Introduction: Improper disposal of unused and expired medicines poses severe threats to environmental safety and public health, notably accelerating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Globally, pharmaceutical consumption rose by 14% between 2019 and 2023. Despite this surge, Mongolia continuously lacks an established national pharmaceutical take-back framework, and public behaviors regarding residential medical waste management remain insufficiently evaluated. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adult residents in Ulaanbaatar concerning medication disposal. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and March 2026 among 301 adult citizens across nine districts of Ulaanbaatar. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire evaluating demographic parameters, knowledge (10 items), attitudes (10 items), and practices (8 items). Statistical analysis was executed using IBM SPSS v26.0, applying descriptive frequencies, percentages, and one-way ANOVA. Conclusion The findings reveal a prominent knowledge-behavior gap among citizens. While the mean knowledge score was moderate (62.4%), with 92.2% recognizing the dangers of expired drugs, practical behaviors were profoundly unsafe. Specifically, 86.4% of participants discarded medication alongside ordinary household waste, 94.0% had never returned products to pharmacies, and 0% had utilized a designated medical disposal point. Conversely, an overwhelmingly positive public attitude was observed, as 88.4% expressed willingness to return unused medicines if a formal pharmacy-based collection system existed. This critical disparity underscores that public awareness campaigns alone are inadequate. There is an urgent necessity to integrate pharmacy-led take-back programs into national environmental and health policies, establish accessible urban disposal infrastructure, and enforce rigorous pharmaceutical waste standards in Mongolia.

Introduction: Recently, there has been a significant focus on developing extended-release tablets that regulate drug release at a predetermined rate to maintain optimal therapeutic plasma concentrations. Extended-release formulations offer several clinical advantages, including reducing the frequency of drug administration, minimizing fluctuations in plasma drug concentrations, decreasing adverse effects, and improving therapeutic outcomes.
According to Mongolia’s national pharmaceutical policy, it is essential to conduct quality assurance and safety monitoring studies on imported substitute products included in the national essential medicines list. The policy also mandates the quality control of pharmaceuticals in internationally accredited laboratories compliant with MNS ISO/ IEC 17025:2018 standards. Methods: The quality control parameters of Diclofenac Sodium Retard 100 mg tablets from three different manufacturers were evaluated by the methodologies outlined in the United States Pharmacopeia USP32 and USP44. The study assessed physical appearance, average weight, weight variation, friability, dissolution, and quantitative drug content determination. Results: The average weight and weight variation of Diclofenac Sodium Retard 100 mg tablets from three different manufacturers were as follows: Tablet A: (+3.60%, -2.84%), Tablet B: (+1.53%,-1.86%), Tablet C: (+2.53%,-1.96%). The friability and mechanical strength tests determined that all three tablets exhibited 99.9% friability resistance. The quantitative determination of Diclofenac Sodium content per tablet was: Tablet A: 0.098 g, Tablet B: 0.105 g, Tablet C: 0.104 g. Microbiological purity analysis showed that in all three tablets (A, B, and C), The total aerobic bacterial count was <101 CFU. The total mold and yeast count was <101 CFU and Escherichia coli was not detected. Dissolution test results showed the following percentage of drug released at different time points: Tablet A: 60 min: 16.1%, 120 min: 24.7%, 240 min: 39.6%, 360 min: 52.3%, 600 min: 73.6%. Tablet B: 60 min: 18.4%, 120 min: 26.1%, 240 min: 39.1%, 360 min: 55.8%, 600 min: 75.2%. Tablet C: 60 min: 18.6%, 120 min: 31.4%, 240 min: 52.9%, 360 min: 65.9%, 600 min: 77.0%. These results demonstrate that all tested tablets met the dissolution requirements of USP 44, 2021. Conclusion The findings indicate that the three manufacturers’ Diclofenac Sodium Retard 100 mg tablets comply with the quality standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP 32 and USP 44) and Mongolian Pharmacopoeia 2011.

