1.Comparison of ambient air PM2.5 pollution in Mongolian cities by raw and improved coal consumption
Buyantushig B ; Enkhjargal G ; Batzorig B ; Ulziihhutag B ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):62-66
Background:
An estimated 99% of the global population lives in environments where PM2.5 levels exceed the WHO air
quality guideline of 15 μg/m³. In 2018, air pollution contributed to approximately 4.2 million deaths worldwide. In Mongolia, air pollution—particularly in urban centers like Ulaanbaatar, worsens significantly during the winter season, posing
a serious public health and local concern. Therefore, it is compulsory to compare the outdoor air quality in Ulaanbaatar,
the capital and Darkhan city.
Aim:
To assess and compare the outdoor PM2.5 concentrations in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan during the winter season.
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan from December 10, 2024, to February
19, 2025. A total of 60 PurpleAir Classic+ sensors (30 per city) were installed to assess PM2.5 concentrations at 2-minute
intervals. We analyzed collected data using R software. The 24-hour average PM2.5 concentrations were compared with
both the Mongolian National Air Quality Standard (MNS4585:2016) and the WHO air quality guidelines (2021).
Results:
The 24-hour average PM2.5 concentration in Ulaanbaatar was 112.3±62.2 μg/m³, which was significantly higher
than that in Darkhan (79.2±25.6 μg/m³; p<0.05). In Ulaanbaatar, the monthly averages were 119.9±67.7 μg/m³ (Decem
ber), 113.5±60.8 μg/m³ (January), and 95.0±51.9 μg/m³ (February) respectively (p<0.05). In contrast, Darkhan city’s
monthly average PM2.5 remained relatively close across the months: 79.1±22.2 μg/m³ (December), 78.7±28.6 μg/m³
(January), and 84.6±30.0 μg/m³ (February), with no statistical significance (p>0.05). During the study period, the 24-hour
average PM2.5 concentrations exceeded the MNS4585:2016 (50 μg/m³) in 69.8% of days in Ulaanbaatar and 64.6% in
Darkhan. WHO’s guideline of 15 μg/m³ was exceeded 93.4% of the time in both cities.
Conclusion
Darkhan city has lower PM2.5 concentrations compared to Ulaanbaatar, both cities significantly exceeded
MNS4585:2016 standard and the WHO air quality guidelines (2021) during the winter months.
2.Study results of PM1 and PM10 particulate matter concentrations in Ulaanbaatar city’s household environments using low-cost sensors.
Ulziimaa D ; Jargalsaikhan G ; Ser-Od Kh ; Enkhjargal G ; Myagmarchuluun S ; Gantuya D ; Munkh-Erdene L ; Damdindorj B ; Khurelbaatar N ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):88-91
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.
3.myotrophic lateral sclerosis with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy-like neuropathy: a rare clinical case
Mendjargal N ; Enkhjargal M ; Uyngaa B ; Egshiglen N ; Tuvshinchimeg T ; Tovuudorj A
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;87(3):248-253
Background:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative
disorder characterized by degeneration of upper and
lower motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, spasticity, dysarthria,
and dysphagia. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
(CIDP) is an autoimmune-mediated neuropathy that primarily
affects nerve fibers specifically myelin sheets. Clinically, CIDP presents
with distal muscle weakness, prominent sensory disturbances, and diminished
or absent deep tendon reflexes. The co-occurrence of ALS
and CIDP is exceptionally rare and poses significant diagnostic and
therapeutic challenges due to overlapping and distinct clinical features.
A Case:
A 44-year-old male presented to the Department of Neurology
at the Mongolia-Japan Hospital, Mongolian National University of Medical
Sciences, with progressive muscle weakness in both upper and
lower extremities, along with dysphagia, especially for solids with frequent
choking episodes. The initial symptoms began in May 2023 with
muscle fasciculations, followed by progressive weakness, initially in the
right upper limb and gradually progressing to the left. By August 2023,
the patient developed bilateral arm weakness, dysarthria, and worsening
dysphagia. From August 2024, episodes of head drop were noted.
A progressive weight loss of 11 kg was recorded since January 2024.
Comprehensive neurological evaluation, including antibody profiling,
electromyography (EMG), and nerve conduction studies (NCS), supported
a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with chronic inflammatory
demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy-like neuropathy.
