1.Efficacy of Therapeutic Massage in the Management of Pediatric Functional Constipation
Tungalagtuya Kh ; ; Suvd S ; Altantulga B ; Munkhzul B ; Uranchimeg O ; Oyuntsetseg N ; Zandi N ; Bolortulga Z
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;91(1):176-181
Background:
Functional constipation is a common condition in early childhood, with an estimated global prevalence of approximately 3%. In Mongolia, functional constipation has been increasingly diagnosed among young children, particularly those aged 2–6 years. The condition is associated with abdominal pain, bloating, painful defecation, stool retention behaviors, and long-term physical and psychological complications. Although pediatric Tuina massage is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a non-pharmacological intervention, evidence regarding its effectiveness remains limited in the local context.
Aim:
To evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic massage on stool frequency and stool consistency in children with functional constipation.
Materials and Methods:
A randomized controlled study was conducted between May and December 2025 at the “Bomborduk” Pediatric Traditional Medicine Center. Sixty children diagnosed with functional constipation (ICD-10 K59.04) were randomly assigned to a therapeutic massage group (n=30) or an exercise therapy group (n=30). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after one month using the Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS) and the Bristol Stool Form Scale.
Result:
The mean age of participants was 3.75±0.94 years, with no significant difference between groups. In the massage therapy group, CAS scores decreased from 8.23±2.39 to 3.17±2.36, while Bristol Stool scores improved from 1.33±0.48 to 3.00±0.87. Improvements were significantly greater in the massage group compared with the exercise therapy group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Therapeutic massage is a safe and effective non-pharmacological intervention that significantly improves stool consistency and reduces constipation severity in children with functional constipation.
2.Determination of serum IL-4 and IFN-γ levels in allergic model-induced C57BL/6 mice using in-house ELISA
Dulguunuu M ; Nyam-Ochir G ; Oyun-Erdene Ch ; Ariunzaya B ; Tsogtsaikhan S ; Enkhtushig G ; Khuselt-Od T ; Enkhtuya S ; Sarantuya L ; Suvd O ; Nyamdorj D ; Batbaatar G ; Gansukh Ch ; Enkhsaikhan L ; Enkh-Amar B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;92(2):134-138
Background:
Type I hypersensitivity, commonly known as an allergic reaction, is characterised by an IgE-mediated immune response triggered when foreign proteins enter the body. During allergic reactions, cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13, secreted by T-helper 2 (Th2) cells, play a crucial role in activating immune effector cells like eosinophils and mast cells, which contribute significantly to airway inflammation and obstruction. Conversely, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), produced by Th1 cells, suppresses Th2-mediated responses and plays an essential role in regulating allergic inflammation. Therefore, determining the balance of cytokines produced by Th1 and Th2 cells is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying allergic responses.
Aim:
We aimed to induce an allergic response in experimental animals using ovalbumin and to determine the levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Materials and Methods:
A total of 20 female C57BL/6 mice aged 6–8 weeks were selected for the experiment and randomly divided into two groups: control and experimental groups. The concentrations of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines in mouse serum were determined using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Result:
Compared to the control group, the levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines in the serum of allergic model-induced C57BL/6 mice were determined to be 513.7 pg/mL and 193.2 pg/mL, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed in IL-4 cytokine levels between the two groups (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
In the allergic model group, serum levels of IL-4 cytokine were elevated, while IFN-γ cytokine levels were decreased, suggesting a predominant Th2-type immune response.
3. Incidence and risk factors assessment of early postoperative cognitive decline in elderly patients after spinal surgery
Ya Tuo ; Altanchimeg S ; Suvd-Erdene N ; Ganbold L
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):128-134
Background:
As global life expectancy increases, spinal disorders and the need for spinal surgery among elderly individ
uals are becoming more prevalent. Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) is a common complication in this population,
adversely affecting functional recovery and quality of life. Despite substantial research, effective preventive strategies for
POCD remain limited.
Aim:
To determine the incidence of POCD and to identify perioperative risk factors associated with its development in elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery.