Background: Herpes zoster (shingles) is an acute inflammatory skin disease caused by the reactivation of the Varicel la-zoster virus. International studies show that the disease severely reduces patients’ quality of life, and chronic pain negatively affects daily activities. In clinical practice, bloodletting pricking therapy has been effectively used for herpes zoster, with positive effects including reducing disease symptoms, alleviating skin inflammation, and promoting skin regeneration. Due to the limited research on treating herpes zoster with combined bloodletting pricking therapy and acupuncture, this clinical study was conducted. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of combining bloodletting pricking therapy with acupuncture in patients diagnosed with herpes zoster. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a non-randomized clinical trial design based at the Internation al School of Mongolian Medicine of MNUMS and the Inner Mongolia International Mongolian Medicine Committee (IMIMC). The study included 70 patients diagnosed with herpes zoster (ICD 10-B02.9) who met the inclusion criteria. The treatment group received bloodletting pricking therapy combined with acupuncture. The control group received Acyclovir 800 mg 5 times daily for 7-10 days and Pregabalin 75 mg twice daily for 14 days. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated using the VAS linear scale for pain assessment, the SF-12 (Short Form-12 health survey) questionnaire for quality of life, and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) to measure sleep quality and evaluate insomnia. The treatment outcome was assessed according to the Mongolian Traditional Medicine Diagnostic and Treatment Standards. Results: The average age of participants was 47.29±11.11 in the treatment group and 44.43±11.63 in the control group, with 34% male and 66% female participants. According to the VAS linear scale, the treatment group showed a statistically significant greater reduction in pain (P<0.001). The quality-of-life assessment using the SF-12 questionnaire showed that the Physical Component Summary (SF-12-PCS) in the treatment group increased from 32.71±7.38 before treatment to 52.99±2.02 after treatment (t=-17.18, p<0.001), while in the control group, it increased from 36.10±7.41 to 51.56±7.9 (SF-12-3.9) (p<0.001). According to the AIS questionnaire, the sleep quality in the treatment group was significantly better than in the control group (P<0.05). According to the Mongolian Traditional Medicine Diagnostic and Treatment Standards, the combined treatment of pricking therapy and acupuncture resulted in a 100% recovery rate. Conclusion 1. The combination of bloodletting pricking therapy and acupuncture in treating herpes zoster effectively reduces pain. 2. For patients diagnosed with herpes zoster, combining bloodletting pricking therapy with acupuncture effectively improves quality of life in terms of sleep quality as well as physical and mental functioning.

Background: Pre-procedural mouth rinsing has been shown to reduce pathogenic microorganisms, prevent secondary infections, and shorten healing time prior to periodontal treatment, oral surgeries, and endodontic procedures. In Mongolia, most dental clinics routinely recommend mouth rinsing before treatment. Moreover, since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a notable increase in the public’s use of various mouth rinses outside clinical settings. However, there is a lack of comparative clinical studies assessing the efficacy of these commercially available rinses. Aim: To clinically compare the effects of various commonly used mouth rinses with different active ingredients on the oral environment. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 210 participants with mixed dentition, receiving care at the Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry Department of the Central Dental Hospital of Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. Participants completed a 17-question survey in three groups, followed by clinical examinations. Oral pH, malodor, and bacterial counts were measured using a phase-contrast microscope (OMAX 40X-2500X, USA) after collecting plaque and saliva samples. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. Data analysis was performed using STATA 14. Results: A total of 210 children participated (mean age 9.04±1.2 year; 52.2% male, 47.8% female). The average DMFT index was 6.3 DMF+df/t (high), and oral hygiene index was 1.53 score (moderate). The baseline oral pH was 6.3±0.5 score. After rinsing with sodium bicarbonate, the pH increased to 7.4±0.4 score, and remained at 6.61±0.31 score after 40 minutes. In contrast, the placebo group showed minimal change (6.06±0.45 to 6.09±0.31 score). Statistically significant differences between groups were observed. Baseline oral malodor averaged 80.8±1.4 ppb. After rinsing with povidone-iodine, it decreased to 76.1±3.4 ppb at 40 minutes, while in the placebo group it decreased from 74.2±4.9 ppb to 66.3±3.8 ppb. Bacterial count prior to rinsing was 18.85±0.77 score. Chlorhexidine gluconate reduced this to 11.06±0.68 score immediately after rinsing and to 8.8±3.8 score after 40 minutes, whereas the placebo group showed minimal reduction (15.21±2.02 to 17.6±2.2 score). Conclusions Pre-procedural mouth rinsing demonstrated a statistically significant positive impact on the oral environ ment, including improvements in breath odor and a reduction in microbial load. The effectiveness of these outcomes was found to vary depending on the specific composition of the mouthwash used. These findings suggest that selecting an appropriate mouthwash based on the clinical setting can enhance treatment efficiency. Nonetheless, all evaluated solutions contributed to maintaining or improving the balance of the oral environment.

