1.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.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.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.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.A study on socio-economic condition of health care workers
Nadmidtseren G ; Zoljargalan G ; Yerkebulan M ; Jargalsaikhan T ; Avirmed D ; Unurtsetseg Ch ; Munkh-Uchral D ; Munkhnasan Ts ; Erkhes E ; Baigal D ; Sugarmaa M
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2023;205(4):16-27
		                        		
		                        			Background:
		                        			It is stated in the Government Programme of 2016-2020 that public servants, including health care workers, shall be given a gradually increased salary based on their skill, dexterity, workload, and productivity, and such increase started from 2018 as planned. In the health sector of our country, regarding demand and regulation of the programme, the change shall be made that the system for median salary of physicians and overall staff employed at hospitals gets even constructive, and the required human resource for the sector shall be prepared. Thus, inferring from these claims, median salary, real wage, and socioeconomic condition are in critical need for further evaluation.
 
 
		                        		
		                        			Objective:
		                        			To examine the current socio-economic condition of health care workers, and to study the influencing 
factors at play.
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			In this study, we used quantitative and qualitative methods. In the survey, we involved 655 health 
care workers from 6 family health centers, 2 district hospitals, 3 health centers (district-based) in 
Songinokhairkhan, Sukhbaatar, and Baganuur districts; and Provincial hospital, regional diagnosis and 
health center, 16 soum health centers from Khovd, Uvs, Arkhangai, Bulgan, Khentii, Dornod, Umnugovi, and Dornogovi provinces, along with 3 National specialized health centers and 1 National central hospital. As for data gathering for the qualitative analysis, 30 focus group interviews and 47 key informant interviews were conducted for the purpose of examining socioeconomic condition, real wage sufficiency of health care workers.
 
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			Average household income of study participants was 1,880,269 tugrik, the real wage was 1,073,065 
tugrik, and the overall household is seen to be composed of 2 different sources on average, namely, 
self-wage and the income coming from family members or supplement of Child Money Programme. It 
has come to notice that 19.5% of the participants have lower than average living standard, 89.2% have 
2 different loans (mortgage, auto loan or mobile application based loans). Material deprivation index is 
seen to be 2.73, hence deemed as insufficient. In order to increase the real wage of those workers, it 
shall be taken into consideration that the basic salary is low, and some financial supplements need to 
be given. Furthermore, the performance based funding system of health sector is seen to be in need of 
improvement. 
		                        		
		                        			Conclusion
		                        			Real wage of the health care workers is, thus, insufficient. The fact that one in every five workers in this sector have lower than average living standard, and the material deprivation index is 2.73 implying that the financial lives of health care workers are immensely fragile.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Association between psychosocial work environment and health related indicators among health care workers
Sugarmaa M ; Nansalmaa Kh ; Zoljargalan G ; Azzaya Ch ; Avimed D ; Jargalsaikhan T ; Yerkeybulan M ; Baigal D ; Nadmidtseren G
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2023;205(4):28-37
		                        		
		                        			Background:
		                        			Psychosocial work environment predicts a range of health risks including sickness absence, poor self
rated health, and depression.
 
 
		                        		
		                        			Objective:
		                        			To identify association between psychosocial work environment and health related indicators among 
health care workers in Mongolia
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April, 2023. 655 health care workers from 
Ulaanbaatar city and 4 aimags were involved. Psychosocial work environment was assessed by the 
Effort-reward imbalance model. As for the health related indicators, we used the SF-12 questionnaire 
and sickness absence report. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. 
The study was approved by Medical Ethics Review Committee on January 18, 2023 (#23/02).
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			1 in every 2 health care workers experience effort-reward imbalance at work and rated their health 
as poor. In average, 32.7 percent of the study participants took 16.6 sick days for the last 1 year. 
The study identified poor physical (44.7±8.6) and mental health functioning (42.1±9.8) among study 
participants. Physical functioning was lower among nurses whereas mental health functioning was 
lower among physicians.
		                        		
