Mongolian Population Research Articles

Prevalence of thyrotoxicosis in Mongolia

To determine the prevalence of thyroid toxicity (thyrotoxicosis) in the population of Mongolia. The survey was conducted using descriptive research methods. In order to study the prevalence of thyroid disease diagnosed nationwide, the actual number of thyroid diseases registered in 9 districts of the capital city and 330 soums of 21 aimags in 2011–2020 was collected. Thyroid disease in 330 soums and 9 districts was calculated for each aimag, soum, age group, and sex per 10,000 local population in a given year. The prevalence of thyroid disease was mapped using Arc view and GIS software. Thyrotoxicosis is the most common thyroid disorder in Mongolia, accounting for 56.2%, with an average of 17.2 per 10,000 population in 2011–2020. In 2011, it increased 8.1 per 10,000 population, and in 2020, it increased 3 times to 25.1, and in the first 5 years, it increased 12.4 times per 10,000 population on average, and in the last 5 years it increased 21.8 times to 21.9. Thyrotoxicosis is the most common thyroid disorder in Mongolia, accounting for 56.2%, with an average of 17.2 per 10,000 population in 2011-2020. In 2011, it increased 8.1 per 10,000 population, and in 2020, it increased 3 times to 25.1, and in the first 5 years, it increased 12.4 times per 10,000 population on average, and in the last 5 years it increased 21.8 times to 21.9. In order to determine the motility of thyrotoxicosis, the disease was classified into three categories: less than 5 per 10,000 population, 5.1-10, and more than 10.1. In the last 10 years (2011–2020), less than 5 cases per 10,000 population accounted for 57% of all provinces, 20.1% for 5.1–10, and 22.1% for more than 10.1. Among thyroid disorders, thyrotoxicosis accounts for 56.2%, iodine-deficient thyroid disease for 5.5%, and other thyroid diseases for 38.3%. Compared to 5 and 5 years, in the last 5 years, more than 20.1 cases per 10,000 population have increased by 12.7% compared to the first 5 years.

ADD1 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Are Associated With Essential Hypertension Among Han and Mongolian Population in Inner Mongolia Area.

Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) and α-adducing (ADD1) are candidate genes that play key roles during essential hypertension (EH) incidence. However, the association between their genetic mutations and the risk of EH is unclear. The present study investigated specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from CYP11B2 and ADD1, and their potential role as risk factors for EH based on 423 Mongolian and 410 Han people in Inner Mongolia province. In the allelic model, people with ADD1 rs2239728-A presented a 0.74-fold risk than rs2239728-C, whereas the ADD1 rs4961-T was associated with a 1.37-fold higher risk than allele G in the Han population. The genetic model reported that the rs2239728-A carrier (AA + AC) was 0.59-fold lower than the CC carrier, whereas the rs4961-G carrier (GG + GT) was 0.59-fold lower than the TT carrier in the dominant model. After gender adjustment, people with rs2239728-A was a 0.63-fold risk than –C in EH, but the rs4961-T carrier was associated with a 1.63-times higher risk than –G in females. Haplotype analysis showed that GCCT was associated with essential hypertension in the Han population, and it was a risk factor for EH. Our identification reported novel SNPs of ADD1 with protective significance for EH among females in the Chinese Han population, together with its haplotype GCCT as a risk factor for EH.

Inflammatory cell distribution accrediting Th2 inflammation in Sinonasal polyp in Indian Population

The pathophysiology of Chronic Rhino-Sinusitis with Nasal Polyposis (CRSwNP) showed distinct ethnic and geographic differences whereas the Western Caucasian population revealed Th2 eosinophilic inflammation in contrary to the Asian Mongolian population with Th1-Th17 non-eosinophilic inflammatory pattern. Prospective Observational study was undertaken from December 2019 to December 2021 on 50 patients who were diagnosed to have sinonasal polyposis. The collected polyp tissue was sent to the histopathological department for further microscopic evaluation. The types of inflammatory cell infiltrate studied in the tissue specimens obtained during surgery included lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, mast cells, and plasma cells. The age of patients ranged from 11 to 70 years with a mean age of 31.80±17.69 years. The male to female ratio was 1.3:1. The 62% of patients showed the predominance of eosinophil which was of grade III and grade IV category, Lymphocyte infiltrate of grades III and IV was present in 46% of cases, Mast cell was 30% and 10% of grade III and Grade IV respectively, and the Neutrophils were found only in 22% and 105 of cases of grade III & Grade IV, respectively which was the least of all inflammatory cells found in polyp tissue. The cellular predominance was shifted toward the Th2 type of inflammation with the predominance of Eosinophil, Lymphocytes, Plasma cells, and mast cells in the Asian Aryan sub origin population contrary to the Th17 type of inflammation as indicated by the least infiltration of Neutrophils as reported in Asian Mongolian Populations.

