1.Results of combined treatment of herpes zoster with bloodletting pricking therapy and acupuncture
Su Bu De ; Lagshmaa B ; Bolortulga Z ; Zandi N ; Oyuntsetseg N
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):160-164
Background:
Herpes zoster (shingles) is an acute inflammatory skin disease caused by the reactivation of the Varicel
la-zoster virus. International studies show that the disease severely reduces patients’ quality of life, and chronic pain negatively affects daily activities. In clinical practice, bloodletting pricking therapy has been effectively used for herpes
zoster, with positive effects including reducing disease symptoms, alleviating skin inflammation, and promoting skin
regeneration. Due to the limited research on treating herpes zoster with combined bloodletting pricking therapy and acupuncture, this clinical study was conducted.
Aim:
To evaluate the effectiveness of combining bloodletting pricking therapy with acupuncture in patients diagnosed
with herpes zoster.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted using a non-randomized clinical trial design based at the Internation
al School of Mongolian Medicine of MNUMS and the Inner Mongolia International Mongolian Medicine Committee
(IMIMC). The study included 70 patients diagnosed with herpes zoster (ICD 10-B02.9) who met the inclusion criteria.
The treatment group received bloodletting pricking therapy combined with acupuncture. The control group received
Acyclovir 800 mg 5 times daily for 7-10 days and Pregabalin 75 mg twice daily for 14 days. Treatment effectiveness was
evaluated using the VAS linear scale for pain assessment, the SF-12 (Short Form-12 health survey) questionnaire for quality of life, and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) to measure sleep quality and evaluate insomnia. The treatment outcome
was assessed according to the Mongolian Traditional Medicine Diagnostic and Treatment Standards.
Results:
The average age of participants was 47.29±11.11 in the treatment group and 44.43±11.63 in the control group,
with 34% male and 66% female participants. According to the VAS linear scale, the treatment group showed a statistically
significant greater reduction in pain (P<0.001). The quality-of-life assessment using the SF-12 questionnaire showed that
the Physical Component Summary (SF-12-PCS) in the treatment group increased from 32.71±7.38 before treatment to
52.99±2.02 after treatment (t=-17.18, p<0.001), while in the control group, it increased from 36.10±7.41 to 51.56±7.9
(SF-12-3.9) (p<0.001). According to the AIS questionnaire, the sleep quality in the treatment group was significantly
better than in the control group (P<0.05). According to the Mongolian Traditional Medicine Diagnostic and Treatment
Standards, the combined treatment of pricking therapy and acupuncture resulted in a 100% recovery rate.
Conclusion
1. The combination of bloodletting pricking therapy and acupuncture in treating herpes zoster effectively reduces pain.
2. For patients diagnosed with herpes zoster, combining bloodletting pricking therapy with acupuncture effectively
improves quality of life in terms of sleep quality as well as physical and mental functioning.
2.Some digestive system disorders affecting factors
Chantsaldulam G ; Baasandorj Yu ; Baasanjargal N ; Zandarmaa Kh ; Oyuntsetseg D
Diagnosis 2025;113(2):40-44
Introduction:
According to epidemiological studies conducted in Mongolia over the past decade, diseases of the digestive system have consistently ranked second in terms of morbidity and fourth in mortality. With the rapid advancement of technology, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy living habits have become more prevalent among the population, leading to a trend of digestive disorders affecting younger age groups. Therefore, investigating the prevalence, pathological changes, and risk factors associated with gallbladder and pancreatic diseases among university students has become the rationale for this study.
Objective:
To study the prevalence of gallbladder and pancreatic disorders and determine some of the associated risk factors.
Methodology:
200 students from the first to sixth year were selected through random sampling based on the WHO age classification. Data collection included a structured questionnaire and ultrasound examination using the SUN-800D device. Diagnostic criteria followed the national clinical guidelines for acute cholecystitis.
Results:
Out of 200 participants, 120 (60%) were female and 80 (40%) were male. Among them, 128 students (64%) reported skipping breakfast regularly, and 147 (73.5%) did not consume an adequate amount of fluids daily. Ultrasound examinations revealed that 104 students (52%) had some form of gallbladder or pancreatic abnormality. Additionally, gallstones were detected in 1 student (0.5%), and gallbladder polyps were found in 5 students (2.5%).
