Background: In recent years, the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and non-communicable diseases has been increasing worldwide, particularly in developing countries. These conditions are closely associated with unhealthy dietary patterns, physical inactivity, and high consumption of ultra-processed foods. In Mongolia, national nutrition surveys indicate insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, while consumption of meat and fats remains relatively high. Although healthcare workers possess higher health literacy, they are considered a high-risk group for unhealthy dietary behaviors due to workload and occupational factors. Therefore, assessing their dietary intake is essential. Aim: To evaluate and compare the dietary intake of healthcare workers with the recommended dietary intake levels for the Mongolian population. Materials and Methods: A total of 335 employees (82.1% female, 17.9% male; aged 22–69 years) from nine healthcare institutions in Ulaanbaatar were included in the study. Data were collected using a general questionnaire consisting of 5 sections and 35 questions, and a food frequency questionnaire comprising 19 sections and 182 questions. Dietary intake was assessed using standardized portion size estimation methods and household measures (e.g., cups, spoons). Data were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Result: Among participants, 85.4% did not engage in regular physical activity, and 54.6% reported gastrointestinal discomfort. Irregular eating patterns were observed, with 63.3% not consuming dinner at a regular time. The average intake of meat and meat products was 307.81 g, which was 1.5 times higher than the recommended level. In contrast, intake of dairy products (159.77 g), vegetables (162.47 g), and fruits (175.84 g) was 1.1–2.2 times lower than recommended. Intake of cereals (470.17 g) and fats (23.42 g) was approximately within the recommended range. Overall, 91.6% of participants had insufficient dairy intake, 95.5% had insufficient vegetable intake, and 81.5% had insufficient fruit intake. The average consumption of ultra-processed foods was 256.1 g and showed a moderate positive correlation with fat intake (r=0.506, p<0.001). Approximately 60% of participants exceeded the recommended daily energy intake, with excessive intake observed for protein (66.3%), fat (50.1%), and carbohydrates (41.8%). Conclusion The dietary patterns of healthcare workers deviated from recommended intake levels, characterized by excessive energy intake, imbalance in macronutrients, and high consumption of ultra-processed foods. There is a need to increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, reduce meat and processed food consumption, and promote a supportive environment for healthy eating in the workplace.

Background: Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide, and is also associated with a wide range of extrahepatic manifestations affecting multiple organ systems. However, comparative studies on the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical associations of these extrahepatic manifestations in Mongolia remain limited. Aim: To comparatively evaluate the risk factors and clinical associations of selected extrahepatic manifestations in patients with chronic HBV and HCV infections. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included a total of 1.040 participants matched by age and sex. Extrahepatic manifestations were assessed, including hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and impaired renal function. Results: Extrahepatic manifestations such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and renal dysfunction were significantly more prevalent in the chronic HCV group (p<0.05). In contrast, obesity was more common in the chronic HBV group, particularly among males aged 50-59 years. Increasing age (OR=1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.06) and chronic HCV infection (OR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.20-2.26) were associated with a higher risk of extrahepatic manifestations. Liver fibrosis showed similarly high prevalence in both groups (71-72%), with the highest occurrence in the 50-59 age group. A moderate positive correlation was observed between fibrosis stage and renal function impairment (r=0.45). Conclusion Chronic HCV infection is more strongly associated with the presence and risk of extrahepatic manifestations compared to HBV. Age, sex, and metabolic abnormalities are important contributing risk factors. Therefore, regular monitoring of metabolic and renal function, in addition to liver disease, is essential in patients with chronic viral hepatitis to prevent complications.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-related condition caused by interactions between genetics, immune dysfunction, gut microbiota changes, and environmental factors, often presenting as persistent or recurring diarrhea. Clinically, it commonly presents with chronic diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The global prevalence of IBD is increasing, currently affecting approximately 0.5% of the population, with projections suggesting a rise to nearly 1% by 2030. Fecal calprotectin is a neutrophil-derived S100 calcium-binding protein that is elevated in intestinal mucosal inflammation and serves as a reliable noninvasive biomarker of inflammatory activity. Due to its high stability and close association with intestinal inflammatory activity, fecal calprotectin has been established as a dependable, non-invasive marker for identifying intestinal inflammation. In clinical practice, it is extensively used to distinguish IBD from functional gastrointestinal disorders, especially irritable bowel syndrome, among patients presenting with chronic diarrhea. However, its diagnostic utility in Mongolia remains underexplored, and this study aims to determine its sensitivity and specificity in inflammatory bowel disease and compare its diagnostic performance with other inflammatory markers. Aim: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of fecal calprotectin in inflammatory bowel disease and to compare it with other inflammatory markers. Materials and Methods: A total of 109 participants aged 18-87 years with chronic diarrhea, who attended the gastroenterology outpatient clinics of the Mongolia–Japan Hospital and Intermed Hospital between December 2024 and December 2025 and provided informed consent, were enrolled in this study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and laboratory investigations included complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and measurement of fecal calprotectin levels from stool samples. Based on fecal calprotectin results, selected participants underwent colonoscopic examination as clinically indicated. Results: Among the 109 participants included in the study, 17.4% were diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with a mean age of 47.41±15.52 years. Fecal calprotectin levels were significantly higher in the IBD group compared to the control group (p<0.001). Fecal calprotectin demonstrated a weak positive correlation with C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte count (p=0.042, p=0.06), while no significant correlation was observed with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). At a cutoff value of 250 µg/g, fecal calprotectin showed a sensitivity of 94.4%, specificity of 69.2%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 37.8%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.4%. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified an optimal cutoff value of approximately 400 µg/g (AUC=0.919, Youden index=0.724), at which the sensitivity remained 94.4% and specificity increased to 78.0%. In contrast, CRP and ESR demonstrated comparatively lower diagnostic performance, with AUC values of 0.640 and 0.644, respectively. Conclusion This study demonstrates that fecal calprotectin has superior diagnostic performance compared to conventional inflammatory markers in differentiating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). An optimal cutoff value of approximately 400 µg/g yielded the highest sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, fecal calprotectin may serve as a valuable tool in clinical practice for both screening and diagnostic confirmation.