P57-6 Helicobacter pylori isolates from Mongolia describing gastric carcinogenesis and human migration

Globally Mongolia is the top country by the incidence of gastric cancer followed by Japan and Korea which are the East Asian countries. Helicobacter pylori infection possessing East-Asian-type CagA is more associated with gastric carcinogenesis. Similar to western countries the characteristic topography of gastric cancer in Mongolia being in the middle and upper part of stomach, differed from East Asian countries which is mainly located in lower part of stomach. Therefore studying H. pylori among Mongolian population is challenging.

Utility of China-PAR stroke equations for predicting 10-year stroke risk in the rural Inner Mongolian population in China

ABSTRACT Background The aim of this study is to investigate the capability using the China-PAR stroke equations for predicting 10-year risk of stroke among the Inner Mongolian population in China. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted among 2535 rural Inner Mongolian residents from June 2002 to July 2012. Participants were categorized into four subgroups according to their 10-year predicted stroke risks calculated using the China-PAR stroke equations: <5%, 5–9.9%, 10–19.9%, and ≥20%. Results The C-statistic of the China-PAR stroke equations for 10-year stroke was 0.58, and the result from Hosmer–Lemeshow ‘goodness-of-fit’ test showed that the China-PAR stroke equations fitted the Inner Mongolian women well (χ2 = 11.18, P = 0.192). The adjusted hazard ratios of stroke were 3.86 (95% CI: 1.12–13.29) for 5–9.9% category, 10.37 (95% CI: 2.70–39.84) for 10–19.9% category, and 17.00 (95% CI: 3.54–81.63) for ≥20% category among Inner Mongolian women using the <5% category as reference (P for trend <0.001). However, the China-PAR stroke equations underestimated the 10-year stroke risk in Inner Mongolian men, and the calibration was unsatisfactory (χ 2 = 15.82, P = 0.045). Conclusion The China-PAR stroke equations have potential predictive ability for 10-year stroke risk in the rural Inner Mongolian women, while it might not suit the rural Inner Mongolian men well. The performance of China-PAR stroke equations in other ethnic groups in China will need to be further evaluated.

Hepatitis B, C, and D Virus Infections and AFP Tumor Marker Prevalence Among the Elderly Population in Mongolia: A Nationwide Survey.

ObjectivesInfections with hepatitis B, C, and D virus (HBV, HCV, and HDV) are a major public health problem and lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV, anti-HDV immunoglobulin G, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and dual and triple hepatitis virus infections in Mongolia.MethodsA total of 2313 participants from urban and rural regions were randomly recruited for this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was used to identify the risk factors for hepatitis virus infections, and the seromarkers were measured using immunoassay kits.ResultsAmong all participants, the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HDV was 15.6%, 36.6%, and 14.3%, respectively. The infection rates were significantly higher in females and participants with a lower education level, rural residence, older age, and a history of blood transfusion. HBV and HCV co-infection was found in 120 (5.2%) participants and HBV, HCV, and HDV triple infection was detected in 67 (2.9%) participants. The prevalence of elevated AFP was 2.7%, 5.5%, and 2.6% higher in participants who were seropositive for HBsAg (p=0.01), anti-HCV (p<0.001), and anti-HDV (p=0.022), respectively. Elevated AFP was more prevalent in participants co-infected with HBV and HCV (5.8%, p=0.023), HBV and HDV (6.0%, p<0.001), and triple-infected with HBV, HCV, and HDV (7.5%) than in uninfected individuals.ConclusionsNearly half (49.8%) of the study population aged ≥40 years were infected with HBV, HCV, or HDV, and 22.4% had dual or triple infections.

Anti-oxidant and Anticancerous Effect of Fomitopsis officinalis (Vill. ex Fr. Bond. et Sing) Mushroom on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells In Vitro through NF-kB Pathway.

