Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99 percent of the world’s population is exposed to air that exceeds WHO recommendations, with low- and middle-income countries being the most affected. The main causes of indoor air pollution include human activities such as fuel burning, cooking, cleaning, and smoking; housing characteristics such as walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture; ventilation; and outdoor air pollution. Aim : To assess PM1 and PM10 concentrations in 120 selected households in Ulaanbaatar. Materials and Methods : Indoor PM1 and PM10 concentrations were measured using Purple Air real-time sensors in randomly selected Ulaanbaatar households between October 2023 and January 2024. Supplementary data on factors affecting the PM2.5 concentration were collected via questionnaires. Each measurement was taken in 10-minute intervals, yielding 51,309 data for analysis. Results : PM1 concentrations were measured at 55.5±53.2 μg/m³ in gers, 54.9 ± 46.7 μg/m³ in houses, and 31.6±40.1 μg//m³ in apartments (p<0.001) and measuring PM10 concentrations were 110.6±108.6 μg/m³ in gers, 110.6±96.7 μg/m³ in houses, and 62.2±83.0 μg/m³ in apartments (p<0.001) When considering the concentration of PM1, PM10 by heating type, PM1 was 55.3±50.1 μg/m³ and PM10 was 110.6±103.0 μg/m³ in households with stoves and furnaces, and PM1 was 31.6±40.1 μg/m³ and PM10 was 62.2±83.0 μg/m³ in households connected to the central heating system (p<0.001). Regarding the months of measurement, the highest concentration was observed in December 2023, at 77.1±94.1 μg/m³. The highest concentrations for both PM₁ and PM₁₀ were recorded in January 2024, at PM₁: 64.8±55.1 μg/m³, PM₁₀: 131.4±116.0 μg/m³. Conclusion 1. Indoor PM10 concentrations in residential environments in Ulaanbaatar city were within the MNS4585:2016 Air Quality Standard, however, it was exceeded the WHO air quality guidelines, indicating an excessive risk of increasing morbidity and mortality among the population. 2. Indoor PM1 and PM10 concentrations in residential environments in Ulaanbaatar varies depending on location, type of housing, type of heating, and month of measurement.

Background: To effectively deliver healthcare services, it is necessary to strengthen and expand the education system for qualified biomedical equipment technicians and engineers. This should be combined with measures such as providing modern equipment to health facilities and making spare parts available. Internationally, there is a reference of one engineer responsible for 100 pieces of equipment. Additionally, one engineer is responsible for each major piece of equipment such as MRI, CT, positron emission tomography (PET SCAN), and angiography equipment. However, in our country, the standard is independent of the number of medical equipment. Although 4 universities nationwide train medical equipment engineers and technicians, they are unable to meet the growing market needs. Aim: To assess human resource needs for biomedical equipment specialists. Materials and Methods: We conducted the study using an analytical survey design. In the study, data were collected from a total of 272 engineers and technicians using a self-administered questionnaire that included years of work experience, post-graduate training, qualification level, and workload. The data were processed using SPSS Statistics 26 software, and the results were presented in figures, tables, and sentences. Results: Of the professionals surveyed, 72.4% were male, 95.6% were full-time employees, and 68.8% had a bachelor’s degree. However, the majority (90.4%) of the professionals did not have a professional degree. When asked about the availability of on-the-job and other training among the professionals 73.5% had not received any training at all. The level of training received by professionals did not depend on the organization they worked for. However, there was a statistically significant difference between the level of training received from foreign and manufacturer-sponsored organizations. The professionals surveyed had relatively little training since they started working. As the number of years of experience in their profession increased, the number of times they participated in manufacturer-sponsored training increased. However, the number of times they participated in domestic, foreign, or postgraduate training was not related to the number of years of experience. Conclusion Medical equipment engineers and technicians are working harder than international professionals. The lack of post-graduate training for healthcare professionals is a concern for the industry.

