Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99 percent of the world’s population is exposed to air that exceeds WHO recommendations, with low- and middle-income countries being the most affected. The main causes of indoor air pollution include human activities such as fuel burning, cooking, cleaning, and smoking; housing characteristics such as walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture; ventilation; and outdoor air pollution. Aim : To assess PM1 and PM10 concentrations in 120 selected households in Ulaanbaatar. Materials and Methods : Indoor PM1 and PM10 concentrations were measured using Purple Air real-time sensors in randomly selected Ulaanbaatar households between October 2023 and January 2024. Supplementary data on factors affecting the PM2.5 concentration were collected via questionnaires. Each measurement was taken in 10-minute intervals, yielding 51,309 data for analysis. Results : PM1 concentrations were measured at 55.5±53.2 μg/m³ in gers, 54.9 ± 46.7 μg/m³ in houses, and 31.6±40.1 μg//m³ in apartments (p<0.001) and measuring PM10 concentrations were 110.6±108.6 μg/m³ in gers, 110.6±96.7 μg/m³ in houses, and 62.2±83.0 μg/m³ in apartments (p<0.001) When considering the concentration of PM1, PM10 by heating type, PM1 was 55.3±50.1 μg/m³ and PM10 was 110.6±103.0 μg/m³ in households with stoves and furnaces, and PM1 was 31.6±40.1 μg/m³ and PM10 was 62.2±83.0 μg/m³ in households connected to the central heating system (p<0.001). Regarding the months of measurement, the highest concentration was observed in December 2023, at 77.1±94.1 μg/m³. The highest concentrations for both PM₁ and PM₁₀ were recorded in January 2024, at PM₁: 64.8±55.1 μg/m³, PM₁₀: 131.4±116.0 μg/m³. Conclusion 1. Indoor PM10 concentrations in residential environments in Ulaanbaatar city were within the MNS4585:2016 Air Quality Standard, however, it was exceeded the WHO air quality guidelines, indicating an excessive risk of increasing morbidity and mortality among the population. 2. Indoor PM1 and PM10 concentrations in residential environments in Ulaanbaatar varies depending on location, type of housing, type of heating, and month of measurement.

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: The assessment of patients’ quality of life has emerged as a critical metric in evaluating healthcare services. Internationally, numerous studies have been conducted to assess the QoL of individuals diagnosed with pulmonary embolism through the development of standardized questionnaires and their association with various clinical parameters. Aim: To adapt a standardized questionnaire for assessing the quality of life following a pulmonary embolism and to evaluate the quality of life of affected patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 33 patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism and hospitalized in the Department of Pulmonology at the Third State Central Hospital in Mongolia between August 2022 and December 2023 were included in the study. An observational cross-sectional study design was used. Inclusion criteria encompassed all patients diagnosed with PE during the study period, while exclusion criteria included individuals with severe comorbidities, those aged over 85 years, and those who declined participation. QoL was assessed using the Pulmonary Embolism Quality of Life (PEmb-QoL) questionnaire, which consists of 39 questions categorized into six domains. Higher scores indicate poorer QoL. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. Results: The average age of the participants was 61±15 years, and 18 (54.5%) were female. The median duration of anticoagulant therapy was 170 days (range: 27–2555 days), and the average monthly expenditure on medication was 80,000 MNT (range: 63,000–400,000 MNT). The overall mean QoL score was 69.7±23.2. The median scores for the six domains were as follows: frequency of complaints 1.6 (IQR 1.5-1.9; max 5 score), activities of daily living limitations 1.5 (1.3–1.8; max 3 score), work-related problems 1.7 (1.5–2.0; max 2 score), social limitations 2.0 (2.0–3.0; max 5 score), intensity of complaints 3.0 (3.0–4.0; max 6 score), emotional complaints 2.0 (1.5–2.4; max 6 score). The internal consistency reliability of the questionnaire was assessed, with the symptom frequency category scoring well (α=0.74), while the other categories had excellent reliability (α>0.85). A weak positive correlation was observed between overall QoL scores and age, while a weak negative correlation was identified with body mass index (r=0.14 & r= -0.13, P>0.05). Conclusion The study findings indicate a low QoL among PE patients, emphasizing the necessity for enhancements in post-diagnosis medical care and long-term management strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 6.7 million people die annually due to air pollution caused by solid fuel use, with the majority of deaths resulting from respiratory diseases and cardiovascular conditions. In Mongolia, air pollution ranks as the fourth leading risk factor contributing to mortality, following hypertension, diabetes, and other major health risks. Although there have been numerous studies on outdoor air pollution in Mongolia, research linking indoor air pollution at the household level with the health status of residents remains limited. Aim: To compare indoor PM2.5 concentrations in households of Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan and examine their association with hypertension during the winter season. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted during November and December 2023, and January 2024, involving 240 households in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan. Indoor PM2.5 concentrations were measured using Purple Air real-time sensors continuously for 24 hours over approximately one month. After measuring indoor air pollution, individuals aged 18–60 years living in the selected households were recruited based on specific inclusion criteria. Blood pressure was measured three times and the average value was recorded. Information on respiratory illnesses was collected through structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 19.0. Results: A total of 241 households participated in the study, with 116 from Ulaanbaatar and 125 from Darkhan. Of the participants, 46.5% were male and 53.5% were female. In terms of housing type, 96 households (39.8%) lived in gers, 97 (40.2%) lived in stove-heated houses, and 48 (19.9%) lived in apartments. Among all participants, 66.0% (n=159) had hypertension and 34.0% (n=79) had normal blood pressure. Among participants aged over 40, 69.9–88.5% had hypertension, which is statistically significantly higher compared to younger individuals (p=0.0001). By body mass index, 75.3% (n=72) of overweight individuals and 78.4% (n=58) of obese participants had hypertension, showing a statistically significant difference compared to participants with normal weight (p=0.0001). The 24-hour average concentration of indoor PM2.5 was measured using the Purple Air device, and the levels in gers and stove-heated houses exceeded the limit set by the MNS 4585:2025 standard (37.5 µg/m³) Conclusion This study identified a relationship between environmental factors, such as air pollution and housing type, and the prevalence of hypertension. The indoor PM2.5 concentration in gers and stove-heated houses was above the standard limit, indicating a negative impact on the health of those residents. Furthermore, the high prevalence of hypertension among participants over the age of 40 and those who are overweight suggests a possible link to lifestyle and environmental conditions.

