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

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: Cancer incidence and mortality are steadily increasing both globally and in Mongolia. As these rates rise, traditional Mongolian medicine has long utilized herbal formulas for the treatment of gastric and esophageal cancers and precancerous conditions. One such formulation—Hot Natured 3 Herbs (HN3H)—comprises three species from the Ranunculaceae family: Atragene sibirica L., Ranunculus repens L., and Pulsatilla bungeana L.. However, scientific validation of its anti-tumor effects is essential. This study aimed to investigate the effect of HN3H in a tumor-induced animal model. Aim: To identify the biologically active compounds of HN3H and evaluate their effect in an experimentally induced tumor model in animals. Materials and Methods: The three herbs comprising HN3H—Atragene sibirica L., Ranunculus repens L., and Pulsatilla bungeana L.—were collected during their flowering stage (May–June) in Khishig-Undur, Bulgan province, and dried according to official procedures. Extraction was carried out by maceration in 96% ethanol at a 1:10 ratio. The concentrated extract was suspended in water (1:1) and successively fractionated with dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol, chloroform, and n-hexane. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (Protocol №2020/03-04). A colorectal cancer model was established by subcutaneous injection of MC-38 cells (Kerafast, USA) into C57BL/6 mice. Immunohistochemistry was performed using CK20, CDX2, Ki67, and p53 antibodies at 1:100 and 1:200 dilutions. Results: The ethanol extract of HN3H contained 2.98±0.04% total phenolics and 2.16±0.05% total flavonoids. Body weight and tumor volume were measured daily with three repetitions. All groups showed a time-dependent increase in body weight. Mice in groups 1A and 1B received ethanol extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg doses; groups 2A and 2B received dichloromethane extract at the same doses. The negative control group was administered 0.5 mg/kg PBS orally, while the positive control group received intraperitoneal injections of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) at 10 mg/kg twice a week. Tumor growth increased in a time-dependent manner across groups. Compared to the negative control, tumor volumes in four treatment groups showed statistically significant reduction (p˂0.05), while no significant difference was observed when compared to the positive control (p=0.08). Histological analysis revealed necrosis in all groups, with variation in extent. Conclusion The ethanol extract of HN3H exhibited moderate levels of phenolic compounds and a high concentration of flavonoids. HN3H extract inhibited tumor progression and activated lymphocyte-predominant inflammation in tumor tissues, indicating potential anti-tumor activity (p˂0.05).

Introduction: Anemia is still being a population’s challenging issue regardless of high development of countries around the world. According to a study regarding prevalence and etiology of anemia conducted in 187 countries around the world, the anemia rate is 23 176 per 100 000 population. In accordance with the “5th National Nutrition Survey” study conducted in our country in 2017, one of every five women (21.4%), aged 15-49 years, (16.2%) of reproductive age women and (3.0%) of men are anemic. The current study was conducted due to it is still essential to study and identify the etiology of anemia, determine its prevalence, plan appropriate intervention, and organize future preventive measures, depending on the socio economic conditions, location, diet, and customs of the Mongolians. Aim: To determine the prevalence, red blood cell morphology, and severity of anemia among adults. Method: The cross sectional study was conducted during between May 2022 and Sep 2023 and adults aged above 18 years were included. Moreover, we identified anemia cases based on the laboratory test results and determined the anemia severity grade. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS software. Result: Overall, (6.7%) of participants were anemic: (9.9%) of women and (2.8%) of men. The distribution by severity was: mild anemia (66.7%), moderate anemia (30%), and severe anemia (3.3%). Among women of reproductive age, prevalence was higher, whereas in men, anemia prevalence increased with age. Regionally, the Central region showed the highest prevalence, while other regions varied. Analysis of anemia by red blood cell morphology showed that normocytic anemia accounted for (51.6%), hypochromic anemia 66%, and mean hemoglobin concentration hypochromic (53.6%). Moderate and severe anemia was more common in women than men. Conclusion Anemia was detected in (6.7%) of the total study population, (9.9%) of females, and (2.8%) of males were anemic. Of those with anemia, (66.7%) had mild anemia, (30%) had moderate anemia, and (3.3%) had severe anemia. Moderate and severe anemia were more common in females than in males.

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: In recent years, the use of social networking sites has rapidly increased, enabling people to communicate more efficiently, quickly, and effectively, as well as to access and share information in real time. Accordingly, various research tools and measurement instruments have been developed to assess the impact of social media on individuals’ daily lives. However, most of these instruments primarily focus on the duration and frequency of use, failing to comprehensively capture the true influence of social media. Therefore, there remains a need to evaluate social media use more broadly. Aim: Determine the reliability and validity of the Social Media Use Scale among adolescents. Material and Methods: This analytic cross-sectional study was conducted among 421 students aged 12–17 years (mean age 15.1±3.6), including 43.7% male and 56.3% female participants. The study assessed the reliability and validity of the Mongolian version of the Social Media Use Integration Scale (SMUIS). Construct validity was examined using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), while reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: The Mongolian version of the Social Media Use Integration Scale revealed two subfactors (eigenvalue > 1.0). In the principal component analysis, all 10 items showed sufficient factor loadings (≥ 0.4) with no cross-loading items (<0.4). Structural regression analysis indicated positive and significant effects among the subfactors (B=0.42–0.82). The reliability of the validated questionnaire was acceptable, with Cronbach’s alpha values above 0.6. Conclusion The Mongolian version of the Social Media Use Integration Scale demonstrated satisfactory validity and reliability and can be appropriately used to assess adolescents’ electronic media use. Further studies are recommended to test the reliability of this instrument among other population groups.