Materials and Methods:
A prospective cohort study was conducted at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia
Medical University. Of 200 elderly patients who underwent spinal surgery between, 122 met the inclusion criteria and
were enrolled. Preoperative clinical assessments, intraoperative surgical and anesthetic parameters, and postoperative
evaluations were systematically collected. Cognitive function was assessed using standardized and validated tools both
before and after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of
POCD.
Results:
POCD was observed in a notable proportion of patients postoperatively. Multivariate analysis revealed that
prolonged surgical duration (OR=0.989; p=0.005), intraoperative hypotension (OR=0.964; p=0.009), higher intensity of
postoperative pain (OR=10.073; p=0.015), and elevated postoperative C-reactive protein levels (OR=1.039; p<0.001)
were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing POCD.
Conclusion
In elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery severe postoperative pain, and systemic inflammatory respons
es contribute significantly to the development of POCD. Optimizing perioperative management, including minimizing
surgical time, maintaining stable hemodynamics, and controlling postoperative inflammation and pain, may mitigate the
risk of cognitive decline.
4.Modern advances in epilepsy treatment and diagnosis
Otgonbayar B ; Oyungerel S ; Chimegsaihan S ; Javsandulam E ; Khulan B ; Altantsetseg B ; Mandakh-Erdene B ; Oyun-Erdene S ; Suvd N ; Tumenbayar B
Diagnosis 2025;113(2):35-39
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.
5. A study to determine actual daily consumption of drinking and residential water for households in Ulaanbaatar
Zolzaya D ; Suvd B ; Amgalan G ; Tsegmed S ; Bolor B ; Soyombo G ; Oyun-Erdene O ; Altangerel B ; Oyunchimeg D ; Enkhjargal A ; Bolormaa I ; Tsogtbaatar B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2024;208(2):39-47
Introduction :
Water is a vital resource for human existence and is essential for daily food processing, preparation,
washing, hygiene, and sanitation. Furthermore, providing the population with safe drinking water is one
of the pressing problems of the world and some regions.
In recent years, population density and the scale of commercial and industrial activities, as well as clean
and dirty water consumption were increased in the capital city. As a result of these, ground and surface
water resources are becoming scarce and polluted.
Therefore, assessment of daily drinking and residential water consumption of Ulaanbaatar should be
determined to use drinking water properly in daily life and water loss. This study assessed the actual
amount of households’ daily water consumption.
Goal:
The purpose of this study is to determine the daily consumption of drinking water for households in ger
areas and apartments in Ulaanbaatar.
Materials and Method:
This study covers 30 households in ger areas and 15 apartment households, in Ulaanbaatar.
Household members performed 6-10 types of measurements every day, within 7 days. As a result of
these measurements, actual consumption of water quantity used for drinking and household purposes
was calculated. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS Version 21 to calculate the true probability of
difference between parameters.
Result:
67.9% of the households in the ger areas were 4-5 family members. The average daily household
consumption of drinking and domestic water were 68.3 ± 3.57 L (95% 61.3-75.3), the minimum
consumption was 12 L, and the maximum was 227 L. Average of the household water consumption
water was 97.6-108.9 liters during the weekends, and water consumption was statistically higher than
weekdays (p=0.001; p=0.01).
The water consumption of residential households with 3 family members accounted for the majority
(30.8%) in this study. The average daily consumption of drinking and domestic water was 297.67±19.7
liters. There was no statistically significant difference (p=0.96) in week. The average daily water
consumption including drinking and residential was 270.3-335.97 L.
The total daily drinking and residential water consumption per person was 15.57 L for households in ger areas and 90 L for apartment households. Calculating the daily water consumption of households in ger areas, 60.3% of it is used for laundry, washing dishes, food preparation, washing face and hands, and clothes, 31% for drinking, and 8.7% for outdoor water use. While apartment households, approximately 94.1%, were used for household and 5.9% for drinking purposes.