Fomitopsis officinalis (Vill. ex Fr. Bond. et Sing) is a medicinal mushroom, commonly called 'Agarikon'; it has traditionally been used to treat cough and asthma in the Mongolian population. The objective of the study was to examine the significance of biological activity of F. officinalis and evaluation of the antioxidant activity and anticancer activity of six fractions of F. officinalis residues (Fo1-powder form dissolved in ethanol, Fo2-petroleum ether residue, Fo3-chloroformic, Fo4-ethylacetate, Fo5-buthanolic, and Fo6-waterethanolic) against hepatocellular carcinoma cells. We performed in vitro studies of cell proliferation and viability assay, annexin V-FITC/Propidium Iodide assay, and NF-kB signaling pathway by immunoblot analysis. Our findings revealed that all six fractions/extracts have antioxidant activity, and somehow, they exert anticancerous effects against cancer cells. In cancerous cell lines (HepG2 and LO2), Fo3 chloroformic extract promoted the cancer cell apoptosis and cell viability, activated G2/M-phase cell cycle, and selectively induced NF-kB proteins, revealing as a novel antitumor extract. This study reports that Fo3-chloroformic extract is rich in antitumor activity, which was previously not investigated in cancer. To develop the impact of F. officinalis among natural products to treat/prevent oxidative stress disorders or cancers, further examinations of F. officinalis are needed to develop new natural drugs to treat cancer. However, this study assessed only one extract, Fo3-chloroformic, which has a significant impact against cancer cell lines.

Morphometric Evaluation of Bony Nasolacrimal Canal in Mongolians with Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Objectives: To compare the morphometric differences of the bony nasolacrimal canal in unilateral primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) patients between PANDO and non-PANDO sides and the control group in the Mongolian population. Methods: A hospital-based, retrospective case-control design was used for this study. A total of 584 participants were grouped into PANDO patients and the control group. Morphometry of the bony nasolacrimal canal was measured by CT scan. Results: The bony nasolacrimal canal’s minimum transverse diameter was 3.67 ± 1.96 mm on the PANDO side, 3.98 ± 2.01 mm on the non - PANDO side and 4.03 ± 1.12 mm for the control group (p &gt; 0.05). The distal bony nasolacrimal canal transverse diameter was 4.39 ± 1.21 mm for the PANDO side, 4.33 ± 1.32 mm on the non-PANDO side and 5.11 ± 1.25 mm for the control groups (p &lt; 0.05). The bony nasolacrimal canal entrance transverse diameter was 4.36 ± 1.59 mm on the PANDO side, 4.43 ± 1.83 mm on the non-PANDO side and 4.69 ± 1.61 mm in the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Narrower bony nasolacrimal canal morphology may cause a tendency for PANDO development. We identified a narrow distal bony nasolacrimal transverse diameter for both the PANDO and non-PANDO sides of unilateral PANDO patients compared with the control group.

Rush or relax: migration tactics of a nocturnal insectivore in response to ecological barriers

During their annual migration, avian migrants alternate stopover periods, for refuelling, with migratory flight bouts. We hypothesise that European Nightjars (Caprimulgus europaeus) adapt their daily migration tactics in association with biomes. We tracked the autumn migration of 24 European Nightjars, from breeding populations in Mongolia, Belgium and UK, using GPS-loggers and multi-sensor data loggers. We quantified crepuscular and nocturnal migration and foraging probabilities, as well as daily travel speed and flight altitude during active migration in response to biomes. Nightjars adopt a rush tactic, reflected in high daily travel speed, flight altitude and high migration probabilities at dusk and at night, when travelling through ecological barriers. Migration is slower in semi-open, hospitable biomes. This is reflected in high foraging probabilities at dusk, lower daily travel speed and lower migration probabilities at dusk. Our study shows how nightjars switch migration tactics during autumn migration, and suggest nightjars alternate between feeding and short migratory flight bouts within the same night when travelling through suitable habitats. How this may affect individuals’ fuel stores and whether different biomes provide refuelling opportunities en route remains to be investigated, to understand how future land-use change may affect migration patterns and survival probabilities.

Analysis of Dietary Supplement Use and Influencing Factors in the Mongolian Population.

