Background: Panzerina lanata (L.) is widely distributed across various ecosystems in the mountain, steppe, and Gobi regions of Mongolia and has traditionally been used in folk medicine to alleviate joint and muscle inflammation, reduce liver heat, lower blood pressure, promote diuresis, and treat edema and tumors. Its similar applications in Mongolian and Chinese traditional medicine suggest considerable therapeutic potential and biological activity. Studies conducted since 2019 have reported that P.lanata (L.) is rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant-active constituents; however, studies on the microscopic and histochemical characteristics of the species growing under Mongolian conditions remain limited, providing the rationale for this study. Aim: To characterize the microscopic features of Panzerina lanata (L.), determine the distribution of starch, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds using histochemical methods, and evaluate the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity. Materials and Methods: For microscopic analysis, plant materials were softened by soaking for 24 h in a 1:1:1 water–ethanol–glycerin mixture (Strich–Fleming solution), followed by preparation of manual transverse and longitudinal sections of the stems, roots, and petals. A 10% chloral hydrate solution was used for clearing. Histochemical analyses were performed using potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇), ferric chloride (FeCl₃), Lugol’s solution (I₂/KI), thymol (C₁₀H₁₄O) with concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), methylene blue (C₁₆H₁₈ClN₃S), and Dragendorff’s reagent. The prepared sections were cleared with glycerin and examined under an Olympus light microscope at ×40 and ×100 magnifications, with images documented using a 12-MP camera. Result: Microscopic examination of the roots, stems, and petals revealed that the root stele exhibited a polyarchy arrangement, with clearly differentiated xylem, phloem, and cambial tissues in both transverse and longitudinal sections. Scalariform tracheary elements in the xylem contributed to water and mineral transport and mechanical support. The stem xylem contained both spiral and scalariform tracheary elements. The petals consisted of cells with double walls and single nuclei, while the floral seed tissue was composed of meristematic tissue associated with continuous cell division, growth, and tissue differentiation. Histochemical analysis of transverse and longitudinal sections of the stems and roots, as well as petal sections, revealed the presence of essential oils, polyphenolic compounds (tannins and flavonoids), and starch. Conclusion Microscopic, histochemical, and phytochemical analyses of Panzerina lanata (L.) revealed the presence of biologically active compounds, indicating its potential for use in the quality evaluation of medicinal plant raw materials.

Background: School health services play a critical role in protecting and promoting students’ health, thereby contributing to improved academic performance. School nurses provide a wide range of services, including preventive care, health education, and management of chronic conditions among students. Aim: This review aimed to synthesize existing evidence on the effectiveness of school-based nursing interventions based on published research. Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted using international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Relevant studies on school-based nursing interventions were systematically analyzed. The findings indicate that school nursing interventions positively impact the management of chronic diseases, promotion of mental health, and development of healthy behaviors among students. Additionally, reductions in school absenteeism and emergency incidents were consistently reported. Results: The reviewed studies demonstrated that school-based nursing interventions significantly improve students’ health outcomes. These include better chronic disease control, enhanced mental well-being, and increased adoption of healthy lifestyles. Furthermore, students receiving such interventions showed decreased absenteeism and fewer emergency health events at school. Conclusion School-based nursing interventions have a positive impact on students’ health and well-being. Strengthening school nursing services and enhancing collaboration between the education and health sectors are essential to promote the health of children and adolescents and to ensure a healthier future generation.

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: Population health literacy constitutes a comprehensive competency to access, understand, appraise, and apply health information, serving as a foundational prerequisite for disease prevention frameworks. Within primary healthcare settings, nursing counseling plays a pivotal role in fostering healthy behaviors among citizens; however, there remains a critical need to quantitatively evaluate the correlation between these behavioral modifications and health literacy, thereby establishing an evidence-based analysis. Aim: To assess the level of health literacy and healthy lifestyle habits among citizens, and to evaluate their correlation with nursing counseling and support. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted between August and September 2026, enrolling 145 citizens aged 18 and older who received care at the Tsetsekhairkhan Family Health Center of Songinokhairkhan district, Ulaanbaatar city and Telmen Soum Health Center in Zavkhan Province. HL was evaluated using the Mongolian version of the HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire, and total scores were calculated. Nursing involvement was evaluated via a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0, utilizing logistic regression analysis to determine Odds Ratios (OR) and p-values. Results: The mean HLS-EU-Q16 score of the participants (n=145) was 10.4±3.2. Regarding HL level distribution, 42.1% (n=61) were inadequate, 34.5% (n=50) were problematic/limited, and 23.4% (n=34) possessed sufficient health literacy. Participants perceived nursing support as highly influential (58.8%) and moderately influential (29.8%) in adopting healthy habits. Regular recipients of health counseling from nurses demonstrated a 3.79-fold higher likelihood of actively pursuing a healthy lifestyle (OR=3.79, 95% CI: 1.84–7.81, p=0.001) and a 3.05-fold higher likelihood of implementing the counseling into practice (OR=3.05, 95% CI: 1.35–6.88, p=0.0076). Conclusion Although citizens exhibit a limited capacity to independently search for and appraise health information—reflecting an overall inadequate level of HL—nurse-led counseling and support exert a direct, statistically significant positive impact on enhancing healthy behaviors among citizens.

