Introduction: Improper disposal of unused and expired medicines poses severe threats to environmental safety and public health, notably accelerating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Globally, pharmaceutical consumption rose by 14% between 2019 and 2023. Despite this surge, Mongolia continuously lacks an established national pharmaceutical take-back framework, and public behaviors regarding residential medical waste management remain insufficiently evaluated. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adult residents in Ulaanbaatar concerning medication disposal. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and March 2026 among 301 adult citizens across nine districts of Ulaanbaatar. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire evaluating demographic parameters, knowledge (10 items), attitudes (10 items), and practices (8 items). Statistical analysis was executed using IBM SPSS v26.0, applying descriptive frequencies, percentages, and one-way ANOVA. Conclusion The findings reveal a prominent knowledge-behavior gap among citizens. While the mean knowledge score was moderate (62.4%), with 92.2% recognizing the dangers of expired drugs, practical behaviors were profoundly unsafe. Specifically, 86.4% of participants discarded medication alongside ordinary household waste, 94.0% had never returned products to pharmacies, and 0% had utilized a designated medical disposal point. Conversely, an overwhelmingly positive public attitude was observed, as 88.4% expressed willingness to return unused medicines if a formal pharmacy-based collection system existed. This critical disparity underscores that public awareness campaigns alone are inadequate. There is an urgent necessity to integrate pharmacy-led take-back programs into national environmental and health policies, establish accessible urban disposal infrastructure, and enforce rigorous pharmaceutical waste standards in Mongolia.

Introduction: Clinical practice is a critical component of professional development for healthcare students; however, exposure to ethical dilemmas is common in real clinical settings. Limited evidence exists regarding how nursing and traditional medicine students make ethical decisions during clinical practice and the factors influencing their decision-making in the Mongolian context. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed. The quantitative phase included 95 undergraduate students undertaking clinical practice. Ethical decision-making was assessed using a 16-item Likert-scale questionnaire based on Rest’s Four-Component Model of Moral Behavior. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured phenomenological interviews with 18 purposively selected students. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.0 and R software, while qualitative data were interpreted using Van Manen’s hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Results: The mean ethical decision-making score was 65.06 ± 9.96, with 66.3% of participants demonstrating a high level of ethical competence. Ethical sensitivity showed the lowest mean score (15.87 ± 3.02) among the four components. Significant positive correlations were identified among ethical sensitivity, moral judgment, moral motivation, and moral character (r = 0.592–0.747, p < .001). Qualitative analysis revealed five major themes influencing ethical decision-making: ethical awareness, fear and lack of moral courage, hierarchical relationships and organizational culture, support systems, and personal moral development. Students frequently reported difficulties in acting on ethical concerns due to perceived authority gradients and evaluation-related pressures. Conclusion Although students demonstrated a generally high level of ethical decision-making competence, deficiencies in ethical sensitivity and institutional support were evident. Strengthening ethics education through case-based learning, simulation training, reflective discussions, and supportive clinical learning environments may enhance students’ ethical decision-making capabilities.

Background: Plants of the genus Achillea are widely used in both traditional and modern medicine and are known to be rich in biologically active secondary metabolites. Numerous phytochemical and histochemical studies have been con ducted on Achillea millefolium L.; however, Achillea asiatica Serg., which is widely distributed in Mongolia, remains comparatively underexplored. Therefore, investigating the distribution of biologically active compounds, the content of polyphenolic compounds, and the optimal extraction conditions of this species is of significant scientific and practical importance. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify biologically active compounds in Achillea asiatica Serg. using histochemical methods, to determine the content of polyphenolic compounds and optimal extraction conditions, and to evaluate the total and internal absorption coefficients of the plant raw material. Materials and Methods: The aerial parts of Achillea asiatica Serg. were collected in August 2025 from Erdene soum, Tuv province, Mongolia. Histochemical analysis was performed on transverse stem sections and flower petals using potassium dichromate, ferric chloride (III), methylene blue, Lugol’s iodine, and Dragendorff’s reagent, followed by ob servation under a light microscope. The total polyphenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method and expressed as gallic acid equivalents. Extraction experiments were conducted using powdered plant material sieved to par ticle sizes of 1, 2, and 3 mm and extracted with 20–80% ethanol. In addition, the total and internal absorption coefficients of the plant material were determined according to standard procedures. Results: Histochemical analysis revealed the presence of essential oils, polyphenolic compounds (tannins and flavo noids), and starch, while alkaloids were not detected. Polyphenolic compounds were observed in both stems and flow ers, with more pronounced accumulation in the vascular tissues. The highest total polyphenolic content (0.421%) was obtained from the 1 mm particle-size fraction extracted with 70–80% ethanol. Using 60% ethanol, the total absorption coefficient of the plant material was determined to be 5.74, and the internal absorption coefficient was 1.885. Conclution Achillea asiatica Serg. is rich in polyphenolic compounds, and their anatomical distribution is closely as sociated with the plant’s protective and biological functions. The use of 1 mm particle-size material and 70–80% ethanol was identified as the most suitable condition for extracting polyphenolic compounds. These findings provide a scientific basis for the standardization of Achillea asiatica Serg. as a medicinal and phytopharmaceutical raw material and support its further pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigation.

