Background: The corneal endothelium, the innermost layer of the cornea, is composed of hexagonal cells that maintain corneal transparency and provide essential nutrients to the stroma. These cells play a critical role in preserving visual acuity. Previous studies have demonstrated that endothelial cells do not regenerate, and their density progressively declines with age, accompanied by morphological alterations. Given the individual variability in corneal thickness and endothelial morphology, establishing normative reference values is crucial for diagnosing corneal diseases, planning corneal transplantation, and optimizing surgical strategies for cataract surgery. However, there is a scarcity of data regarding central corneal thickness, endothelial cell density, and cell morphology among Mongolian adults. This knowledge gap provided the rationale for the present study. Aim: To study the central corneal thickness and endothelial cell morphology in Mongolian adults. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using an analytical cross-sectional design. A total of 198 individuals aged 20 to 79 years were randomly selected, and comprehensive ophthalmic examinations were performed. Corneal parameters—including central corneal thickness, endothelial cell density, mean cell area, coefficient of variation of cell size, and the percentage of hexagonal cells—were quantitatively assessed using a non-contact specular microscope. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (Approval No. 2024/3-06), and written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to enrollment. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 48.4±14.5 years, with 48.9% (n=97) being male and 51.1% (n=101) female. In the central cornea, the mean endothelial cell density (ECD) was 2857.14±291.49 cells/mm², the mean central corneal thickness (CCT) was 526.25±33.67 µm, the mean cell area was 335.11±37.82 µm², the percentage of hexagonal cells was 64.81±3.94%, and the coefficient of variation (CV) in cell size was 0.31±0.04. With increasing age, both ECD and the percentage of hexagonal cells showed a statistically significant decline, while the mean cell area and CV demon strated a significant inverse correlation (P=0.0001). No statistically significant differences were observed in corneal thickness or endothelial morphometric parameters between the right and left eyes or between sexes. Among the Mongolian adults, the endothelial cell density decreases by approximately 0.3% annually (r=0.2107, p<0.0001). Conclusion 1. The mean central corneal thickness (CCT) in adult Mongolian individuals was 526.25±33.67 μm, which is comparable to reported averages from other populations. However, the mean endothelial cell density (ECD) was relatively higher, measured at 2857.14±291.49 cells/mm². 2. With advancing age, a progressive decline in central endothelial cell density and the proportion of hexagonal cells was observed, whereas the coefficient of variation (CV) in cell size and the mean cell area showed a corresponding increase

Background: The main risk factors for childhood overweight and obesity include the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and other sweetened foods. The sugar content of sugar-sweetened beverages was different from the nutritional information on the packaging. Aim: To determine sugar and brix content in domestic manufactured sugar-sweetened beverages, and compare information on the packaging and regulatory standards. Materials and Methods: The sugar and brix content in sugar-sweetened beverages was determined by laboratory anal ysis, including 150 domestically manufactured sugar-sweetened beverages. Laboratory analysis carried out in the Chemical toxicology laboratory of the National Reference Laboratory for Food Safety, MASM, determined sugar using a saccharometer and brix using refractometry. : Results: The study included 150 Mongolian sugar-sweetened beverages, including 20.7% (n=31) carbonated drinks, 47.3% (n=71) fruit drinks, 16.0% (n=24) tea drinks, 1.3% (n=2) energy drinks, 14.7% (n=22) flavored water. Sugar content 0.0–15.6% in sugar-sweetened beverages. The laboratory analysis results compared with information on the packaging 72.0% (n=108) difference between 0.1–11.3%, 10.7% (n=16) same, do not have sugar content in the nutritional information on the packaging 17.3% (n=26). Brix contained 0.2–13.0% carbonated drinks, 4.9–15.7% fruit drinks, 0.6–9.8% tea drinks, 7.7–16.0% energy drinks, and 0.1–9.7% flavored water. Conclusions 1. Sugar content 0.0–15.6%, brix 0.0–16.0% in Mongolian sugar-sweetened beverages. 2. The laboratory analysis results compared with nutritional information on the packaging 72.0% (n=108) difference between 0.1–11.3%, 10.7% (n=16) same nutritional information on the packaging, do not have sugar content in the nutritional information on the packaging 17.3% (n=26). 3. 37.3% of Mongolian sugar-sweetened beverages are unsatisfied with regulatory standards.

