Background: One-third of people with epilepsy have drug-resistant epilepsy, making surgical treatment necessary. Comprehensive pre-surgical evaluations, including long-term video-electroencephalographic (VEEG) monitoring, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and neuropsychological testing, are essential components of epilepsy presurgical evaluation. The Epilepsy Center at the Mongolian-Japanese Hospital of MNUMS was established in September 2022 and introduced long-term video-EEG monitoring in May 2023. This marked the first time in Mongolia that comprehensive evaluation for epilepsy surgery became available. Aim: To evaluate the role and outcomes of long-term video-EEG monitoring in the pre-surgical assessment of epilepsy patients Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at the Epilepsy Center of the Mongolian-Japanese Hospital from May 2023 to March 2025. Patients who underwent VEEG and comprehensive pre-surgical evaluation were included. Data included demographic information, seizure history, imaging findings, and neurophysiological assessments (routine, sleep-deprived, and long-term video EEG). Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they met criteria for epilepsy surgery, and surgical outcomes were compared between these groups. Results: A total of 297 patients (104 children and 193 adults) participated in the study. Of these, 96 (32%) were diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy and underwent pre-surgical evaluation. The mean age of this group was 33±9.2 years; male-to-female ratio was 1:1. Age of seizure onset was 20±10.9 years, and the mean duration of epilepsy was 14.8±10.3 years. Etiologies included meningitis (21.7%), febrile seizures (15.2%), birth complications (12.5%), and traumatic brain injury (12.5%). The average duration of VEEG monitoring was 1.45±0.68 days, during which 161 seizures were recorded (average 2.64 per patient). No seizures were captured in 35 patients. Among the 96 patients, 29 met the criteria for surgical intervention, and 11 underwent temporal lobe epilepsy surgery. Surgical outcomes were significantly better compared to the non-surgical group (p<0.05). Conclusion Long-term video-EEG monitoring plays a critical role in precisely localizing the epileptogenic zone, identifying seizure types, establishing differential diagnoses, and optimizing surgical candidacy. It is confirmed as an essential diagnostic tool in the pre-surgical evaluation for epilepsy surgery.

Background: Mining is a major source of income, economic benefits, and job creation; however, it remains one of the most hazardous occupations in terms of health. Physically demanding, labor-intensive, hot, humid, noisy, and dusty work environments have a negative impact on the physical and psychological health of mine workers. Several factors, including age, gender, years of service, workload, stress, and fatigue, can affect sleep quality. Lack of sleep can lead to poor concentration, reduced alertness, impaired decision-making, and an increased risk of workplace injuries. While many studies have explored sleep quality and its risk factors in the general population, few have focused specifically on miners. This gap is the primary motivation for conducting the present study. Aim: To examine the risk factors affecting the sleep quality of dayshift workers at Baganuur Joint Stock Company. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 129 day-shift workers from Baganuur Joint Stock Company and was conducted between October and November 2023. Sleep quality was assessed using the 19-item Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Among the study participants, 86% (n = 111) were male. A total of 58.9% had been employed for less than 10 years, and 86% were always on call during non-working hours. Overall, 51.2% of the participants had poor sleep quality. Female gender (55.0%, p = 0.032) and being always on call during non-working hours (93.9%, p = 0.008) were significantly associated with poor sleep quality. Logistic regression analysis revealed that being female increased the risk of poor sleep quality (OR = 0.315, 95% CI = 0.105–0.944, p = 0.039). Conclusions 1. The majority of participants (51.2%) reported poor sleep quality, 2. Gender and being on call during non-working hours were significantly associated with reduced sleep quality among day-shift miners.