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.

Background: The annual incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism is reported to be 39–115 cases per 100,000 population, with rates of 60–120/100,000 in Western countries and 10–20/100,000 in Asian countries. In Mongolia, few studies revealed the prevalence of risk factors and clinical manifestations of acute pulmonary embolism. Over the past 30 years, the incidence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases, which are mainly triggered by lifestyle and social parameters, has rose. Moreover, environmental conditions such as cold climate, hypoxia, and blood hyperviscosit may contribute to higher incidences of acute pulmonary embolism in high-altitude regions. This condition is potentially fatal and can become impair quality of life. Aim: We aimed to compare risk factors and clinical characteristics based on age and sex, and to evaluate laboratory findings and diagnostic tests among Mongolian patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism. Materials and Methods: This retrospective research included total 232 patients meeting inclusion criteria. The information was collected from patient histories, including general demographics, risk factors, comorbidities, symptoms, and physical examination findings. Laboratory analyses included complete blood count, coagulation profile, and immunological markers (D-dimer, NT-proBNP, troponin, protein C, homocysteine, and C-reactive protein), as well as selected imaging parameters. We used Wells and Geneva scoring systems to assess probability of acute pulmonary embolism and Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index to determine disease severity. Differences by age and sex were analyzed using independent t-tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables. Results: Among participants with acute pulmonary embolism, the prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use was significantly higher among males (p<0.001). Among comorbidities, arterial hypertension and other pulmonary diseases were more common in males, whereas cardiac diseases were more frequent in females (p=0.028). Participants aged 65 years and older showed higher rates of comorbid conditions and regular medication use (p<0.001). The most common symptoms were dyspnea (90.9%), chest pain (74.2%), cough (70.5%), leg pain (38.9%), hemoptysis (20.7%), and cyanosis (9.3%). According to sPESI scoring, 69.8% (n=162) were at high risk of death within 30 days, with no significant difference by sex. However, mortality risk within 30 days was significantly higher in participants aged 65 years and above (p<0.001). As increasing age, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were elevated, indicating an acute inflammatory response (p=0.001). Contrast-enhanced CT scans revealed that 95 participants (44.2%) had main pulmonary artery involvement, with no significant sex difference, though involvement of the main pulmonary artery was more frequent in those aged 65 and older. Conclusion Dyspnea, chest pain, and cough were the most common symptoms among patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism. The 30-day mortality risk associated with it was higher among males and increased with advancing age.