Outcome:
One month after hospital discharge, the patient demonstrated improvement
in self-care abilities and increased muscle strength
in both proximal and distal upper limb muscles. Notably, there
was marked improvement in overall clinical status.
Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in Mongolia documenting
the simultaneous presentation of ALS and CIDP-like neuropathy.
Globally, such cases are exceedingly rare. Timely and accurate diagnosis,
along with appropriate treatment, contributed to improved clinical
outcomes and a deceleration of disease progression in this patient.
4.Total phenolic content, antioxydant activity of thalictrum squarrosum steph.ex willd.
Tsend-Ayush B ; Solongo Ts ; Nomin M ; Pvrewdorj E ; Enkhjargal D ; Solongo A
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):41-45
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%.
5.Screening for asymptomatic cardiac ventricular dysfunction in diabetic subjects
Tsolmon U ; Chingerel Kh ; Burmaa B ; Sumiya Ts ; Pagmadulam S ; Chuluuntsetseg O ; Enkhjargal Yu
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):55-59
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.
6.An Overview Study of Air Pollution in Ulaanbaatar City
Ulziikhutag B ; Enkhjargal G ; Buyantushig B ; Jargalsaikhan G ; Eelin Kh ; Ulziimaa D ; Damdindorj B ; Khurelbaatar N ; Davaalkham D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):263-266
Background:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution was responsible for 8.1 million deaths
globally in 2021, making it the second leading cause of death, including among children under 5 years old. Air pollution
is also linked to a range of diseases such as stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and asthma. In
Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, the average daily concentration of PM2.5 particles in the air reaches 750 μg/m3
during winter, which is 50 times higher than the WHO’s recommendation, making it one of the most polluted cities in
the world. Air pollution continues to pose a significant public health challenge not only in Mongolia but also in many
countries globally. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research and studies that summarize and review the existing
work in this field.
Aim:
To summarize and review thematic works on air pollution conducted by researchers from Mongolian universities.
Materials and Methods:
A systematic review and analysis were performed on thematic works by researchers who completed their master’s and doctoral degrees in the field of air pollution between 2011 and 2024.
Results:
In terms of the type of master’s and doctoral dissertations, 76.0% (n=19) were master’s theses and 24.0% (n=6)
were doctoral dissertations. Among the total number of works included in the study, 36.0% (n=9) focused on the health
effects of air pollution, while 64.0% (n=16) addressed other related areas. Some studies indicated that PM2.5 levels in
the air between 2011 and 2024 were 1-6 times higher than the Mongolian standard, with the highest levels observed from
November to February and the lowest in July. Additionally, some studies suggested a reduction in PM2.5 levels following
the introduction of improved fuel in Ulaanbaatar. Air pollution was found to increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer, and to contribute to reduced fetal weight.
Conclusion
When examining thematic studies on air pollution conducted by state-owned universities in Mongolia, the
primary focus has been on the composition, concentration, and health impacts of air pollution. Going forward, research
aimed at mitigating air pollution should be driven by collaborative efforts and leadership from universities, with the results being effectively communicated to policymakers.
7.Quality Assurance of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit - A Single Center Study
Sarantuya Ts ; Amarjargal B ; Tungalag B ; Khishgee D ; Amarmend T ; Delgertsog T ; Amarjargal E ; Sarantuya G ; Gan-Orshikh L ; Enkhjargal B ; Sarantsatsral D ; Burentungalag A ; Nandintsetseg B ; Tserendolgor Ts ; Sattgul Sh ; Javzanpagma E ; Suvdantsetseg B ; Khashchuluun O ; Ouynkhishig N ; Munkhtuya E ; Uranchimeg M ; Oyuntungalag L ; Myadagmaa B ; Bat-Erdene I ; Batgombo N ; Saranbaatar A
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):165-170
Background:
Accreditation of healthcare institutions serves as a fundamental mechanism for ensuring patient safety
and validating the quality of medical services provided to the population. At Intermed Hospital, a quality measurement
system for healthcare services has been established since 2015, encompassing 126 quality indicators at both institutional
and departmental levels. This system facilitates continuous quality improvement efforts. In this context, quality indicators
specific to the endoscopy department play a pivotal role in objectively assessing the quality of endoscopic services.