Background: Accreditation of healthcare institutions serves as a fundamental mechanism for ensuring patient safety and validating the quality of medical services provided to the population. At Intermed Hospital, a quality measurement system for healthcare services has been established since 2015, encompassing 126 quality indicators at both institutional and departmental levels. This system facilitates continuous quality improvement efforts. In this context, quality indicators specific to the endoscopy department play a pivotal role in objectively assessing the quality of endoscopic services. Aim: To assess the quality indicators in gastrointestinal endoscopy unit. Materials and Methods: A retrospective single-center study was conducted by collecting data from the Intermed hospital’s electronic information systems which included HIS and PACS and Quality and Safety Department’s Database and the results were processed using the SPSS software. Ethical approval was granted by the Intermed hospital’s Scientific research committee. The quality of endoscopic services in the Intermed hospital was assessed based on: a) the average values of four quality indicators measured monthly; b) sample survey data from five categories of quality indicators. Results : Between 2016 and 2024, the quality indicators of the endoscopy unit measured as the level of early warning score evaluations for patients was 95.97%±3.33, the level of cases where peripheral blood oxygen saturation decreased during sedation was 1.54%±3.78, the level of cases where patients experienced paradoxiical response during sedation was 5.82%±1.75, surveillance culturing level for validation of endoscopy reprocessing was 11.6%. The endoscopic documentation quality by peer review showed 95.7-100%, the colonoscopy quality indicators were followings as adenoma detection rate: 24.5% Cecal intubation rate: 99.1%, 95.2%, Colonoscope withdrawal average time: 13.28±10.62 minutes, Bowel preparation quality (Boston Scale): 89.3% 95.7%), patient discharge from the recovery room, Average discharge time post-procedure: With propofol alone: 30.92 minutes; With propofol and fentanyl combined: 31.52 minutes, The intermediate risk was 0.28% by the TROOPS evaluation during procedural sedation. Conclusion The quality benchmark levels for these endoscopic units, as determined by a single-center study, can be effectively implemented by benchmark endoscopy centers to enhance their quality and safety operations.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted mental health, particularly exacerbating conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and emotional disorders among hospitalized patients. This study examined the prevalence of COVID-19-related mental health issues and risk factors in hospitalized patients affiliated with MNUMS, compared to a control group. Aim: To assess the prevalence of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and to identify their associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at hospitals under MNUMS, including the Mongolian-Japanese Hospital, Central Hospital, and the National Center for Maternal and Child Health. A total of 552 participants (399 case group, 153 control group) who were hospitalized were included. Depression (PHQ-9≥10), anxiety (GAD-7≥10), insomnia (ISI≥15), and PTSD (PCL-5≥33) were assessed using standardized scales. Analysis was performed using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression (crude odds ratio [cOR]/adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 95% confidence interval [CI]), adjusted for group, age, and sex. Results: In the case group, depression (23.1% vs. 13.7%, p=0.015, cOR=1.884 [1.124-3.156]), anxiety (16.8% vs. 11.1%, p=0.096), and any mental disorder (18.0% vs. 13.7%, p=0.225) were higher, while insomnia was lower (19.5% vs. 30.1%, p=0.008). PTSD was low overall (1.8% vs. 0.7%, p=0.333). Risk factors included female sex (p<0.001, cOR=0.362 for depression in males), younger age (p=0.004), unemployment (p=0.017), and prior trauma (p<0.001). COVID-19 symptoms (difficulty breathing) increased the risk of depression (p<0.001, cOR=2.828 [1.708-4.682]). Conclusion Hospitalization for COVID-19 increases the risk of depression and anxiety, modulated by demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic factors. Targeted interventions for vulnerable groups are essential.

