Introduction: The primary issue following lumbar discectomy for disc herniation is the risk of reherniation in the post-operative period. Many surgical techniques have been proposed to treat disc reherniation, however, the optimal one remains variable. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prevalence of symptomatic reherniation after using a Bone-anchored annular closure device following lumbar discectomy and the contributing factors. Materials and methods: Identification of published literature was performed on PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies published until 14 February 2024 reported the prevalence of symptomatic reherniation after using a Bone-anchored annular closure device following lumbar discectomy and the associated contributing factors. A random effects model was used to conduct Bayesian frequentist network meta-analysis and pair-wise meta-analysis, with the assessment based on standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Eleven studies published in 2012 − 2022 recruiting a total of 5195 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of reherniation in ACD and control groups was 23.2% (95% CI: 18.2% − 28.1%) and 36.4% (95% CI: 28.2% − 44.5%), respectively. The moderator effect of sample size is significant for pooled data of the ACD group (p-mod=0.002), but not for the control group (pmod=0.278). After the adjustment with sample size, the prevalence rates were 13.6% (95% CI: 6.2% − 21.1%) and 29.6% (95% CI: 14.9% − 33.2%) for ACD and control groups, respectively. Conclusion: Comparatively to lumbar discectomy alone, using a Bone-anchored annular closure device following lumbar discectomy decreased the symptomatic reherniation rate and post-operative complications, as well as the necessity for subsequent surgeries.

Traumatic crush injury of the thumb is devastating and often resulted in poor functional outcome. Various reconstruction options available according to surgical expertise. Masquelet technique is well-established in the long bones of lower limb. Only a handful of cases reported for thumb, especially in Asia region. We described a case of crush injury of right thumb following a trauma. The bony defect was initially filled with antibiotic spacer and subsequent reconstruction with tricortical iliac graft, a modified Masquelet two-stage technique. It is a versatile tool which provide satisfactory functional outcome and hand appearance.

OBJECTIVES

Timely access to appropriate levels of care is essential for improving maternal, newborn,
and child health outcomes. To address persistent service delivery fragmentation and strengthen referral systems, the Philippine Department of Health issued Administrative Order 2020-0019 to guide the design of Health Care Provider Networks (HCPNs) under the Universal Health Care Act of 2019. This study assessed the extent to which sixteen municipalities across four provinces in Eastern Visayas comply with the HCPN service delivery guidelines in the context of maternal and newborn care.

The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design, utilizing structured facility checklists to assess compliance with HCPN standards. Qualitative data were gathered through key informant interviews and focus group discussions with purposively selected stakeholders—decision makers, health personnel, and mothers—to contextualize findings. A three-lever framework for integrated care (policy, operational, and cross- cutting) guided the analysis

The findings revealed significant gaps between the current capacities of study health facilities and the requirements outlined in the HCPN guidelines. Major gaps included (1) weak cooperative governance mechanisms to support network-wide coordination; (2) limited systematic linkages between facilities, including fragmented referral protocols and non-interoperable health information systems; (3) inadequate investments in infrastructure, health human resources, and medical commodities; and (4) absence of performance monitoring systems across HCPNs.

This report describes an approach to recover SARS-CoV-2 RNA from rapid antigen test kit (RTK-antigen) cassettes for whole-genome sequencing (WGS). RNA samples were recovered from 33 RTK-antigen cassettes for WGS, with 18 samples achieving more than 80% genome coverage. This work provides a proof-of-concept that positive RTK-antigen cassettes can be safely transported, stored and subjected to WGS, enabling swift identification of circulating variants.

Objective: Mortality surveillance was established in the state of Victoria just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we describe the establishment of this surveillance system, justify the modelling approach selected, and provide examples of how the interpretation of changes in mortality rates during the pandemic was influenced by the model chosen. Methods: Registered deaths occurring in Victoria from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2020 were sourced from the Victoria Death Index. Observed mortality rates were compared to a raw historical 5-year mean and to predicted means estimated from a seasonal robust regression. Differences between the observed mortality rate and the historical mean (delta-MR) and excess mortality rate from the observed and predicted rates were assessed. Results: There were 20 375 COVID-19 cases notified in Victoria as of 31 December 2020, of whom 748 (3.7%) died. Victorians aged >=85 years experienced the highest case fatality ratio (34%). Mean observed mortality rates in 2020 (MR: 11.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.4, 11.9) were slightly reduced when compared with the annual rate expected using the historical mean method (mean MR: 12.2; 95% CI: 12.1, 12.3; delta-MR: -0.57; 95% CI: -0.77, -0.38), but not from the rate expected using the robust regression (estimated MR: 11.7; 95% prediction interval [PI]: 11.5, 11.9; EMR: -0.05; 95% CI: -0.26, 0.16). The two methods yielded opposing interpretations for some causes, including cardiovascular and cancer mortality. Discussion: Interpretation of how pandemic restrictions impacted mortality in Victoria in 2020 is influenced by the method of estimation. Time-series approaches are preferential because they account for population trends in mortality over time.