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: The discovery of insulin over a century ago significantly advanced the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). Effective glycemic control in patients on insulin therapy is influenced by a variety of factors. While developed countries have transitioned fully to insulin analogs, abandoning recombinant insulin, Mongolia lacks comprehensive research on how different insulin formulations influence glycemic control. This gap highlights the need for targeted improvements in therapy effectiveness and service quality. Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Central Hospital of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, including 183 diabetic patients aged 18-65 years. Participants were managed by endocrinologists and participated in a survey consisting of 44 questions alongside physical measurements. Data were 78 analyzed using SPSS version 25, with a significance threshold of p<0.05. Results: The study population had a mean age of 56.7 ± 11.0 years, with 55.2% (n=101) males. The mean duration of diagnosed DM was 12.6 ± 6.33 years, and the mean duration since the initiation of insulin therapy was 6.77 (1-24) years. The mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 10.5%, with 87.4% of the participants categorized under poor glycemic control and only 5.5% maintaining optimal levels. Insulin usage was predominantly recombinant (60.7%), with analogue at 32.2%, and mixed regimens at 7.1%. Usage of insulin pens was reported by 43.2% of the participants. The daily insulin dosage ranged from 10 to 71 units, averaging 37.2 ± 13.7 units. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that inadequate knowledge about insulin therapy is an independent risk factor (OR; 95% CI = 1.48; 1.21 10.32). When adjusting for confounding factors, the average glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in the group with inadequate knowledge was significantly higher (11.8%) compared to the group with adequate knowledge, where it was significantly lower (10.2%). Conclusion The use of analog insulin among patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing insulin therapy is relatively low (32%), and glycemic control is poor (87%). Therefore, it is necessary to increase the use of analog insulin and improve glycemic control. Inadequate knowledge about insulin therapy negatively affects glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (OR; 95% CI = 1.48; 1.21-10.32). Therefore, it is essential to enhance patients’ knowledge.

Background: The relationship between alcohol consumption and sleep disorders is a complex issue. Although alcohol has a sedative effect in small doses, this effect diminishes when alcohol consumption exceeds an average of 7 grams per hour. Aim: To assess the sleep quality of individuals dependent on alcohol. Materials and Methods: A quantitative study was conducted using a survey-based research design. A total of 120 men participated in the study, including 60 alcohol-dependent individuals and 60 in the control group without alcohol dependence. The study utilized demographic questionnaires, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess sleep quality, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to determine the level of alcohol dependence. Results: The average age of alcohol-dependent participants was 45.3±42.4 years, while the control group had an average age of 42.4±5.1 years. The AUDIT score for the alcohol-dependent group was 25.6±9.8, indicating a high level of dependence, whereas the control group scored 7.2±3.2, suggesting low consumption levels. This difference was statistically significant (t=3.98, p=0.001). In the alcohol-dependent group, sleep latency was prolonged (p=0.042), sleep efficiency scores were lower (p=0.012), and sleep disturbances were more frequent (p=0.039) compared to the control group. The overall PSQI score was 9.82±2.8 for the alcohol-dependent group, whereas it was 4.1±1.2 for the control group. A correlation analysis revealed that poor subjective sleep quality (p=0.023), sleep latency of more than 30 minutes (p=0.012), sleep efficiency below 75% (p=0.021), and sleep disturbances (p=0.019) were significantly associated with higher AUDIT scores. Conclusion Alcohol dependence negatively affects sleep quality, particularly in terms of subjective sleep perception, sleep latency, and sleep efficiency, leading to sleep disorders.