Objective Dietary supplements (DS) may improve micronutrient deficiencies, but the unique eating habits and cultural customs of the Chinese Mongolian population affect their choice of DS. Therefore, this study adopted a cross-sectional method to explore the current status of DS use and to assess the influencing factors in the Mongolian population in Inner Mongolia, China. Methods We used a multistage random cluster sampling method to select 1,434 Mongolian people aged ≥ 18 years in Hohhot and Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia. Data regarding general patient characteristics and DS use through questionnaire surveys were obtained, and the blood plasma was collected for biochemical index detection. The binary logistic regression and decision tree algorithm were used to predict the factors influencing DS use among the Mongolian population. Results Among 1,434 participants that completed the baseline survey, the usage rate of DS was 18.83%, and more women than men used DS (P = 0.017). Higher use of DS was reported among individuals aged ≤ 34 years, but this difference is not statistically significant (P = 0.052). Usage rate was higher among those living in urban areas (P < 0.001), those with higher education (P < 0.001), those engaged in mental work (P < 0.001), and nonsmokers (P = 0.019). The biochemical test results showed that the proportion of people with abnormal total cholesterol levels using DS was lower (P = 0.003), but that of those with abnormal triglyceride levels using DS was higher (P = 0.001), compared with the proportion of those with normal levels in each case. The most commonly used supplement was calcium (58.15%). Education level was the main factor affecting DS intake. The results of the binary logistic regression model and decision tree model both showed that region, educational level, and abnormal triglyceride levels were significant factors influencing DS intake among Mongolians. Conclusion Findings from this study indicate that DS intake is uncommon in the Mongolian population. In addition, sex, region, education level, and triglyceride levels may influence DS use.

Улаанбаатар Орчмын “Сонгино” Идэвхитэй Хагарал Дээрхи Георадарын Судалгааны Анхан Шатны Үр Дүнгээс

The seismic activity observed in the vicinity of Ulaanbaatar (UB) city not only has been increased since 2005, but it is also organized, at least, on two perpendicular directions which determine two active faults: Emeelt fault (40 km long, situated 15 km NW of UB) and Hustai fault (80 km long, less than 30 km West of UB). The Songino fault (10 km long, situated 20 km West of UB) is located between Emeelt and Hustai fault. Their length and morphology indicate they can produce earthquakes of magnitude 6.5 to 7.5. Most of the Mongolian population (1.5 million over 3 million) is concentrated around UB city which is the main political and economical centre of the country. Hence, the study of seismic hazard is of first importance for the country. Since the last large earthquake, the fault geomorphology has been smoothed due to erosion processes and a low slip rate. The exact location of the fault is thus hidden in a several meter strip. In such a context, the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) method gives good and useful results and can help to characterize faults by identifying offsets of radar reflectionsand buried fluvial channel deposits. In order to image and characterize these faults, we have conducted many GPR campaigns in 2010, 2012 and 2013 over active areas around UB. In our study we present only some preliminary results of GPR measurements performed along the Songino fault (in 2013). The objective is to understand its geometry (dip, length, orientation) and the type of displacements and amplitude. In this survey we used 250 MHz, 500 MHz shielded antenna and RTA 50 MHz unshielded antenna and also used a differential GPS in order to measure the topography. One trench has been dug in Songino area.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Mongolian regional horses with 14 microsatellite markers

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the genetic diversity and population structure of Mongolian horse populations according to the province of residence (Khentii, KTP; Uvs, USP; Omnogovi and Dundgovi, GOP; Khovsgol, KGP) using 14 microsatellite (MS) markers.MethodsA total of 269 whole blood samples were obtained from the four populations (KTP, USP, GOP, KGP) geographically distinct provinces. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted using 14 MS markers (AHT4, ASB2, ASB17, ASB23, CA425, HMS1, HMS2, HMS3, HMS6, HMS7, HTG4, HTG6, HTG7, and VHL20), as recommended by the International Society for Animal Genetics. Capillary electrophoresis was conducted using the amplified PCR products, alleles were determined. Alleles were used for statistical analysis of genetic variability, Nei’s DA genetic distance, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), factorial corresponding analysis (FCA), and population structure.ResultsOn average, the number of alleles, expected heterozygosity (HExp), observed heterozygosity (HObs), and polymorphic information content among all populations were 11.43, 0.772, 0.757, and 0.737, respectively. In the PCoA and FCA, GOP, and KGP were genetically distinct from other populations, and the KTP and USP showed a close relationship. The two clusters identified using Nei’s DA genetic distance analysis and population structure highlighted the presence of structurally clear genetic separation.ConclusionOverall, the results of this study suggest that genetic diversity between KTP and USP was low, and that between GOP and KGP was high. It is thought that these results will help in the effective preservation and improvement of Mongolian horses through genetic diversity analysis and phylogenetic relationships.