Background: A rare angioproliferative condition of the larynx, Kaposhi sarcoma typically affects the skin. Immunosuppressive treatment following organ transplantation and human immunodeficiency virus infection are the causes. Every type of Kaposi sarcoma has human herpesvirus-8. Laryngeal kaposi sarcoma is uncommon in immunocompromised patients; since its initial identification in 1965, 18 cases have been documented globally. A CO2 laser-assisted laryngeal microsurgery is performed through the mouth cavity to remove tumor when kaposi sarcoma of the larynx obstructs the airway. Case report: A 77-year-old woman complained of hoarseness, dry mouth, odynophagia, and dysphagia three months prior when she arrived at the Mongolian-Japan Hospital. Two years ago, she acquired hard, sensitive lumps that were palpable on her right arm, left ankle, and right thigh. At that time, she was diagnosed with Kaposiform hemangiodermatitis and treated at the National Center for Dermatology. HIV test results were negative. Immunohistochemistry: CD31 +/-, CD34 /+/. Using flexible nasopharyngeal endoscopy to get the diagnosis: There was a mass that was about 1.5–2–5 cm in diameter, bluish in color, smooth and movable, and spongy and vascular on the larynx, on the nasopharynx, behind the palatine tonsills, and supraglottic. Surgery: Through the use of Kleinsasser laryngoscopy and a 0-degree endoscope, pathological tissues were extracted under general anesthesia using a laryngeal microsurgical instrument and a laparoscopic bipolar coagulator. The tissues were then sent for histological evaluation, which revealed Kaposi sarcoma, sarcoma grade 1. Results of treatment Pain decreased and quality of life increased following surgery. Upon nasopharyngeal endoscopy, the vocal cord mobility was normal and the surgical incision was clean. Conclusion: Kaposi sarcoma is an extremely uncommon illness. A lower quality of life and further issues can be avoided with an early diagnosis and suitable therapy. It also needs to be continuously monitored because it is a potentially repeatable disease.

Backround Peutz–Jeghers (PJ) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a mucocutaneous pigmentationon on oral mucosa and multiple hamartomatous polyps located in the digestive tract except esophagus. PJ syndrome can be diagnosed in early childhood by a characteristic pigmentation and family history of polyposis. However, it is often diagnosed first as a polyp in the small intestine that causes obstruction and intussusception and is often treated with a bowel resection. If diagnosed in young childhood, an effective non-invasive method is to resect the polyps by tying off the blood supply to the polyps, that is the method named ischemic polypectomy, before they grow to the point of obstruction using a endoscopy. PJ syndrome is rare in Mongolia, but in severe cases, small intestine polyps are treated only surgically. Double-balloon-endoscopy (DBE) has been performed at the Mongolian- Japanese Hospital since 2023, making it possible to diagnose and treat the syndrome endoscopically. Our patient, a 15-year-old boy, had a mucocutaneous pigmentation that had been previously undiagnosed and was first diagnosed with intussusception at the age of 13. He had undergone 4 endoscopic procedures for upper and lower gastrointestinal polyps at the National Center for Maternal and Child Health successfully. In our hospital, we found endoscopically multiple hamartomatous polyps of various sizes between 1-3 cm, and a 3 mm diameter tumor that filled 3/4 of the intestinal lumen was treated by ischemic polypectomy. After the procedure, there were no early or late complications related to the procedure. The child's condition improved, the main complaints subsided, and he continues his daily life normally. However, follow-up DBE is required.