Background: Skin wounds can occur for many reasons, including UV radiation, mechanical burns, trauma, and chronic inflammation caused by metabolic factors. In Mongolia, as of 2022, household burns were the top 5 causes of injuries, the leading cause of injuries in children aged 0-5, and accounted for 18.4% of all illnesses in children aged 0-5. Skin burns and wounds take a long time to heal, which causes emotional, aesthetic, and economic stress for doctors. Developing in novative, effective, and low-side effects therapeutic products to improve wound healing is of great clinical and economic importance. The lack of research on the effects of bacterial metabolites and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) on burn wounds was the basis for our research. Aim: To determine the effects of a mixture of bacterial metabolites and aloe vera on burn wounds in experimental animals. Materials and Methods: Eight-week-old BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: control group, bacterial metabo lite group, and aloe vera group. The mice were anesthetized, and the dorsal hair was shaved over a 2×2 cm area using an electric clipper. A second-degree burn wound model was created by exposing the shaved dorsal skin to hot air at 200°C for 10 seconds. A total of 100 μL of a bacterial metabolite suspension mixed with aloe vera at a 1:1 ratio was applied evenly to the center of the wound. Wound images were captured daily, and wound areas were measured using ImageJ software. Healing was evaluated on days 7, 14, and 21 of treatment and compared with the control group. The initial wound size was defined as 100%, and wound closure percentages were calculated accordingly. Burn skin tissues from both experimen tal and control groups were subjected to immunofluorescence staining for the vascular marker α-SMA (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Statistical analysis: The differences between the control and experimental groups were analyzed using an independent t-test using GraphPad Prism 10 software, and the mean, standard deviation, and statistical correlation were calculated. Results: The effect of the mixture of bacterial metabolites and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) on the healing of burn wounds in experimental mice was compared with the control group. The wound size at 7 days was 82.1% in the control group and 83.7% in the experimental group (p<0.197), at 14 days was 62.6% in the control group and 58.1% in the exper imental group (p<0.0001), at 21 days was 50.7% in the control group and 32.7% in the experimental group (p<0.0001). No statistically significant difference in wound healing was observed between the groups at day 7; however, significant differences were observed at days 14 and 21. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed uniform expression of α-SMA-pos itive cells in the experimental group at 7, 14, and 21 days of treatment, whereas α-SMA expression was not detected in the control group. Conclusion The combination of bacterial metabolites and aloe vera promotes wound healing in experimental mouse burn wounds.

Background: Hemophilia is a congenital bleeding disorder caused by a lack of clotting factor in the blood. Hemophilia A, B, and C are caused by congenital deficiencies of clotting factors VIII, IX, and IX which are involved in thrombin generation of intrinsic coagulation pathway. Hemophilia A and B is a recessive X-linked congenital bleeding disorder but hemophilia C is typically inherited in an autosomal recessive, these are rare inherited coagulation disorders. This study was conducted based on the lack of database on the epidemiology, clinical type and severity in hemophilia in Mongolia. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between clotting factor levels and bleeding severity of hemophilia. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study included a total of 30 patients with hemophilia who were registered from May to October 2025 at the Comprehensive Hemophilia Center, MNUMS. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of MNUMS. Result: In this study 30 patients with hemophilia mean age was 18.4±15.7 years, and 96.7% were male. When categorized by age group, 13.4% (n=4) were under 4 years, 40% (n=12) were 5–13 years, 10% (n=3) were 14–18 years, 33.3% (n=10) were 19–44 years, and 3.3% (n=1) were over 45 years. Of the total cases, 83.3% (n=25) had Hemophilia A and 16.7% (n=5) had Hemophilia B. Of the total case, 80% of cases were classified as severe and 20% as moderate hemophilia. Additionally, 40% of cases had joint complications. Conclusion Joint bleeding was observed in 41.6% of patients with severe hemophilia and in 33.3% of those with moderate hemophilia. Target joint damage was found in 40% of the study population because 86.6% of patients were not able to receive prophylactic factor replacement therapy. Joint damage, joint deformities, reduced range of motion, and deterioration in quality of life were all adverse outcomes related to the early onset of joint bleeding.