Background: Written communication skill is of the important skills for medical doctors and medical professionals. Written communication includes daily notes, letters, memos, personal requests, summaries, reports, editorials, and essays. An essay is a form of written assessment used by educators to make inferences about a problem, evaluate a situation, and assess their knowledge and understanding among students. Essay writing is an important tool for developing thinking, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Aim: To do a comparative evaluation of essays by first-year students of pre-med and pre-health education Materials and Methods: In this study, essays written on the topic “My Childhood” by students who studied Communication Skills in the 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 academic years were evaluated using the 6 criteria of the Rubric and the group discussion identified the problems students faced when writing essays. Results: Among the essays of 568 first-year basic education students who studied in the 2022–2023 academic year, 32.6% had spelling errors, 25.5% had grammatical and composition errors, and 20.4% were insufficiently written in terms of content. It was identified that 28.6% of the essays of 525 students who studied in the 2023–2024 academic year contained spelling errors, 21.8% contained compositional errors, and 18.6% lacked content. Additionally, 10.5% did not have the required essay structure for writing their essays. Conclusion This indicates the need for content reforms in the curriculum to further improve students' writing skills.

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for 90-95% of oral cancer, arises from the uncontrolled and disordered growth of keratinocyte cells in the mucous of lip and oral cavity. It occupies 2-3% of all cancers and 38% of head and neck cancers. Aim: To study recurrence and prognosis of patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma Materials and Мethods: Our study, based on retrospective cohort method was conducted from medical reports of 207 patients who were diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of oral cancer and at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Radio and Chemotherapy of the National Cancer Center of Mongolia between 2009-2019 years. All statistical analysis were carried out using STATA version 15.0 and we performed survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier method. All statistical tests were two sided, and P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences on June 08, 2021 (№ 2021/3-07). Results: A total of 207 oral cancer cases were registered during the study period. The most common site of oral cancer was the tongue (47.3%, 98/207). Of these, cases 69.4% (68) presented in males and 30.6% (30) in females. At the time of diagnosis, 77 patients (78.5%) were in late stage (III, IV) and 76 cases (77.6%) were well-differentiated. During the study period, 20 patients (20.4%) experienced tongue cancer recurrence; female patients (18.8%, 3/20) had significantly less chance of recurrence compared to men (81.2%, 17/20), (p=0.033). Patients over 61 years old had higher oral cancer recurrence than patients under 60 years, but there was no significant difference in age groups. 90.6% (18/20) of tongue cancer recurrence had with lymph node metastasis; compared to patients without lymph node metastasis (9.4%, 2/20), tongue cancer recurrence was significantly higher (p=0.025). And there was a statistical difference in tongue cancer recurrence percentage among clinical stages (p=0.003). Thirteen (69.4%) patients diagnosed in stage IV had oral cancer recurrence. Pathological grading, and tumor size did not significantly influence cancer recurrence. Conclusion 1. The gender, advanced stage and lymph node metastasis of patients with tongue cancer were significantly associated with the presence of tongue cancer recurrence. (p=0.033, p=0.025, p=0.003). 2. The 5-year survival rate for tongue cancer was the lowest among the oral cancer, which we consider to be due to factors such as late-stage diagnosis, and anatomical characteristics of tongue.

