Background: Respiratory and gastrointestinal infectious diseases are the leading causes of morbidity in children. Numerous international studies have demonstrated that handwashing with soap is one of the most effective and cost-efficient methods for preventing these diseases in children. A previous study conducted in Ulaanbaatar found that only 50.1% of general education school students practiced proper handwashing, which is considered insufficient even in areas with relatively adequate facilities. In Mongolia, 56.1% of the 865 schools lack handwashing facilities and soap, and 25% do not meet the WASH standards. Although knowledge about handwashing increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, sustained behavioral change remained limited, highlighting a gap between knowledge and practice and indicating the need for targeted educational interventions. Furthermore, there is limited research comparing the effectiveness of such interventions across different school environments and urban–rural settings, which provides the rationale for this study. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a handwashing educational intervention among primary school students and determine differences in knowledge change across four schools in urban and rural areas. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study design was used from December 2024 to June 2025. A total of 1,353 students from grades 3–5 in four general education schools (two in Ulaanbaatar and two in rural areas) were included in the study. Preand post-intervention handwashing knowledge scores were analyzed using paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA (α=0.05) with STATA 14.0. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. Result: The mean handwashing knowledge score increased significantly from 9.68 (±2.64) before the intervention to 10.30 (±2.74) after the intervention, with a mean difference of +0.63 (p<0.001). The differences in improvement between schools were also statistically significant (ANOVA: F(3,1335)=5.90, p=0.0005). The highest improvement was observed in urban School A (+1.49), while the lowest was observed in School B (+0.16). Rural schools C and D showed moderate and relatively consistent improvements (+0.51 and +0.70, respectively). Conclusion School-based handwashing educational interventions effectively improve knowledge among primary school students. However, environmental factors, such as infrastructure and geographic location, significantly influence the effectiveness of the intervention. Therefore, educational interventions should be implemented alongside infrastructure improvements.

Background: Melanoma is a malignant tumor arising from melanocytes and represents the most aggressive form of skin cancer, characterized by rapid progression and a high risk of metastasis. Lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM), a subtype of melanoma, typically develops on chronically sun-exposed skin of the face and neck in elderly individuals and accounts for approximately 10–15% of all cutaneous melanomas. Major risk factors for LMM include ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, advanced age, fair skin phenotype, genetic predisposition, and the presence of multiple melanocytic nevi or pigmented lesions. The diagnosis of LMM is established through clinical evaluation, histopathological examination, and immunohistochemical analysis. Surgical excision remains the gold standard of treatment. Case Presentation A 57-year-old female presented to the Department of Dermatologic Surgery and Aesthetic Reconstruction at the National Center for Dermatology with a progressively enlarging pigmented lesion on her right cheek. According to the patient’s history, the lesion had been present for more than 10 years and had gradually increased in size. The lesion was surgically excised, and the diagnosis of lentigo maligna melanoma was confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. This case aims to highlight the diagnostic approach and appropriate management of LMM, with particular emphasis on the effectiveness of surgical treatment.

Background: Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is a rare autoimmune blistering disease characterized by linear deposition of immunoglobulin A along the subepidermal basement membrane zone. Although it can occur in both children and adults, the disease in pediatric patients often requires careful consideration due to challenges in differential diagnosis and variability in treatment response. Dapsone is considered the first-line treatment; however, in some cases it may be unavailable, contraindicated, or associated with adverse effects, necessitating alternative therapeutic options. Case Presentation In this case report, we present the clinical features, diagnostic findings, treatment course, and outcomes of a 9-year-old girl diagnosed with LABD. The combination of colchicine and systemic corticosteroids resulted in marked clinical improvement, suggesting that this regimen may be a potential alternative treatment for LABD.