		                        			Conclusion
		                        			Poor health related indicators among health care workers are associated with adverse psychosocial 
work environment such as effort-reward imbalance and high effort and low reward
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) signs of unstable plaques of coronary artery disease
Badamsed Ts ; Delgertsretseg D ; Jargalsaikhan S ; Erdenechimeg E ; Sodgerel B ; Bayaraa T ; Galsumiya L ; Natsagdorj U ; Pilmaa Yo
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2021;197(3):48-51
		                        		
		                        			Background:
		                        			The American Heart Association estimates that more than 1 million people die each 
year from acute coronary heart disease and half a million from acute coronary syndrome, and 
that $ 115 billion a year is spent on diagnosing and treating coronary heart disease [Word Health 
Organization, 2013].
		                        		
		                        			Goal:
		                        			In this study we aimed to using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to 
diagnose unstable plaques in coronary artery disease.
		                        		
		                        			Material and methods:
		                        			From 2018 to 2021, we performed a coronary computed tomography 
angiography (CCTA) scan with a Philips Ingenuity 64-slice computed tomography (64 MD-CT) 
device and examined 47 patients diagnosed with unstable coronary artery disease at the Reference 
centre on Diagnostic Imaging named after R.Purev State Laureate, People’s physician and Honorary 
professor of the State Third Central Hospital. 
Common statistical measurements such as means and standard errors were calculated. Probability 
of results were checked using Student’s test. 
		                        		
		                        			Result:
		                        			In studying signs of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to diagnose unstable 
plaques in coronary artery disease that coronary artery diameters more widening to compared healthy 
artery 16(34.0%±6.9), low density sites clarify in plaque (lower than +30HU)- 14(29.8%±6.7), small 
calcification detect in plaque 36 (74.5%±6.4), ring liked additional density (lower than +130 HU) 
sees in edge of plaque (Halo sign)-9(19.2%±5.8), plaque edge roughness, erosion liked changes- 18 
(38.3%±7.1), rupture of intima (dissection)- 8(17.0%±5.5).
		                        		
		                        			Conclusion
		                        			We detect that computed tomography angiography (CCTA)’s specific signs of unstable 
plaque of coronary artery disease are coronary artery diameters widening, low density sites clarify in 
plaque (lower than +30HU), small calcification detect in plaque, ring liked additional density (lower 
than +130 HU) sees in edge of plaque (Halo sign), plaque edge roughness, erosion liked changes 
and rupture of intima.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Result of studying lower extremity arterial occlusive disease by CTA-TASC classification of aorta-iliac and femoral popliteal lesions
Badamsed Ts ; Jargalsaikhan S ; Delgertsretseg D ; Tsetsegmaa B ; Sodgerel B ; Bayaraa T ; Galsumiya L ; Natsagdorj U ; Pilmaa Yo
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2021;197(3):52-58
		                        		
		                        			Background:
		                        			Lower extremity arterial diseases are chronic stenosis of the artery and occlusive arterial diseases, 
which are commonly caused by atherosclerosis. Prevalence of lower extremity arterial diseases has 
positive proportional relationship with age of the patients. Furthermore, prevalence of lower extremity 
arterial disease is 16% among the males over the age of 60, whereas prevalence among same aged 
woman is 13%. Among the age group of 38 to 59 age, 60 to 69 age and 70-82 age group, prevalence 
of lower extremity arterial disease was 5.6%, 15.9%, and 33.8%, respectively.
		                        		
		                        			Goal:
		                        			Identifying lower extremity arterial occlusive disease and chronic stenosis of arteries by CTA-TASC 
classification of aorta-iliac and femoral popliteal lesions.
		                        		
		                        			Obiective:
		                        			
1. To identify age and sex of the patients with lower extremity arterial occlusive disease and chronic 
stenosis of arteries.
2. To identify lower extremity arterial occlusive disease and chronic stenosis of arteries by CTA-TASC classification of aorta-iliac and femoral popliteal lesions.
		                        		