Climate change and child malnutrition Introductions: Globally, one billion children are living in areas at high risk of climate change exposure. Among them, over 200 million children under the age of five suffer from severe malnutrition, and 148 million experience growth and developmental stunting. Climate change affects key determinants of child health such as the nutritional value of food, environmental conditions, and living standards. Mongolia is classified among countries with a high climate vulnerability index. Therefore, it is essential to study the impact of climate change on children's health in the Mongolian context. We aimed at determining the prevalence and trends of nutritional deficiencies among children under five years of age and to assess the impact of climate change on these deficiencies. Materials and methods: This study was conducted using international databases. Climate change was evaluated using indicators such as the Climate Change Index, average annual land surface temperature, air quality, soil contamination, and precipitation levels. Data on child nutrition were collected from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) database and the Mongolian National Statistical Information Service for the period 2000–2019. Nutritional deficiencies were measured using indicators including wasting and overweight among children under five. Trends in the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies were analyzed using the AR(I)MA model to forecast changes between 2020 and 2030. Regional variations were assessed using panel regression models, and the impact of regional climate variables on child nutrition was estimated. Results: The climate vulnerability index in Mongolia has been increasing, with trends indicating further rises in temperature variability. From 2000 to 2019, the prevalence of wasting and stunting among children under five showed a decreasing trend, with annual reductions projected at 0.5% and 1.8%, respectively. In contrast, overweight and obesity among children under five are projected to increase until 2030, with Ulaanbaatar showing statistically significant high values. A correlation was found between climate change indicators and childhood overweight. Conclusions: There is a rising trend in overweight and obesity among young children. Climate change has both direct and indirect impacts on child nutrition, food safety, and nutritional deficiencies. These associations must be taken into serious consideration in public health planning and policy.

Introduction: The treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections has become a pressing problem for humanity worldwide, and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections are likely to be the leading cause of death by 2050.Due to the mutation of infectious disease-causing bacteria and the emergence of bacterial resistance due to the improper use of antibiotics, the time and cost of infectious disease treatment increases, and in some cases, it leads to an increase in mortality, so it is the focus of the health sector in every country, regardless of the income level of the population. In addition, bacterial resistance has a negative impact on public health, food safety, the environment, and the economy.
As of 2015, Mongolia ranks among the countries with the highest consumption of antibiotics in the world, with 64.41 units of antibiotics prescribed per 1,000 people per day. Bacteria resistant to broad spectrum antibiotics have increased dramatically, and among Gram-positive bacteria, drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become one of the most common and dangerous cause Purpose: Determine the external structure of liposome-encapsulated antibiotics and evaluate their antibacterial activity. Materials and Methods: We conducted this study using an experimental research design. Phospholipids were isolated by intermittent evaporation, antibiotic encapsulation by freeze-thaw method, and antibiotic sensitivity was determined using standard strains by disc diffusion andmicro dilution method. Research ethics: Permission to submit the survey was granted by the Ethics Review Committee of the MNUMS. The survey was granted in accordance with the rules and regulations. Results: In liposome-encapsulated antibiotic sensitivity assays, azithromycin and clarithromycin did not form sacred circles, whereas doxycycline hyclate was sensitive by forming a 16 mm circle. Doxycycline hyclate encapsulated in liposomes formed a 16 mm circle with sensitive results, whereas blank liposomes were inactive. When the rabbits were infected with a standard strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, the infected area was purulent 24 hours later. A cream containing antibiotics was started at this time. A deep wound was recovered after 12 days after the pus was removed. Nevertheless, after 24 days, the wound on the rabbit’s infected part healed and the hair on the scraped part grew back. Conclusion According to the dilution method, liposome-encapsulated doxycycline hyclate inhibited bacterial growth at 2-fold lower doses than pure doxycycline hyclate. In experimental animal models, liposome-based antibiotic ointment has shown antibacterial activity.