Background: Milk and dairy products are important sources of protein, vitamins (B2, B12), and minerals (calcium, zinc), playing a key role in maintaining normal body weight, bone structure, and overall health. However, in Mongolia, regular milk consumption among school-aged children is inadequate, and scientific evidence on its association with growth, micronutrient status, and bone health is limited. Objective : To determine the relationship between weekly milk consumption and children’s physical growth, bone softening, and serum levels of vitamin D and selected minerals. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2024 among 453 students aged 7–12 years from six general education schools in Ulaanbaatar. Participants were classified into three groups based on weekly milk consumption: (1) non-consumers, (2) consumers at school or home, and (3) consumers at both school and home. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and BMI z-scores were calculated using WHO growth reference standards. Blood samples were analyzed for vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, and bone mineral density was measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26, applying independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and ANOVA, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Children consuming milk regularly at both school and home had higher mean height (139 ± 8 cm) compared to non-consumers (136 ± 17 cm), though differences were not statistically significant (p=0.33). BMI was more often in the normal range among dual-site consumers (56.4%) compared to non-consumers (43.4%) (p<0.05). Vitamin D deficiency was less prevalent among dual-site consumers (47%) than in other groups (p<0.05). Magnesium (0.86±0.07 mmol/L) and zinc (18.74±2.48 μmol/L) levels were significantly higher in this group (p<0.05). Bone softening prevalence was lower among dual-site consumers (47.8%) compared to non-consumers (58.3%) (p=0.026). No significant associations were found between milk consumption and red blood cell indices. Conclusion Regular milk consumption is associated with improved BMI status, higher serum magnesium and zinc levels, and lower prevalence of bone softening among school-aged children in Ulaanbaatar. These findings support the potential role of school milk programs in enhancing child nutrition and bone health in Mongolia.

Background: Obesity, especially central obesity, is a risk factor for non-communicable chronic diseases such as dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Aim: Study the association between the subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and visceral fat area (VFA) with lipid metabolism parameters in adults with MetS. Materials and Methods: Data from 1511 participants who visited the ‘NURA Mongolia’ Ai Health screening center between September 2023 and February 2024, including general information, DEXA (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry), and biochemical analysis results, were used. Metabolic syndrome (MeS) was assessed based on the harmonizing criteria 2009 (≥3 criteria). VFA and SFA were categorized into four groups using quartiles (Q1-Q4). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26, including T-tests, multiple logistic regression (OR, 95% CI), and ROC (AUC) analysis. Results: The average age of the participants was 30.5±3.9 years, with a BMI of 25.1 kg/m², and 49.5% were male. The group with MetS (n=531) had significantly higher levels of VFA and SFA compared to the group that rated their health as relatively healthy and had no clinical diagnosis (n=979) (control group) (p<0.0001), with males showing higher VFA and females showing higher SFA (p<0.0001). The Q4 group for VFA had a significant association with MetS in males (4.611, 95% CI=2.394–9.591) and females (2.253, 95% CI=1.097-3.912) (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that increased VFA was more strongly associated with MetS in males (β=0.325, p<0.0001) and females (β=0.338, p<0.003) than BMI. The AUC for predicting MetS was 0.790 (95% CI=0.750-0.831) for VFA and 0.401 (95% CI=0.351-0.451) for SFA, with all results being statistically significant (p<0.001). VFA had a higher predictive value compared to other markers. Conclusion In healthy men with metabolic syndrome, VFA is more prominently defined, while SFA is higher in healthy women. Since VFA is a better predictor of metabolic syndrome than SFA, it increases the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes in men, whereas SFA in women serves as a protective factor.

Background: In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that globally, 2.5 billion (43%) of adults aged 18 and older were overweight, with 890 million (16%) of these individuals classified as living with obesity. Some genes such as the FTO gene are strongly associated with obesity and overweigh. The FTO protein is crucial in regulating food consumption, appetite, energy equilibrium, and expenditure. Aim: The identify single nucleotide polymorphisms rs9939609 and rs17817449 of the FTO gene, which are associated with obesity, and to study their correlation with antropometric measurements and some laboratory test parameters. Materials and Methods: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 obese (BMI >30 kg/m²) were included in the case group, and 50 relatively healthy and normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²) were enrolled in the control group, for a total of 100 people matched for age and gender (1:1). We took physical measurements and collected peripheral blood samples after obtaining informed consent from each participant. Laboratory analyses assessed some parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism. We used the PCR-RFLP technique on two genotype SNPs. A p-value below 0.05 was considered a statistically significant result. Results: In this study, including 100 people aged 23 to 75, the mean age was 46.81±11.54 years, with 60% being female. In terms of antropometric measurements, body mass index, waist circumference, and arterial pressure were markedly elevated in the case group compared to the control group (p<0.001). In laboratory measures, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, and mean LDL mean levels were statistically significantly higher in the case group compared to the control group. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol levels were lower in the case group compared to the control group. The FTO gene rs9939609 single nucleotide polymorphism was identified in 62% of the total study individuals as TT, 35% as AT, and 3% as AA genotypes. Also, FTO gene rs17817449 single nucleotide polymorphism was identified in 62% of the total study individuals as TT, 33% as AT, and 5% as AA genotypes. Conclusion The rs9939609 AT/AA genotype of the FTO gene elevates the risk of obesity and is associated with increased body weight, waist circumference, and BMI.

