Introduction: This study aimed to assess psychological distress among nursing students enrolled in bachelor’s and associate degree programs using the DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21). Objective: To evaluate levels of depression, anxiety, and stress and analyze their differences by age, gender, and year of study. Methods:: A cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected from students and analyzed by age, gender, and year of study. Depression, anxiety, and stress levels were measured using DASS-21 standard scoring and categorized accordingly.
The findings showed that psychological distress levels were generally consistent with international trends. Bachelor’s students demonstrated higher levels of depression and stress, particularly in the second and final years. Anxiety levels were moderate among first- to third-year bachelor’s students. In contrast, associate degree students mostly exhibited normal to mild levels across all three domains. Female students reported relatively higher levels of depression and anxiety. Academic workload, clinical practice demands, financial difficulties, and environmental stressors such as traffic congestion and air pollution were identified as contributing factors. Conclusion Psychological distress among nursing students varies by academic level and is influenced by multiple factors. The results highlight the importance of implementing targeted mental health support and preventive interventions tailored to students’ academic stages.

Background “The Jewel of Healthful Tranquility” by Khamzan Burugjal highly commends the formulation “Tumriin Talkh-7” for its broad therapeutic spectrum. Traditionally, it has been recognized for its efficacy in managing digestive and hepatic disorders, chronic heat syndromes, and various systemic imbalances. Listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as a classical Tibetan remedy, it is widely utilized in regions such as Tibet, Qinghai, and Sichuan for treating chronic liver conditions. Nevertheless, despite its extensive use in Tibetan Medicine, its clinical application and scientific evaluation within modern Mongolian medical practice remain limited.
Pharmacological studies show that “Tumriin Talkh-7” has hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
It improves lipid metabolism, reduces hepatic fat, and stabilizes endoplasmic reticulum stress in NAFLD models.
In rats, it lowered ALT, AST, TNF-α, SREBP-1c, and caspase-3, while suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activity and reducing α-SMA and collagen in fibrosis models. Clinical trials have reported improved liver function and lipid profiles in patients with fatty liver diseases, without major adverse effects. Additionally, preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits in managing rheumatoid arthritis and anemia.
These effects suggest potential therapeutic benefits in treating liver injury and hepatic steatosis. Additionally, clinical observations indicate its positive effects in anemia and inflammatory joint conditions. As mentioned above, the similarity of Mongolian traditional medicine’s liver brown phlegm to Western medicine’s cirrhosis suggests that this drug may be a potential and effective treatment for liver injury and should be further studied.

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by bronchoconstriction and breathing difficulties, which can be triggered by both allergic and non-allergic mechanisms. In allergic asthma, a hyperreactivity reaction occurs, leading to an increase in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels. Therefore, FeNO is used to differentiate allergic and non-allergic types of asthma. In recent years, studies have been conducted to assess FeNO as an indicator of treatment effectiveness and symptom control. Our goal is to introduce FeNO measurement in Mongolia for the first time and utilize it for asthma diagnosis and treatment outcome evaluation. Aim: Study of FeNO levels in Asthma Diagnosis in Relation to Laboratory Findings and Lung Function Materials and Methods: This study included a total of 70 adult patients (18 years and older) with asthma who visited the Outpatient Clinic of Mongolia-Japan Hospital and Shargaljuut Spa Clinic from May to December 2024. Based on their allergic history, total IgE levels, and peripheral blood eosinophil count, participants were classified into allergic (>5%) and non-allergic (<5%) asthma. The study aimed to determine the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of FeNO levels. Asthma control levels were assessed using the Asthma Control Test (ACT), lung function was evaluated using spirometry, and exercise capacity was measured with the 6-minute walk test. Results: In a single measurement, there were no differences between the allergic and non-allergic groups in parameters other than total IgE, peripheral blood eosinophil count, and FeNO levels. For diagnosing the allergic form of asthma, at a FeNO level of 25 ppb, sensitivity (Se) was 0.68, specificity (Sp) was 0.30 (p=0.008); at 40 ppb, Se was 0.77, Sp was 0.31 (p=0.001); and at 50 ppb, Se was 0.74, Sp was 0.33 (p=0.001). Lung function and exercise capacity were similar in both asthma groups. Conclusion The sensitivity of FeNO in distinguishing between allergic and non-allergic forms of asthma is 67-81%, and its sensitivity tends to increase as the FeNO level rises. By distinguishing the allergic type in which inhaled corticosteroids are more effective, the outcome of asthma treatment can be predicted in advance based on the FeNO level.

Background: Asthma management should be individualized, evidence-based, aimed at controlling clinical symptoms, preventing severe exacerbations, and improving quality of life. Studies have shown that inhalation therapy with iodine- bromide saltwater improves lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while radon-containing mineral water inhalation reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in asthma. Several studies have analyzed the composition of the Shargaljuut hot spring, with Oyuntsesteg et al. identifying high levels of Na+-HCO3 - and Na+-SO4. Other studies on mineral water therapies have reported benefits such as thinning bronchial secretions, improving sputum clearance, reducing inflammation and acidity, mitigating oxidative stress, and enhancing quality of life. Aim: To study the effectiveness of combined asthma treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and hot spring inhalation. Materials and Methods: The study included 67 participants diagnosed with asthma who consented to participate and underwent 10 days of combined inhaled corticosteroid therapy and mineral water inhalation at Shargaljuut sanatorium. A total of 57 participants completed the pre- and post-treatment assessments. Treatment result was assessed using Asthma control questionnaire 7, asthma symptom control with Asthma Control Test (ACT), and exercise tolerance by a 6-minute walk test. Chest X-rays were taken for all participants to rule out pneumonia, cancer, or pulmonary fibrosis. Treatment outcomes were evaluated using ACT scores, peripheral blood eosinophil count, total IgE levels in serum, spirometry indices (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC), and the 6-minute walk distance. Results: The average age of participants was 52±12 years, with a predominance of females. The mean asthma control score was 14.2±4.80, indicating poor asthma control. After 10 days of inhaling corticosteroids combined with hot spring inhalation post-treatment quality of life increased by 0.5 points, FEV1 improved by 7.5%, FVC by 4.2%, peripheral blood eosinophil count decreased by 0.3%, and total Ig E levels dropped from 73.3 (22.5; 216) to 73.2 (21.3; 223) u/ml (p=0.000). Conclusion In cases of uncontrolled asthma remission, combining of inhaled corticosteroid therapy with hot spring inhalation at Shargaljuut improved asthma symptoms, quality of life, enhanced lung function, and reduced inflammatory markers (p<0.001).