Conclusion
Gallbladder and pancreatic abnormalities were observed in 52% of the participants. Among the associated risk factors, 64% of students reported skipping breakfast, and 73.5% had inadequate daily fluid intake. The ultrasound findings showed that 47% had biliary sludge, 32% had gallbladder kinking, and 48.5% had increased pancreatic echogenicity.
3.А Study on the relationship between arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia levels, and body constitution characteristics
Wang Xiao Rong ; ; Narantuya B ; Bolortulga Z ; Zandi N ; Oyuntsetseg N
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;90(6):12-17
Background:
In recent years, stroke has remained one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Globally, the incidence among adults ranges from 134.9 to 336.3 cases per 100,000 population annually, with mortality
rates between 36.7 and 136.7 per 100,000. In Mongolian traditional medicine, stroke prevention is not only related to diet
and lifestyle but also depends on an individual’s unique bodily constitution, age, strength, and life habits. Since people
differ physiologically, the diseases arising from the four causative conditions manifest differently. Therefore, this study
was conducted to explore the relationship between an individual’s constitutional type and stroke risk factors, aiming to
contribute to stroke prevention.
Aim:
To study the relationship between individual constitutional types in Mongolian traditional medicine and stroke risk
factors, specifically hypertension and dyslipidemia.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 2,086 participants were included from the Departments of Cardiology, Neurology,
and Ultrasonography of the affiliated hospital of the Inner Mongolia National University. Data were collected through
questionnaires, assessment of constitutional type, blood pressure measurement, and blood lipid analysis. Statistical processing
was performed using SPSS 18.0 software. Chi-square (χ²), ANOVA tests, multivariate logistic regression, and
correspondence analysis were used, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results:
Among the participants, those with the “Khurmal” (Hormal) and “Badgan-Khi” (Phlegm-Wind) constitutions
accounted for the highest proportions (34.3% and 26.7%, respectively), showing a statistically significant association with
stroke risk factors (p<0.05). In terms of the relationship between constitution and blood pressure, individuals with the
Badgan-Khi type had a higher risk, and a statistically significant association was found between blood pressure, risk classification,
and the Badgan-Khi and Khormal types (p<0.05). Regarding constitution and blood lipid levels, the proportions
in the stroke population were: indeterminate lipid ratio (58.3%), dyslipidemia (33.3%), and normal blood lipids (8.3%).
A statistically significant relationship was observed between blood lipid levels, risk classification, and the Khi-Shar and
Badgan-Khi constitutions (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Stroke risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia are associated with an individual’s body constitutional
type. The study confirmed that individuals with a Khi-dominant constitution tend to have higher sympathetic
nervous system activity, blood pressure, and vascular reactivity, providing a biological basis for increased stroke risk. For
Badgan-dominant individuals, metabolic disturbances and lipid accumulation were identified as contributors to elevated
stroke risk.
4.The results of treatment of neck pain with the massage therapy of Mongolian medicine
Zhang Weimin ; ; Oyuntsetseg N ; Bolortulga Z ; Baigalmaa J ; Zandi N
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;90(6):49-54
Background:
The prevalence of neck pain among adults worldwide is 4.9-22.3%. It occurs in 34.7% of office workers
in industrialized countries.
Aim:
To study the effect of massage therapy of Mongolian medicine on neck pain
Materials and Methods:
In this study, a parallel clinical trial design was used, and 50 patients with neck pain were divided
into two groups: the treatment group received massage therapy of Mongolian medicine and the control group received
exercise therapy, and the treatment results were compared. VAS assessment, NDI, Digital Algometer, and European
Quality of Life Questionnaire were used in the study.
Results:
52 % of the study participants were male, while 48 % were female, and their mean age was 43.3±21.3.