Background: Nurses spend the most time with patients when providing medical care, making them a crucial factor in ensuring appropriate and effective treatment. Their assessment skills play a vital role in pain management. Aim: This study aims to determine the validity and reliability of the Mongolian version of the Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (KASRP). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted using the Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (KASRP) questionnaire. A total of 145 nurses from the surgical, emergency, and intensive care units of the National Trauma and Orthopedic Research Center (NTORC), the National Cancer Center of Mongolia (NCCM), and the National Center for Maternal and Child Health (NCMCH) participated in the study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-25 software. Results: The study included 115 female and 30 male nurses, with an average age of 37.21±7.50 years and an average work experience of 13.43±7.57 years. The face validity index (FVI) for each item ranged from 0.81 to 1.00. The content validity index (CVI) for each item ranged from 0.66 to 1.00. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, which was found to be 0.88. Conclusion The Mongolian version of the KASRP demonstrates satisfactory face validity, content validity, and reliability, making it suitable for practical application.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the surgical and visual outcomes of scleral fixated intraocular lens implantation in eyes with as subluxated and dislocated crystalline lens or traumatic aphakic eyes. Methods: A retrospective and short-term prospective cohort study was carried out in 45 eyes of 43 individuals who underwent SFIOL implantation surgery in First Central Hospital of Mongolia between January 2017 and January 2020 and had a minimum follow-up of 3 months. Pre-operative and post-operative best corrected visual acuity, postoperative outcomes and complications were summarized. Patients after the implantation of a scleral fixated PCIOL were evaluated for the disease etiology, pre- and post-operative best corrected visual acuity, and occurrence of postoperative complications. Results: The analysis included 45 eyes from 43 patients. Thirty-two (74.4%) patients were men and eleven (24.6%) were women . The mean age at implantation was 57.2 ± 20.0. Indications for the IOL implantation included ocular trauma (48.9%), pseudoexfoliation syndrome (22.2%) and Marfan syndrome (15.6%). Disease etiology and age group were compared and results were Marfan syndrome is mostly diagnosed in 20-29 years of age, ocular trauma is usually diagnosed in 30-69 years of age and pseudoexfoliation syndrome is occurred in 70 and above of age. Post-operative visual acuity was improved in all cases from which 35 of patients (77.77%) visual outcome was 6/12 and above.
The mean preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.083 ± 0.088, which improved to 0.569 ± 0.221 (p<0.001) third month postoperatively and these were statistically significant.
The most frequent complication was induced astigmatism, which occurred in 6 eyes which successfully corrected with glasses. Suture erosion occurred in three eyes which successfully relocate it. The most serious complications such as vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, suprachoroidal hemorrhage, endophthalmitis and suture degradation or breakage was not seen. Conclusion Ab externo SFIOL implantation is a reasonable technique for the management of eyes with aphakia or absence of capsular support, with relatively high visual outcomes and few serious complications.
The most frequent cause of aphakia and absence of capsular support was ocular trauma thus, pseudoexfoliation and Marfan syndrome were the most common in elderly and in young age, respectively.

BACKGROUND. Acute primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) is a severe disease requiring intensive and emergency treatment. Surgical peripheral iridectomy and laser peripheral iridectomy procedures are performed to decrease papillary block and create an opening for the aqueous humor to pass through the eye. However, the intraocular pressure (IOP) cannot be consistently controlled by peripheral iridectomy. Phacoemulsification can widen the anterior chamber angle, position the ciliary processes in eyes with PAC posteriorly and inhibit the acute angle closure. This procedure can control the intraocular pressure sustainably for a long period. The higher incidence of the acute angle closure glaucoma in Mongolia compared to other countries was the rationale of this study. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Medical records of 9 patients (9 eyes) with acute PACG, who had received phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation as initial management for medically uncontrolled high IOP, were analyzed in a retrospective chart review. IOP, visual acuity, anterior chamber depth (ACD) and the number of anti-glaucoma medications used were evaluated. RESULTS. The postoperative IOP was reduced in 9 eyes (100%). The mean preoperative IOP was 37.9 ± 13.0 mmHg, which decreased postoperatively to 11.0 ± 1.9 mmHg at day 1, 11.1 ± 2.1 mmHg at week 1, 11.1±2.0 mmHg at 2 weeks, 11.8 ± 1.9 mmHg at month 1, and 11.3 ± 1.4 mmHg at 3 months, which showed statistically significance (p < 0.001). The mean visual acuity improved from preoperative average of 0.04±0.03 to postoperative average of 0.17±0.24 at day 1, 0.45±0.26 at week 1, 0.54±0.31 at week 2, 0.56±0.34 at 1 month, and 0.57±0.33 (p = 0.001) at 3-months. There was functional success at month 3. СONCLUSION. Our outcome indicates that primary phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation lowered IOP and improved visual acuity significantly in patients with acute PACG. This is a safe and effective method of IOP control and can be considered a first line treatment option in managing patients with acute PACG and coexisting cataract.