Introduction: Since 1993, the Inula helenium L. plant has been planted in the production area (Bulgan Province, Dashinchilen Sum) of the Traditional Hatchery Science and Production Corporation’s medicinal plant introduction and cultivation experience. At the Drug Research Institute, there is also a botanical institute for medicinal plants where it is grown. In traditional Mongolian medicine, the roots and rhizomes of Inula helenium L. are used to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, enhance hunger, and improve intestinal motility. Inula helenium L. roots and rhizomes contain biologically active compounds such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, phenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Methods: The roots and rhizomes of Inula helenium L. were extracted with water and 70% ethanol at the following ratios 1:10 (2% of WAC), 1:8, and 1:6 by partial maceration at 700C for 2 hours each, extracted and concentrated. The dry extract was obtained by the spray drying procedure. High-performance liquid chromatography for determining the content of alantolactone, thin-layer chromatography for qualitative analysis. Spectrophotometer for determining the content of polyphenolic compounds, colored compounds with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent for qualitative analysis. Spectrophotometer for determining the content of inulin, and colored compounds with phenol and sulfuric acid solutions for qualitative analysis. Conclusion In determining the content of polyphenolic compounds, inulin, and alantolactone in the dry extract taken from the roots and rhizomes of cultivated Inula helenium L., the content of polyphenolic compound in dry extract A was 2.50±0.08%, and alantolactone was 1.39±0.11% in the raw material of the plant, while B dry the extract had a high concentration of inulin of 58.51±0.66%.

Introduction: The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has increased significantly over the last three decades worldwide, from 17.6% in 1990 to 23.4% in 2019. The development of this disease depends on many risk factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environment. The PNPLA3 (patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3) gene is the most relevant genetic factor influencing the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. The PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype impairs adiponutrin function, accumulating triglyceride in liver cells and forming small fat droplets within the liver. Aim: To determine rs738409 and rs2896019 single nucleotide polymorphisms of the PNPLA3 gene in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and their correlation with some parameters of anthropometric and laboratory tests. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with a case-control design in 2023–2024. There were 150 participants in the study, 50 in the control group without MASLD, and 100 in the case group with MASLD. The PNPLA3 (rs738409, rs2896019) gene’s single nucleotide polymorphism was identified by the RFLP-PCR technique. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23 software. Categorical variables were described by numbers and percentages, and the numerical variables were characterized by the median (min and max) for the normal distribution, and mean± standard deviation for the non-normal distribution. The statistical tests utilized were the Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, student t-test, and Mann–Whitney test. Ethical approval for the survey was obtained from the Medical Ethics Committee under the Ministry of Health Of Mongolia in January 2023. Results: The participants’ average age was 46.73±11.45, with 60% being women (90) and 40% being men (60). Among all patients, the PNPLA3 gene’s single nucleotide polymorphism rs738409 revealed 44.7% (67) CC, 54.7% (82) GC, and 0.7% (1) GG (OR-CG+GG genotype- 2.9, p=0.003). In addition, as a result of determining the PNPLA3 gene rs2896019 single nucleotide polymorphism, the frequency of the TT genotype was significantly higher in the control group than in the case group (48%, 31%, p = 0.042). Conclusion The frequency of CG/GG genotypes rs738409, and rs2896019 of the PNPLA3 gene is higher in the case group, suggesting that they may be more susceptible to MASLD.