COVID-19 and pregnancy: a national registry based study Background: According to a cohort study involving 2,130 pregnant women from 16 countries, the impact of COVID-19 on maternal morbidity and mortality was higher in low- and middle-income countries. Other one study found that the coronavirus pandemic increased maternal mortality by 1.37 times. The COVID-19-related mortality risk is 3 times higher in pregnant women than in the general population. In our country, there is a lack of evidence that determine the impact of COVID-19 on maternal mortality based on the national registration system. We aimed to study the relationship between COVID-19 and maternal mortality and complications based on national registry data Materials and methods: The study was conducted between February 20, 2022 and March 1, 2022 based NCMCH. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on maternal mortality was performed based on the 2020-2021 maternal mortality data of Mongolia through a retrospective and time series analysis. In order to estimated factors that affect the complications of a pregnant women’s COVID-19 infection, it was conducted a retrospective study design based on the database of pregnant women diagnosed with a COVID-19 infection. The study data was collected through a prepared questionnaire. Results: According to analysis, the maternal mortality rate in Mongolia in 2021 was 1.9 times higher than the predicted rate. In 2021, 67.6% of maternal deaths are due to COVID-19. In 2021, the maternal mortality rate due to Covid-19 was 64.2 per 100,000 live births, which is twice as high as maternal mortality due to other diseases. In 2020-2022, 17,789 pregnant women between the ages of 14 and 46 who were infected with the coronavirus were included in the study to determine the factors affecting the complications of COVID-19. The mean age of the participants was 30 ± 5.8 (95% CI 29.7 – 29.9) and their gestational age was 24 ± 10 weeks. Of all participants, 71.6% was diagnosed and treated in Ulaanbaatar. 52.7% of pregnant mothers diagnosed with coronavirus and presenting with complications have not been vaccinated, which is a relatively high rate compared to the group of pregnant mothers without complications. Not being vaccinated against coronavirus had a 70% increased risk of complications (OR = 1.7, 95.0% CI: 1.4–2.0). However, the probability of hospitalization increased by 20% (OR = 1.2, 95.0% CI: 1.0 – 1.4). The COVID-19 severity depends on the age of the maternal and the length of the pregnancy. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on maternal mortality, has increased. The maternal mortality rate in Mongolia is low compared to other countries, but it is higher than the recommended level for reducing maternal mortality. COVID-19 vaccination, on the other hand, reduced the complications of pregnant women and had a protective effect. It is important to build evidence by examining the effects of COVID-19 and vaccines on pregnant women.

Assessing children with disabilities using who international classification of functioning (ICF) Background: In 2021, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 billion people are estimated to experience disability. The number of children with disabilities globally is estimated at almost 240 million, according to a new UNICEF report. There are approximately 43 million children with disabilities in East Asia and the Pacific. In the 2020 population and housing census of Mongolia, a total of 106.4 thousand people with disabilities were counted, of which 7.6 percent or 8.1 thousand children aged 0-14 were counted. People with disabilities lose some of their ability to labor. WHO recommended that assessment of children with disabilities using both ICD and ICF. Thus, we aim to assess children with disabilities who have neurological disease using International Classification of Functioning and evaluate the validity of this classification. Materials and methods: This was a cross sectional analytical study based on NCMCH. Study materials were collected from children and guardians through standard questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of 2 groups: general information of the participant and indicators of the scope of the D code of the "ICF" to assess the childhood disability. According to the indicators of the D code range, activity limitations and participation restriction, disabilities were evaluated. Each question in the questionnaire was measured on a 5-point Likert scale from 0 to 4. The statistical analysis was performed using R 3.5.1 program. Validity was assessed using the Rasch model for each question. Questionnaire reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha test. Results: The study included 32 children aged 2-15 years. Male children were 62.5% of participants, the mean age was 8±3.1 years. Correlation between questions was high (r = 0.79) and reliability was adequate (α=0.94). As a result of Rasch analysis, the mean and standard deviation of the 36 selected parameters were not significantly different from the standardized mean. 3 indicators that did not meet the analysis criteria were removed, and a total of 33 indicators were used to measure childhood disabilities. Mean infit MNSQ was 1.06, mean outfit MNSQ was 0.93. MNSQ of all participants were 1.0 – 2.0. As a result of Rasch analysis, the mean of 33 indicators of disability is -1.6, the standard deviation is 1.2, the upper limit of the mean is 3.6, and the lower limit is -3.4, and the indicator of D code was stable enough to measure disability. The mean code scores were 2.45±1.3. The mean score of disability level of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy was 2.9±1.09, and children hospitalized with seizures and meningitis was 0.5±0.3. Also, the total mean score was 2.61±1.2 in the group with disability and receiving care, and 1.8±0.21 in the group not receiving care, which was a statistically significant difference. Conclusions: Inter-indicator correlation was good and reliability of the questionnaire was adequate in field use of the 38 indicators of the activity limitations and participation restriction of the International Classification of Functioning, Children's Version (ICF-CY) code range “D”. When evaluated by Rasch analysis, 33 questions were evaluated as structural and stable. The International Classification of Functioning can be used to assess children's disabilities. Discussions: Niels Ove Illum et al. (2015) found that The World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health child and youth version d code data can provide a coherent measure of severity of disability in children across various diagnoses, ages, and genders. Results were similar to our study.