Background: Plants rich in essential oils belong to more than 50 families, including Asteraceae, Rutaceae, and Lamiaceae. These plants are widely used in food, traditional and modern medicine, perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Approximately 3,000 types of essential oils have been identified, of which more than 300 are utilized for industrial and commercial purposes. Essential oils exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cytotoxic, and antioxidant activities and are therefore widely applied in medical research. In Mongolia, the extreme climate, distinct ecological regions, and the prevalence of pastoral livestock husbandry provide a scientific basis for investigating essential oil–containing plants, their chemical composition, and biological activities. Among them, Juniperus Sabina L. is of particular theoretical and practical interest. Aim: To determine the non-toxic dose of essential oil extracted from Juniper Sabina L. on neural cells. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the Institute of Bio-Medicine, MNUMS. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of MNUMS (Meeting date: November 21, 2025; Protocol No. 2025-26/0301). BV2 microglial and N2a neuronal cell lines were cultured under standard conditions at 37°C in a 5% CO₂ incubator. Cells were maintained in appropriate culture media, and their growth and morphology were monitored microscopically before experimentation. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. BV2 microglial cells were seeded into 96-well plates at a density of 2×10⁴ cells/well and incubated for 24 hours. Essential oil was added at concentrations ranging from 50–500 µg/mL and incubated for an additional 24 hours. After treatment, MTT reagent was added and incubated for 3 hours. The resulting formazan crystals were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and absorbance was measured at 630 nm. Cell viability was calculated based on absorbance values to determine the non-toxic concentration of the essential oil. Result: The cytotoxic effects of the essential oil were evaluated in BV2 microglial and N2a neuronal cells using the MTT assay. In N2a neuronal cells, concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 300 µg/mL did not significantly affect cell viability, whereas 400 and 500 µg/mL reduced cell viability, indicating cytotoxic effects. Conclusion According to MTT assay results, the essential oil of Juniperus sabina showed no cytotoxic effect on N2a neuronal cells at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 300 µg/mL, while cytotoxic effects were observed at 400 and 500 µg/mL. In BV2 microglial cells, concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL were non-toxic, whereas concentrations above 300 µg/mL exhibited cytotoxic effects.

