1.Indoor air radon concentration in ger district households of 15th khoroo, Chingeltei district, Ulaanbaatar city
Maralmaa Ö ; ; Nyamsuren L
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2026;216(2):33-40
Background:
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced from the decay of uranium found in
rocks and soil. It is released into the air and can accumulate in enclosed spaces, entering the
human body through the respiratory system [1]. Most households in ger districts live in small
dwellings with earthen foundations, poor ventilation, and tightly sealed structures designed
to retain heat, creating conditions for elevated indoor radon levels [2]. This gas is colorless,
odorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect, and it tends to accumulate indoors,
especially in poorly ventilated spaces. High indoor radon levels can damage lung tissue
and alter DNA structure, thereby increasing the risk of cancer development [3]. According
to the World Health Organization, radon is responsible for approximately 3–14% of lung
cancer cases worldwide and is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer after
smoking [4]. The permissible indoor radon concentration has been established at 200 Bq/m³
for existing buildings and 100 Bq/m³ for newly constructed buildings [5].
The World Health Organization has warned that the combined effects of outdoor and
household air pollution contribute to approximately 6.7 million premature deaths annually [6].
In Mongolia, studies in this field remain limited, which served as the basis for conducting the
present research.
Objective:
To assess indoor radon concentration and selected microclimate indicators in households of
Khoroo 15, Chingeltei District, and compare them with hygienic standards.
Materials and Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. From a total of 2,125 households in the
ger district of Khoroo 15, Chingeltei District, a sample size of 71 households was determined
using the OpenEpi statistical program. Indoor radon concentration was measured in each
household for 48 hours using a “Wave Radon” electronic device. Data were entered into
Word and MS Excel, then analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics (mean,
frequency, minimum, maximum, standard deviation) were calculated, and differences
between variables were assessed using the chi-square test.
Results:
The average indoor radon concentration was 173.2 Bq/m³, with a maximum of 596 Bq/m³
and a minimum of 26 Bq/m³. A total of 31% (22 households) exceeded the hygienic standard (>200 Bq/m³). Radon concentration was higher in houses (246.05 Bq/m³; min=48, max=596)
compared to gers (94 Bq/m³; min=26, max=325). Indoor radon concentration showed a
moderate inverse correlation with outdoor temperature (p=0.003, r=-0.346) and a moderate
positive correlation with indoor humidity (p=0.001, r=0.513).
The average age of houses was 23 years (range: 1–48 years), and radon concentration was
not associated with building age (r=0.035, p=0.838). When categorized by building material,
the highest mean radon concentration was found in brick houses (307 Bq/m³), followed by
concrete houses (271.4 Bq/m³) and wooden houses (206.6 Bq/m³), while the lowest was in
traditional gers (93.8 Bq/m³). However, these differences were not statistically significant
(p=0.208).
Conclusion
1. The study on radon concentration in household indoor air revealed that, among households
living in houses and apartments, some cases exceeded the hygienic standard limits. The
research results indicate that the indoor radon concentration in ger district households is
associated with ambient temperature and indoor humidity levels.
2. It was also determined that radon concentration varies depending on factors such as
housing structure, building materials, and stove type. Among the types of dwellings
included in the study, brick and concrete buildings showed relatively higher radon
concentrations, whereas traditional Mongolian gers had the lowest levels
2.Comparative Analysis of Outdoor Particulate Matter Concentrations in Ulaanbaatar Using Direct Measurements and Fixed Monitoring Station Data
Maralmaa E ; ; Yerkyebulan M ; Ser-Od Kh ; Shatar Sh ; Gantuya D ; Munkh-Erdene L ; Enkhjargal G ; Myagmarchuluun S ; Gregory Gray ; Junfeng Zhang ; Ulziimaa D ; Damdindorj B ; Davaalkham D ; ; Darambazar G
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;89(5):105-111
Background:
Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5) penetrates
deep into the alveoli through the respiratory tract and is characterized by its ability to induce oxidative stress, systemic
inflammation, and vascular inflammation. Mongolia ranks among the countries with the highest levels of air pollution. In
Ulaanbaatar, where more than half of the country’s population resides, wintertime PM2.5 concentrations often exceed 200
μg/m³, which is about eight times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value. A study involving
1,200 adults in Ulaanbaatar showed that quality of life deteriorated sharply during periods of high air pollution, with
effects more pronounced among individuals who already had impaired respiratory function.
Aim:
To examine the relationship between indoor household PM2.5 concentrations and lung function indicators among
adults in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan.
Materials and Methods:
This analytical cross-sectional study recruited adult participants from Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan
through targeted sampling. Household air quality was measured using PurpleAir sensors, which were installed in
participants’ homes for one month. After exposure measurement, lung function was assessed via spirometry. Statistical
analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25.0.
