3 million people have been diagnosed with disorder related to alcohol use which has been root cause for over 60 types of disease in the world.1 Smoking causes death to4 million people every year, 11 people every day and 6 every minute. This number is estimated to double reaching 10 million by 2030.2 The study conducted by the ‘World Vision Mongolia’ international organization and the Anti-alcoholism and Drug Association of the Ministry of Justice show 76% of all teenagers has drunk alcohol to some extent. AIMS: To determine alcohol, tobacco and psychoactive drug use by school teenagers of Sukhbaatar district in Ulaanbaatar MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: The survey on inquiry of alcohol, tobacco and psychoactive drug use (ASSIST) was conducted among a total of randomly selected 800 (374 boys, 426 girls) students of 8-12th grade from 7 secondary schools of Sukhbaatar district. Statistical data was put into Microsoft office applications (excel, word) and processed by SPSS application with 95% of probability of information and 5.0% of trust level. RESULT OF STUDY: Out of all respondents 32% (256) use tobacco, 43.8% (350)alcoholic drinks, 2.6% (21)cannabis,1.1% (9) cocaine, 1.5% (12) amphetamine, 3%(24)volatile substance, 4.3% (34)sedative and tranquilizer drug, 0.6% (5)hallucinogenic drug, 0.5% (4) opioid, and 0.1% (1) uses other types of drug. Among the survey participants, there are a total of 214 teenagers (in duplicated number) who need short-term action and 2 teenagers who are smoker and need intensive treatment. CONCLUSION: Among total teenagers, the survey participants, 1 in 3 used tobacco, 1 in 2 alcoholic drinks and 1 in 7 used psychoactive drug. Male students smoke twice more than female students and there is no difference in use of alcoholic drink in both sexes. The alcohol and tobacco use among teenagers at the age of 12-18 who participated in the survey showed that they use more when they grow older. 1 in 4 students of all participants belongs to a group with average risk and needs intensive treatment.

BACKGROUND: Toll like receptors (TLRs) are a class of proteins that key role in the innate immune system. TLR7 is expressed on monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells, T cell, B cell and eosinophiles. TLR7, originally identified as recognizing imidaquinoline, loxibrine, broprimine and ssRNA, ssRNA viruses such as vesicular stomatitis virus, influenza A virus and human immunodefiency virus. It is known that virus ssRNA affects signaling molecule of IFN-y. Objective: To determine gene and protein activation of IFN-y signal transduction by TLR7 ligand in the endothelial cells. MATERIAL: In study we used mouse aortic linear endothelial cell which is cultured (END-D) in 5% heat- inactivated fetal calf serum (FCS), medium (DMEM) containing antibiotic mix(penicillin G, streptomycin, amphotericin B) at 37°C (5% CO2). Endothelial cells treated with synthetic IFN-γ and imiquimodligands, then the NO (nitric oxide) concentration in the supernatant is determined by Griess reagent. Endothelial cells are cultured in 6 well cell culture plate and in each well 2*104cells are expected to be grown for 24 hours of culture. Then, the cells are treated with synthetic IFN-γ and имиквимод ligand for 6 hours and the NO signaling gene activation iNOS mRNA expression which is induced by IFN-γ is determined by RT-qPCR. Endothelial cells are cultured in 12 well cell culture plate and in each well 2*104 cells are expected to be grown for 18 hours of culture. Then, the cells are treated with synthetic IFN-γ and imiquimodligands for 24 hours and the NO signaling protein iNOS expression which is induced by IFN-γ is determined by western blotting. The experiment was conducted as representation mean of at least three test results. The difference between statistical probabilities is determined by the “Students” t test. The p<0.01 value is assumed to be statistically different. RESULTS: TLR7 ligand imiquimodaugmented interferon gamma induced nitric oxide production TLR7 ligand imiquimodincreased interferon gamma induced iNOS mRNA gene expression. TLR7 ilgand imiquimodup-regulated interferon gamma induced iNOS protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: TLR7 ligand imiquimod augments IFN-γ signaling in the endothelial cells. This synergistic effect has revealed in the levels of gene and protein expression.

Introduction: The aim of this research project is to elucidate the crosstalk of innate and adaptive immune reactions against the DNA containing bacteria. : This study held in the Core laboratory, Science Technology Center, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS). Murine aortal endothelial cells, END-D cultured and the cell viability checked by MTT assay. In addition, the NO production, protein and gene expression studied by Griess Reagent assay, R.T-PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. Results: 0.1µM, 1µM and 10µM of TLR9 ligand exhibited no cytotoxic action against the cells by MTT assay. IFN-ү alone induced NO production in END-D cells. In the other hand, TLR9 ligand at 0.1µM, 1µM and 10µM up-regulated IFN-ү induced NO production in dose dependent manner. RTPCR results exhibit that TLR9 ligand up regulates iNOS mRNA. Immunoblotting analysis showed the enhanced iNOS protein expression and phosphorylation of STAT1 in cells pre-treated with TLR9 ligand. Discussion: We have demonstrated CpG DNA, TLR9 ligand, up-regulates IFN-ү induced NO via enhanced IFN-ү signaling. The result of Western Blotting and RT-PCR support the up-regulation of NO. CpG DNA can be used as agent against virus and bacteria. Further research need to be conducted. Conclusion TLR9 ligand, CpG DNA up-regulates IFN-ү induced NO production in time and dose dependent manner. TLR9 ligand augments the expression of iNOS mRNA and STAT1 phosphorylation in response to IFN-ү.

Stigmatization and discrimination against mental patients and their family members due to typical community misunderstanding about mental diseases are commonly occurred among population. Particularly, discrimination against alcoholic patients and stigmatization against theirfamily members are most common among Mongolian people, because prevalence of alcohol dependence problems is increased 2 times more in last decades. Our aim was to define current situation of stigmatization and discrimination against alcoholic patients. This survey has been conducted among total 90 inpatients with alcoholic problem, are have staying in National Center for Mental Health and Narcology Center. We conducted the study by descriptive and crossectional design.Totally 90 alcohol patients, aged 19-61 years were participated in our survey. 67 (74.4%) of them were male and 23(25.5%) were female and average age was 40.1±1.1. Level of job’s discriminationwas growingrelated to increasing the level of alcohol consumption (p<0.0016)and level of family’s stigma was growing related to increasing the level of alcohol dependence (p<0.0001). Most of patients (n=29), who are divorced from their couples were answering that main reason of their divorcing was alcohol problem and bad interfamily relationship.Furthermore, stigmatization and discrimination increasing due to increasing level of alcohol consumption (p<0.0001).Most of participants (60%; n=54) are answered, that stigma and discrimination against them were occurring from their family.