Background: COVID-19, first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, was declared a global pandemic by the WHO on March 11, 2020, leading to over 770 million infections and 7 million deaths worldwide. In Mongolia, the first case emerged on March 10, 2020, followed by more than 1 million infections and over 2,100 deaths by 2023. The virus affects the central nervous system, manifesting as depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD through biological pathways (e.g., ACE-2 receptor invasion, cytokine storm) combined with psychological stressors (e.g., fear, isolation). Global studies (WHO Mental Health Atlas 2022; Ettman et al., JAMA 2020; Huang et al., Lancet Psychiatry 2021; Xie et al., BMJ 2022) indicate a 25–40% rise in depression and anxiety during the pandemic’s first year, with 30–60% of infected individuals experiencing persistent symptoms 6–12 months post-infection. In Mongolia, cross-sectional surveys (National Center for Mental Health 2021: 28.7% moderate-to-severe depression, 22.4% high anxiety) have been conducted, but long-term prospective data remain scarce. This study evaluates longitudinal changes in depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD among COVID-19 patients over 12 months, compared to a control group. Aim: To conduct long-term follow-up and comparative assessment of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among individuals who have had COVID-19 Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 459 adults (326 COVID-19 cases, 133 controls) were recruited from MNUMS-affiliated hospitals, Central Hospital, and the National Center for Maternal and Child Health between 2021 and 2023. Participants without baseline mental disorders underwent follow-up assessments at 14 days, 3 months, and 12 months using validated scales: PHQ-9 (depression), GAD-7 (anxiety), ISI (insomnia), and PCL-5 (PTSD). Incident cases were identified through baseline exclusion. Data were analyzed via χ² tests, t-tests, relative risk (RR) calculations, and multivariable logistic regression (p < 0.05). Results: Baseline demographics were comparable between groups (mean age 46.3 ± 13.8 years; 58.4% female). At 12 months, the COVID-19 group exhibited higher rates of depression (37.3% vs. 16.9%; RR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.28–3.83, p = 0.003) and anxiety (28.0% vs. 11.2%; RR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.25–4.96, p = 0.006). Insomnia was lower in the COVID-19 group (33.3% vs. 49.4%; RR = 0.67, p = 0.037), while PTSD rates remained low (<3%, p > 0.05). Adjusted odds ratios confirmed COVID-19 as an independent predictor of depression (aOR = 2.18) and anxiety (aOR = 2.41). Females and individuals aged 40–59 years were at elevated risk. Conclusions 1. In the cohort of individuals who had contracted COVID-19, levels of depression after 12 months were 2.2 times higher, levels of anxiety were 2.5 times higher, and levels of insomnia were 0.67 times lower compared to the control group. 2. Post-traumatic stress disorder was observed in 3.1% of participants 14 days post-exposure, but was not detected after 12 months; this resolution is posited to be associated with the adaptive capacity of the population. 3. COVID-19 constitutes a long-term independent risk factor for the onset of depression and anxiety.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a global mental health crisis. According to WHO estimates, anxiety and depression rose by 25% in the first year. In the post-COVID era, over 70% of patients experience depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and OCD, which can persist for up to 24 months. Hospitalized individuals face heightened risks due to infection severity, treatment stress, and social isolation. However, studies examining treatment outcomes and influencing factors remain limited. In Mongolia, mental health issues escalated sharply from 2020 to 2022; WHO data indicate that anxiety and stress were prevalent among healthcare workers and patients. Children and youth were particularly affected, with UNICEF studies emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. Suicide rates increased from 18.3 per 100,000. Long-term research on post-COVID mental disorders is scarce, impeding policy formulation. This study evaluates treatment outcomes in COVID patients and identifies key factors. By comparing case and control groups at 3 and 12 months, it uncovers differences in symptoms and treatment responses. The comparative design assesses statistical significance via P-values and subgroup success rates for CBT and SSRI therapies. Findings will enhance Mongolia’s mental health services. Larger-scale studies are essential moving forward. Objective: To evaluate treatment outcomes for post-COVID mental disorders and identify influencing factors. To analyze differences in psychological symptoms and treatment between case (COVID-19 positive) and control groups over 3 and 12 months. Material and Method: Retrospective comparative analysis of records from 281 patients (cases n=181, controls n=100) at a unified hospital from 2020-2022. At 12 months, n=200 (cases n=100, controls n=100). Patients were categorized by anxiety, depression, insomnia, and stress-related symptoms, with P-values calculated. Detailed subgroup analysis (n=47 treated patients) was conducted. Results: At 3 months, cases showed higher anxiety (56.4%, P=0.002), depression (41.4%, P<0.001), and insomnia (58%, P=0.107). At 12 months, differences lessened but anxiety (52%, P=0.023) and depression (35%, P=0.042) remained significant. COVID-related new symptoms were elevated in cases (e.g., depression 24.3%, P<0.001). Treatment subgroup success was 95.7% (P<0.001), with duration influencing outcomes (P=0.03). Conclusion Post-COVID mental symptoms persist long-term in cases, and extended treatment durations yield better results. Larger studies are required

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. In the past decade, histopathological classification of lung cancer has become increasingly important in selecting the appropriate treatment. Methods: All cases of lung cancer diagnosed pathologically in the last 2.5-year period were retrospectively identified at National Cancer Center and performed by descriptive case series design. Results: The average age of our participants was 62, of which 82.2% were men. A total of 214 cases of lung cancer were reported, including 142 (66.4%) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 34 (16%) adenocarcinoma (AC), 4 (1.7%) NSCLC, 29 (13.6%) small cell carcinoma (SmCC) and 5 (2.3%) cases of other/unspecified type. Based on only morphology, initially 32 (17.7%) cases of NSCLC were diagnosed, whereas after immunohistochemistry (TTF-1 or NAPA positive/p63 negative, and vice versa) staining, this category reduced to 2.2%. Conclusions Among both males and females, SCC which is highly related to smoking was the most common histologic type of lung cancer. Our results showed that an approach of using only a two-antibody panel (p63 and TTF-1) might help in the reduction of diagnostic category of NSCLC-NOS significantly.