Results:
A total of 236 participants were included: 114 (48.3%) from Ulaanbaatar and 122 (51.7%) from Darkhan. The
sample consisted of 111 men (47.0%) and 125 women (53.0%). The mean indoor PM2.5 concentration was 66.24 μg/m³
(SD 44.87 μg/m³), ranging from a minimum of 7.79 μg/m³ to a maximum of 264.55 μg/m³. Stratification by housing type
showed the highest PM2.5 levels in gers (82.34 μg/m³), followed by detached houses (67.34 μg/m³), while apartments
had the lowest concentrations (32.24 μg/m³). Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant negative associations
between PM2.5 levels and measures of expiratory function, including the FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF),
and mid-expiratory flow (FEF25–75). Reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) was observed in 9.4% of participants, reduced
forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in 15.3%, and a decreased FEV1/FVC ratio in 3.8%.
Conclusion
Indoor household PM2.5 concentrations were highest in gers, and expiratory flow-related lung function
parameters showed significant negative associations with particulate exposure. This suggests that indoor PM2.5 primarily
affects airflow limitation rather than overall lung volumes in this population.
3.Beers criteria evaluation study on the treatment of Pyelonephritis
Nuraiym N ; Enhdalai O ; Lkhagvasuren Ts ; Maralmaa L ; Batkhuyag P
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2024;25(2):70-75
Introduction:
Globally, 10.5-25.9 million cases of pyelonephritis have been reported, and the nature of the disease is
changing over time. In Mongolia, as of 2022 diseases of the genitourinary system has increased from the
average of the last 10 years, and account for 9% of all diseases. The incidence rate by age group increased in
all age groups in 2022 compared to 2013, with the largest increase in the age group over 65 with 2,104 cases.
The basis of this study is to determine the use of PIM drugs based on the Beers criteria for the treatment of
patients diagnosed with pyelonephritis in our country. To study the use of drugs by inpatients diagnosed with
pyelonephritis (N10), (N11) in referral hospitals and the use of PIM drugs used in the treatment of elderly
people.
Methods:
A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on the medical history of a total of 150 patients diagnosed
with pyelonephritis (year 2023) at The State Secondary Central Hospital, The State Third Central Hospital,
and Hovd Regional Medical Centers. Among the 150 inpatients who participated in our study, 14.3% (n=18)
of 126 types of drugs were used for the treatment of pyelonephritis, and 85.7% (n=108) for the treatment of
multimorbidity and supportive treatment. Inpatients used 11 types of PIM drugs according to Beers criteria.
Nitrofurantoin 39% was used the most and amitriptyline 9.8% were the most used drugs affecting the central
nervous system.
Conclusion
11 types of drugs included in the inappropriate category for use in the elderly are risky and should not be
selected. Among them, nitrofurantoin 39%, from NSAIDs ketoprofen 19.5%, ibuprofen 7.3% were most used.
PIM drugs used for treatment in 2014 are still used in 2024, indicating the need for improved drug monitoring
in the elderly
4.ХОДООДНЫ НЕЙРОЭНДОКРИНЫ ХАВДРЫГ ЭД ДАРХЛАЛЫН АРГААР ЯЛГАН ОНОШЛОСОН НЬ
Maralmaa L ; Erdenetsogt D ; Adilzaya D
Innovation 2017;11(2):111-113
BACKGROUND OF STUDY: Adenocarcinoma cancer is the most common cancer in the
world and the gastric happens rare however gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma is one
of the leading causes of cancer death in the world and its pathogenesis and pathology
diagnosis haven’t been not studied well. Our study is based on it.
AIMS: 1.To determine by age and sex the 70 adenocarcinoma cases which diagnosed
by endoscope at the National Cancer Center of Mongolia in 2013-2016 and to diagnose
histology method of WHO. 2. To study the gastric cancer in pathology department
by immunohistochemistry.
MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: We worked on 70 patients with gastric cancer in 4th
department at the National Cancer Center of Mongolia from 2013 until 2016.
RESULT OF STUDY: We determined 70 patients with gastric cancer and of the 70 patients
which diagnosed by pathology and immunohistochemistry 35 cases were 50.0% (Adenocarcinoma),
15 cases were 21.4% (gastric neuroendocrinecarcinoma), 2 cases were
2.9% (GIST-gastrointestinalstromal tumor), and 18 cases 25.7% (dysplasia). By sex of the
70 patients 39 cases 56% were males, 31 cases 44% were females and by age 17 cases
24.29% were 51-60 years old, 24 cases 34.29% were 61-70 years old. This results is shown
the early 40 years old people has the great risk of this cancer.
CONCLUSION: In our study 35 CD56 specific tissues were diagnosed by Ki67 markers and
of them 15 cases were gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma and 18 cases were dysplasia
determined.
Result Analysis
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