Background: The learning outcomes of a program are defined by the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that students are expected to acquire by the end of the curriculum. For occupational therapy professionals, it is essential to successfully implement both pre-graduation and post-graduation programs and to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum by clearly identifying the competencies expected of graduates in society. Aim: To identify the core competencies required for training occupational therapists at both pre-graduation and post-graduation levels. Materials and Methods: A modified Delphi method combined with Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was employed. The study was conducted in three phases from April 2022 to May 2024. In the initial online survey, a total of 83 participants were involved, including occupational therapy students, graduates, and members of the Mongolian Association of Occupational Therapists. A nominal group consisting of four experts held several focus group discussions to review and vote on the proposed competencies, forming a revised list. In the final phase (second-round Delphi), the updated list was distributed online again to collect additional feedback. Results: A total of 136 individuals participated in the online surveys throughout the study. The final list of competencies was synthesized based on three main international standards: the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) Minimum Standards for Education (2016), the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) Profile of Occupational Therapy Practice (2012), and the TUNING Educational Competencies in Europe. Through five rounds of NGT meetings, one online scoring session, and a final Delphi round, a total of 12 program learning outcomes (PLOs), 198 core competencies for the pre-graduation level, and 86 competencies for the post-graduation level were identified. Conclusion By applying consensus techniques, we developed a structured list of core competencies at both the basic and advanced levels aligned with the 12 program learning outcomes (PLOs) of the occupational therapy curriculum. This list can serve as a practical reference framework for future curriculum design and professional training programs in the occupational therapy.

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by bronchoconstriction and breathing difficulties, which can be triggered by both allergic and non-allergic mechanisms. In allergic asthma, a hyperreactivity reaction occurs, leading to an increase in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels. Therefore, FeNO is used to differentiate allergic and non-allergic types of asthma. In recent years, studies have been conducted to assess FeNO as an indicator of treatment effectiveness and symptom control. Our goal is to introduce FeNO measurement in Mongolia for the first time and utilize it for asthma diagnosis and treatment outcome evaluation. Aim: Study of FeNO levels in Asthma Diagnosis in Relation to Laboratory Findings and Lung Function Materials and Methods: This study included a total of 70 adult patients (18 years and older) with asthma who visited the Outpatient Clinic of Mongolia-Japan Hospital and Shargaljuut Spa Clinic from May to December 2024. Based on their allergic history, total IgE levels, and peripheral blood eosinophil count, participants were classified into allergic (>5%) and non-allergic (<5%) asthma. The study aimed to determine the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of FeNO levels. Asthma control levels were assessed using the Asthma Control Test (ACT), lung function was evaluated using spirometry, and exercise capacity was measured with the 6-minute walk test. Results: In a single measurement, there were no differences between the allergic and non-allergic groups in parameters other than total IgE, peripheral blood eosinophil count, and FeNO levels. For diagnosing the allergic form of asthma, at a FeNO level of 25 ppb, sensitivity (Se) was 0.68, specificity (Sp) was 0.30 (p=0.008); at 40 ppb, Se was 0.77, Sp was 0.31 (p=0.001); and at 50 ppb, Se was 0.74, Sp was 0.33 (p=0.001). Lung function and exercise capacity were similar in both asthma groups. Conclusion The sensitivity of FeNO in distinguishing between allergic and non-allergic forms of asthma is 67-81%, and its sensitivity tends to increase as the FeNO level rises. By distinguishing the allergic type in which inhaled corticosteroids are more effective, the outcome of asthma treatment can be predicted in advance based on the FeNO level.

Background: Asthma management should be individualized, evidence-based, aimed at controlling clinical symptoms, preventing severe exacerbations, and improving quality of life. Studies have shown that inhalation therapy with iodine- bromide saltwater improves lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while radon-containing mineral water inhalation reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in asthma. Several studies have analyzed the composition of the Shargaljuut hot spring, with Oyuntsesteg et al. identifying high levels of Na+-HCO3 - and Na+-SO4. Other studies on mineral water therapies have reported benefits such as thinning bronchial secretions, improving sputum clearance, reducing inflammation and acidity, mitigating oxidative stress, and enhancing quality of life. Aim: To study the effectiveness of combined asthma treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and hot spring inhalation. Materials and Methods: The study included 67 participants diagnosed with asthma who consented to participate and underwent 10 days of combined inhaled corticosteroid therapy and mineral water inhalation at Shargaljuut sanatorium. A total of 57 participants completed the pre- and post-treatment assessments. Treatment result was assessed using Asthma control questionnaire 7, asthma symptom control with Asthma Control Test (ACT), and exercise tolerance by a 6-minute walk test. Chest X-rays were taken for all participants to rule out pneumonia, cancer, or pulmonary fibrosis. Treatment outcomes were evaluated using ACT scores, peripheral blood eosinophil count, total IgE levels in serum, spirometry indices (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC), and the 6-minute walk distance. Results: The average age of participants was 52±12 years, with a predominance of females. The mean asthma control score was 14.2±4.80, indicating poor asthma control. After 10 days of inhaling corticosteroids combined with hot spring inhalation post-treatment quality of life increased by 0.5 points, FEV1 improved by 7.5%, FVC by 4.2%, peripheral blood eosinophil count decreased by 0.3%, and total Ig E levels dropped from 73.3 (22.5; 216) to 73.2 (21.3; 223) u/ml (p=0.000). Conclusion In cases of uncontrolled asthma remission, combining of inhaled corticosteroid therapy with hot spring inhalation at Shargaljuut improved asthma symptoms, quality of life, enhanced lung function, and reduced inflammatory markers (p<0.001).