Objective: To compare the nature of pregnancy and deliveryin women with leiomyoma who were treated with uterine artery embolization to the outcomes in women who were treated with abdominal myomectomy. Material and Methods: A prospective, clinical study was conducted in 2010-2013 at “Urguu” Maternity Hospital, Ulaanbaatar. 94 women meeting the criteria were selected for the study. Post-treatment, the patients were reviewed for a period of two years. Uterine artery embolization was performed using polyvinyl alcohol particles (300-500 µm in diameter). Results: The percentage of conception in UAE group was 25.5% and 31.9% in myomectomy group (p=0.494); complication of pregnancy was 50.0% and 57.1% respectively (p=0.729); complication of delivery was 33.3% and 0.0% respectively (p=0.047). 88.9% and 90.0% (p=0.596) had Caesarean delivery. 16 (84.2%) women had uncomplicated and 3 (15.8%) women had complicated delivery due to placenta praevia, placenta acreta and uterine hypotonia. These cases all belonged to UAE group. Conclusion Pregnancy rates in women with leiomyoma who were treated by uterine artery embolization, compared with pregnancies after abdominal myomectomy, were similar.(p=0.494) In this study, there was the rate of Cesarean delivery above 80 percent in both group. There were no differences in newborn weights and Apgar scores.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab monotherapy or combined with laser versus laser monotherapy in Mongolian patients with visual impairment due to diabetic macular edema.Prospective, randomized, single-center, a 12 month, laser-controlled, clinical trial. Participants: One hundred twelve eligible patients, aged ≥18 years, with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the study eye of 35 to 69 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS)letters at 4 m (Snellen equivalent: ≥6/60 or ≤6/12), with visual impairment due to center-involved diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: Patients were randomized into three treatment groups:(I) intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy (n=42), (II) intravitreal bevacizumab combined with laser (n=35), (III) laser monotherapy (n=35). Bevacizumab injections were given for 3 initial monthly doses and then pro re nata (PRN) thereafter based on BCVA stability and DME progression. The primary efficacy endpoints were the mean change in BCVA and central retinal subfield thickness (CRST) from baseline to month 12.Bevacizumab monotherapy or combined with laser were superior to laser monotherapy in improving mean change in BCVA letter score from baseline to month 12 (+8.3 and +11.3 vs +1.1 letters; both p<0.0001). There were significant difference detected between the bevacizumab and bevacizumab combined with laser treatment groups (p=0.004). At month 12, greater proportion of patients gained ≥10 and ≥15 letters and with BCVA letter score >73 (Snellen equivalent: >6/12) with bevacizumab monotherapy (23.8% and 7.1% and 4.8%, respectively) and bevacizumab + laser (57.1% and 28.6% and 14.3%, respectively) versus laser monotherapy. The mean central retinal subfield thickness was significantly reduced from baseline to month 12 with bevacizumab (−124.4 μm) and bevacizumab + laser (−129.0 μm) versus laser (−62.0 μm; both p<0.0001). Conjunctival hemorrhage was the most common ocular events. No endophthalmitis cases occurred.Bevacizumab monotherapy or combined with laser showed superior BCVA improvements over macular laser treatment alone in Mongolian patients with visual impairment due to diabetic macular edema.

Hemangiomas are common benign vascular tumors which about 70% to 80% of the lesions are found in the head and neck region. This study was conducted on 36 children with hemangioma who were referred to Orofacial Surgery Cabinet of Dental School of Health Sciences University of Mongolia and Orofacial Surgery Cabinet of National Center for Maternal and Child Health of Mongolia between 2013 and 2015.Of the 36 children referred for assessment, 72% were female, 55% were infants of 4 to 9 months old, and 83% of them were citizens. 58% of patients underwent cryotherapy,and 57% of patients underwent cryotherapy had 2 therapy sessions. 25% of patients receiver sclerotic therapy, and 67% of them had 2 therapy sessions. According to the locations of hemangiomas 30% of them were localized in infraorbital area. 72% of the participants are women and 55% are children age of 4-9 month which 83% of all participants were living in city. 58% of children with hemangioma are treated with cryotherapy which 57%of treatment finished by second visit. And 25% were treated by dehydration treatment which 67% were finished by second visit.