Research ethics approval :
This study was discussed at the meeting of the Academic Council of the National Center for Public
Health. In addition, this study was carried out according to the methods and methods discussed and
approved at the meeting of the Medical Ethics Control Committee of the Ministry of Health (Resolution
No. 08).
Conclusion
The total daily consumption of drinking and residential water per person were 15.57 litres for the
households in the ger areas and 90 litres for the apartment households. It implies that it does not exceed
the WHO recommendations
6.Comparison results of the population's COVID-19 preventive behaviours
Buuveidulam A ; Suvd S ; Chinzorig B ; Enkhtuya P ; Suvd B ; Dolgorkhand A
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2023;203(1):22-29
Background:
As of September 21, 2021, 65.3 percent of Mongolia's population was vaccinated at full dose. However, as of COVID-19 confirmed cases, Mongolia is in the top five countries in the West Pacific. This indicates that there is a lack of practice to prevention from coronavirus infection in the population.
Goal :
This survey aims to compare the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the population towards coronavirus infection with the results of the baseline survey results
Material and Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 1896 people aged 15-60 years old participated in the study. The survey data were collected using quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (observation) methods. The research methodology was approved at the Scientific Committee of the National Center for Public Health on November 9, 2021 (Protocol № 5) and the Medical Ethics Review Committee of the Ministry of Health on January 20, 2022 (Resolution №261) was issued the Ethical permission of the survey.
Results:
Out of 14 knowledge questions that should be known about coronavirus infection, survey participants had known in an average of 8.27 ± 3.73 (95%CI: 8.12-8.43) correct answers, which was lower than the results of the baseline study. The average knowledge score of the surveyed participants of the follow-up survey (9.23±3.2, 95%CI: 9.09-9.38) was smaller than the baseline survey by 0.96 percent. 54.5 percent of surveyed participants believed that the pandemic is “very dangerous”. However, it has decreased by 25.6 percent compared to the baseline survey. Positive attitudes toward the right place at the onset of symptoms of COVID-19 and non-discrimination against infected people are more prevalent in a population with a high average knowledge score. In the baseline study, the average duration to wear a mask was 29 hours, while in the follow-up survey, it was 4.2 hours, which shows improvement in the correct behavior.
Conclusions
As the population’s level of education increased, the average knowledge score on the coronavirus infection has increased, and the statistically significant high of the participant with higher education levels was 8.81±3.53 (p=0.0001). In the baseline survey, 64.9 percent of the participants had an attitude toward a discriminant person infected with COVID-19, whereas it was declined by 41.9 percent in the follow-up survey. The practice of wearing masks in crowded places and outdoors were increased by 6.8 percent from the baseline survey. Compared to the baseline survey results, in the follow-up survey, practices of wearing masks in the workplace or indoor environment (73.0%) had increased.
7.Vaping and e-cigarettes: a new public health concern
Buuveidulam A ; Suvd S ; Enkhmunkh E ; Suvd B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2023;203(1):59-65
Electronic cigarettes are handheld electronic vaping devices which produce an aerosol by heating an e-liquid. The e-liquid typically contains humectants and flavorings, with or without nicotine; once vaporized by the atomizer, the aerosol (vapor) provides a sensation like tobacco also smoking the heating process can lead to the generation of new decomposition compounds that may be hazardous. Heavy metals, organic compounds, and particles smaller than PM2.5 were found on the puff of the electronic cigarette, also in 2012 International agency research cancer, introduced PM2.5 human carcinogen substance. Therefore, e-cigarette liquid products should be subjected to regulatory control to ensure consistent nicotine delivery. Global youth tobacco survey Mongolia 2019 asked about e-cigarette use status and 3.5% (95% CI: 2.6-4.6) of students currently used electronic cigarettes while one in ten students (10.1%, 95% CI: 8.3-12.2) had ever used electronic cigarettes. E-cigarette advertising is on television and radio in many countries that have long banned similar advertising for cigarettes and other tobacco products and may be indirectly promoting smoking conventional cigarettes. Smoke-free policies protect nonsmokers from exposure to toxins and encourage smoking cessation. Introducing e-cigarettes into clean air environments may result in population harm if use of the product reinforces the act of smoking as socially acceptable or if use undermines the benefits of smoke-free policies.
