Background: Health insurance systems are a core component of social protection, aimed at safeguarding populations from financial risks, ensuring equitable access to health care services, and ultimately achieving universal health coverage. In recent years, Mongolia’s health insurance system has faced significant policy-level challenges related to efficiency, accessibility, and financial sustainability. Therefore, there is a growing need to conduct comparative analyses of internationally successful health insurance models. Aim: To comparatively examine Mongolia’s health insurance system in relation to the health insurance systems of selected countries. Materials and Methods: A comparative document review methodology was employed to analyze the health insurance and health financing systems of Canada, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Kyrgyzstan. The analysis was based on policy documents, legal and regulatory frameworks, reports from international organizations, and relevant statistical data. Result: In countries such as Canada, Germany, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, health expenditure as a share of GDP exceeds the global average, while out-of-pocket payments by households remain relatively low. In contrast, Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan exhibit high levels of out-of-pocket expenditure, weaker financial protection, and comparatively lower performance indicators of the health system. Conclusion The findings suggest that increasing health expenditure as a share of GDP toward the global average, improving the management of health insurance funds, and reducing out-of-pocket payments by households are important considerations for enhancing the performance of Mongolia’s health system.

Background: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a comprehensive framework for assessing body functions, body structures, activity limitations, participation restrictions, and environmental factors. The combined use of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the ICF can contribute to more comprehensive and person-centered approaches to rehabilitation planning, disability assessment, and compensation systems for work capacity loss. Aim: To assess individuals with occupational diseases and work capacity loss using the ICF framework and to evaluate impairments in body functions and impairments of body structures. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among individuals with work capacity loss due to occupational diseases. Data were collected using two sections of the ICF Checklist Version 2.1a, Clinician Form, focusing on body functions (b) and body structures (s). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS-26.0. Result: A total of 180 participants were included in the study, of whom 80.6% (n=145) were male and 19.4% (n=35) were female, with a mean age of 60.5±10.7 years. The mean duration of employment under hazardous occupational conditions was 19.5±5.2 years. Respiratory system disorders were 57.2% (n=103), and nervous system disorders were 20.0% (n=36). The internal consistency of the ICF assessment was high for the body functions impairment domain (Cronbach’s α=0.904) and acceptable for the body structures impairment domain (α=0.788). Sensory functions and pain impairments (b2) differed significantly across all occupational disease groups (p<0.001), while impairments of the structures of the nervous system (s1) also showed a statistically significant difference (p=0.015). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that an increase in the percentage of work capacity loss was significantly associated with body function impairment (OR=1.065; 95% CI: 1.003–1.131; p=0.030), while increasing age was significantly associated with impairments of body structures (OR=1.112; 95% CI: 1.013–1.234; p=0.042). Conclusion 1. The body functions and body structures domains of the ICF Checklist Version 2.1a, Clinician Form, demonstrated adequate internal consistency, indicating that the ICF may be applicable for assessing individuals with occupational diseases. 2. Sensory function and pain impairments were common among individuals with occupational diseases. Furthermore, a higher percentage of work capacity loss was associated with greater body function impairment, while increasing age was associated with a higher risk of body structure impairment.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends using both the ICD and ICF frameworks in combination when assessing work disability. The ICF evaluates patients in terms of body functions, disability, and health-related functioning. Integrating ICD and ICF classifications is essential for accurate disability assessment, effective rehabilitation planning, and compensation processes. Aim: To investigate environmental factors influencing rehabilitation services among patients with work-related diseases who have experienced loss of work capacity, using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Occupational Medicine of the Occupational Health Center. Data were collected from 150 patients with occupational diseases resulting in work disability. The ICF assessment tool developed by WHO was utilized. A total of 150 indicators across four main domains were assessed: 27 items on general information and health-related issues; 31 items on body functions (Group 1a); 16 items on body structures (Group 1b); 48 items on activities and participation (Group 2); and 32 items on environmental factors (Group 3). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0 Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were calculated. Results: A total of 150 patients with work disability due to occupational diseases were included in the study. The mean age was 60.5±10.9 years, with males comprising 80% (n=120) and females 20% (n=30). The reliability of the ICF questionnaire was acceptable across all domains (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.7). Respiratory occupational diseases accounted for the largest proportion 58.7% ( n=88), followed by neurological conditions 19.3% (n=29) and surgical conditions 8.7% (n=13). Environmental factors affecting rehabilitation, support from health professionals (e360) showed moderate facilitation (2.0±1.0). In contrast, climate (e225) (-2.7±0.6), education services (e585) (-3.4±0.8), and employment services (e590) (-3.5±0.7) were identified as substantial barriers. Environmental factors were significantly associated with age and duration since diagnosis of occupational disease (p<0.05). Conclusions 1. The integrated application of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) allow for a more comprehensive evaluation of work-related disability. This approach moves beyond a purely diagnosis-based assessment to incorporate functional status and environmental determinants. 2. The findings highlight its significant value in optimizing rehabilitation service planning, identifying key barriers, and ultimately improving both the accessibility and effectiveness of rehabilitation services.