Background: The skin barrier serves as the primary defense against environmental factors. Mongolia’s extreme climate conditions may contribute to skin barrier impairment, increased trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and decreased skin moisture. Objective: To determine and compare skin moisture, TEWL, and skin pH levels in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2023 with 104 relatively healthy children selected through random sampling. Skin physiological parameters, including skin moisture, skin pH and TEWL were measured following the EEMCO (European Group on Efficacy Measurement of Cosmetics and Other Topical Products) guidelines using the Multi Skin Test MC750 device (Courage+Khazaka Electronics, Germany) at nine different sites. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and Stata-14 software. Results: Among the participants, 51.9% (n=54) reported having dry skin (p<0.0001). Additionally, 64.5% (n=67) used moisturizers, but their usage did not show a statistically significant difference in skin moisture (p=0.929), skin pH (p=0.378), or TEWL (p=0.332). 14.42% (n=15) had extremely dry skin, while 85.58% (n=89) had dry skin, with no participants falling within the normal skin moisture range. TEWL showed a moderate inverse correlation with age (r=-0.331, p=0.0006). When analyzed by age groups, skin moisture (p=0.023) and TEWL (p=0.038) differed significantly between groups. Conclusion Skin moisture and TEWL significantly differ across age groups. Given that all participants had dry skin, moisturization is crucial. Mongolia’s extreme climate is likely a key contributing factor to childhood skin dryness.

Introduction: According to epidemiological studies conducted in Mongolia over the past decade, diseases of the digestive system have consistently ranked second in terms of morbidity and fourth in mortality. With the rapid advancement of technology, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy living habits have become more prevalent among the population, leading to a trend of digestive disorders affecting younger age groups. Therefore, investigating the prevalence, pathological changes, and risk factors associated with gallbladder and pancreatic diseases among university students has become the rationale for this study. Objective: To study the prevalence of gallbladder and pancreatic disorders and determine some of the associated risk factors. Methodology: 200 students from the first to sixth year were selected through random sampling based on the WHO age classification. Data collection included a structured questionnaire and ultrasound examination using the SUN-800D device. Diagnostic criteria followed the national clinical guidelines for acute cholecystitis. Results: Out of 200 participants, 120 (60%) were female and 80 (40%) were male. Among them, 128 students (64%) reported skipping breakfast regularly, and 147 (73.5%) did not consume an adequate amount of fluids daily. Ultrasound examinations revealed that 104 students (52%) had some form of gallbladder or pancreatic abnormality. Additionally, gallstones were detected in 1 student (0.5%), and gallbladder polyps were found in 5 students (2.5%). Conclusion Gallbladder and pancreatic abnormalities were observed in 52% of the participants. Among the associated risk factors, 64% of students reported skipping breakfast, and 73.5% had inadequate daily fluid intake. The ultrasound findings showed that 47% had biliary sludge, 32% had gallbladder kinking, and 48.5% had increased pancreatic echogenicity.

Background: In recent years, stroke has remained one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Globally, the incidence among adults ranges from 134.9 to 336.3 cases per 100,000 population annually, with mortality rates between 36.7 and 136.7 per 100,000. In Mongolian traditional medicine, stroke prevention is not only related to diet and lifestyle but also depends on an individual’s unique bodily constitution, age, strength, and life habits. Since people differ physiologically, the diseases arising from the four causative conditions manifest differently. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the relationship between an individual’s constitutional type and stroke risk factors, aiming to contribute to stroke prevention. Aim: To study the relationship between individual constitutional types in Mongolian traditional medicine and stroke risk factors, specifically hypertension and dyslipidemia. Materials and Methods: A total of 2,086 participants were included from the Departments of Cardiology, Neurology, and Ultrasonography of the affiliated hospital of the Inner Mongolia National University. Data were collected through questionnaires, assessment of constitutional type, blood pressure measurement, and blood lipid analysis. Statistical processing was performed using SPSS 18.0 software. Chi-square (χ²), ANOVA tests, multivariate logistic regression, and correspondence analysis were used, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Among the participants, those with the “Khurmal” (Hormal) and “Badgan-Khi” (Phlegm-Wind) constitutions accounted for the highest proportions (34.3% and 26.7%, respectively), showing a statistically significant association with stroke risk factors (p<0.05). In terms of the relationship between constitution and blood pressure, individuals with the Badgan-Khi type had a higher risk, and a statistically significant association was found between blood pressure, risk classification, and the Badgan-Khi and Khormal types (p<0.05). Regarding constitution and blood lipid levels, the proportions in the stroke population were: indeterminate lipid ratio (58.3%), dyslipidemia (33.3%), and normal blood lipids (8.3%). A statistically significant relationship was observed between blood lipid levels, risk classification, and the Khi-Shar and Badgan-Khi constitutions (p<0.05). Conclusion Stroke risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia are associated with an individual’s body constitutional type. The study confirmed that individuals with a Khi-dominant constitution tend to have higher sympathetic nervous system activity, blood pressure, and vascular reactivity, providing a biological basis for increased stroke risk. For Badgan-dominant individuals, metabolic disturbances and lipid accumulation were identified as contributors to elevated stroke risk.