Background: To prevent and combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Mongolia has implemented measures such as movement and time restrictions, social distancing and isolation, closure of schools, kindergartens and public places, immunization, and others. It has caused adverse consequences for people, social relations, and the economy, causing health, social, economic, and humanitarian crises. Not only does this situation, medical students, as frontline healthcare workers, are more susceptible to virus infection. Vaccines against COVID-19 have been researched quickly due to the pandemic and are being used under emergency use authorization. In our country the approach of mixing vaccine doses from different manufacturers was used (fractional doses). Therefore, there is no study on the exposure of medical students to the COVID-19 infection and the adverse effects after receiving a dose of a heterologous vaccine. Objective: To study the exposure to the COVID-19 infection and vaccination status of medical students. Methods: The survey was conducted from November 2023 to December 2023 using a cross-sectional study design, and 170 students who study at ASUSU and live in the dormitory were included. Results: A total of 170 students participated in the study. 55.9% (n=95) of them were in the first year, 22.4% (n=38) were in the second year, 10% (n=17) were in the third year, 7.6% (n=13) were in the fourth year, 2.4% (n=4) were from the 5th year and 1.8% (n=3) were from the 6th year students. 88.2% (n=150) of students were female and 11.8% (n=20) were male. In this study, 37.1% of the students were infected by COVID-19 infection previously. Among them, 50% of the students were infected from family members, 16.7% from the school environment, and 15.2% did not know about the source of infection. 76.2% of the respondents were diagnosed with COVID-19 in a medical institution, and forty-one students answered that they were treated at the hospital. 83% of the cases were treated at home and were cured within 14 days. In contrast, 93.8% of the hospitalized students were treated within four months to 1 year. The current study demonstrates neurological, respiratory, sensory, cardiovascular, psychiatric, digestive, and dermatological symptoms were in 37.6%, 24.1%, 27.6%, 17.6%, 11.8%, 11.2%, and 10% of the students who participated in the study, respectively. For a year or more, symptoms of all organ systems were present, but neurological symptoms appeared to be the highest. 55.9% (n=115) of the enrolled students received 3 or 4 doses of the vaccine, 3.5% (n=6) did not receive the vaccine. In total, 35% (n=60) of the enrolled students experienced side effects and 65% (n=106) had no side effects. Conclusion In this study, 37.1% of the students were infected by COVID-19 infection previously. According to the current study, symptoms related to the nervous system was the most prevalent and 55.9% (n=115) of the enrolled students received 3 or 4 doses of the vaccine. In total, 35% (n=60) of the enrolled students experienced side effects.

Abstract: Burn injury causes considerable incidence of disability, increase of hospitalization and rehabilitation. It is a crucial factor of morbidity and mortality, throughout the world, especially in the developing countries. Burn wound healing is a complex process including inflammation, granulation, and regeneration of the skin tissue. There are many animal and mineral derived agents applied for burn wounds treatment. For example, minerals and animal yellow marrow are applied as standard topical therapy in healing of burn wounds in the history. Specially, Mongolian camel’s (Camelus Bactrianus) yellow marrow and cinders have been used the healing effect standard topical antimicrobial for burn wounds for several centuries. The present study aimed to determine the healing effect of “CIBO” ointment with animal and mineral raw materials on third -degree burn wound in rats. Introduction: In our study, we selected an ointment containing a combination of yellow marrow and cinder. In ancient times, Mongolians used camel yellow marrow to relieve joint pain, spread people who had been bedridden for a long time due to the disease, and to prevent caries, and to use it on open wounds. In traditional medicine, cinder has been used as a mineral raw material and has been used to treat frostbite and burns. Material and methods: In the Vivar Department of the Pharmacology Sector of the Drug research institute, 18 Wistar white rats weighing 182-220 g fed in one environment for (12 hours a day/12 hour a night) were randomly selected and divided into the following groups. These are: negative control, Group 1 “Yellow marrow + Uvs black cinder”, Group 2 “Yellow marrow + Uvs brown red cinder”, Group 3 “Yellow marrow + Chinese red cinder”, Group 4 “Yellow marrow + Chinese white cinder”, Standard “Mebo” wound ointment. The wound area was prepared by scraping the hair 5 cm from the back of the test animal’s skull. The prepared area was sterilized with 70% ethanol and 10% iodine solution, resulting in a third-degree burn wound of 2.4 cm2. Wound experiential’s ointments were applied once daily for a total of 28 days, and wound healing was evaluated at 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after pathogenesis, with 16.1-pixel accuracy. Photo confirmed using a SONY brand camera. Result: “CIBO” ointment contains four deferent cinders which are from collected from deferent area and that have been shown to good affect burn wounds, and is more compatible with yellow marrow than Group 4 (Yellow marrow+Chinese white cinder).
Wound healing variables of control group compared with group 4 (Yellow marrow + Chinese white cinder) increased by 11.1% on the 3th day, 4% on the 7th day, 44.8% on the 14th day, and 54.5% on the 21st day. On the 28th day, healing and regeneration were accelerated by 50%. Conclusion The group 4 (Yellow marrow + Chinese white cinder) has been shown to have a pharmacological action of rapid healing and regeneration of burn wounds caused by experimental rats. It has also been shown to have pharmacological action to regenerate skin tissue and suppress inflammation caused by burns. Inclusion of Chinese white cinder in “CIBO” ointment promotes regeneration and healing of “CIBO” ointment.