Background: Reconstruction of mandibular and maxillary defects resulting from malignant tumors has remained a complex challenge in recent years. Defects caused by tumors—as well as trauma, inflammatory diseases, and congenital anomalies—lead to impaired essential functions such as mastication, swallowing, and speech. Prior to the 1950s, reconstruction of maxillofacial hard tissue was not commonly performed. Instead, metal plates were used to reestablish bony continuity, and surrounding tissues were utilized to close soft tissue defects, without effectively restoring function. With modern advances in three-dimensional (3D) virtual planning, it is now possible to accurately plan free bone flaps for reconstructing jaw defects. During surgery, manually bending reconstruction plates to fit donor bone precisely is often not feasible. Preoperative 3D planning allows for precise fabrication of surgical guides and fixation plates, improving accuracy and significantly reducing operative time. Additionally, incorporating dental implant planning into the reconstruction process facilitates restoration of both structural and functional outcomes. Aim: To evaluate the outcomes of mandibular defect reconstruction using scapular free flaps in Mongolia and explore potential approaches to optimize the technique. Materials and Methods: This was a case study series. Data from reconstructive surgeries performed at the National Cancer Center of Mongolia, Central Dental Hospital, and the Mongolia-Japan Hospital were collected. Variables included patient age and sex, etiology of the mandibular defect, size of the scapular bone segment, operative time, ischemia time of the free flap, number of vascular anastomoses performed, and pedicle length. For 3D planning, CT scans of the patient's head and lower limb (slice thickness <1 cm) were used to generate 3D models via the 3D Slicer software. Cutting guides for the mandible and scapula (ASIGA), as well as the reconstruction models (AMS), were printed using a 3D printer. Results: A total of 400 free flap reconstructions were performed during the study period. Of these, 29 cases involved reconstruction of mandibular defects using scapular free flaps. The mean age of patients was 40.0 ± 18.3 years, with 52% (15 patients) being female. The etiologies of the defects included malignant tumors (13 cases, 45%), benign tumors (6 cases, 21%), and pre-existing defects (10 cases, 34%). In one case, tumor resection and mandibular reconstruction were performed using 3D planning. The total operative time was 9 hours and 30 minutes, and the ischemia time was 2 hours and 40 minutes. Conclusion Between 2012 and 2025, a total of 29 mandibular reconstructions using scapular free flaps were performed in Mongolia. Traditional reconstruction methods were associated with prolonged ischemia time. The use of 3D surgical planning has shown potential in significantly reducing ischemia time and improving surgical outcomes.