Background: The assessment of patients’ quality of life has emerged as a critical metric in evaluating healthcare services. Internationally, numerous studies have been conducted to assess the QoL of individuals diagnosed with pulmonary embolism through the development of standardized questionnaires and their association with various clinical parameters. Aim: To adapt a standardized questionnaire for assessing the quality of life following a pulmonary embolism and to evaluate the quality of life of affected patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 33 patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism and hospitalized in the Department of Pulmonology at the Third State Central Hospital in Mongolia between August 2022 and December 2023 were included in the study. An observational cross-sectional study design was used. Inclusion criteria encompassed all patients diagnosed with PE during the study period, while exclusion criteria included individuals with severe comorbidities, those aged over 85 years, and those who declined participation. QoL was assessed using the Pulmonary Embolism Quality of Life (PEmb-QoL) questionnaire, which consists of 39 questions categorized into six domains. Higher scores indicate poorer QoL. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. Results: The average age of the participants was 61±15 years, and 18 (54.5%) were female. The median duration of anticoagulant therapy was 170 days (range: 27–2555 days), and the average monthly expenditure on medication was 80,000 MNT (range: 63,000–400,000 MNT). The overall mean QoL score was 69.7±23.2. The median scores for the six domains were as follows: frequency of complaints 1.6 (IQR 1.5-1.9; max 5 score), activities of daily living limitations 1.5 (1.3–1.8; max 3 score), work-related problems 1.7 (1.5–2.0; max 2 score), social limitations 2.0 (2.0–3.0; max 5 score), intensity of complaints 3.0 (3.0–4.0; max 6 score), emotional complaints 2.0 (1.5–2.4; max 6 score). The internal consistency reliability of the questionnaire was assessed, with the symptom frequency category scoring well (α=0.74), while the other categories had excellent reliability (α>0.85). A weak positive correlation was observed between overall QoL scores and age, while a weak negative correlation was identified with body mass index (r=0.14 & r= -0.13, P>0.05). Conclusion The study findings indicate a low QoL among PE patients, emphasizing the necessity for enhancements in post-diagnosis medical care and long-term management strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 6.7 million people die annually due to air pollution caused by solid fuel use, with the majority of deaths resulting from respiratory diseases and cardiovascular conditions. In Mongolia, air pollution ranks as the fourth leading risk factor contributing to mortality, following hypertension, diabetes, and other major health risks. Although there have been numerous studies on outdoor air pollution in Mongolia, research linking indoor air pollution at the household level with the health status of residents remains limited. Aim: To compare indoor PM2.5 concentrations in households of Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan and examine their association with hypertension during the winter season. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted during November and December 2023, and January 2024, involving 240 households in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan. Indoor PM2.5 concentrations were measured using Purple Air real-time sensors continuously for 24 hours over approximately one month. After measuring indoor air pollution, individuals aged 18–60 years living in the selected households were recruited based on specific inclusion criteria. Blood pressure was measured three times and the average value was recorded. Information on respiratory illnesses was collected through structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 19.0. Results: A total of 241 households participated in the study, with 116 from Ulaanbaatar and 125 from Darkhan. Of the participants, 46.5% were male and 53.5% were female. In terms of housing type, 96 households (39.8%) lived in gers, 97 (40.2%) lived in stove-heated houses, and 48 (19.9%) lived in apartments. Among all participants, 66.0% (n=159) had hypertension and 34.0% (n=79) had normal blood pressure. Among participants aged over 40, 69.9–88.5% had hypertension, which is statistically significantly higher compared to younger individuals (p=0.0001). By body mass index, 75.3% (n=72) of overweight individuals and 78.4% (n=58) of obese participants had hypertension, showing a statistically significant difference compared to participants with normal weight (p=0.0001). The 24-hour average concentration of indoor PM2.5 was measured using the Purple Air device, and the levels in gers and stove-heated houses exceeded the limit set by the MNS 4585:2025 standard (37.5 µg/m³) Conclusion This study identified a relationship between environmental factors, such as air pollution and housing type, and the prevalence of hypertension. The indoor PM2.5 concentration in gers and stove-heated houses was above the standard limit, indicating a negative impact on the health of those residents. Furthermore, the high prevalence of hypertension among participants over the age of 40 and those who are overweight suggests a possible link to lifestyle and environmental conditions.