8.Qualitative studies on raw materials for Hepaclin-4 prescription
Byambauren G ; Tserentsoo B ; Enkhsaikhan M ; Emujin S ; Munkhtsetseg B ; Suvd B ; Altansukh Ts ; Tserendolgor B
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2023;22(1):34-40
Background:
In 2021, 5981 of cancer new cases was registered in Mongolian population. Among those cases, liver cancer was commonly registered with a prevalence of 32.7%. Studies on anticancer agents with no-adverse effects and good-preventive efficacy against cancer have been attracted more attention from the researchers in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Saussurrea amara.L, Chiazospermum erectum Berh, and Carthamus tinctorius.L are well recognized as effective agent against liver diseases. Using these raw materials, researchers have been invented a traditional prescription and named as Hepaclin-4. In this study, we aimed to investigate the qualitative study of raw materials and some biologically active sub- stances in the compounds.
Purpose:
To study the qualitative study of raw materials for Hepaclin-4 prescription
Materials and methods:
Some qualitative properties of raw materials for Hepaclin-4 prescription, including appearance, minerals, some organic compounds, total ash, water-soluble substances and fungi, were investigated according to Mongolian pharmacopeia and total flavonoid was detected by thin layer chromatography.
Results:
No changes were observed on the appearance of raw materials, and minerals and organic compounds weren’t detected in the prescription. No contamination with fungi and insects were identified. The moist in the raw materials were 5.9 to 8.1%, total ash was 4.7 to 13.3% and the water-soluble substances were detected 33.8 to 42.9%. Number of aerobic bacteria, fungi and E.coli, Salmonella species were detected in normal range, indicating that the prescription was matched with the requirement of pharmacopeia. According to the thin layer chromatography study of the raw materials, a yellow spot on the chromatogram were identified and same as quercetin (Rf=0.9-0.98) and rutin ((Rf=0.18-0.23)) as standard compounds, which indicated that the spot which indicated that the spot was flavonoids in the prescription.
Conclusions
These results showed that the appearance, moist, minerals, organic compound, water-soluble substances, ash and biologically active substances of the raw materials for Hepaclin-4 prescription was corresponded with the requirements of pharmacopeia, and flavonoid was detected in raw materials of Hepaclin-4.
9.Evaluation of the 5th National Program on Maternal, Child and reproductive Health
Suvd B ; Ekhjin S ; Buyanjargal Ya
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2022;199(1):62-73
Background:
As a result of the previous programmes implemented by the Government of Mongolia, maternal mortality and under-five mortality rates had declined fourfold from 1990 levels to 2015 The Millennium Development Goals (50.0), shifting from a country with a high maternal mortality rate to a country with a moderate maternal mortality rate [6, 7, 8, 9]. However, as maternal and child mortality have not been steadily declining, regional disparities in care have not been eliminated, unmet needs for family planning have increased, contraception use has reduced, abortions and repeat abortions have not decreased. The quality of antenatal care is low; the continuing challenges have led to the development and implementation of the 5th National Programme. As the programme was finished in 2016-2020, assessing its impact on Mongolia is significant.
Objective:
Evaluating the objectives of the National on Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Programme, the implementation of planned activities, whether the intended results have been achieved according to the criteria was to determine future needs and the main areas of focus.
Materials and Methods:
Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyse the information required for the assessment. The activities of the programme implementation plan were evaluated in the form of activities implemented in 2016-2020 and time spent on implementation, which implemented, who was involved, the budget spent, the type and the number of beneficiaries, and the reasons for nonimplementation.
Results:
A total of 28 indicators of the National Program was 76.8 percent. In 2016, by the time the programme was launched, the under-five mortality rate was 20.8 per 1000 live births. However, the goal to reach 15 in 2021 was achieved to reach 12.7 by successfully implementing the programme. The program aimed to reduce the maternal mortality rate from 48.6 per 100000 live births to 25 per 100000 live births in 2021, but has not yet been achieved, reaching 30.2 in 2020 and 43 in the first five months of 2021.