Determining Gastric Cancer-Related Risk Factors in Mongolian Population Using ABC(D) Method: A Matched Case-Control Study

Objective:We aimed to identify gastric cancer-related risk factors and evaluate the efficacy of screening ABC(D) method in determining high risk gastric cancer individuals in Mongolian population. Methods: A total of 240 participants (120 gastric cancer patients and 120 healthy individuals) were included in this study. Data were collecting using a structured questionnaire consisting of 56 questions covering 5 categories. Serum Helicobacter pylori IgG (H. pylori IgG), pepsinogen I (PGI), and pepsinogen II (PGII) were tested in one third of all the participants (40 gastric cancer patients and 40 controls). PGI, PGII, and H. pylori IgG levels were measured using GastroPanel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (Biohit, Helsinki, Finland). Results:Habits of having leftover meals (OR 2.22, 95%CI 1.27-3.86, p<0.01), daily consumption of tea with salt (OR 1.97, 95%CI 1.18-3.30, p<0.01), smoking on an empty stomach (OR 2.44, 95%CI 1.11-5.37, p<0.05), daily consumption of vegetables (OR 0.45, 95%CI 0.27-0.76, p<0.01), and daily consumption of fruit juice (OR 0.36, 95%CI 0.15-0.85, p<0.05), family history of gastric cancer (parents OR 2.88, 95%CI 1.07-7.78, p<0.05, siblings (OR 3.09, 95%CI 1.09-8.81, p<0.05), and history of gastric diseases (OR 3.65, 95%CI 2.10-6.35, p<0.0001) were identified as protective factors. A low PGI level (<35.25ng/ml) and low PGI/II ratio (<4) were associated with gastric cancer risk. According to ABC(D) method, groups C and D had higher proportion of gastric cancer cases than group A and B (group C, OR 7.50, 95%CI 1.20-47.05, p<0.05; group D, OR 8.3, 95%CI 1.33-51.26, p<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that gastric cancer risk was more closely related to eating habits, smoking, family history, and precancerous lesions. ABC(D) method seems to be a plausible alternative or supplementary method for stratifying patients at high risk of gastric cancer in this country.

Ранние стадии верхнего палеолита бассейна Селенги: вариабельность каменной технологии, жизнеобеспечение и поселенческие системы

Northern Mongolia and southwest Transbaikalia, encompassing the Selenga River Basin, constitute the geographical core of the earliest known Initial Upper Paleolithic (IUP) laminar industries. Comparison of the broad spectrum of criteria presented here allows reconstructing variability within these IUP industries, determining regional traits in settlement systems, and the character of population mobility. Workshops were the main site-type identified, visible as several short-term occupational episodes. One of our foci is illuminating the role of the Selenga River Valley and its tributaries as the principal migration corridors for population diffusion in the Upper Paleolithic. Although some unique regional features are apparent, the technology and typology of the lithic industries demonstrate great similarity. We suggest that the cumulative evidence indicates the recent divergence of Mongolian and Transbaikalian IUP populations stemming from a common ancestral group of humans.

Genetic insights and evaluation of forensic features in Mongolian and Ewenki groups using the InDel variations.

InDel polymorphisms show great potential for use with challenging DNA samples in forensic practice due to having similar advantages to STRs and SNPs. Large-scale InDel genotype data are becoming available world wide populations, thus providing an alternative for investigating genetic architectures in rarely studied populations from a genome perspective. Here, we genotyped 47 highly polymorphic InDel variations in 157 Mongolian and 100 Ewenki individuals from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China in order to evaluate their utility for forensic purposes. The CDPs of the 47 InDels for these groups were calculated to be 0.999999999999999999874 and 0.999999999999999999677, respectively, while the CPEs were 0.99981 and 0.99975, respectively. The 47 InDel variations were therefore an efficient tool for forensic personal identification in the Mongolian and Ewenki ethnic groups. Comparison of results from the present study with datasets from previously published literatures and from the 1000 Genomes Project revealed a prominent East Asian ancestry component in the gene pool of both ethnic groups, hinting at the close genetic relationships between Mongolian, Ewenki and most East Asian populations. Furthermore, Han populations from northern China showed even closer genetic affinities with the Mongolian and Ewenki groups. The data presented here would facilitate the forensic application of InDels for Mongolian and Ewenki ethnic minorities and expand our knowledge regarding the genetic diversities of these populations.