Background: Skin diseases are highly prevalent worldwide. Although plant-derived medicinal materials continue to be used among Mongolians for the traditional and household management of dermatological conditions, studies that systematically quantify their frequency of use, informant consensus, and cultural significance remain limited. Aim: To determine the traditional knowledge, patterns of use, and cultural significance of plant-derived medicinal materials used for dermatological conditions among residents of Ulaanbaatar using quantitative ethnobotanical indices. Materials and Methods: Information was collected on the diversity of plant species used for dermatological conditions, modes and frequency of use, perceived effectiveness, adverse effects, and methods of preparation and processing. The collected data were evaluated using quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including the Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Fidelity Level (FL), Relative Popularity Level (RPL), Rank Order Priority (ROP), Cultural Importance Index (CII), Jaccard Index (JI), and Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index (SDI). Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel 2016. The study was conducted with the approval of the Research Ethics Review Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (Approval Protocol No. 25-06/03-03 and Ethical Opinion Protocol No. 26/03-B02). Result: A total of 73 plant species belonging to 36 families were documented, with species from the Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Apiaceae, and Liliaceae families being predominant. Regarding modes of use, 29.6% of the remedies were prepared as infusions or decoctions and applied as washes or topical applications, 18.9% involved the direct application of plant juice, and 18.1% were applied as mashed plant material or poultices. Aloe barbadensis showed the highest ethnobotanical importance, with UV= 0.19, RFC=0.128, CII=0.19, RPL=1.00, and ROP=100. Nugaraa altan tovch, Gobi thyme, yashilduu sea buckthorn, and greater plantain were also highly ranked. The Informant Consensus Factor was highest for thermal burns (ICF=0.82), followed by open wounds (ICF=0.77) and pustular acne (ICF=0.76). Eighteen species overlapped with the 126 medicinal materials recorded in traditional medicinal prescriptions, yielding a Jaccard Index of JI=10%. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index was H′=3.4184, with an evenness value of E=0.7967. Among the informants, 40.8% reported a reduction in symptoms, while 61.9% reported no adverse effects associated with the use of plant-derived medicinal materials. Conclusion 1. Among residents of Ulaanbaatar, information was documented on the use of 73 plant species belonging to 36 families for skin diseases. Knowledge of these plants was transmitted mainly within families, and topical methods of use, including washing with herbal infusions, rinsing, and direct application of expressed plant juice, were predominant. 2. According to the quantitative ethnobotanical indices, Aloe vera showed the highest values for use, citation frequency, and cultural importance. Matricaria chamomilla L., Thymus gobicus Tschern., Hippophae rhamnoides L., and Plantago major L. also ranked highly. The highest Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) values were observed for thermal burns, open skin wounds, and acne vulgaris.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Evaluating short-term treatment progress and outcomes in children with ASD is important for determining subsequent treatment goals. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes during the first 3 months of applied behavior analysis (ABA)-based intervention using changes in Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) scores. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 21 children with ASD. Caregivers completed the 77-item ATEC before initiation of treatment and again after 3 months. Scores were calculated for four ATEC domains: Speech/Language/Communication, Sociability, Sensory/Cognitive Awareness, and Health/Physical/Behavior. Result: The mean age of participants was 5.51±1.45 years, and 16 children (76.19%) were male. Mean baseline Clinical Global Impressions–Severity (CGI-S) score was 4.71±0.72, and participants received a mean of 10.00±1.38 hours of ABA-based intervention per week. Mean total ATEC score decreased from 72.71±7.60 at baseline to 67.14±7.81 after 3 months, corresponding to a mean change of -5.57±2.18 points (-7.66%; t=11.706, p<0.001, d=2.55). Speech/Language/ Communication decreased by 7.05%, Sociability by 6.96%, and Sensory/Cognitive Awareness by 6.56%. The largest relative change was observed in the Health/Physical/Behavior domain (-1.90±1.14; -9.80%; p<0.001). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were significant across all ATEC domains (p<0.001). Sixteen children (76.19%) met the study-defined criterion of more than a 5-point reduction. Baseline CGI-S was correlated with pre-post ATEC change using Pearson correlation (r=0.466, p=0.033), whereas the corresponding Spearman analysis was not statistically significant (ρ=0.349, p=0.121); therefore, this association could not be considered a robust predictor. Weekly ABA treatment hours were not significantly associated with ATEC change (r=-0.183, p=0.427), and age was also not associated with change (r=-0.043, p=0.855). Conclusion Changes across all ATEC domains were observed during the period in which children received ABA-based intervention, suggesting that some treatment-related changes may be detectable over a relatively short period in everyday settings. However, because only two assessment points were available, the rate and sequence of change could not be determined. Future studies should include larger samples, a comparison group, repeated assessments over 6–12 months, and independent developmental and clinical outcome measures.

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: Cisplatin is a widely used platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent, but its gonadotoxic effects can damage ovarian tissue, oocytes, and developing follicles and may lead to primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are being investigated as a potential regenerative treatment because of their paracrine, anti-apoptotic, and tissue-repair effects. Aim: To evaluate the effect of ADSC therapy on estrous cyclicity, body weight, and ovarian follicular morphology in a mouse model of cisplatin-induced POI. Materials and Methods: Thirty 6-week-old female BALB/c mice were included. Six mice received saline as controls, while 24 mice received cisplatin 2 mg/kg intraperitoneally once daily for 10 days to induce POI. After POI induction, cisplatin-exposed animals were continued as an untreated POI group (n=15) or an ADSC-treatment group (n=9). The ADSC group received 1×10⁶ cells suspended in 0.2 mL medium via the tail vein. Body weight and vaginal cytology were monitored daily, and estrous stages were classified as proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus. Ovaries were collected for histologic evaluation at the end of the study. Result: After cisplatin exposure, mean estrous cycle length increased from 3.97 days in controls to 6.4 days in the POI group (p<0.05). During the post-treatment evaluation, mean cycle length was 5.65 days in untreated POI mice (n=4) and 4.5 days in ADSC-treated mice (n=7), representing a statistically significant improvement after ADSC therapy (p=0.013). Cisplatin caused significant body-weight loss, reaching a mean of 18.0 g on day 6 after completion of cisplatin administration (p<0.01). Histologically, untreated POI ovaries showed follicular atrophy and prominent degenerative changes, whereas ADSC-treated ovaries showed more morphologically preserved primary, secondary, and antral follicles and relatively fewer degenerative changes. Exploratory manual counting in three representative whole-ovary sections per group showed total intact/growing follicle counts of 15.00±2.65 in controls, 6.00±2.00 in POI, and 8.67±2.89 in ADSC-treated ovaries. Conclusion ADSC treatment was associated with partial restoration of estrous cyclicity and ovarian follicular development in a cisplatin-induced POI mouse model. These findings support further investigation of ADSC-based regenerative therapy for chemotherapy-associated ovarian injury.