Background: The prevalence of neck pain among adults worldwide is 4.9-22.3%. It occurs in 34.7% of office workers in industrialized countries. Aim: To study the effect of massage therapy of Mongolian medicine on neck pain Materials and Methods: In this study, a parallel clinical trial design was used, and 50 patients with neck pain were divided into two groups: the treatment group received massage therapy of Mongolian medicine and the control group received exercise therapy, and the treatment results were compared. VAS assessment, NDI, Digital Algometer, and European Quality of Life Questionnaire were used in the study. Results: 52 % of the study participants were male, while 48 % were female, and their mean age was 43.3±21.3. The VAS score for pain assessment was 5.44±0.96 in the treatment group and 5.44±0.96 in the comparison group before treatment, but after the treatment it decreased to 0.80±0.71 in the treatment group and 1.44±0.77 in the comparison group, respectively, which showed a statistically significant difference. Massage therapy of Mongolian medicine has a greater pain-relieving effect than exercise therapy in the treatment of neck pain (p<0.01). The pressure pain threshold was 934±154.60 in the treatment group and 934±154.60 in the comparison group before treatment, but after treatment, it increased to 1536±22.91 in the treatment group and 1392±83.77 in the comparison group, which was statistically significant (p<0.01). The neck disability index of patients with neck pain was 11.44±2.87 in the treatment group and 11.56±2.55 in the comparison group before treatment, but after treatment it decreased to 0.84±0.69 in the treatment group and 1.40±0.87 in the comparison group. Although exercise therapy has the effect of reducing the neck disability index, when comparing the treatment results of the two groups, massage therapy of Mongolian medicine had greater effect (p<0.05). European Quality of Life Questionnaire was 8.64±2.25 in the treatment group and 8.16±1.60 in the comparison group before treatment, but after treatment it was 5.28±0.54 in the treatment group and 7.44±1.23 in the comparison group. Massage therapy of Mongolian medicine has a greater effect on improving the quality of life of people with neck pain compared to exercise therapy (p<0.01). The neck forward bending was 36.60±2.45 in the treatment group and 37.24±2.35 in the comparison group before treatment, but after treatment, it increased to 42.32±2.14 in the treatment group and 39.32±2.14 in the comparison group, which was statistically significant (p0.01).The neck abduction was 36.20±1.89 in the treatment group and 36.56±2.24 in the comparison group before treatment, but after treatment, it increased to 42.80±2.06 in the treatment group and 39.76±1.88 in the comparison group, which was statistically significant (p=0.01).The neck left rotation was 60.84±3.77 in the treatment group and 61.56±4.31 in the comparison group before treatment, but after treatment, it increased to 75.08±3.55 in the treatment group and 67.20±4.29 in the comparison group, which was statistically significant (p0.01). The neck right rotation was 61.80±4.39 in the treatment group and 62.00±4.42 in the comparison group before treatment, but after treatment, it increased to 76.52±2.95 in the treatment group and 68.04±4.46 in the comparison group, which was statistically significant (p0.01).When comparing the treatment results of the two groups, Mongolian medical bariatric surgery was more effective (p<0.01). Conclusions 1. Massage therapy of Mongolian medicine reduces disability index in people with neck pain (p<0.05). 2. Massage therapy of Mongolian medicine has a significant effect on reducing pain and pressure pain threshold in people with neck pain (p<0.01). 3. Massage therapy of Mongolian medicine has the effect of improving the quality of life of people with neck pain (p<0.01).