Constructing Qinghai Province: Chinese state-making in a Tibetan-Mongol frontier region 1907-1957

ABSTRACT Dilemmas of territoriality beset the modern Chinese state at the rupture with empire in 1912, critically in the northwestern borderlands where Mongol and Tibetan declarations of independence threatened disaggregation of the imperial territory. In response the new Republican government took up the late Qing’s practice of “consolidating the borders” (shibian) by establishing provinces in the empire’s Inner Asian dependencies (fanshu) to integrate them by direct administration into the Chinese state. This paper examines one such project of Chinese state-making at the frontiers: the construction of Qinghai Province in the region of the Qing dependency situated between Gansu Province and Central Tibet. It adopts a historical-geographic approach to the state’s instrumentalization of administrative categorization and construction in Qinghai’s Tibetan and Mongol territories, a protracted undertaking carried out with heavy reliance on military coercion. Making the province evolved through interplay of national state and regional sub-state interests, driven by the Sino-Muslim Ma regime who acted as key agents on the ground, but located within the Republican political-administrative structure. In 1949, the CCP eliminated the Republic and the Ma regime but retained the province, dynamically restructuring its interior administration under regional nationality autonomy in recognition of the region’s Tibetan, Mongol and other non-Han populations. Qinghai’s significance for Chinese states in the first half of the 20th century lay in centrist calculations of national security and territoriality. As the first Chinese province on the Tibetan Plateau, its construction was, in essence, concerned with sovereignty, providing a political-administrative means to alter wider regional geopolitics in the interests of the Chinese state. Ongoing re-categorization of territorial administrative units inside the province suggests an unfinished project of state territorialization, as anxieties over instability in the northwestern regions of the PRC intensify.

Analysis of mitochondrialDNAhaplogroup frequencies in the population of the slab burial mortuary culture of Mongolia (ca. 1100–300 BCE)

AbstractRecent research has shown evidence of ancient admixture from both eastern and western Eurasian genetics in the human populations of Mongolia going back to at least the Eneolithic Afanasievo archaeological culture (ca. 3000 BCE). Eastern mtDNA lineages found in ancient and living Mongolians in the past and present have greatest affinity with Neolithic populations from the Transbaikal region of southern Siberia, suggesting that people from this region were likely the first to colonize northern and eastern Mongolia after the last glacial maximum (ca. 24,500–17,000 BCE), while western Eurasian groups probably migrated to the steppe in association with the earliest forms of pastoralism. While some studies suggest the contribution of these ancient western lineages to the modern populations in Mongolia was minimal, this research demonstrates that western mtDNA lineages were particularly prominent among the burial populations of the Early Iron and Iron Ages in the region. This is most notable among the burial population associated with slab burials and the burial population of their successors, the people associated with the Xiongnu polity (209 BCE–91 CE). Similarities between mtDNA haplogroup frequencies of the slab burial and Xiongnu burial populations also strongly support the proposal that the builders of the slab burials were the principal ancestors of the Xiongnu people.ObjectivesThe objective of this research is to increase understanding of human population change on the Mongolian steppe during the first millennium BCE and how it may be associated with cultural change and the creation of early eastern steppe empires. It examines the mtDNA haplogroup frequencies of the burial population from slab burials in Mongolia and compares it with frequencies from various other populations to determine population affinities.MethodsThis study was primarily based on Sanger sequencing the HV1 of the mtDNA of ancient individuals from Mongolia during the Early Iron Age for haplogroup determination and then comparing mtDNA haplogroup frequencies with previously published data including 110 ancient and modern populations. The 21 samples used in this study were selected based on region, dating, and availability. Pairwise Fsts of mtDNA haplogroup frequencies were calculated using the Arlequin population genetics program.ResultsThe mtDNA hg of 20 of 21 samples are determined and added to previously published data, increasing the total sample to 35 for the particular population of interest. Using this mtDNA gene pool, it is determined that by the Late Bronze Age an east–west mixed population has already been established, which stays relatively stable into the Iron Age (Xiongnu) period, suggesting that the people practicing the slab burial tradition are the most likely biological ancestors of the Xiongnu. It also notes a distinct difference in mtDNA haplogroup frequencies between north‐eastern and central populations in Mongolia during the Iron Age.ConclusionsThere was little change in mtDNA haplogroup frequencies during the first millennium BCE, which contrasts with the clear change in the first millennium CE. MtDNA hg frequencies (matrilines) seemed to be stable at around 28%; however, Y‐ch frequencies have a dramatic shift towards western lineages during the Xiongnu period (300 BCE–200 CE). The mtDNA haplogroup frequencies from the population from the slab burials have close affinity with the Xiongnu population frequencies. This suggests a notable and consistent western Eurasian component in Mongolia during the first millennium BCE, established before the end of the Bronze Age and possibly associated with the introduction of the domestic horse.

