Background: Infertility is defined as the inability of couples to conceive despite engaging in regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for over a year. Assisted reproductive technology (ART), particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF), has emerged as the most widely utilized solution for infertility. The cause of infertility, a woman’s ovarian reserve, response, egg and sperm quality, the number and quality of embryos, and various other factors influence the outcome of IVF. Despite significant advancements in ART, predicting IVF outcomes remains challenging, especially when tailoring treatment strategies to individual patient factors. Objective: To investigate the clinical indicators, ovarian reserve markers, and stimulation outcomes influencing the success of IVF treatment in Mongolian women. Material and Method: A prospective study was conducted at the Unimed International Hospital IVF Center between October 2023 and August 2024. Clinical and demographic factors, ovarian reserve markers (FSH, AMH, AFC), and ovarian stimulation outcomes were analyzed in 242 women aged 25 44 years undergoing IVF. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors and predictors of clinical pregnancy, with a statistical significance threshold set at p<0.05. Results: Among 208 women who underwent embryo transfer, the clinical pregnancy rate was 36.5%, and biochemical pregnancy was observed in 38.4%. Age was a significant predictor, with older age groups (35-39 years: OR=7.11, p=0.004; 40-44 years: OR=12.65, p=0.004) associated with reduced IVF success. Ovarian reserve markers, including AMH (OR=8.92, p<0.001) and AFC (OR=2.78, p<0.001), were significantly correlated with pregnancy outcomes, whereas FSH was not significant (p=0.518). Higher numbers of pre-ovulatory follicles (POF) (OR=1.03, p=0.040) and high-grade embryos (OR=1.26, p=0.045) increased the likelihood of clinical pregnancy. No significant associations were observed between total gonadotrophin dosage, ovarian sensitivity index, and fertilization rate with pregnancy outcomes. Conclusion Age and ovarian reserve markers (AMH, AFC) are critical predictors of IVF success, while pre ovulatory follicle counts and number of high-grade embryos significantly enhance pregnancy likelihood. These findings emphasize the importance of personalized ART protocols tailored to ovarian reserve and age-related factors to optimize IVF outcomes.

Although dairy is traditional in Mongolia, urbanization and lifestyle changes have produced uneven consumption patterns. We aimed to quantify dairy and calcium intakes across demographic groups and compare them with national recommendations. In a cross-sectional study, we enrolled 142 adults (workers 39, herders 38, students 41, retirees 24). A food frequency questionnaire (11 dairy groups; 250 items) was used to estimate daily intakes. Calcium and fiber were derived from international food composition tables. Group differences were assessed using the Mann–Whitney test, Kruskal– Wallis test with Dunn’s post hoc (Benjamini–Hochberg adjustment), and Spearman correlation. Dairy intake differed markedly by residence: rural participants had a 6.69-fold higher mean (95% CI 4.13–10.51) and a 3.38-fold higher median (95% CI 2.49–5.89) than urban participants (Wilcoxon p<0.001). By occupation, herders had the highest intakes (Kruskal–Wallis χ²(3)=37.4, p=3.8×10⁻⁷); Dunn’s tests showed herders > workers/ students/retirees (adjusted p<0.05 for most pairs). Estimated calcium intake averaged
~600 mg/day in urban participants (below the 800 mg/day target) and
~2700 mg/day in rural participants (approaching the tolerable upper level in some cases). Students had the lowest intakes, and women consumed less than men. A weak inverse association was observed between fiber and dairy intake. Dairy intake varied significantly across occupational subgroups (χ²(3)=37.4, p=3.8×10⁻⁷). Calcium inadequacy was more common in urban groups—especially students and women—whereas very high intakes were observed among rural herders.

The study is devoted to the morphological characteristics of the maturation of lung tissue structures in the fetal period. Fetal histology of the lungs presents the intrauterine development of lung tissue in four successive stages: pseudoglandular, canalicular, saccular and alveolar, each has specific morphological criteria. The following morphological features are predetermined: the development of alveolar epithelium, the ratio of mesenchyme towards the area in alveolar spaces, the degree of proliferation and location of vessels of the microcirculatory bed towards prealveolar partitions. During the fetal period the alveolar columnar epithelium is flattened and differentiates into alveolocytes type I lung histology with the demonstration of histological preparations of the lungs at different stages of intrauterine development. Keywords: fetal lungs, prealveolar structures, pseudoglandular stage, canalicular stage, alveolar stage, alveolar capillary membrane, immunohistochemical study. 16 and II, the area of the mesenchyme gradually decreases and by the birth of a full-term newborn kid it is present mainly in the thickness between the alveolar septa, microcirculation vessels, initially laying deep in the thickness of the mesenchymal tissue, gradually proliferate, approach the pre-alveolar epithelium, channeling it with the formation of alveolar capillary membranes. Air exchange in the lung tissue is mainly provided with two factors: the presence of second-order alveolocytes capable of producing surfactant, and a sufficient formation of alveolias well. This work summarizes the basics of fetal lung histology with the demonstration of histological preparations of the lungs at different stages of intrauterine development.