Probiotics are considered safe for all ages and anyone with a healthy functioning immune system. During antibiotic treatment, the normal intestinal microflora is destroyed and the normal balance is lost. This article reviews clinical trials of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii. The yeast Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 is a unique, non-bacterial microorganism classified as a probiotic agent. The mechanism of action of probiotics is to attach to intestinal pathogens and their toxins and destroy them; It also destroys the toxic extracellular degradation products of pathogens and regenerates the intestinal mucosa by having an anti-inflammatory effect.

Background: Specifically, stomach cancer ranks as the fifth leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early-stage detection significantly improves survival rates, with over 90% of patients diagnosed at stages I and II living beyond five years. To improve the early detection of gastric cancer, it is necessary to complement the conventional method of endoscopic examination with biomarker analysis. We aimed to compare biomarkers such as pepsinogen C (PGC), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and the cell proliferation marker Ki-67 with immunohistochemical analysis. Purpose: A comparative study and evaluation of biomarkers for the early detection of gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a retrospective cohort design. Research ethics issues were discussed at the meeting of the Medical Ethics Control Committee of the Ministry of Health on October 13, 2023, and permission to start the research was obtained (Resolution No. 23/051). The information was gathered based on the criteria for K29.3, K29.4, K31, and C1 diagnoses according to the international ICD 10 classification, and participants were selected accordingly. Proteins such as PGC, MMP2, MMP9, and Ki-67 were examined using a tissue microarray kit and evaluated through immunohistochemical analysis. Results: Negative gastric tumor markers PGC, Ki-67, MMP2 and MMP9 were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis. The mean PGC protein staining values were 6.20±2.61 for chronic superficial gastritis, 5.45±2.47 for atrophic gastritis, 3.61±2.0 for metaplasia, and 3.31±1.75 for gastric cancer, with statistically significant differences between the groups (P<0.001). The mean Ki-67 protein staining values were 0.1 ± 0.4 for chronic superficial gastritis, 0.33 ± 0.55 for atrophic gastritis, 0.09 ± 0.39 for metaplasia, and 2.62 ± 0.78 for gastric cancer, also showing statistically significant differences (P<0.001). The mean MMP2 and MMP9 protein staining values were 0.2±0.76 and 1.2±2.04, respectively, for chronic superficial gastritis; 0.28±0.52 and 3.28±2.82 for atrophic gastritis; 0.35±1.04 and 1.12±1.45 for metaplasia; and 1.38±2.11 and 5.29±2.51 for gastric cancer, with all differences being statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion PGC protein, a negative tumor marker, decreases during the transition from a gastric cancer precursor to cancer. MMP2 protein, a marker of cell migration and metastasis, has little diagnostic value, while the expression of MMP9 and the Ki 67 are highly effective in gastric cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis of endoscopic biopsy tissue to detect the negative tumor marker PGC, the positive marker Ki-67, and MMP9 can be used for early detection of gastric cancer.