The VAS score for pain assessment was 5.44±0.96 in the treatment group and 5.44±0.96 in the comparison group before
treatment, but after the treatment it decreased to 0.80±0.71 in the treatment group and 1.44±0.77 in the comparison group,
respectively, which showed a statistically significant difference. Massage therapy of Mongolian medicine has a greater
pain-relieving effect than exercise therapy in the treatment of neck pain (p<0.01).
The pressure pain threshold was 934±154.60 in the treatment group and 934±154.60 in the comparison group before
treatment, but after treatment, it increased to 1536±22.91 in the treatment group and 1392±83.77 in the comparison
group, which was statistically significant (p<0.01).
The neck disability index of patients with neck pain was 11.44±2.87 in the treatment group and 11.56±2.55 in the
comparison group before treatment, but after treatment it decreased to 0.84±0.69 in the treatment group and 1.40±0.87 in
the comparison group. Although exercise therapy has the effect of reducing the neck disability index, when comparing the
treatment results of the two groups, massage therapy of Mongolian medicine had greater effect (p<0.05).
European Quality of Life Questionnaire was 8.64±2.25 in the treatment group and 8.16±1.60 in the comparison group
before treatment, but after treatment it was 5.28±0.54 in the treatment group and 7.44±1.23 in the comparison group.
Massage therapy of Mongolian medicine has a greater effect on improving the quality of life of people with neck pain
compared to exercise therapy (p<0.01).
The neck forward bending was 36.60±2.45 in the treatment group and 37.24±2.35 in the comparison group before
treatment, but after treatment, it increased to 42.32±2.14 in the treatment group and 39.32±2.14 in the comparison group,
which was statistically significant (p0.01).The neck abduction was 36.20±1.89 in the treatment group and 36.56±2.24
in the comparison group before treatment, but after treatment, it increased to 42.80±2.06 in the treatment group and
39.76±1.88 in the comparison group, which was statistically significant (p=0.01).The neck left rotation was 60.84±3.77
in the treatment group and 61.56±4.31 in the comparison group before treatment, but after treatment, it increased to
75.08±3.55 in the treatment group and 67.20±4.29 in the comparison group, which was statistically significant (p0.01).
The neck right rotation was 61.80±4.39 in the treatment group and 62.00±4.42 in the comparison group before treatment,
but after treatment, it increased to 76.52±2.95 in the treatment group and 68.04±4.46 in the comparison group, which
was statistically significant (p0.01).When comparing the treatment results of the two groups, Mongolian medical bariatric
surgery was more effective (p<0.01).
Conclusions
1. Massage therapy of Mongolian medicine reduces disability index in people with neck pain (p<0.05).
2. Massage therapy of Mongolian medicine has a significant effect on reducing pain and pressure pain threshold in
people with neck pain (p<0.01).
3. Massage therapy of Mongolian medicine has the effect of improving the quality of life of people with neck pain
(p<0.01).
5.The effect of musk on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats
Radnaa G ; Oyuntsetseg N ; Enkhsaikhan L ; Bat-Erdene J
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2020;191(1):57-62
Introduction :
In recent years, there has been a significant increase of cerebrovascular disease in Mongolia, which
is the second leading cause of mortality. There are dozens of Mongolian traditional medicine which is
good efficiency for cerebral ischemia that contains musk.
Aim:
Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of musk under the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats.
Materials and Methods:
Cerebral middle cerebral artery occlusion was established in male rat (90-minute occlusion followed by
24-hour reperfusion). Rats were divided into following groups: control group, ischemia group (cerebral
ischemia and reperfusion), nimodipine administrated group (cerebral ischemia and reperfusion +
treated with nimodipine), musk administrated group (cerebral ischemia and reperfusion + musk 50
mg/kg and 100 mg/kg). The brain tissue levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 cytokines were measured
using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) every 1, 3, 7th days.
Results:
Levels of cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6) were significantly lower in musk treated group compared
to brain ischemia group (p<0.05). In contrast, treatment with musk was significantly improved
neurological function with stimulation of M2 phenotype microglia cells and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine level of IL-10 in the ischemic hemisphere of brain in rats
Conclusion
The mechanisms of musk are associated with increasing the brain tissue levels of IL-10, and reducing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 subsequently
stimulating neurogenesis and reduced ischemic zone. Musk may have neuroprotective effects
against cerebral ischemia with stimulating M2 phenotype microglia cells in the brain. Regarding the
ELISA, the effects of musk may be due to anti-inflammatory properties through inhibition of some of
proinflammatory cytokines and stimulation of anti- inflammatory cytokines.