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.

Abstract Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affects millions of people worldwide. Significant advancements in both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have greatly improved outcomes, particularly for individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy. Modern neurostimulation techniques such as Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS), Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), and Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing seizure frequency in these patients. Additionally, emerging technologies like gene therapy and optogenetics are being explored to better understand the underlying mechanisms of epilepsy and hold promise as future treatment modalities.Traditional imaging techniques often fail to detect subtle epileptogenic zones. However, the introduction of ultra high-field 7T MRI scanners represents a major breakthrough. These advanced scanners use eight transmitters to generate higher-resolution images, reducing signal dropout and enabling the identification of previously undetected lesions. In one study involving 31 patients, 58% had their treatment plans modified based on 7T MRI findings, highlighting its potential to inform surgical decision-making. In terms of pharmacological treatment, newer medications such as sultiame, cannabidiol (CBD), and non-pharmacological approaches like the ketogenic diet have emerged as additional therapeutic options for drug-resistant epilepsy. These developments contribute to more effective, personalized management strategies for epilepsy. In summary, the landscape of epilepsy diagnosis and treatment is rapidly evolving. Innovations in imaging and therapeutic interventions are offering new hope for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Ongoing research and clinical trials remain essential to further refine these approaches and improve patient outcomes.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by menstrual irregularities, hormonal imbalance, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and the presence of multiple ovarian follicles. It is one of the major causes of infertility, endometrial carcinoma, and pregnancy-related complications. PCOS is not limited to the reproductive system; it is a chronic disorder associated with metabolic abnormalities and increased cardiovascular risk, which can negatively affect women’s long-term quality of life.In recent years, growing attention has been given to the metabolic alterations seen in women with PCOS-particularly hyperuricemia-and to the emerging role of novel anthropometric indicators such as neck circumference. Given the limited data on these parameters among Mongolian women with PCOS, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum uric acid levels and selected anthropometric measurements. Aim: To examine the association between serum uric acid concentration and selected anthropometric parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in a clinical setting and included 120 women aged 15–35 years. Participants completed a structured questionnaire that collected information on age, menstrual cycle characteristics, and medication use. Anthropometric measurements-including height, weight, neck, waist, and hip circumference—were recorded. PCOS was diagnosed based on the Rotterdam criteria. Serum uric acid levels were determined through biochemical testing. Statistical analyses were performed using the t-test and Pearson correlation test. Results: Of the 120 women enrolled, 45.8% (n=55) were diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria, while 54.2% (n=65) were classified as controls. The mean neck circumference was 36.2±2.5 cm in the PCOS group and 31.5±1.8 cm in the control group (p<0.001). The mean waist circumference was 88.4±7.9 cm in the PCOS group and 75.8±6.7 cm in the control group (p<0.001). The mean hip circumference was 103.5±6.5 cm among women with PCOS and 94.7±5.5 cm in the control group (p<0.01). The waist-to-hip ratio was significantly higher in the PCOS group (0.85±0.07) compared to controls (0.80±0.05, p<0.05). Among women with PCOS, the mean serum uric acid concentration was 476±8.5 µmol/L, which-although not exceeding the upper reference limit for women (400 µmol/L) was slightly higher than the average value in healthy individuals. Conclusion Compared with healthy controls, women with PCOS demonstrated significantly higher anthropometric indices. Although serum uric acid did not surpass the reference maximum, elevated mean levels indicate a potential risk marker for metabolic disorders. The strongest correlation was observed between uric acid and neck circumference, suggesting this parameter may serve as a more sensitive anthropometric indicator than BMI or waist-to-hip rat

Background: Ensuring the quality of healthcare services relies heavily on the professional competence of nurses. This study aimed to assess the internal consistency and construct validity of a competency assessment questionnaire developed for nurses working in tertiary-level hospitals in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the internal reliability and construct validity of the questionnaire used to assess nurses’ competency Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted among 390 nurses employed at tertiary hospitals in Ulaanbaatar. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Internal reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, and construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Results: The 55-item questionnaire demonstrated excellent internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha=0.981). The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure was 0.972, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (p<0.001), indicating the data were suitable for factor analysis Conclusions 1. The internal consistency of the questionnaire showed a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.981, indicating excellent reliability. In addition, the Cronbach’s alpha values for each of the seven subscales were all above 0.90, demonstrating strong inter-item correlations and stability of the measurement indicators. The developed questionnaire is a highly reliable and valid tool for assessing the competencies of nurses in Mongolia. Its strong psychometric properties support its use in both research and professional development contexts. 2. Factor analysis was conducted using the Varimax rotation method to evaluate the construct validity of the questionnaire. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure was 0.972, and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity was significant (p<0.001), indicating that the data were suitable for factor analysis. The analysis identified seven factors, each with a loading above 0.60, confirming the high construct validity of the measurement tool.

