1.Stress among university faculty members
Solongo D ; Odgerel B ; Taivanjargal G ; Ariunaa J ; Delgermaa S ; Orgilmaa R
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):293-297
Background:
Teaching is a profession associated with high levels of stress. Research has shown that when job demands are high while organizational support is insufficient, levels of stress and burnout increase.
Aim:
Prior to conducting our study aimed at determining the stress levels among university faculty members, we performed a literature review.
Materials and Methods:
We conducted a literature search using the PubMed and Embase databases for studies published in English without restriction on publication year, including all relevant articles available up to September 2025. The search strategy included the following keywords: “stress,” “researchers,” “university professors,” “academic researchers,” “college,” “academics,” “scholars,” “teachers,” and “professors.”
Results:
We searched for English-language publications in the PubMed and Embase databases without year restrictions, including studies published up to September 2025. The search was conducted using the following mesh terms: “stress,” “researchers,” “university professors,” “academic researchers,” “college,” “academics,” “scholars,” “teachers,” and “professors.” A total of 3,961 articles were identified from the database search. After screening titles, 2,944 articles were excluded. Subsequently, 58 articles were reviewed based on their abstracts, and 12 studies that were relevant to our research objectives and questionnaire were selected for analysis.
Conclusion
This review study demonstrated that stress levels among university and college faculty members are high. Stress is associated with multiple factors, including workload, organizational support, and performance demands, leading to negative physical and psychological consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to implement systematic institutional-level interventions to support the well-being of faculty members.
2.Microstructural and Histochemical Study of the Medicinal Plant Ephedra przewalskii Stapf.
Amarjargal Ts ; Maralgua A ; Ariunaa D ; Tuyatsetseg B ; Khongorzul Ch ; Erdenechimeg J ; Uranbaigal S ; Ariunzaya D ; Enkhjin G ; Daariimaa Kh
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;97(7):134-139
Background:
Ephedra przewalskii Stapf. is a perennial shrubby plant of the family Ephedraceae, naturally distributed in the dry and cold desert regions of Mongolia. In traditional medicine, the stems and roots of this plant have been used as decoctions for the treatment of gastrointestinal spasms, abdominal distension, urinary retention, and general fatigue. Members of the Ephedraceae family are known to contain sympathomimetic alkaloids such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which exert strong physiological effects on the central nervous system, respiratory tract, and cardiovascular system. However, detailed information on the tissue- and cell-level localization of biologically active compounds and the microstructural characteristics of E. przewalskii remains limited.
Aim:
This study aimed to investigate the microanatomical structure and histochemical characteristics of the stem and root of Ephedra przewalskii Stapf., with particular emphasis on the localization of biologically active compounds.
Materials and Methods:
Plant samples were collected in July from Chandmani soum, Govi-Altai province, Mongolia. The collected material was air-dried in the shade and softened using Ostrich and Fleming solution prior to sectioning. Transverse sections of the stem and root were prepared using a hand microtome and examined under an Olympus light microscope. Histochemical analyses were performed using standard reagents to detect alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tannins, essential oils, polysaccharides, and starch.
Results:
The stem epidermis consisted of thin-walled, quadrangular cells with a surface covered by spherical protuberances. The stomatal apparatus exhibited a tetracytic structure, and photosynthetic activity was primarily localized in the stem chlorenchyma. The vascular bundles were collateral, with phloem located externally and xylem internally. Idioblasts containing reddish-brown crystalline inclusions were observed in the central pith of the stem. The root showed a polyarch central cylinder, with uniformly distributed, rounded parenchymal cells, and idioblasts similar to those observed in the stem. Histochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and tannins in the stem, predominantly localized in parenchymal and chlorenchymal tissues. In the root, polysaccharides, tannins, and starch were detected, whereas alkaloid accumulation was more prominent in the stem parenchyma.
Conclusion
The microscopic examination of Ephedra przewalskii Stapf. revealed the characteristic structures of the stem epidermis, stomata, chlorenchyma, vascular tissues, and crystal-containing idioblasts, as well as a polyarch central cylinder in the root. Histochemical reactions detected flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, starch, and polysaccharides in the stem, whereas tannins, starch, and polysaccharides were identified in the root. These findings provide a comprehensive characterization of the anatomical and chemical features of the different plant organs.