Background: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by lower motor neuron loss, leads to progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. With a neonatal incidence ranging from 1:6000 to 1:11000, individuals affected by SMA face challenges in locomotor function. The advent of newborn screening tests, early diagnostic techniques, and the introduction of gene therapy have, however, shown promise in enabling the acquisition of these motor skills. Objective: This review article seeks to shed a light on current understandings of the epidemiology, clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, and treatments for spinal muscular atrophy, highlighting cutting edge approaches within the discipline. Methods: A thorough search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, National Institutes of Health, and Web of Science databases for recent research articles concerning SMA’s incidence, prevalence, clinical manifestations, early detection, genetic testing and contemporary gene therapy. Results: The prevalence of SMA stands at 1-2 cases per 100,000 population, with an incidence of approximately 8 cases per 100,000 live births. Pre-1995 studies exhibited varying prevalence rates due to using non molecular-biological methods, small localized populations, diagnostic errors, and regional characteristics. Diagnosis involving Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), or next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis to confirm SMN1 and SMN2 gene status aids in identifying carriers and SMA subtypes. Countries implementing newborn screening programs have demonstrated early SMA detection in asymptomatic newborns, contributing to reduced mortality and disability rates. Currently, several types of gene therapy are being used in the treatment of SMA. Conclusion The epidemiology of SMA varies between countries and regions. It is fully possible to confirm the disease, identify carriers and subtypes. The inclusion of SMA in newborn early detection programs is crucial for reducing infant mortality and disability, and several gene therapies have received approval from relevant authorities for SMA treatment. In Mongolia, it is possible to introduce tests to confirm the disease and determine carriers and subtypes.

Introduction: Kidney disease is common in our country due to the four seasons and harsh climate. This article is discussed about the kidney health, causes, pathology and kidney on the relationship of other organs in traditional medicine. Methods: The study was processed using analysis and synthesis methods. Results:
1. The root nature of the five vital organs are included in the yang character organs which hot nature qualities in five elements. However, some of the five vital organs will be under the influence of that place, as they will be located in the place of the “badgan”, in the place of the “mkhris”, and in the place of the “rlung”.
2. Kidney disease is usually caused by falling from a height, hit and injured, lifting heavy things, jogging and twisting your back uncomfortably, sit for a long time in a damp place, water events excess, eating too sweets that are heavy and cold qualities. In medical practice, kidney disease is accompanied by heart disease and liver disease. Conclusion In according to traditional medicine main theory, kidneys are a solid vital organ that generates heat and warms the lower body because of the high blood flow through its, on the other hand they are cold character which are in the place of the “rlung”. The kidneys are functionally closely related to other organs therefore, to get sick the effects of disease on other organs.