Skin aging risk factors: A nationwide population study in Mongolia risk factors of skin aging.

The world population is aging and no country is immune to the consequences. We are not aware of any country-specific skin aging risk factors data for the Mongolian people. Thus, we aimed to study the risk factors associated with skin aging in the Mongolian population. A population-based cross-sectional study of 2720 study participants 18 years of age and older was performed evaluating the severity of skin aging based on cutaneous microtopography. Questionnaire data and skin physiological measurements were obtained. The odds ratios for skin aging grades associated with risk factors were estimated using ordinal logistic regression. Study participant’s mean age was 45 years, ranging from 18 to 87. After adjustment for known risk factors, skin aging was associated with demographic risk factors such as increasing age (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.18–1.20), living in an urban area (aOR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.12–1.55) and lifestyle factors including being a smoker (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.09–1.61), having a higher body mass index (aOR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06) and higher levels of sun exposure time (aOR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.06) were significantly associated with higher skin aging grades. Having dry (aOR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.45–2.59) and combination skin (aOR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.22–2.16) types were also independent risk factors associated with skin aging. Having very low skin surface moisture at the T-zone (aOR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.42–3.11) was significantly related to skin aging. Older age, urban living and toxic working conditions were independent demographic risk factors related to skin aging. Smoking, higher BMI, greater levels of sun exposure were significant lifestyle risk factors. Having a skin type other than normal was a physiologic risk factor for skin aging.

Population genetic structure and conservation management of hill pigeons (Columba rupestris) recently endangered in South Korea

BackgroundHill pigeons (Columba rupestris) are close to local extinction (ca. less than 100 individuals) in South Korea where a variety of conservation management procedures are urgently required.ObjectiveThis study was aimed at determining the conservation direction of captive propagation and reintroduction of hill pigeons using genetic information based on mitochondrial DNA. We also evaluated the extent of hybridization between hill pigeons and cohabiting domestic pigeons.MethodsWe used 51 blood samples of hill pigeons from Goheung (GH), Gurye (GR), and Uiryeong (UR), and domestic pigeons cohabiting with hill pigeon populations. Genetic diversity, pairwise Fst, analysis of molecular variance, and haplotype network analysis were used to examine the genetic structure of hill pigeons.ResultsHill pigeons that inhabited South Korea were not genetically distinct from Mongolian and Russian populations and showed relatively low genetic diversity compared with other endangered species in Columbidae. The GR population that exhibited the largest population size showed lower genetic diversity, compared to the other populations, although the pairwise Fst values of the three populations indicated low genetic differentiation. The GH and GR populations were confirmed to lack hybridization, relatively, whereas the UR population was found to exhibit some degrees of hybridization.ConclusionTo conserve hill pigeons with low genetic diversity and differentiation in South Korea, the conservation process of captive propagation and reintroduction may require artificial gene flows among genetically verified populations in captivity and wildness. The introduction of foreign individuals from surrounding countries is also considered an alternative strategy for maintaining genetic diversity.

Isolation and Identification of a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N6 Virus from Migratory Waterfowl in Western Mongolia.

In April 2020, two Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus) and one Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides) were found dead at three different locations in western Mongolia. Virus isolation from organs taken from the carcasses and full genome sequencing revealed that all three birds were positive for highly pathogenic H5N6 avian influenza virus (HPAIV) belonging to subclade 2.3.4.4h. Confirming similar reports from central Mongolia and western China, these findings have important implications for the monitoring, control, and management of HPAIVs in wild bird and commercial poultry populations in Mongolia.