6.Usage of blood and blood product
Oyuntsetseg D ; Enkhjargal A ; Erdenebayar N ; Suvd B ; Burmaajav B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2020;193(3):47-53
Background:
A blood product is any therapeutic substance derived from human blood, including whole blood
and other blood components for transfusion, and plasma-derived medicinal products. Medicinal
(medical therapeutic) products derived from human donations of blood and plasma play a critical
role in health care. Safe, effective and quality-assured blood products contribute to improving and
saving millions of lives every year, as they: address child mortality and maternal health, dramatically
improve the life expectancy and quality of life of patients suffering from life-threatening inherited
disorders, such as haemophilia, thalassaemia and immune deficiency, and acquired conditions
such as cancer and traumatic haemorrhage and support complex medical and surgical procedures,
including transplantation. An insufficient or unsafe blood supply for transfusion has a negative impact
on the effectiveness of key health services and programmes to provide appropriate patient care in
numerous acute and chronic conditions. Ensuring access of all patients who require transfusion to
safe, effective and quality-assured blood products is a key component of an effective health system
and vital for patient safety.
Although the number of blood donors is increasing, there are still insufficient human and financial
resources for encouraging the growing demand of blood and blood products and new blood donors.
Material and Methods:
We collected secondary data by using using the order forms of hospitals that used blood and
blood products registered in the National Center for Blood Transfusion Research in 2017-2019 in
accordance with the retrospective survey method.
In total 34,119 hospital order information sheet was entered into computer in excel program, and
converted into SPSS 23 software, descriptive parameters were calculated and analyzed.
Results:
Compare to the 2017 (n=9076), the demand of blood product was increased by 21.8%, and 54.8%
in 2019. There are 51.9% (95%CI: 51.2-52.5) of total users are male, which is statistically significant.
The mean age of blood product users were aged 48.58±21.32, the youngest user was aged 1 and
the oldest age was 99. The demand of blood products were increased by growing of the age of users.
The product usage of age group of 46-55 was 17.8% and has trend to increase year by year. In
total, 11.3% of total blood product was utilized for children and 72.3% of them were aged less than 5
years old. 73.0% of total blood products were utilized in specialized hospitals, 14.6 % of them were
used in aimag and district level hospitals and 11.3% of them were used in private clinics. 24.4% of
blood products utilization was used for diseases of digestive system (К00-К93), 22.1% of them were
used for diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs and certain disorders involving the immune
mechanism, and 19.5% of them were used for the cancer (C00-C97) disease patient’s treatment.
Conclusion
Since after new treatment guidance was introduced the blood and blood products usage had been
increased.
7.Attitude towards to blood donation among population, Mongolia, 2019
Oyuntsetseg D ; Suvd B ; Enkhjargal A ; Erdenebayar N
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2019;190(4):38-47
Background:
Blood is an important resource, both for planned treatments and urgent interventions. It can help
patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer and with a higher quality of life, and
supports complex medical and surgical procedures. According to WHO recommendation at least 1%
of the population of any country needs to donate their blood to accommodate the basic clinical needs
of the country. Accordingly, we aimed to assess existing attitudes of the general population towards on blood donors.
Materials and Methods:
The survey identified attitude of the population on blood donation and factors influencing them, using
quantitative and qualitative methods. The survey covered a population aged 18-60 years. SPSS
software version 21 was used for data analysis of the survey. The survey protocol and methodology
were reviewed and approved by the Scientific Committee at the NCPH. The Medical Ethical Committee
at the MOH reviewed the survey materials and issued an approval (2015/3).