Background: Obesity, especially central obesity, is a risk factor for non-communicable chronic diseases such as dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Aim: Study the association between the subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and visceral fat area (VFA) with lipid metabolism parameters in adults with MetS. Materials and Methods: Data from 1511 participants who visited the ‘NURA Mongolia’ Ai Health screening center between September 2023 and February 2024, including general information, DEXA (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry), and biochemical analysis results, were used. Metabolic syndrome (MeS) was assessed based on the harmonizing criteria 2009 (≥3 criteria). VFA and SFA were categorized into four groups using quartiles (Q1-Q4). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26, including T-tests, multiple logistic regression (OR, 95% CI), and ROC (AUC) analysis. Results: The average age of the participants was 30.5±3.9 years, with a BMI of 25.1 kg/m², and 49.5% were male. The group with MetS (n=531) had significantly higher levels of VFA and SFA compared to the group that rated their health as relatively healthy and had no clinical diagnosis (n=979) (control group) (p<0.0001), with males showing higher VFA and females showing higher SFA (p<0.0001). The Q4 group for VFA had a significant association with MetS in males (4.611, 95% CI=2.394–9.591) and females (2.253, 95% CI=1.097-3.912) (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that increased VFA was more strongly associated with MetS in males (β=0.325, p<0.0001) and females (β=0.338, p<0.003) than BMI. The AUC for predicting MetS was 0.790 (95% CI=0.750-0.831) for VFA and 0.401 (95% CI=0.351-0.451) for SFA, with all results being statistically significant (p<0.001). VFA had a higher predictive value compared to other markers. Conclusion In healthy men with metabolic syndrome, VFA is more prominently defined, while SFA is higher in healthy women. Since VFA is a better predictor of metabolic syndrome than SFA, it increases the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes in men, whereas SFA in women serves as a protective factor.

Background: Since ancient times, humans have used medicinal plants for medicinal purposes, and they have been recognized as beneficial to health. The basis of the treatment of these plants is phytochemical substances and in modern times, with the development of science and technology, the substances contained in these plants are extracted and medicinal substances and drugs are produced to treat many diseases. There are more than 800 medicinal plants in Mongolia, and their chemical structure and properties are studied in detail, biological activity and main features are discovered, and new medicines are produced. From the Thalictrum squarrosum plant, 25 compounds have been identified, such as triterpenoids with 17 carbon atoms in the cycloartane type ring, saponins, oleic acid glycosides, phytosterols and their glycosides etc., and the structures of 7 new compounds have been determined and the research on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity has been limited, which is the basis for this research. Aim: Determination of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Thalictrum squarrosum. Materials and Methods: Total phenolic compounds were determined spectrophotometrically using Folin-Chicolte color reagent in 1.0 raw material of the Thalictrum squarrosum. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH, FRAB and ABTS in sub-extracts of 4 groups. Results: The total phenolic compounds of Thalictrum squarrosum were determined to be 1.9±0.001%. In the study of biological activity of Thalictrum squarrosum plants, the antioxidant activity of 4 groups of sub-extracts was tested by DPPH method, and the IC50 of total alkaloids (pH 9-10) was 201.58±0.1 μg/ml, ethyl acetate sub-extract 94.34±0.66 μg/ml, aqueous extract 824.18±0.08 μg/ml, and butanol sub-extract 128.75±0.58 μg/ml. When tested by ABTS method, the IC50 of total alkaloids (pH 9-10) was 35.83±0.44 μg/ml, ethyl acetate sub-extract 90.45±0.62 μg/ml, aqueous extract 104.19±0.93 μg/ml, dichloromethane sub-extract 156.44±0.48 μg/ml, and butanol sub-extract 170.03±0.61 μg/ml. When tested for antioxidant activity at 800 μg/ml by the FRAB method, the ethyl acetate sub-extract was 8946.16±14.79 μg/ml, the dichloromethane sub-extract was 1670.12±39.28 μg/ml, the butanol sub-extract was 4863.97±25.98 μg/ml, and the total alkaloids (pH 9-10) were 4897.99±58.12 μg/ml. Conclusion The ethyl acetate extract of the plant Thalictrum squarrosum has been found to be highly antioxidant active and total phenolic compound was 1.9±0.001%.