Background: The Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) is an internationally recognized assessment tool that can assess disability caused by back pain in adults, is an easy-to-use 24-question questionnaire related to activities of daily living, and documents the results and plans of physical therapy. The validity and reliability of the Mongolian version of this assessment method has not been studied in the Mongolian field of physical therapy. The lack of Mongolian versions of assessments specifically aimed at evaluating disability from low back pain provided the rationale for conducting this study. Aim: The goal is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Mongolian version of Roland-Morris disability questionnaire. Materials and Methods: The validity of the RMDQ-M version was assessed by the expert committee and the reliability was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha using R 4.4.3. Results: When evaluating the validity of the RMDQ-M version among physical therapists, 97.5% (n=39) of the words were all understandable, and 2.5% (n=1) of the words were unclear. The reliability of the RMDQ-M version, measured by Cronbach’s Alpha, ranges from 0.903 to 0.939. Conclusion The RMDQ-M version is considered a valid and reliable tool for assessing low back pain–related disability among patients receiving physical therapy.

Background: During knee flexion and extension, imbalance in the forces controlling the patella can cause lateral displacement of the patella, resulting in abnormal loading on the femoral groove and leading to anterior knee pain (AKP). Management of AKP is typically non-surgical. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of inelastic and elastic taping on knee kinematics during stair descent. Aim: To examine the effects of elastic and inelastic taping on knee joint kinematics during stair descent Materials and Methods: A total of 60 female participants were recruited. Each participant descended a standardized 20 cm step while being recorded from sagittal and frontal plan using high-speed cameras. Three test conditions were assessed: no taping, elastic taping, and non-elastic taping. Motion analysis was performed using the “Motion Analysis Image J” program to measure knee flexion range of motion, knee valgus angle, Q-angle, and pelvic drop Results: The mean knee flexion angles were 61.47±5.72 degree (no taping), 61.35±6.33 degree (elastic taping), and 60.21±8.60 degree (inelastic taping), with no significant difference (p=0.305). However, the knee Q-angle differed significantly among conditions: 20.97±11.31 degree (no taping), 20.34±9.10 degree (elastic taping), and 10.16±7.24 degree (inelastic taping) (p=0.001). Knee valgus angle also showed significant differences (8.14±5.72 degree p=0.001). Pelvic drop angles were 10.19±6.31 degree (no taping), 9.06±5.31 degree (elastic taping), and 5.17±4.15 (inelastic taping), with p=0.001, indicating statistical significance. Conclusion During stair descent, the use of inelastic taping reduces the knee valgus angle, whereas elastic taping is more effective in reducing pelvic drop. Both elastic and inelastic taping reduced the knee Q-angle to a similar extent compared to the no-tape condition; however, neither had an effect on knee flexion range of motion. These findings suggest that inelastic taping is more effective for controlling excessive knee valgus, while elastic taping is more effective for improving pelvic stability during daily activities.

Abstract: In Mongolia, flu and flu-like diseases affect many people, and pneumonia is a public health concern. Therefore, we have an urgent need to research and develop a new medicinal syrup to replace imported products using raw materials grown in Mongolia and to compare it with similar products. There are imported cough syrup products on the pharmaceutical market of Mongolia, but there are domestic pharmaceutical products. Moreover, there is limited research data on cough relief. The main goal of the research team is to compare the experimentally obtained syrup containing Plantago asiatica L, Malva Sylvestris L. and syrup containing Plantago major L. Juice, honey that produced by Monos Pharm LLC whish the cough relieving drug Gerbion syrup. Material and methods: The vivarium of the pharmacology laboratory, Drug research institute, TPC7062Ti mark IVC system (Shanghai Pretty Industries Co.,Ltd, China) in a special environment with one care and one feeding regimen (Lab Mice Diet, Constant Formula Balanced Nutrition, Jiangsu Xietong Pharmaceutical Bio- Engineering Co., LTD, China, www.jsxtsw.com ) used 64 non-WISTAR white rats weighing 180-218 g. Experimental rats were smoked with an aerosol of 17% citric acid aqueous solution for 5 minutes. The statistical processing of the research results was done using the One-Way ANOVA/Multiple comparisons data of the GraphPad Prism 8 program. Results and conclusion Expressing the number of coughs produced in the experimental rats as a percentage (%), the control group showed 3.95% cough relief, and the experimental group-1 by 48.4%, experimental group-2 by 71.1%, comparison group by 74.6%, respectively has reduced. Experimental group -2 and comparison group for dry cough caused by citric acid 17%, it affects the cough receptors in the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and relaxes the bronchial muscles (A and C fiber).

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.