Initially, the program implementation plan included cooperation with more than 600 organisations, such as 9 ministries, 14 government organizations, 21 provinces, health centers, and maternity hospitals. However, an excessive number of organizations and an unnecessary amount of planned work made it impossible to identify the beneficiaries in addition to the Government of Mongolia, donors such as UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO made a significant contribution to the implementation of the programme by providing financial and technical assistance. As of 2017-2021, no funds had been found to implement the National Programme on how much has been spent on information, publicity, and advocacy measures. According to the interviews with the programme implementers, a lack of leadership, lack of proper planning, turnover in the civil servants, and the ongoing pandemic had resulted in the lack of a transparent annual implementation plan, the insufficient time and resources for next year’s planning and implementation of the planned work, and the lack of budget resources.
Conclusion
As the total of 28 indicators of the National Programme was 76.8 percent, it has been evaluated as having achieved specific results.
10.Evaluation of air pollution prevention consultation, Ulaanbaatar
Zolzaya D ; Bolor B ; Oyunchimeg D ; Enkhtuya P ; Tsegmed S ; Bolormaa I ; Chinzorig B ; Amartuvshin T ; Suvd B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2022;199(1):74-82
Introduction:
Mongolia’s capital hosts about half the country’s total population, and its air pollution ranks among the highest in the world during winter. Air pollution is linked to reduced fetal growth, preterm birth, low birth weight, impaired cognitive intra-uterine development, impaired cognitive development, and even spontaneous abortion. Antenatal care includes fetal development monitoring, prevention of anemia, immunization against infectious diseases, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, and any health risk factors such as environmental pollution.
Health care measures for pregnant women and children under one year of age have the potential to be highly effective because they are directly aimed at reducing pneumonia in children. As such, we need to conduct this survey to determine whether pregnant women were satisfied with the information and advice on air pollution prevention provided by health facilities and to take evidence-based measures.
Materials and Methods :
The survey data were collected using quantitative and qualitative research methods. In this study, a total of 958 pregnant women participated from Songinokhairkhan district, Bayanzurkh district, and Bayankhongor province center. The overall satisfaction of health services is calculated using the three dimensions namely: satisfaction with health service, operation, and environment of the Health Organization. Satisfaction scores were assessed using an even-point scale. These are “Very Dissatisfied-1 point”, “Dissatisfied-2 point”, “Satisfied-3 point”, “Very satisfied-4 point”. The results were calculated after entering the survey data into SPSS-23, creating a database, and performing error control. The research methodology was discussed at the meeting of the Academic Council of the National Center for Public Health on December 25, 2019, and the methodology was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the MOH (Stagnant №2).
Results :
The survey covered 958 pregnant women aged 16-45 in Bayanzurkh district Songinokhairkhan district, and Bayankhongor province. During antenatal care visits, the majority of pregnant women (BZD- 56.9%, SKHD- 68.3%, BKH province - 86.7%) were advised by their health specialists to go outside for fresh air, while women in Ulaanbaatar (BZD- 18.9%, SKHD- 24.7%) received the information and advice at the lowest percentage. Pregnant women in Ulaanbaatar were less involved in air pollution training than in Bayankhongor. Participants in the air pollution prevention training rated it as “satisfied” regardless of location. 37.2% of pregnant women obtained information on protecting their health from air pollution from the board of Family Health Center and 34% from their district health centers. 86.1% of the participants were able to obtain information on air pollution on their own, while 86% of them got information from their family and friends.
Conclusion
The percentage of pregnant women getting medical advice, training, and information on air pollution prevention from hospitals during their antenatal care visits was the highest in rural areas. Moreover, their level of satisfaction with counseling had been rated as “satisfied”. Pregnant women often seek information on air pollution prevention from non-professional sources, such as their family and friends.
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