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.

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most frequent cancer with limited therapeutic achievements. Recently, adoptive cellular immunotherapy has been developed as an antitumor therapy. However, its efficacy has not been tested in CRC. This study investigated the ability of an immune cell cocktail of dendritic cells (DCs), T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells to overcome immunological hurdles and improve the therapeutic efficacy of cell therapy for CRC. Methods: CRC lysate-pulsed monocyte-derived DCs (Mo-DCs), CRC antigen-specifically expanded T cells (CTL), and in vitro-expanded NK cells were cultured from patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The ability of the combined immune cells to kill autologous tumor cells was investigated by co-culturing the combined immune cells with patient-derived tumor cells. Results: The Mo-DCs produced expressed T cell co-stimulating molecules like CD80, CD86, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR and HLA-ABC, at high levels and were capable of activating naive T cells. The expanded T cells were predominantly CD8 T cells with high levels of CD8 effector memory cells and low levels of regulatory T cells. The NK cells expressed high levels of activating receptors and were capable of killing other cancer cell lines (K562 and HT29). The immune cell cocktail demonstrated a higher ability to kill autologous tumor cells than single types. An in vivo preclinical study confirmed the safety of the combined immune cell adaptive therapy showing no therapy-related death or general toxicity symptoms. Conclusion The results suggested that combined immune cell adaptive therapy could overcome the limited efficacy of cell immunotherapy.

Introduction: Intraocular lens (IOL) implants are monofocal and trifocal lenses which helps to clear up the vision after cataract surgery. Goal: In this work, we aimed to compare the monofocal and trifocal IOL implantation during phacoemulsification surgery. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 133 participants. Females comprised n=81, mean n=52 into equal groups. Preoperative and Postoperative cataract surgery UCVA and BCVA were measured and compared during the after 1 day, week 1, 2 weeks and month1. Statistical analysis: The results of the study were processed using the SPSS 25.0 program after coding the data and checking for typographical errors. The normality of the data distribution was tested by inspecting a histogram. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test or Fisher's test. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value lower than 0.05 Ethical statement: The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (No.2021/05/21). All patients provided written informed consent before participating in this study. Results: The mean preoperative UCVA was 1.09±0.45D in monofocal IOL group, 0.99±0.49D in trifocal IOL group. At the first week: The mean postoperative UCVA at one week was 0.34±0.29D and 0.27±0.17D, in each group respectively. The mean postoperative BCVA in the first week was 0.28±0.27D and 0.20±0.15D in each group respectively. The mean postoperative UCVA at 1 month was 0.27±0.24D and 0.15±0.16D in each group, while BCVA was 0.26±24.94D and 0.06±0.63D.There was a highly significant statistical difference between the result of UCVA preoperative and the results of UCVA at the early and last postoperative follow up. Conclusion From our results, the best corrected visual acuity and was better for Trifocal group than Monofocal group. It is evident that post-operative near UCVA and BCVA was statistically significant at monofocal and trifocal groups.