Background: Type 2 diabetes has increased risk of heart failure 2-4 times more than those in non-diabetic subjects. The early detection of asymptomatic ventricular dysfunction by using NT-pro BNP test in diabetic patients is the best strategy for decreasing morbidity and mortality of heart failure. Aim: The aims of this study were to detect asymptomatic cardiac ventricular dysfunction by using NT-pro BNP test in subjects with type 2 diabetes and to define the factors associated with elevated NT-proBNP. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was included diabetic and non diabetic subjects aged from 35- to 64 years, who had no clinical symptoms of heart failure. Cardiovascular risk factors were detected by clinical examinations. NT-pro BNP determination was performed on an immunoassay analyzer (FIA1100, Getein Bio Medical Inc, China), which uses reagent strip to obtain quantitative NT-pro BNP results in plasma. The cut-off point for NT-pro BNP was 300 pg/ml. Results: A total of 536 subjects without clinical symptoms of heart failure were included in the study of which, 150 were diabetic and 386 were non diabetic. The mean age was 52.8 ± 7.8 years and 281 (52.4%) were females. Cardiac ventricular dysfunction was detected in 7.3% of diabetic and 5.2% of non diabetic subjects. Cardiac ventricular dysfunction in diabetic subjects was increased with age and non-significantly higher in females than in males (8.3% vs 6.4%, p>0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, uncontrolled hypertension (OR 3.80, 95% CI 1.07–13.44), long duration of disease (OR 5.30, 95% CI 1.36-20.66), and ageing (OR 5.40, 95% CI 1.29–22.88) were significantly correlated cardiac ventricular dysfunction in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Conclusion Cardiac ventricular dysfunction in subjects with type 2 diabetes was detected 1.4 times more than those in non diabetic subjects. The likelihood of positive NT-pro BNP test in subjects with type 2 diabetes was independently (p<0.05) associated with advanced age, uncontrolled hypertension and long duration of diabetes.

[摘 要] 目的：探讨精氨酸-甘氨酸-天冬氨酸（RGD）修饰对肿瘤抑素19肽（T-19）抗肝癌活性的影响，比较分析T-19及RGD修饰的T-19（RGD-T-19）对肝癌SK-Hep-1细胞增殖、侵袭和迁移能力的影响。方法：用Fmoc固相法合成T-19及RGD-T-19，用高效液相色谱仪和质谱进行分离、鉴定。常规培养SK-Hep-1细胞，用0、50、100、150、200、250 mg/mL的T-19及RGD-T-19分别处理细胞，分为0 mg/mL（对照）组、50 mg/mL组、100 mg/mL组、150 mg/mL组、200 mg/mL组、250 mg/mL组。CCK-8法、克隆形成实验、划痕愈合实验和Tanswell小室实验、WB法和qPCR法分别检测SK-Hep-1细胞的增殖、迁移、侵袭能力，以及环氧合酶-2（COX-2）、基质金属蛋白酶-2（MMP-2）、MMP-9、组织基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂-1（TIMP-1）、TIMP-2蛋白和MMP-1、MMP-2 mRNA的表达。结果：经质谱鉴定，用Fmoc固相法合成的T-19及RGD-T-19纯度高。T-19和RGD-T-19均能显著抑制SK-Hep-1细胞的增殖、迁移、侵袭能力，抑制COX-2蛋白、MMP-2和MMP-9蛋白及mRNA的表达、促进TIMP-1、TIMP-2蛋白的表达（P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.001），RGD-T-19的抑制或促进效应均明显强于T-19（均P < 0.05）。结论：利用Fmoc固相法合成了纯度高、活性好的T-19及RGD-T-19，两种肽均能抑制SK-Hep-1细胞增殖、侵袭和迁移能力，RGD-T-19作用明显强于T-19。

Humans ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology* ; Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/genetics* ; Ear, Middle/pathology* ; Poly-ADP-Ribose Binding Proteins ; Nuclear Proteins

Objective To systematically review the research progress of sensory integration therapy in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy. Methods The literatures related to the application of sensory integration therapy in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy was retrieved from Web of Sciences, PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang data, and VIP databases until November 27, 2021, using subject search. And the contents of the literatures were extracted to review the implementation plan of sensory integration therapy and the effectiveness of its application in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy. Results Six literatures were included. The main focus was on the research of sensory integration therapy on postural control, gross motor function, intelligence level and cognitive function, and treatment modalities in children with cerebral palsy. Conclusion Sensory integration therapy is effective on motor function, posture control and intelligence in children with cerebral palsy. To maximize the effect of sensory integration therapy, a suitable rehabilitation treatment plan should be formulated according to the degree of sensory integration disorder and the age, gender and tolerance of children.