3.Molecular docking analysis of interactions between flavonoids and the Neh1 Domain of NRF2
Amarjargal Ts ; Maralgua A ; Ariunaa D ; Tuyatsetseg B ; Khongorzul Ch ; Erdenechimeg J ; Uranbaigal S ; Ariunzaya D ; Enkhjin G ; Daariimaa Kh
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;97(7):175-179
Background:
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in regulating cellular responses to oxidative stress and xenobiotic exposure. However, excessive NRF2 activation can enhance cancer cell survival and contribute to chemoresistance. Therefore, increasing attention has been directed toward naturally occurring flavonoids that may modulate NRF2 activity. Molecular docking provides a computational approach for predicting potential interactions between flavonoids and NRF2 and may help identify candidate compounds for further investigation in cancer therapy.
Objective:
To evaluate the potential interactions of five naturally occurring flavonoids—daidzin, rutin, luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin—with the Neh1 domain of NRF2 using molecular docking and to identify promising candidates for further investigation based on docking scores and ligand efficiency.
Materials and Methods:
The potential interactions of five natural flavonoids, namely daidzin, rutin, luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin, with the target region of NRF2 were investigated using molecular docking. Three-dimensional structures of the flavonoids were retrieved from the PubChem database, while the NRF2 protein structure was obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Molecular docking calculations were performed using the CB-Dock2 web platform, which incorporates the AutoDock Vina algorithm.
Results:
The docking scores of the selected flavonoids ranged from −64.9 to −77.2. Daidzin exhibited the most favorable docking score (−77.2), followed by apigenin (−72.0) and luteolin (−71.4), whereas rutin showed the least favorable score (−64.9). The calculated RMSD values ranged from 14.766 to 15.344 Å, with relatively small differences among the ligands. Daidzin and apigenin exhibited comparatively lower RMSD values. The reported pose-clustering analysis indicated that all ligands occupied similar binding regions. In terms of ligand efficiency, apigenin (−2.40), luteolin (−2.30), and quercetin (−2.20) showed comparatively favorable values. Although daidzin had the most favorable docking score, its ligand efficiency relative to molecular size was comparatively lower.
Conclusion
The results suggest that daidzin and apigenin may be candidate compounds for further investigation of potential interactions with the Neh1 domain of NRF2. However, these findings are based solely on computational analysis. Further molecular dynamics simulations and experimental studies are required to validate the predicted interactions and determine their actual effects on NRF2 activity.
4.Results of inflammatory cytokines after kidney transplantation
Ariunaa A ; Gansukh Ch ; Ulziikhuu T ; Enkh-Amar B ; Batbaatar G ; Tsogtsaikhan S ; Sarantsetseg J ; Khongorzul T
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):14-18
Background:
Organ transplantation has been rapidly advancing in Mongolia in recent years. The number of successful
kidney, liver, and bone marrow transplants performed in national central hospitals has been increasing annually. While the
number of successful kidney transplants is increasing, post-transplant immune monitoring remains insufficiently studied.
Aim:
To assess post-transplant immune status by analyzing inflammatory cytokine levels in kidney transplant recipients
Materials and Methods:
A prospective cohort study was conducted at the First Central Hospital of Mongolia. Serum
samples from kidney transplant recipients were analyzed using flow cytometry to measure the levels of 13 inflammatory
cytokines, including TGF-β1, PAI-1, sTREM-1, PTX3, sCD40L, sCD25 (IL-2Ra), CXCL12 (SDF-1), sST2, sTNF-RI,
sTNF-RII, sRAGE, CX3CL1 (Fractalkine), and sCD130 (gp130). Statistical analysis was performed to assess the results.
Results:
The mean creatinine level significantly decreased on post-transplant days 7 and 30 compared to pre-transplant
levels (p<0.001, ANOVA). No statistically significant difference was found in the 13 cytokine levels between the high
risk and low-risk groups based on creatinine levels on post-transplant day 30 (p>0.05). However, the levels of TGF-β1,
CX3CL1, sTREM-1, and sTNF-RI showed statistically significant differences between post-transplant days 7 and 30
(p<0.05). No significant correlation was found between the measured cytokine levels and CRP (p > 0.05). On post-transplant day 7, sTREM-1 had a weak correlation with TGF-β1 (r=0.40, p=0.02) and sTNF-RI (r=0.36, p=0.05) but showed a
strong correlation with CX3CL1 (r=0.65, p=0.0001). On post-transplant day 30, sTREM-1 remained strongly correlated
with CX3CL1 (r=0.73, p=0.0001) and moderately correlated with sTNF-RI and TGF-β1 (r=0.45, p=0.01).