		                        			Material and methods:
		                        			Study sample consisted of 237 patients, who were diagnosed with lower extremity arterial occlusive 
disease and chronic stenosis of arteries from 2019 to 2020 at reference centre on Diagnostic Imaging 
na after R.Purev State Laureate, People’s physician and Honorary professor of the State Third Central 
Hospital. Computed angiogram images of lower extremity arteries were examined. Contrast agent 
“Ultravist” was pumped by automatic syringe. Lower extremity arterial occlusive disease and chronic 
stenosis of arteries are categorized by CTA-TASC classification of аorta-iliac and femoral popliteal 
lesions. The youngest participant was 20 years old and the oldest participant was 76 years old. 
Common statistical measurements such as means and standard errors were calculated. Probability 
of results were checked using Student’s test.
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			We have found following results: 185(78.1%±3.0) cases out of 237 diagnosed patients with lower 
extremity arterial occlusive disease and chronic stenosis of arteries are males and 52(21.9%±3.0) 
cases are female. Distribution of lower extremity arterial occlusive disease and chronic stenosis of 
arteries by the age group of patients are: up to 20 years of age is 3 (1.3%±0.7), 21 to 40 years of age 
is 14(5.9%±1.5), 41 to 60 years of age is 86(36.3%±3.1) and over the age of 61 is 134(56.5%±3.2). 
It is statistically highly significant that experiencing lower extremity arterial occlusive disease and 
chronic stenosis of arteries among the age group of over 61(P<0.001). 
The result of lower extremity arterial occlusive disease and chronic stenosis of arteries by the CTA-TASC classification of aorta-iliac and femoral popliteal lesions are: CTA-TASS аorta-iliac lesions 
A-16(6.8%±1.8), B-8(3.4%±1.2), C-12(5.1%±1.4), D-41(17.3%±2.5), CTA-TASS femoral popliteal 
A-41(17.29%±2.5), B-53(22.36%±3.6), C-47(19.83%±2.6), D-96(40.5%±3.2), respectively.
		                        		
		                        			Conclusions
		                        			
1. Lower extremity arterial occlusive disease and chronic stenosis of arteries occurs 46.5% over the 
age of 60 and 78.1% of the patients are males.
2. Following two categories have identified more than the rest, 17.3% CTA-TASC classification of 
аorta-iliac lesions, type D and 23.3% CTA-TASC classification of femoral popliteal lesions, type D.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Surgical treatment and survival rate from colorectal cancer in Mongolia
Ganbaatar R ; Chinzorig M ; Tuvshin B ; Erdene-Ochir Ya ; Jargalsaikhan D ; Erkhembayar E ; Bat-Оrgil Ch ; Khaliunaa B ; Batzorig B ; Ulziisaikhan B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2021;197(3):59-63
		                        		
		                        			Introduction:
		                        			In 2018, the overall colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rate was 3.6%, according to the 
National Cancer Center of Mongolia (NCCM), and the incidence of colorectal cancer has increased 
slightly in recent years. According to cancer stages, late stage cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 
51%, while early stage cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 79%. The overall survival rate of colorectal 
cancer in Mongolia has not been studied in precisely. In Asia, the 5-year survival rate for colorectal 
cancer was 60%. Therefore, this study investigated the colorectal cancer survival rate and prognostic 
factors at NCCM.
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			A total of 108 patients diagnosed with CRC at NCCM’s General Surgery Department from 
2013 to 2015 were used in this retrospective cohort study. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to 
develop the survival graphs, which were then compared using the Log-rank test.
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			The median survival time was 42 months, with a 95% CI (38.55-45.66). A 5-year period, 
the overall survival rate for CRC was 61.2%. Survival rates at the I, II, III, and IV stages were 100%, 
75%, 65.4%, and 13.5%, respectively. There was a significant difference in CRC survival rates across 
all stages (p=0.0001). There was a statistically significant difference in determining the relationship 
between adjuvant chemotherapy and survival rate (p=0.0003).
		                        		
		                        			Conclusion
		                        			The outcome of the surgery is determined by the CRC stage. The postoperative survival 
rate (61.2%) is directly related to tumor stage, peripheral glandular metastasis, distant metastasis, 
and chemotherapy effects.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Maternal smoking during pregnancy of risk factor avascular necrosis of the femoral head disease
Otgonchimeg T ; Naranbat L ; Budee B ; Otgonsaikhan N ; Erdenbileg A ; Jargalsaikhan B ; Zulai D ; Gantuya D
Innovation 2020;14(2):40-45
		                        		