Background: Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5) penetrates deep into the alveoli through the respiratory tract and is characterized by its ability to induce oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and vascular inflammation. Mongolia ranks among the countries with the highest levels of air pollution. In Ulaanbaatar, where more than half of the country’s population resides, wintertime PM2.5 concentrations often exceed 200 μg/m³, which is about eight times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value. A study involving 1,200 adults in Ulaanbaatar showed that quality of life deteriorated sharply during periods of high air pollution, with effects more pronounced among individuals who already had impaired respiratory function. Aim: To examine the relationship between indoor household PM2.5 concentrations and lung function indicators among adults in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study recruited adult participants from Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan through targeted sampling. Household air quality was measured using PurpleAir sensors, which were installed in participants’ homes for one month. After exposure measurement, lung function was assessed via spirometry. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25.0. Results: A total of 236 participants were included: 114 (48.3%) from Ulaanbaatar and 122 (51.7%) from Darkhan. The sample consisted of 111 men (47.0%) and 125 women (53.0%). The mean indoor PM2.5 concentration was 66.24 μg/m³ (SD 44.87 μg/m³), ranging from a minimum of 7.79 μg/m³ to a maximum of 264.55 μg/m³. Stratification by housing type showed the highest PM2.5 levels in gers (82.34 μg/m³), followed by detached houses (67.34 μg/m³), while apartments had the lowest concentrations (32.24 μg/m³). Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant negative associations between PM2.5 levels and measures of expiratory function, including the FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and mid-expiratory flow (FEF25–75). Reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) was observed in 9.4% of participants, reduced forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in 15.3%, and a decreased FEV1/FVC ratio in 3.8%. Conclusion Indoor household PM2.5 concentrations were highest in gers, and expiratory flow-related lung function parameters showed significant negative associations with particulate exposure. This suggests that indoor PM2.5 primarily affects airflow limitation rather than overall lung volumes in this population.

Background: The annual incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism is reported to be 39–115 cases per 100,000 population, with rates of 60–120/100,000 in Western countries and 10–20/100,000 in Asian countries. In Mongolia, few studies revealed the prevalence of risk factors and clinical manifestations of acute pulmonary embolism. Over the past 30 years, the incidence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases, which are mainly triggered by lifestyle and social parameters, has rose. Moreover, environmental conditions such as cold climate, hypoxia, and blood hyperviscosit may contribute to higher incidences of acute pulmonary embolism in high-altitude regions. This condition is potentially fatal and can become impair quality of life. Aim: We aimed to compare risk factors and clinical characteristics based on age and sex, and to evaluate laboratory findings and diagnostic tests among Mongolian patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism. Materials and Methods: This retrospective research included total 232 patients meeting inclusion criteria. The information was collected from patient histories, including general demographics, risk factors, comorbidities, symptoms, and physical examination findings. Laboratory analyses included complete blood count, coagulation profile, and immunological markers (D-dimer, NT-proBNP, troponin, protein C, homocysteine, and C-reactive protein), as well as selected imaging parameters. We used Wells and Geneva scoring systems to assess probability of acute pulmonary embolism and Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index to determine disease severity. Differences by age and sex were analyzed using independent t-tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables. Results: Among participants with acute pulmonary embolism, the prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use was significantly higher among males (p<0.001). Among comorbidities, arterial hypertension and other pulmonary diseases were more common in males, whereas cardiac diseases were more frequent in females (p=0.028). Participants aged 65 years and older showed higher rates of comorbid conditions and regular medication use (p<0.001). The most common symptoms were dyspnea (90.9%), chest pain (74.2%), cough (70.5%), leg pain (38.9%), hemoptysis (20.7%), and cyanosis (9.3%). According to sPESI scoring, 69.8% (n=162) were at high risk of death within 30 days, with no significant difference by sex. However, mortality risk within 30 days was significantly higher in participants aged 65 years and above (p<0.001). As increasing age, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were elevated, indicating an acute inflammatory response (p=0.001). Contrast-enhanced CT scans revealed that 95 participants (44.2%) had main pulmonary artery involvement, with no significant sex difference, though involvement of the main pulmonary artery was more frequent in those aged 65 and older. Conclusion Dyspnea, chest pain, and cough were the most common symptoms among patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism. The 30-day mortality risk associated with it was higher among males and increased with advancing age.