Results:
The survey covered in total 3,782 people and there are 59.2% of surveyed respondents said they
have never thought of becoming a voluntary blood donor. Positive attitude on blood donation is
higher with statistical significance among women (59.0%), 18-25 years old (43.7%) and UB residents
citizens with higher education. As education level increases the number of respondents who thought
about donating blood is also increases. 16.1% of them had a history of blood donation before and
38.2% said they never thought about it. Twenty point four percent of respondents thought blood
donation brings some kind of risk. Nevertheless of the education level of surveyed respondents,
the percentage of answer blood donation is not risky for a person was the most common answer.
But respondent who is only literal and uneducated were don’t know about whether it has a risk or
not (385.37=2א, p=0.000001). Also, respondents failed to donate their blood because the family not
allowed, afraid, risk of infection, doesn’t want and had a busy schedule.
Conclusion
There is a high tendency to donate blood populations of young people aged 20-29, women, residents
of Ulaanbaatar, and uneducated and highly educated. The majority of respondents agreed that blood
donating is charity and a good deed. The leading causes of blood donation is the education, gender,
the desire of doing a good deed, peer influence and health condition.
8.IDENTIFYING THE CRITERIA FOR ORAL HEALTH INDEX IN MONGOLIA
Khosbayar M ; Shin siin Chol ; Purevjav N ; Oyuntsetseg B
Innovation 2018;12(4):25-28
BACKGROUND. The measurement of oral health is recognized as a critical feature of numerous dental activities: describing normal biologic processes, understanding the natural history of disease, testing hypotheses regarding preventive agents, and planning and evaluation of health services. In modern times, statistical methods are widely being used to describe the probability of caries formation by calculating the progress and progression of dental caries for each individual by means of investigational correlations to detect and control risk factors for dental caries and periodontal diseases.
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to identify the correlation between the incidences of dental caries (DMFT) and its influencing risk factors for Mongolians in order to establish the fundamental criteria for oral health index.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. Data were collected from 240 volunteers in six different age groups by using a questionnaire and an intra oral examination combined with laboratory tests. The oral health index is divided into 5 major categorical factors including the residual number of natural tooth, caries state, periodontal state, other oral health state and oral health management habits and systemic condition that determines the relationship between the incidences of dental caries and influencing risk factor for each item.
RESULTS. Significantly different results were observed for Mongolian people in terms of prevalence and proportion of oral disease and oral state which led to the establishment of criteria for oral health index by statistical significance factors in all age groups (p <0.05).
CONCLUSION. It is possible to create and introduce a scoring system of individual oral health index that could be applied to the evaluation oral health program that is suitable for calculating future illnesses and prognosis of oral diseases.
9.Self-evaluation of practical skills of nurses during pre- and postoperative care
Nyamaa D ; Oyuntsetseg S ; Erdenekhuu N
Innovation 2017;11(1):34-38
BACKGROUND
The study was based on the facts that high patient satisfaction and good health indicators are
common in countries where quality of nursing care and organization has reached high level and
skill level of these professionals is the main factor for the improvement of health care service
quality.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate practical skill levels of nurses who are responsible for pre- and post-operative care in
the National First Central Hospital (NFCH).
METHOD
Using cross-sectional design, we have conducted 120 questions questionnaire, which was
developed by Canadian Nursing Association and Kwantlen Polytechnic University in 2008, to
determine 4 levels of skill (never done – did independently) among 41 nurses who work in the
Department of Surgery of NFCH. Data was analyzed using social studies statistics software SPSS
21.
RESULT
Average age and average work years of the 41 nurses who work in the Department of Surgery were
29.9±8.6 and 7.7±9.1, respectively. In terms of specialty, 4 were anesthesiology and intensive
care nurse (9.8%) and 17 were surgical nurse (41.5%) while almost half of them (20, 48.8%) did
not have specialty certification. During the evaluation of practical skill levels of participants in
regards to pre- and post-operative care, for checking readiness of respiratory apparatus, there
were 9 (22%) nurses who had never done it, 11 (27%) nurses who did it with assistance, 9 (22%)
nurses who did it under guidance, and 12 (29%) nurses who did it independently, for checking
neurologic function, there were 4 (11%) nurses who had never done it, 3 (7%) nurses who did
it with assistance, 7 (17%) nurses who did it under guidance, and 27 (65%) nurses who did it
independently, for operation wound care, there were 5 (12%) nurses who had never done it, 2
(5%) nurses who did it with assistance, 11 (27%) nurses who did it under guidance, and 23 (56%)
nurses who did it independently, for using nasal and tracheal intubation, there were 10 (24%)
nurses who had never done it, 4 (10%) nurses who did it with assistance, 10 (24%) nurses who
did it under guidance, and 17 (42%) nurses who did it independently. There was correlation
between average work years and skill level (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION
Varying skill levels (never done it 17.25%, with assistance 12.25%, under guidance 22.5%, and
independently 48%) of surgical nurses who are responsible for pre- and post-operative care show
that there is a need for improving practical skills of nurses in the Department of Surgery of NFCH.