Conclusions
1. The levels of TGF-β1, CX3CL1, sTREM-1, and sTNF-RI significantly varied between post-transplant days 7 and
30 (p< 0.05, T-test).
2. On post-transplant day 30, these cytokines were not correlated with CRP but were interrelated among themselves.
5.Comparative study of subcutaneous fat area and visceral fat area among healthy and metabolic syndrome patients
Munkh-Erdene U ; Odmaa T ; Solongo Ts ; Ganchimeg S ; Egshiglen G ; Anir B ; Ariunaa A ; Navchaa G ; Tulgaa S ; Munkhtsetseg J
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):36-41
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.
6.Microdebrider-assisted Microsurgery for Laryngeal Papillomatosis: A Case-Control Study in Comparison with Cold Instrument Surgery
Ariunaa E ; Ganchimeg P ; Nergui S
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;89(5):90-94
Background:
Laryngeal papillomatosis is a chronic recurrent benign tumor of the airway caused by infection with human
papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11, developing in the epithelial lining of the laryngeal mucosa. According to R.
Y. Seedat et al., clinical manifestations of the disease include hoarseness (25.9%), dyspnea (51.9%), and stridor (70.1%).
Hyperplasia and keratinization of the mucosa lead to increased numbers of abnormal cells, which invade beyond the
basement membrane and induce atypical changes in normal cells, resulting in uncontrolled proliferation. This causes benign
tumor growth, and when mucosal integrity is disrupted, viral proteins may reactivate, leading to recurrence. Surgical
treatment is required for each recurrence, and impaired vocal fold vibration negatively affects voice quality. In the early
stages, the disease may be misdiagnosed as asthma or allergy, and in some cases, can present as acute respiratory distress,
posing a life-threatening risk. Patients with juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP) require surgery
an average of 4.4 times annually and 19.7 times during their lifetime.
The goals of surgical treatment are to remove papillomatous lesions, reduce symptoms, secure the airway, preserve vocal
function, extend the interval between recurrences, and improve quality of life. However, surgery alone cannot completely
prevent recurrence. Currently, traditional cold instruments, microdebriders, and CO₂ lasers (10,600 nm) are widely used,
but no standardized guideline exists.
Aim:
To compare the outcomes of traditional cold instrument surgery with microdebrider-assisted microsurgery in the
treatment of laryngeal papillomatosis.
Materials and Methods:
A hospital-based case–control study was conducted at the Department of Otolaryngology, National
Center for Maternal and Child Health. A total of 76 patients diagnosed with laryngeal papillomatosis were included.
Clinical records of 52 patients treated with cold instruments between 2018 and 2022 were reviewed as the control group,
while 24 patients who underwent microdebrider-assisted microsurgery formed the case group. Disease severity was assessed
using the Derkay staging system, and voice outcomes were evaluated with the GRBAS scale and Voice Handicap
Index (VHI). Statistical analyses included group comparisons and correlation testing, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results:
Of the 76 patients, 52 were in the control group and 24 in the case group. The control group included 36 males
(69.2%) and 16 females (30.8%) with a mean age of 42.2±15.7 years, while the case group included 15 males (62.5%)
and 9 females (37.5%) with a mean age of 44.6±15.9 years. No significant differences in age or Derkay scores were found
between groups (p>0.05). The case group had significantly shorter operative times (24.6±17.6 vs. 30.3±7.8 min, p=0.014)
and hospital stays (2.8±2.6 vs. 3.3±0.9 days, p<0.001). However, the recurrence interval was longer in the control group
(5.7±6.3 vs. 1.5±3.6 months, p=0.001), while the total number of surgeries per patient was higher in the case group
(22.8±36.9 vs. 8.7±11.8). Voice outcomes improved more significantly in the case group, with lower GRBAS (5.3±2.3
vs. 8.4±2.9, p<0.01) and VHI scores (36.8±11.7 vs. 66.4±12.4, p<0.001). Positive correlations were observed between
Derkay scores and total number of surgeries (ρ=0.35), as well as between GRBAS and VHI scores (ρ=0.37).