		                        			Purpose:
		                        			The etiology of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) remains unknown until today. A few 
studies have suggested passive smoke inhalation may be a risk factor, although the association 
is not confirmed and a causal relationship has not been established. Most mothers who smoke 
during pregnancy may continue smoking after giving a birth, it would be difficult to determine 
to what extent passive smoke inhalation adds to the risk of LCPD in these children. The causes 
of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease are largely unknown, but this pediatric disease seems to result 
from interruption of the blood supply to the proximal femur and is considered a vascular disease. 
Because maternal smoking during pregnancy influences fetal development and is associated 
with cardiovascular diseases in offspring, we hypothesized that this exposure and passive Tabaco 
smoke exposure are risk factors for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and also investigated other 
markers of impaired fetal development and early-life exposures. 
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			We prospectively recruited total 96 patients, among those 32 patients with LCPD as 
a case group and 64 patients attending the hospital for other orthopedic complaints as control 
group. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess the association between the exposures 
and risk of LCPD. 
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			The main risk factors for LCPD were family background, indoor use of a wood stove, 
having a family member who smoked indoors (passive smoke) and smoke during pregnancy. 
Children from the middle socioeconomic group appeared to be at a greater risk of developing 
LCPD. 
		                        		
		                        			Conclusions
		                        			This study provides further evidence that environmental tobacco smoke is 
associated with an increased risk of LCPD. Family background and exposure to wood smoke 
also appears to be risk factors. Maternal smoking during pregnancy and other factors indicated 
by impaired fetal development may be associated with an increased risk of Legg-Calvé-Perthes 
disease. However, it remains unclear why there are profound differences in the incidence of 
the disease between regions when the prevalence of smoking is comparable and why bilateral 
involvement is infrequent, and it needs further study.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9. THE SUCCESSFUL SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR ABDOMINAL AORTIC COARCTATION AND LEFT NEPHRECTOMY
Erdenesuren J ; Nyamsuren S ; Altankhuyag G ; Ganchudur L ; Demid-Od N ; Zorig TS ; Damdinsuren TS ; Badamsed TS ; Delgertsetseg D ; Jargalsaikhan S ; Batmunkh M ; Enkhee O
Journal of Surgery 2016;20(2):96-
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 Middle aortic coarctation (MAC), a variantof middle aortic syndrome, is a rare entity withonly ~200 cases described in the literature.It classically presents with early onset andrefractory hypertension, abdominal angina,and lower extremity claudication(1).A 30 years-old woman, Her systolic bloodpressure measures 180-200mm Hg and diastolicpressures measure 70mm Hg in both arms,lower extremity pressures are approximately70mm Hg. Her bilateral femoral pulses andpedal pulses are nonpalpable, but present onDoppler exam and CT-Angiography.We prepared diagnostic of CT-Angiographyand Aortography before operation. Wesuccessful operated abdominal aorticcoarctation by “Silver graft” Aortoaortic bypasson the middle aortic, left nephrectomy.She was discharged home on postoperativeday 7. Post operation is good. We werecontrolled CT-Angiography. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Investigation of relationship between functional level, cognitive status, emotional status, and quality of life in elderly people living at their own home and in Batsumber
Munkhkhand J ; Jargalsaikhan T ; Sugjlkham D ; Gerelmaa A ; Delgermaa S
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2015;172(2):78-81
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 PurposeThe aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between cognitive status, depression level,functional status and quality of life in elderly people living at home and in Batsumber.Methods158 voluntary elderly subjects, older than 60 ages were included in the study. The data was obtained byface to face interviews. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic characteristics, administrationof the standardized Mini mental test (SMMT), Geriatric Depression scale (GDS), Lawton instrumentalactivities of daily living (IADL) scale and World health organization Quality of life instrument-olderadults module (WHOQOL-OLD). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22 software.ResultsThe living at their own home subjects (77.4%) had a high cognitive level and the living in nursing homesubjects (88.2%) low cognitive level. In both groups appeared in high levels of depression. Therewas a positive correlation between IADL, cognitive status and quality of life (p<0.05) and a negativecorrelation between cognitive status, quality of life and depression status.Conclusion: Our results suggest that elderly are more susceptible to the risk of developing psychiatricproblems especially depression. And this study indicated importance of the relationship betweenfunctional level, cognitive status, depression level and quality of life of elderly people living at homeand in Batsumber. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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