Background: In the revised ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR, Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) has been officially recognized as a distinct mental disorder. This condition is characterized by a grief reaction following the death of a close person that persists beyond the expected period (more than 12 months for adults in DSM-5-TR; more than 6 months in ICD-11), significantly impairing quality of life, social functioning, and psychological stability. To assist in the early detection and diagnosis of PGD, researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York developed the Prolonged Grief Disorder–13, revised (PG-13-R) self-report measure in 2020, based on the diagnostic criteria of ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR. Although this instrument has been translated and validated in several languages, no validated Mongolian version has been available, forming the rationale for this study. Aim: To examine the psychometric properties—including reliability and validity—of the Mongolian version of the Prolonged Grief Disorder-13, revised (PG-13-R) scale. Materials and Methods: Permission to use the PG-13-R was obtained from the original author (H.G. Prigerson) in November 2024. The study proposal and methods were reviewed and approved by the Academic Council of the University of Humanities (Approval No. A/19), adhering to ethical research guidelines. The translation process followed international recommendations, including forward translation, back-translation, and expert review by linguists. A pilot test was conducted to ensure clarity of each item. The main study included 442 participants (81.9% female; mean age = 41.8±12.4 years) who had experienced bereavement at least six months prior to participation. Results: The Mongolian version of the PG-13-R demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.92; McDonald’s ω = 0.93). The split-half correlation was r = 0.87, indicating high internal correlation. The test–retest reliability was strong, with an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.82 (item ICCs ranging from 0.55 to 0.88), confirming temporal stability. The Content Validity Index (CVI) was 0.89, indicating good content validity. Regarding criterion and convergent validity, the Mongolian PG-13-R showed statistically significant negative correlations with the WHOQOL- BREF subdomains (physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment) and moderate positive correlations with HADS anxiety and depression scores, consistent with theoretical expectations. Factor analysis results indicated that the data were suitable for analysis (KMO=0.93; Bartlett’s test p<0.001). A single factor with eigenvalue >1 emerged, explaining 62.1% of the total variance, with factor loadings ranging from 0.63 to 0.87, consistent with the original structure. Conclusion The Mongolian version of the PG-13-R scale exhibited a stable one-factor structure and demonstrated strong reliability and validity. It is a psychometrically sound and effective tool for assessing prolonged grief among the Mongolian population.

Background: The development and evaluation of nurse competency is an important research area that directly impacts the improvement of nursing quality and the optimization of the healthcare systems. Aim: To determine the psychometric properties, specifically the reliability and content validity, of the Mongolian version of the Competency Inventory for Registered Nurses. Materials and Methods: Research approval was obtained from the research ethics committee of the MNUMS (approval no. 2024/3-06), and adhering to ethical principles. Copyright owners granted permission to the principal investigator (PI) to use and translate the CIRN. Three bilingual experts were invited to be involved in the forward–backward translation process into the Mongolian language. Instrument reliability was pilot-tested with 30 nurses, who had similar characteristics with study sample. We collected data from 550 registered nurses, randomly selected and working in 11 reference-level and national centers in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, and five Regional Diagnostic and Treatment Centers (RDTCs) of Mongolia. Results: The most of participants were female (96.9%); ages ranged from 20 to 63 ages with an average of 36.50. The internal consistency reliability of the CIRN was very high and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were 0.97 respectively. The content validity indices (I-CVI≥0.78, S-CVI/Ave=0.98, S-CVI/UA=0.85) indicated satisfactory content validity. Factor analysis with Varimax rotation showed factor loadings ranging from 0.380 to 0.780. Conclusions 1. The Mongolian version of the Competency Inventory for Registered Nurses (CIRN) confirmed acceptable internal reliability. 2. The Mongolian version of the Competency Inventory for Registered Nurses (CIRN) was confirmed to be a valid instrument with appropriate content validity.

Background: Stroke is an acute cerebrovascular event caused by vascular pathology, resulting in partial or complete loss of brain function for more than 24 hours. Globally, caregiver burden during stroke ranges from 25% to 54%. In Mongolia, stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality. Caregivers often lack sufficient social support, and under the government’s revised 2024 policy, the social care allowance for caregiving is 302,500 MNT per month, which is limited. Consequently, caregivers experience a high level of burden, which has become a pressing health and social issue. This forms the basis of the present study. Aim: To assess the burden experienced by caregivers of patients with stroke. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study design was conducted at the First Central Hospital (FCH), Third Central Hospital (TCH), and the Rehabilitation Clinic from January to April 2024. Caregivers of 138 inpatients in post-stroke wards were selected using a purposive sampling method. Sample size was calculated using Power 3G analysis. Results: A total of 138 caregivers were participated. The mean age was 50.9±14.3 years. Regarding gender, 39 (28.3%) were male and 99 (71.7%) were female. Caregiver burden, assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview, showed that most caregivers, 86 (62.3%), experienced a high level of burden, with a mean score of 43.05±10.39, indicating very high burden. Most caregivers, 90 (65.2%), had been providing care for 6–12 months, and 50 (36.2%) reported providing care 21–24 hours per day. Conclusion Attention should be given to caregivers, and social policies and programs targeting caregivers should be further implemented to reduce their burden.