Background: While online orthopedic resources are becoming an increasingly popular avenue for patient education, videos on YouTube are not subject to peer review. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the quality of YouTube videos for patient education in ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries of the elbow. Methods: A search of keywords for UCL injury was conducted through the YouTube search engine. Each video was categorized by source and content. Video quality, reliability, and accuracy were assessed by two independent raters using five metrics: (1) Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria (range 0–4) for video reliability; (2) modified DISCERN score (range 1–5) for video reliability; (3) Global Quality Score (GQS; range 1–5) for video quality; (4) ulnar collateral ligament-specific score (UCL-SS; range 0–16), a novel score for comprehensiveness of health information presented; and (5) accuracy score (AS; range 1–3) for accuracy. Results: Video content was comprised predominantly of disease-specific information (52%) and surgical technique (33%). The most common video sources were physician (42%) and commercial (23%). The mean JAMA score, modified DISCERN score, GQS, UCL-SS, and AS were 1.8, 2.4, 1.9, 5.3, and 2.7 respectively. Conclusions Overall, YouTube is not a reliable or high-quality source for patients seeking information regarding UCL injuries, especially with videos uploaded by non-physician sources. The multiplicity of low quality, low reliability, and irrelevant videos can create a cumbersome and even inaccurate learning experience for patients.

Background: One of the causes of inflammatory arthritis is excessive production of uric acid or hyperuricemia. It is a painful disease that is treated with a commercial xanthine oxidase inhibitor to decrease uric acid synthesis. However, the treatment is associated with adverse side effects and thus, there is interest in medicinal plants that could have similar therapeutic effects with minimal side effects. There are many reported indigenous plants and trees in the Philippines that are reported to have therapeutic and bioactive compounds. One such plant is Canarium ovatum or locally called pili. This study aimed to determine the antihyperuricemic activity of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of C. ovatum. Objective: Determine the antihyperuricemic activity of the crude ethanolic extract of C. ovatum leaves and its partially purified fractions through inhibition of xanthine oxidase and its effect on the blood uric acid level of oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice. Methodology: The crude ethanol extract from C. ovatum leaves and its partially purified fractions obtained through column chromatography were tested for their in vitro xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity by measuring spectrophotometrically the uric acid formation from xanthine as the substrate. The crude ethanol extract and the fraction with the most XO inhibitory activity were then tested for their in vivo XO inhibitory activity in oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice by measuring their blood uric acid levels using uric acid test strips. Results: The crude ethanolic extract of C. ovatum leaves at 100ppm showed 83.62±2.05% in vitro inhibition of XO while the most active fraction showed 80.30±4.00% inhibition. Both were comparable (p>0.05) to the positive control, allopurinol, which showed 91.47±5.64% inhibition. In vivo, the crude extract and the fraction that showed the highest XO inhibitory activity at 200 mg/kg significantly (p<0.01 and p<0.05) respectively reduced the serum uric acid levels of the hyperuricemic mice one hour after induction as compared to the negative control. Moreover, their antihyperuricemic activity were not statistically significant as compared to that of allopurinol (p<0.0001). Conclusion The crude ethanolic extract of C. ovatum leaves and its most active fraction showed statistically significant in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibition and in vivo antihyperuricemic activity. The activities shown by both crude and active fraction were not statistically different from that determined for allopurinol. Therefore, further studies can be conducted to isolate the most active compound and study its pharmacokinetic properties.
Xanthine Oxidase ; Uric Acid ; Allopurinol