Background: Cancer incidence and mortality are steadily increasing both globally and in Mongolia. As these rates rise, traditional Mongolian medicine has long utilized herbal formulas for the treatment of gastric and esophageal cancers and precancerous conditions. One such formulation—Hot Natured 3 Herbs (HN3H)—comprises three species from the Ranunculaceae family: Atragene sibirica L., Ranunculus repens L., and Pulsatilla bungeana L.. However, scientific validation of its anti-tumor effects is essential. This study aimed to investigate the effect of HN3H in a tumor-induced animal model. Aim: To identify the biologically active compounds of HN3H and evaluate their effect in an experimentally induced tumor model in animals. Materials and Methods: The three herbs comprising HN3H—Atragene sibirica L., Ranunculus repens L., and Pulsatilla bungeana L.—were collected during their flowering stage (May–June) in Khishig-Undur, Bulgan province, and dried according to official procedures. Extraction was carried out by maceration in 96% ethanol at a 1:10 ratio. The concentrated extract was suspended in water (1:1) and successively fractionated with dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol, chloroform, and n-hexane. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (Protocol №2020/03-04). A colorectal cancer model was established by subcutaneous injection of MC-38 cells (Kerafast, USA) into C57BL/6 mice. Immunohistochemistry was performed using CK20, CDX2, Ki67, and p53 antibodies at 1:100 and 1:200 dilutions. Results: The ethanol extract of HN3H contained 2.98±0.04% total phenolics and 2.16±0.05% total flavonoids. Body weight and tumor volume were measured daily with three repetitions. All groups showed a time-dependent increase in body weight. Mice in groups 1A and 1B received ethanol extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg doses; groups 2A and 2B received dichloromethane extract at the same doses. The negative control group was administered 0.5 mg/kg PBS orally, while the positive control group received intraperitoneal injections of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) at 10 mg/kg twice a week. Tumor growth increased in a time-dependent manner across groups. Compared to the negative control, tumor volumes in four treatment groups showed statistically significant reduction (p˂0.05), while no significant difference was observed when compared to the positive control (p=0.08). Histological analysis revealed necrosis in all groups, with variation in extent. Conclusion The ethanol extract of HN3H exhibited moderate levels of phenolic compounds and a high concentration of flavonoids. HN3H extract inhibited tumor progression and activated lymphocyte-predominant inflammation in tumor tissues, indicating potential anti-tumor activity (p˂0.05).

Background: Gout is a chronic inflammatory disorder stemming from metabolic dysfunction, characterized by the accumulation of monosodium urate crystals in joints and soft tissues due to prolonged hyperuricemia. Clinically, it often manifests with abrupt onset of intense joint pain, erythema, swelling, and tenderness, particularly in the small joints of the lower extremities such as the first metatarsophalangeal joint, ankles, and knees. In its chronic form, gout can lead to the development of tophi—firm nodular deposits of urate crystals— resulting in joint deformities, limited mobility, and systemic complications affecting the renal and cardiovascular systems. This case report describes the integrative management of a 68-year-old male patient with a long-standing history of chronic tophaceous gout, presenting with acute exacerbation involving multiple joints and extensive tophaceous deposits. The patient underwent a course of traditional Mongolian medical treatment, incorporating bloodletting therapy (hanuur), soaking therapy (devteeleg zasal), and phytotherapeutic remedies. Conclusion The treatment yielded notable clinical improvements: cupping therapy facilitated the reduction of joint inflammation and edema, alleviated pain, and enhanced peripheral circulation during the acute phase. Soaking therapy using medicated decoctions was effective in softening and reducing the size of tophi, promoting wound drying, restoring joint mobility, and improving overall functional capacity. The patient reported a marked enhancement in quality of life following the integrative treatment course. This case highlights the potential of traditional Mongolian medical interventions as adjunctive or alternative therapeutic strategies for managing severe gout, particularly in cases refractory to conventional pharmacological treatment. Further clinical research and controlled studies are warranted to validate these findings and to explore the broader application of traditional therapies in gout management.

Background Varicose veins, or chronic venous insufficiency, become visibly noticeable from the second stage when veins start appearing on the surface of the skin. Symptoms include severe itching, pain, swelling, and inflammation. Chronic venous insufficiency is a common condition in countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. Diagnosis of varicose veins relies on blood flow studies, coagulation tests, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Doppler ultrasound of the venous system. Patient B, a 43-year-old male, has experienced pain and swelling in the right lower limb vein for the past two years, especially when exposed to heat. Coagulation tests show PT and PT INR within normal range. Doppler ultrasound of the venous system revealed that the perforating vein is dilated to 0.45 cm and has valve insufficiency. In the deep veins, a width of 0.68 cm was measured, while superficial veins ranged between 0.46–0.59 cm. After receiving appropriate treatment from the Department of Fire Acupuncture, the patient’s symptoms have improved.