Aim:
To assess the quality indicators in gastrointestinal endoscopy unit.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective single-center study was conducted by collecting data from the Intermed hospital’s
electronic information systems which included HIS and PACS and Quality and Safety Department’s Database and the results
were processed using the SPSS software. Ethical approval was granted by the Intermed hospital’s Scientific research
committee. The quality of endoscopic services in the Intermed hospital was assessed based on: a) the average values of
four quality indicators measured monthly; b) sample survey data from five categories of quality indicators.
Results :
Between 2016 and 2024, the quality indicators of the endoscopy unit measured as the level of early warning
score evaluations for patients was 95.97%±3.33, the level of cases where peripheral blood oxygen saturation decreased
during sedation was 1.54%±3.78, the level of cases where patients experienced paradoxiical response during sedation was
5.82%±1.75, surveillance culturing level for validation of endoscopy reprocessing was 11.6%. The endoscopic documentation
quality by peer review showed 95.7-100%, the colonoscopy quality indicators were followings as adenoma
detection rate: 24.5% Cecal intubation rate: 99.1%, 95.2%, Colonoscope withdrawal average time: 13.28±10.62 minutes,
Bowel preparation quality (Boston Scale): 89.3% 95.7%), patient discharge from the recovery room, Average discharge
time post-procedure: With propofol alone: 30.92 minutes; With propofol and fentanyl combined: 31.52 minutes, The intermediate
risk was 0.28% by the TROOPS evaluation during procedural sedation.
Conclusion
The quality benchmark levels for these endoscopic units, as determined by a single-center study, can be
effectively implemented by benchmark endoscopy centers to enhance their quality and safety operations.
8. Does air pollution affect liver disease?
Bolor B ; Enkhjargal A ; Burmaajav B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2024;207(1):52-59
Liver disease accounts for approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide and is responsible for
4% of all deaths. Acute hepatitis accounts for a smaller amount of mortality, with complications from
cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases being the main causes of death. It is mostly brought on
by nonalcoholic liver disease, alcohol abuse, infections (chronic hepatitis B and C viruses), and air
pollution.
In the last 10 years, the number of deaths caused by hepatocellular carcinoma has been continuously
increasing in Mongolia, and it ranks first in the world in terms of deaths caused by hepatocellular
carcinoma per 100,000 population, which is 8 times higher than the world average.
Mongolia is one of the most polluted countries in the world. Globally it is estimated that 9 out of 10
breathe polluted air and about 7 million deaths are attributed to air pollution. Studies on epidemiology
have found an association between ambient air pollution and some liver diseases, including cirrhosis,
liver cancer, and fatty liver disease related to metabolic disorders. This is an issue with global health.
Exposure to PM2.5 is linked to the development of inflammation, which may be a major risk factor
in the advancement of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. According to the literature review, exposure
to PM is associated with systemic inflammation, a rise in plasma triglycerides, LDL and VLDL, pro
inflammatory cytokines, and insulin resistance.
Many epidemiological and ecological studies were done in Mongolia on air pollution and health.
However, it is still not clear how much ambient air pollution can cause cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty
liver disease incidence in Mongolia.
9. Residents health status of the mining area, Orkhon aimag, 2006-2022
Oyunchimeg M ; Suvd B ; Enkhjargal A ; Burmaajav B ; Chingarid A ; Gantumur T
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2024;208(2):30-38
:
According to the elemental analysis survey, it is confirmed that the content of silicon (Si) and aluminium
(Al) in coarse particles in the ambient air of Erdenet city is the highest (2457 ng/cm2, 1061.72 ng/cm2),
and the content of black carbon (BC) is the highest (2699.9 ng/cm2) for the fine particles, respectively.
In Orkhon Aimag, 221 new cancer cases were registered in 2023, 20.8 per 10,000 population, and
123 deaths were registered, which decreased by 20 cases from the previous year. Stomach, lung,
and oesophageal cancers are the most common. Among the leading causes of diseases, diseases of
the respiratory system are led by its prevalence rate of 1536 per 10,000 population, followed by the
diseases of the digestive system prevalence rate of 821 per 10,000.
Goal:
To review the epidemiological tendency of diseases registered in Orkhon aimag between 2006 and 2022.