Assessing children with disabilities using who international classification of functioning (ICF) Background: In 2021, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 billion people are estimated to experience disability. The number of children with disabilities globally is estimated at almost 240 million, according to a new UNICEF report. There are approximately 43 million children with disabilities in East Asia and the Pacific. In the 2020 population and housing census of Mongolia, a total of 106.4 thousand people with disabilities were counted, of which 7.6 percent or 8.1 thousand children aged 0-14 were counted. People with disabilities lose some of their ability to labor. WHO recommended that assessment of children with disabilities using both ICD and ICF. Thus, we aim to assess children with disabilities who have neurological disease using International Classification of Functioning and evaluate the validity of this classification. Materials and methods: This was a cross sectional analytical study based on NCMCH. Study materials were collected from children and guardians through standard questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of 2 groups: general information of the participant and indicators of the scope of the D code of the "ICF" to assess the childhood disability. According to the indicators of the D code range, activity limitations and participation restriction, disabilities were evaluated. Each question in the questionnaire was measured on a 5-point Likert scale from 0 to 4. The statistical analysis was performed using R 3.5.1 program. Validity was assessed using the Rasch model for each question. Questionnaire reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha test. Results: The study included 32 children aged 2-15 years. Male children were 62.5% of participants, the mean age was 8±3.1 years. Correlation between questions was high (r = 0.79) and reliability was adequate (α=0.94). As a result of Rasch analysis, the mean and standard deviation of the 36 selected parameters were not significantly different from the standardized mean. 3 indicators that did not meet the analysis criteria were removed, and a total of 33 indicators were used to measure childhood disabilities. Mean infit MNSQ was 1.06, mean outfit MNSQ was 0.93. MNSQ of all participants were 1.0 – 2.0. As a result of Rasch analysis, the mean of 33 indicators of disability is -1.6, the standard deviation is 1.2, the upper limit of the mean is 3.6, and the lower limit is -3.4, and the indicator of D code was stable enough to measure disability. The mean code scores were 2.45±1.3. The mean score of disability level of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy was 2.9±1.09, and children hospitalized with seizures and meningitis was 0.5±0.3. Also, the total mean score was 2.61±1.2 in the group with disability and receiving care, and 1.8±0.21 in the group not receiving care, which was a statistically significant difference. Conclusions: Inter-indicator correlation was good and reliability of the questionnaire was adequate in field use of the 38 indicators of the activity limitations and participation restriction of the International Classification of Functioning, Children's Version (ICF-CY) code range “D”. When evaluated by Rasch analysis, 33 questions were evaluated as structural and stable. The International Classification of Functioning can be used to assess children's disabilities. Discussions: Niels Ove Illum et al. (2015) found that The World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health child and youth version d code data can provide a coherent measure of severity of disability in children across various diagnoses, ages, and genders. Results were similar to our study.

Relationship between quality of life, depression and burden of mothers with child withсerebral palsy Background: Regular care and treatment of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy can be time-consuming and costly, increasing the risk of burden and depression, and adversely affecting quality of life. So there are many reasons why mothers' quality of life is poor socio-economic status and support related to the family, cerebral palsy from child care techniques and understanding of the disease the quality of life of mothers with sick children depends. There are few studies in Mongolia that assess the quality of life and other factors of mothers with cerebral palsy. We aimed assessing the relationship between quality of life, stress and depression in mothers with children with cerebral palsy. Materials and methods: The survey was conducted to the cross-sectional design of the analytical study based on the NCMCH. The study included 70 mothers with children with cerebral palsy. The survey data were collected using a general demographic questionnaire and three groups of questionnaires (WHOQOL-BREF, Stephen Zarit, Beck’s ). Quality of life and burden were measured as minimum <5, maximum 95 and minimum >20, maximum <88 respectively. Depression score measured as minimum >10, maximum <40. Results: The average quality of life of all mothers was 52.43 ± 11.95, environment was 44.8 ± 15.8. Maternal depression rates were 21 (30%), 90.0% of mothers had burden, and quality of life was statistically likely to be inversely related to depression and stress. Conclusion: The poor quality of life of mothers with children with cerebral palsy, high levels of depression and stress indicate the need for policies to reduce the quality of life.

Background: Soil pollution in Ulaanbaatar has increased in recent years, causing infectious and non-communicable diseases, both benign and malignant.
Therefore, in order to reduce soil pollution, it is necessary to isolate strains resistant to heavy metals and use these microorganisms capable to degrade or accumulate heavy metals for bioremediation purposes. Methods: Bacterial pure cultures were isolated from soil and water samples and incubated in a Nutrient Broth medium with a lead concentration of 1000 mg/L in a thermostat with a shaker at 37°C. The growth rate was determined at a wavelength of 600 nm using a Spectrophotometer. Results: In total 69 pure cultures were isolated from the soil samples and 65 pure cultures from them were able to grow at the concentration of lead of 1 mmol/L. 4 pure cultures (UBLF1, UBLF3, UBMF2, and SUBZ4) were able tolerate lead concentrations up to 8 mM. These cultures were determined by semi-automatic VITEK®2 analyzers and identified as Bacillus sp. (83%) and UBMF2 identified as Bacillus thuringiensis (93%) respectively. Conclusion The lead content in water samples were found to be acceptable, and isolated pure cultures were not able to withstand the lead concentrations.
Pure culture UBLF3 isolated from the soil capable to reduce lead concentration (500 mg/L) up to 302 mg/L and 230 mg/L in the medium, and pure culture UBMF2 up to 340 mg/L and 279 mg/L respectively