Conclusion
Microdebrider-assisted surgery for laryngeal papillomatosis significantly reduced operative time and hospital
stay while improving postoperative voice outcomes compared with cold instrument surgery. However, the shorter
recurrence interval and higher surgery frequency in some cases indicate the need for long-term monitoring and further
evaluation of this method.
7.A Study on the Learning Motivation and Engagement Level of Generation Z Students
Otgontsend O ; Ganbaatar B ; Odgerel B ; Ariunaa J ; Enkhbold D ; Delgermaa S ; Orgilmaa R ; Solongo D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;90(6):200-204
Background:
Generation Z students, born after 1995, are characterized by their ability to multitask, low tolerance for
traditional learning methods, impatience, short attention span, and preference for working independently rather than
collaboratively. They are also considered more vulnerable to mental health challenges compared to previous generations.
Aim:
To assess the level of academic engagement among Generation Z students studying in the School of Nursing.
Materials and Methods:
This descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted from February 1 to April
1, 2025. A total of 420 students majoring in nursing, midwifery, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and traditional
medicine nursing at the School of Nursing, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, participated in the study.
The Student Course Engagement Questionnaire (Handelsman, 2005) was used to evaluate students’ engagement levels.
The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed with a Cronbach’s α of 0.955. Statistical analysis was performed using
SPSS version 25, and results were considered statistically significant at p<0.05.
Results:
Among the 420 participants, 91.9% were female and 8.1% were male. By major, 57.1% studied nursing, 22.6%
midwifery, 8.8% physical therapy, and the remainder were from other disciplines. Student engagement was analyzed
across three domains: academic involvement, personal responsibility and effort, and learning attitude and motivation.
Pearson correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations between academic involvement and personal responsibility/
effort (r=0.828), learning attitude and motivation (r=0.825), and between responsibility/effort and learning attitude/
motivation (r=0.903) (p<0.01). Age showed a weak positive correlation with year of study (r=0.381), while major and
year of study had a weak negative correlation (r= -0.146) (p<0.01). Year of study and learning motivation also showed a
weak negative correlation (r=-0.107, p<0.05).
Conclusion
The learning motivation and class engagement of Generation Z nursing students were found to be strongly
correlated with their sense of responsibility, effort, and learning attitude (r=0.82–0.90, p<0.01). Most students demonstrated
consistent participation and motivation to learn, showed less interest in traditional teaching approaches, and preferred
practical training.
8.Title: Effect of Cacalia hastate.L 60 mg/kg for 7 and 14 days in treatment on model of Gastric ulcer
Khulan B ; Ariunaa S ; Javzandulam E ; Chimegsaikhan S ; Jargalsaikhan B ; Mandakhaa B ; Tumenbayar B ; Oyungerel S ; Altantsetseg B
Diagnosis 2024;110(3):14-18
Introduction Gastric ulcer is one of the most common disorders considering the gastrointestinal tract, it affects 5% of the population around the world, so its prevention and management are considered very important challenges. Researchers have revealed several causes
of gastric ulcer; these include an imbalance between aggressive and intrinsic defensive
factors. Gastric ulcer is a very common gastrointestinal disease that may lead to
dangerous complications and even death.
The aggressive factors include non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs(NSAID),alcohol,
psychological stress and Helicobacter pylori infection, cytoprotective intrinsic factors
include mucosal blood flow, bicarbonate, mucus, cell renewal, growth factors, NO
and prostaglandins, NSAID-induced gastric damage is known to be the most common
and dangerous side-effect of these drugs and accounts for 25% of gastric ulcer cases.
Indomethacin (INDO) is considered to be the most common NSAID known to induce experimental gastric ulcer and has been documented to have a higher potential to cause gastric injury than other commonly used NSAIDs.
Most of the drugs which are used for wound healing are imported in Mongolia. It is required to develop drug formulation and increase local productions used for the treatment of wound healing. For the
purpose of solving the above problems, we aimed to prepare new drug formulation from Cacalia hastata L. for the treatment.
of wound healing. Cacalia hastata L. is
a medicinal plant, member of the family
Asteraceae. Cacalia hastata L. is widely
used for the Mongolian traditional medicine
to
treat wound healing, gastric ulcer,
poisoning fever, liver fever, bile fever, oral
cavity, and gynecological diseases
9.The actions of body, speech and mind becoming the root of karma
Ariunaa D ; Seesregdorj S ; Bold Sh
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2021;19(2):115-119
Background:
Karma, a Sanskrit word that roughly translates to “action,” is a core concept in some Oriental religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism. Though its specifics are different depending on the religion, karma generally denotes the cycle of cause and effect - each action a person takes will affect him or her at some time in the future. This rule also applies to a person’s thoughts and speech, and the actions other people take under that individual’s instructions. Therefore, it is important to study the relationship between body, speech, mind and karma.
Research results:
The Karma denotes our good and bad intentions. These intentions manifest themselves as good or bad actions with our body, our speech and our mind. In turn, our actions bring about effects called “Karma”, namely: the effect, the consequence, the fruit of the actions, the maturation of the actions. Usually, however, the word Karma is used by ordinary people for both the actions and the effects, which is not accurate. The law of karma is a special instance of the law of cause and effect, according to which all our actions of body, speech and mind are causes and all our experiences are their effects. The law of karma explains why each individual has a unique mental disposition, a unique physical appearance and unique experiences. These are the various effects of the countless actions that each individual has performed in the past. Each person has a different individual karma. Some people enjoy good health while others are constantly ill. Some people are seen as very beautiful while others are seen as very ugly. Some people have a happy disposition that is easily pleased while others have a sour disposition and are rarely delighted by anything. Some people easily understand the meaning of spiritual teachings while others find them difficult and obscure.
Conclusion
We made conclusion choosing information and sources related to body, speech and mind study as well as Karma in antient works, sorting it into time sequence and enriching it with information in other works. Essentially, Karma denotes our good and bad intentions. These intentions manifest themselves as good or bad actions with our body, our speech and our mind.
10.Identifiying some risk factors for female infertility in Mongolian population
Khishigjargal U ; Tuvshinbayar N ; Arigbukh E ; Badrakh M ; Davaakhuu S ; Ariunaa G ; Munkhzol M ; Khuderchuluun N ; Odkhuu E
Innovation 2020;14(2):50-55
Purpose:
Researchers suggest that the prevalence of infertility varies between developing
and developed countries, with differences in infertility care, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and
reproductive disorders such as pelvic inflammatory disease and sexually transmitted infections
being the main risk factors. The research project aims is to define risk factors for female fertility in
the Mongolian population.
Methods:
This study was conducted between 2016-2018 using a cross-sectional survey of
analytical research. Participants were randomly selected from Ulaanbaatar and the Central,
Western, Eastern, and Khangai provinces according to Mongolia’s regional geographic model.
The contents of a questionnaire were comprised of 5 units with 95 questions including socio-economic, geographical, lifestyle, health education, reproductive health indicators, sexual
behavior. General physical characteristics were measured according to the standard.
Results:
The prevalence of the female fertility rate in the Mongolian population is 7.4%. Female
participants were classified into 2 groups, namely infertile and fertile, and we developed a case-control study. Among the socio-economic factors influencing infertility, primary education aOR:
1.6 (95% CI 0.98-2.66), monthly household income lower than the average aOR: 1.1 (95% CI 0.77-
1.66), living in rural areas OR: 2.3 ( 95% CI 1.46-3.68) were crucial risk factors. As for reproductive
and general health indicators, STIs aOR: 1.8 (95% CI 0.98-3.50), especially gonorrhea OR: 2.8 (95%
CI 1.14-6.91), and thyroid disorders OR: 1.7 (95% CI 1.03). -2.97), grade 3 obesity OR: 3.8 (95% CI
1.05-13.95) are estimated risk factors for infertility.
Conclusions
Of all potential socio-economic factors, residence status, education and financial
situation are significant for female infertility meanwhile reproductive health indicators include
sexually transmitted infections, thyroid disease, and obesity.
Result Analysis
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