10.RESULTS OF STUDY ON TREATMENT EFFICACY OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI ASSOCIATED GASTRITIS
Byambajav Ts ; Oyuntsetseg Kh ; Choijav G ; Bira N
Innovation 2017;1(1):28-36
BACKGROUND
Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori), the main cause of gastric and duodenal ulcer, is considered
as a type 1 carcinogen. The primary prevention of gastric cancer is eradicating chronic
H.pylori infection. However, the antimicrobial eradication rates are decreasing as low as
80% in some countries, less than 70% in Europe and are inversely correlated with antibiotic
resistance rates reported worldwide.
The current international guidelines recommended several regimens with higher success
rate including sequential, combined, bismuth-containing and resistance-guided
treatment and states that the local susceptibility testing in H.pylori should be studied.
The research data that is covering correlation between H.pylori associated gastric
changes and precancerous diseases, evaluation of H.pylori eradication rate are sparse
in Mongolia.
METHODS
Totally, 495 eligible candidates were enrolled into this study. 225 patients who visited
to endoscopy unit, received gastroscopy with multiple biopsies for rapid urease test,
histology and H.pylori culturing. Out of these, 131 (52.2%) patients were positive for H.pylori
infection. These were further tested for antibiotic resistance. 76 patients were treated with
targeted therapy based on antibiotic resistance testing. Another 270 eligible patients
with confirmed H.pylori associated gastritis were randomized into the following 1st line
therapy regimen groups clarithromycin-based triple therapy (CBTT, n=90); bismuth-based
quadruple therapy (BBQT, n=90) and sequential therapy (ST, n=90). In 43 patients that
were not responded to 1st line therapy, levofloxacin-based triple therapy (LBTT) was
prescribed as a second line treatment. Eradication rates were assessed using H.pylori
stool antigen test 28 days of therapy just subsequent to termination of treatment.
RESULTS
During the gastroscopy, presence of active gastritis, nodular change and atrophy were
32.9%, 12% and 52.9% respectively. Epigastric pain was reported in 73.3%, 62.2%, 60-80%
and 41.3% of patients with normal mucosa, nodular change, stomach and duodenal
ulcer and antral atrophy (p<0.05). Abdominal fullness was more common among
patients with extensive gastric atrophy (69.2%, p<0.05). In <40 age group gastritis was
predominantly in the prepylori, while in the >50 age group it was predominantly the
corpus region. H.pylori resistance rates to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole and
more than 2 antibiotics were 8.4%, 37.4%, 74% and 30.5%. On ITT analysis, eradication
rates of 1st line H.pylori targeted treatment, CBTT, BBQT and ST were 92.1%, 71.1%, 87.8%
and 67.8% (p<0.0001); on PP analysis, that were 94.6%, 72.7%, 89.8% and 68.5% (p<0.0001)
respectively. Eradication rates of 2nd line treatment LBTT were 55.8% and 60% by ITT and
PP analysis. Higher side-effects were reported during the second line treatment.
CONCLUSION
H.pylori infection rate was high among the dyspeptic patients resulting chronic gastritis
and atrophic change. H.pylori resistance rate to metronidazole and clarithromycin was
high. Among 1st line therapies; the eradication rates of CBTT and ST were poor, while
BBQT and Targeted therapy had a higher success rate. 2nd line therapy showed higher
failure rate.
Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail