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.

Background: Skin wound healing, elasticity, and protective functions are closely associated with cellular regeneration and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). MXRA7 (Matrix Remodeling Associated Protein 7) is a protein involved in ECM regulation, tissue regeneration, and inflammatory processes, and recent studies suggest that it may play a supportive role in skin wound healing. However, systematic investigations on natural small molecules capable of modulating MXRA7 activity remain limited. Flavonoids, on the other hand, have been reported to promote wound healing and ECM regulation through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it is hypothesized that flavonoid compounds may act as potential modulators of MXRA7 protein activity. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the binding affinity, binding energy, and interaction characteristics of 14 naturally occurring flavonoid compounds with the active site of the MXRA7 protein using a molecular docking approach. Materials and Methods: The molecular structures of the flavonoids were obtained from the PubChem database, and their interactions with the MXRA7 protein were investigated using molecular docking with CB-Dock2 and SwissDock software. Docking results were visualized using PyMOL and evaluated based on root mean square deviation (RMSD), binding free energy (∆G), inhibition constant (Ki), pose ranking, and cluster analysis. An RMSD value of ≤ 2.0 Å was considered indicative of a stable binding pose. Result: The RMSD values of the MXRA7–flavonoid complexes ranged from 0.081 to 0.622 Å, indicating that all compounds stably occupied the binding cavity of the protein. Fisetin (0.081 Å), naringenin (0.107 Å), and hesperetin (0.107 Å) exhibited the lowest RMSD values, suggesting highly stable binding poses. The binding free energy (∆G) values ranged from −6.0 to −7.1 kcal/mol, with protopine showing the strongest binding affinity (∆G=−7.1 kcal/mol). Most flavonoids formed hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and π–π interactions with key amino acid residues of MXRA7. Cluster analysis revealed that the majority of flavonoids shared a common binding mode, while fisetin, naringenin, and hesperetin formed a distinct subcluster with more stable binding poses. Ligand efficiency (LE) analysis indicated that chrysin, apigenin, and naringenin exhibited higher LE values, reflecting greater binding efficiency of smaller molecules. Conclusion This study demonstrates, through molecular docking analysis, that flavonoid compounds can stably interact with the active site of the MXRA7 protein. Protopine showed the strongest binding energy, whereas fisetin, naringenin, and hesperetin exhibited superior binding pose stability. These compounds may serve as potential bioactive molecules targeting MXRA7; however, further validation through molecular dynamics simulations and experimental studies is required.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern worldwide and continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Delays in diagnosis and care seeking exacerbate disease severity and increase financial burdens on healthcare systems and patients. In Mongolia, comprehensive evidence on diagnostic delays and direct hospitalization costs for TB patients remains limited. Aim: To evaluate the duration of diagnostic delay and estimate direct medical costs incurred during hospitalization among TB patients, as well as to identify associated factors. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records of 285 newly diagnosed TB patients hospitalized at the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) in 2024. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26 and MS Excel. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: The mean age of participants was 42.6±16.0 years, and 56.5% (n=161) were male. Median patient delay was 14 days (IQR: 5–31), median diagnostic delay was 4 days (IQR: 0–14), and mean hospital stay was 21.0±16.0 days. Median direct costs per patient were: diagnostic cost 262.0 thousand MNT (IQR: 187.0–363.0), treatment cost 490.9 thousand MNT (IQR: 234.4–884.1), and total cost 761.7 thousand MNT (IQR: 460.4–1247.6). Multivariate linear regression revealed that patient delay >14 days was significantly associated with higher total costs (=659.333, p=0.004). Conclusion 1. The median patient delay among patients with tuberculosis was 14 days (IQR, 5–31), while the median diagnostic delay was 4 days (IQR, 0–14). Overall, 61.6% of patients experienced patient delay, and 63.5% experienced diagnostic delay. 2. The median total direct medical cost among hospitalized patients was 761.7 thousand Mongolian Tugriks (MNT). A patient delay of more than 14 days was significantly associated with increased total direct medical costs (β=659.333, P=.004).

Background: Panzerina lanata (L.) is widely distributed across various ecosystems in the mountain, steppe, and Gobi regions of Mongolia and has traditionally been used in folk medicine to alleviate joint and muscle inflammation, reduce liver heat, lower blood pressure, promote diuresis, and treat edema and tumors. Its similar applications in Mongolian and Chinese traditional medicine suggest considerable therapeutic potential and biological activity. Studies conducted since 2019 have reported that P.lanata (L.) is rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant-active constituents; however, studies on the microscopic and histochemical characteristics of the species growing under Mongolian conditions remain limited, providing the rationale for this study. Aim: To characterize the microscopic features of Panzerina lanata (L.), determine the distribution of starch, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds using histochemical methods, and evaluate the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity. Materials and Methods: For microscopic analysis, plant materials were softened by soaking for 24 h in a 1:1:1 water–ethanol–glycerin mixture (Strich–Fleming solution), followed by preparation of manual transverse and longitudinal sections of the stems, roots, and petals. A 10% chloral hydrate solution was used for clearing. Histochemical analyses were performed using potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇), ferric chloride (FeCl₃), Lugol’s solution (I₂/KI), thymol (C₁₀H₁₄O) with concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), methylene blue (C₁₆H₁₈ClN₃S), and Dragendorff’s reagent. The prepared sections were cleared with glycerin and examined under an Olympus light microscope at ×40 and ×100 magnifications, with images documented using a 12-MP camera. Result: Microscopic examination of the roots, stems, and petals revealed that the root stele exhibited a polyarchy arrangement, with clearly differentiated xylem, phloem, and cambial tissues in both transverse and longitudinal sections. Scalariform tracheary elements in the xylem contributed to water and mineral transport and mechanical support. The stem xylem contained both spiral and scalariform tracheary elements. The petals consisted of cells with double walls and single nuclei, while the floral seed tissue was composed of meristematic tissue associated with continuous cell division, growth, and tissue differentiation. Histochemical analysis of transverse and longitudinal sections of the stems and roots, as well as petal sections, revealed the presence of essential oils, polyphenolic compounds (tannins and flavonoids), and starch. Conclusion Microscopic, histochemical, and phytochemical analyses of Panzerina lanata (L.) revealed the presence of biologically active compounds, indicating its potential for use in the quality evaluation of medicinal plant raw materials.

Background: Numerous experimental and clinical studies have investigated the therapeutic potential of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., mainly attributing its biological activities to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and hepatoprotective effects. In particular, silymarin has been reported to exert hepatoprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, protecting cell membranes from certain toxic insults, and modulating protein synthesis. Therefore, cultivation of S. marianum and utilization of its seeds for industrial and research purposes are important for establishing a sustainable source of pharmacologically valuable bioactive compounds and increasing the availability of high-quality medicinal plant material. Aim: To evaluate the feasibility of cultivating S. marianum from seeds and to determine seed germination, seedling growth and development, survival after transplantation to open-field conditions, phenological stages, and seed yield characteristics. Materials and Methods: Seeds of S. marianum were germinated under indoor conditions, and normally developed seedlings were subsequently raised in a greenhouse and transplanted to a cultivation site near Tamgan Öndör, Erdene sum, Töv Province, Mongolia. Germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT), seedling growth based on morphometric parameters, and survival rate after transplantation were evaluated. At harvest, the number and diameter of capitula, seed weight per plant, 1000-seed weight, and seed yield per unit area were determined. Data were expressed as mean±SD, and statistical significance was evaluated at p < 0.05. Result: Of the 1,000 seeds sown, 852 germinated, resulting in a germination percentage of 85.2% and a mean germination time of 11 days. Under greenhouse conditions, plant height increased from 1.0 to 3.0 cm, while rosette diameter increased from 1.2 to 7.0 cm. Of the 452 seedlings transplanted to the open field, 353 survived, corresponding to a survival rate of 78.1%. The first flowering was observed on June 12, full flowering on July 9, and full seed maturation on August 30, with 175 days from sowing to seed maturity. On average, each plant produced 18 branches and 20 capitula, with a capitulum diameter of 4.4 cm, seed weight per plant of 15.5 g, 1000-seed weight of 11.5 g, and seed yield of 195.325 kg/ha. Conclusion S. marianum was able to germinate, establish, complete its major growth, flowering, and seed maturation stages, and produce seeds under the cultivation conditions of the Tamgan Öndör area, Erdene sum, Töv Province. These findings indicate that S. marianum can potentially be cultivated in this specific area as a source of medicinal plant material.

Postmenopausal estrogen deficiency can lead to genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which manifests as vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and sexual dysfunction, among other clinical symptoms. These complications often result in emotional distress and a decline in overall quality of life (7). Several studies estimate that 25–50% of postmenopausal women experience symptoms such as pain during intercourse, burning, itching, and dysuria due to vaginal atrophy and inflammation (9). Menopause is commonly diagnosed based on the absence of menstruation and hormone levels (10), but one of the simplest diagnostic methods is the evaluation of the vaginal microenvironment. There is limited data in Mongolia regarding the vaginal microenvironment of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women and the factors influencing its changes. This gap in knowledge formed the basis of our study. The aim of this research was to assess the vaginal microenvironment in menopausal women and to analyze its relationship with various influencing factors. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study using a descriptive research design. A total of 110 women aged 45–55 years, presenting with menopausal symptoms at “Santmaral” Women’s Clinic and the Women’s Outpatient Department of Songinokhairkhan Health Center, were selected for the study. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed, including surveys and physical examinations. Participants completed a 10-minute questionnaire consisting of 8 open-ended and 12 closed-ended questions. The vaginal microenvironment was assessed using special pH test strips applied to vaginal secretions. Data were analyzed using Excel 21 and SPSS 23, comparing the vaginal microenvironment with various influencing factors. The results showed that the average vaginal microenvironment pH among menopausal women was 5.18 ± 0.45 (n=110). In married women, the average pH was 5.1 ± 0.45; among women with a history of pregnancy, it was 4.10 ± 1.58; and among those who had given birth, it was 2.8 ± 0.98 — indicating an abnormal vaginal microenvironment. Women who were using hormone replacement therapy had an average pH of 5.05 ± 0.45, while those using non-hormonal contraceptive methods had an average pH of 5.3 ± 0.43. These findings were statistically significant (p = 0.0001****)

We analyzed the publication and submission statuses of Korean medical journals from 2010 to 2024, amidst challenges impacting researchers. Data from 58 domestic journals identified through the 2023 JCR database were used to assess publication status, while data from the Journal of Korean Medical Science (JKMS) were utilized to examine submission status.The proportion of published original articles by domestic authors decreased by 3% in 2024 compared to 2023. Submissions to JKMS also decreased overall, except for slight increases in May and October 2024. In contrast, international submissions to JKMS showed consistent growth, surpassing the 15-year average, reflecting growing global interest. Addressing issues, including medical school admission policies and the lingering effects of coronavirus disease 2019, is vital to ensure a sustainable and thriving medical research environment in Korea.

We analyzed the publication and submission statuses of Korean medical journals from 2010 to 2024, amidst challenges impacting researchers. Data from 58 domestic journals identified through the 2023 JCR database were used to assess publication status, while data from the Journal of Korean Medical Science (JKMS) were utilized to examine submission status.The proportion of published original articles by domestic authors decreased by 3% in 2024 compared to 2023. Submissions to JKMS also decreased overall, except for slight increases in May and October 2024. In contrast, international submissions to JKMS showed consistent growth, surpassing the 15-year average, reflecting growing global interest. Addressing issues, including medical school admission policies and the lingering effects of coronavirus disease 2019, is vital to ensure a sustainable and thriving medical research environment in Korea.

We analyzed the publication and submission statuses of Korean medical journals from 2010 to 2024, amidst challenges impacting researchers. Data from 58 domestic journals identified through the 2023 JCR database were used to assess publication status, while data from the Journal of Korean Medical Science (JKMS) were utilized to examine submission status.The proportion of published original articles by domestic authors decreased by 3% in 2024 compared to 2023. Submissions to JKMS also decreased overall, except for slight increases in May and October 2024. In contrast, international submissions to JKMS showed consistent growth, surpassing the 15-year average, reflecting growing global interest. Addressing issues, including medical school admission policies and the lingering effects of coronavirus disease 2019, is vital to ensure a sustainable and thriving medical research environment in Korea.

Background: Due to Mongolia’s harsh climate and seasonal limitations in fresh food supply, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants are often consumed in preserved forms. However, the preservation methods and storage conditions may significantly alter their antioxidant activity, which is crucial for mitigating oxidative stress and preventing chronic diseases. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of 19 commonly consumed vegetables, berries, and dried medicinal plants under different storage conditions including fresh, cold storage (cellar), and frozen (-20°C). Methods: Samples were extracted in 80% methanol and tested using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Absorbance was measured at 517 nm using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. IC⁻⁻ values were calculated to compare antioxidant potency. Statistical differences were assessed using paired and unpaired t-tests with SPSS v27 (p<0.05) Results: Cold storage significantly reduced antioxidant activity in root vegetables, with IC⁻⁻ values increasing by 2.4 to 13.5 times (p<0.01), indicating diminished radical scavenging potencial. In contrast, frozen samples showed minimal change (p>0.05). Dried medicinal plants such as Rosa canina and Thymus serpyllum maintained strong activity, with IC⁻⁻<50 μg/mL. Conclusion Cellar storage leads to a notable decline in antioxidant capacity of common vegetables, while freezing is a more effective method for preservation. Dried medicinal herbs remain potent sources of antioxidants and may be recommended for year-round use in Mongolian diets.