Materials and Methods:
The secondary data on outpatient 2006-2022 of Orkhon aimag was collected and analysed. All disease
data followed the X International Classification of Diseases classification. The Ethical permission was
obtained from the Ethical Committee at the Ach Medical University. All personnel information-related
data was removed and no any name and location of personnel data was mentioned in the survey result.
Results:
In Orkhon Aimag, 524,927 cases of diseases were registered in 2006-2022. Respiratory system diseases
were 29.82 percent of total diseases, digestive system diseases were 16.58 percent, genitourinary
system diseases were 11.28 percent, cardiovascular system diseases were 10.45 percent, and skin
and subcutaneous tissue diseases were 8.38 percent. Chronic heart diseases of rheumatic origin were
registered for 11.59 percent of the population aged 50-54, hypertension diseases were registered 12.41
percent, and a steady increase was observed in the age of 20-54.
Conclusions
1. When studying the structure of diseases among the population of Orkhon aimag, the respiratory,
digestive, and genitourinary system, circulatory system and diseases of the skin and subcutaneous
tissue are the first five leading causes of diseases and consisted 76.95% of the total number of
diseases. In the study of analyzing the diseases of the circulatory system by age group and diagnosis,
cases of ischemic heart disease and high blood pressure are found among children aged 15-19
years. CVD are more common among the population aged 40-54.
2. There is a tendency that skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases to be on the rise among the population.
10. A study to determine actual daily consumption of drinking and residential water for households in Ulaanbaatar
Zolzaya D ; Suvd B ; Amgalan G ; Tsegmed S ; Bolor B ; Soyombo G ; Oyun-Erdene O ; Altangerel B ; Oyunchimeg D ; Enkhjargal A ; Bolormaa I ; Tsogtbaatar B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2024;208(2):39-47
Introduction :
Water is a vital resource for human existence and is essential for daily food processing, preparation,
washing, hygiene, and sanitation. Furthermore, providing the population with safe drinking water is one
of the pressing problems of the world and some regions.
In recent years, population density and the scale of commercial and industrial activities, as well as clean
and dirty water consumption were increased in the capital city. As a result of these, ground and surface
water resources are becoming scarce and polluted.
Therefore, assessment of daily drinking and residential water consumption of Ulaanbaatar should be
determined to use drinking water properly in daily life and water loss. This study assessed the actual
amount of households’ daily water consumption.
Goal:
The purpose of this study is to determine the daily consumption of drinking water for households in ger
areas and apartments in Ulaanbaatar.
Materials and Method:
This study covers 30 households in ger areas and 15 apartment households, in Ulaanbaatar.
Household members performed 6-10 types of measurements every day, within 7 days. As a result of
these measurements, actual consumption of water quantity used for drinking and household purposes
was calculated. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS Version 21 to calculate the true probability of
difference between parameters.
Result:
67.9% of the households in the ger areas were 4-5 family members. The average daily household
consumption of drinking and domestic water were 68.3 ± 3.57 L (95% 61.3-75.3), the minimum
consumption was 12 L, and the maximum was 227 L. Average of the household water consumption
water was 97.6-108.9 liters during the weekends, and water consumption was statistically higher than
weekdays (p=0.001; p=0.01).
The water consumption of residential households with 3 family members accounted for the majority
(30.8%) in this study. The average daily consumption of drinking and domestic water was 297.67±19.7
liters. There was no statistically significant difference (p=0.96) in week. The average daily water
consumption including drinking and residential was 270.3-335.97 L.
The total daily drinking and residential water consumption per person was 15.57 L for households in ger areas and 90 L for apartment households. Calculating the daily water consumption of households in ger areas, 60.3% of it is used for laundry, washing dishes, food preparation, washing face and hands, and clothes, 31% for drinking, and 8.7% for outdoor water use. While apartment households, approximately 94.1%, were used for household and 5.9% for drinking purposes.
Research ethics approval :
This study was discussed at the meeting of the Academic Council of the National Center for Public
Health. In addition, this study was carried out according to the methods and methods discussed and
approved at the meeting of the Medical Ethics Control Committee of the Ministry of Health (Resolution
No. 08).
Conclusion
The total daily consumption of drinking and residential water per person were 15.57 litres for the
households in the ger areas and 90 litres for the apartment households. It implies that it does not exceed
the WHO recommendations
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