Background: During knee flexion and extension, imbalance in the forces controlling the patella can cause lateral displacement of the patella, resulting in abnormal loading on the femoral groove and leading to anterior knee pain (AKP). Management of AKP is typically non-surgical. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of inelastic and elastic taping on knee kinematics during stair descent. Aim: To examine the effects of elastic and inelastic taping on knee joint kinematics during stair descent Materials and Methods: A total of 60 female participants were recruited. Each participant descended a standardized 20 cm step while being recorded from sagittal and frontal plan using high-speed cameras. Three test conditions were assessed: no taping, elastic taping, and non-elastic taping. Motion analysis was performed using the “Motion Analysis Image J” program to measure knee flexion range of motion, knee valgus angle, Q-angle, and pelvic drop Results: The mean knee flexion angles were 61.47±5.72 degree (no taping), 61.35±6.33 degree (elastic taping), and 60.21±8.60 degree (inelastic taping), with no significant difference (p=0.305). However, the knee Q-angle differed significantly among conditions: 20.97±11.31 degree (no taping), 20.34±9.10 degree (elastic taping), and 10.16±7.24 degree (inelastic taping) (p=0.001). Knee valgus angle also showed significant differences (8.14±5.72 degree p=0.001). Pelvic drop angles were 10.19±6.31 degree (no taping), 9.06±5.31 degree (elastic taping), and 5.17±4.15 (inelastic taping), with p=0.001, indicating statistical significance. Conclusion During stair descent, the use of inelastic taping reduces the knee valgus angle, whereas elastic taping is more effective in reducing pelvic drop. Both elastic and inelastic taping reduced the knee Q-angle to a similar extent compared to the no-tape condition; however, neither had an effect on knee flexion range of motion. These findings suggest that inelastic taping is more effective for controlling excessive knee valgus, while elastic taping is more effective for improving pelvic stability during daily activities.

Abstract: CHUN-7 a Mongolian traditional recipe consisting of 7 medicinal plants is described in the scripture named “༆༆ །།གཡུ་ཐོག་པའི་མཛད་པའི་རིམས སྲུང་ཁྱུ་ལྔ་རྒྱམ་ཏོན་གསལ་བ །།”. The ingredients including Caowu (Radix Aconiti kusnezoffii, CW) and Glehniae Radix (GR) have the effects of suppressing pneumonia, viral pneumonia, relieving pain, stimulating the immune system and reducing fever. The present study was aimed to determine acute and chronic toxicity properties of traditional drug. Materials and methods: CHUN 7 traditional drug were prepared in the traditional medicine sector of the Drug research Institute of Monos group. All WISTAR rats were kept in the same feed, under 12 hours lighting and 12 hours darkness housing. The study of acute and chronic toxicity of CHUN-7 traditional drug was studied by using IP and oral administration were performed on ten WISTAR rats and continued for a total of 28 days with 102.9 mg / kg dose (calculated from human dose: 16.7 mg/kg) in accordance with the WHO General Guidelines for the Evaluation and Study of Traditional Medicine. Results: The result showed no structural changes in the internal organs according to tissue morphology when we administrated CHUN-7 traditional drug. Conclusion This study showed CHUN-7 traditional drug has no toxic effects to internal organs including liver, kidney, stomach, lungs and heart. Therefore, CHUN-7 traditional drug has potential to use orally without any toxicology.

BACKGROUNDAir pollution issue has become the largest problem of Ulaanbaatar city in the last decade affecting health and wellbeing of its citizens. Air pollution levels are increasing considerably in winter as a result of coal burning by city dwellers living in ger areas. Our study purpose was to survey the impact of air pollution on infant health of Ulaanbaatar city in 2012.METHODSData of 7484 on births at Khan-Uul and Sukhbaatar districts residence mothers and infants of Ulaanbaatar city from 2012 and corresponding daily air pollution level data (CO, NO2, SO2 and PM10) from the Ulaanbaatar city air quality monitoring stations were used.RESULTSAir pollution levels in Ulaanbaatar city significantly affect birth outcomes. Exposure to high levels of СО2 of during the third trimester of pregnancy reduces newborn’s weight. Exposure to NO2 is not influencing to newborn’s weight. Mothers who lived in more polluted area during pregnancy period more likely had baby reduced weight in 44 grams.

Introduction: Gait evaluation and training using treadmill will be increasingly used in near future. However it is con¬troversial whether the treadmill replicates the overground environment. Goal: Aim of this study was to compare overground and treadmill ambulation for possible differences in gait tempo¬ral variables and leg joint kinematics. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 participants walked on overground and treadmill. Participants walked at their preferred velocity on overground. The treadmill velocity was adjusted average velocity obtained in overground walking. Walking in two conditions was captured by high speed camera and analyzed by motion analyses software. Results: The maximum hip flexion angle (P=0.046), maximum hip extension (P=0.0001), maximum knee extension (P=0.0001) and maximum ankle dorsiflexion (P=0.022) were significantly different in the two conditions. Conclusions: The present study suggest that statistically significant differences exist between overground and treadmill walking in healthy subjects for some joint kinematic and temporal variables.