Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) ranks first in mortality among gynecological malignancies, and according to the 2024 WHO report, 90–95% of ovarian tumors are diagnosed as high-grade malignant forms. Early identification of ovarian cancer risk factors is of great importance in improving diagnostic and treatment management. Aim: To investigate risk factors influencing malignant and benign ovarian tumors in women. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a prospective observational design between 2025 and 2026, based at the Departments of Gynecological Surgery of the National Cancer Center (NCC) and the Mongolian Japanese Teaching Hospital (MJTH). A total of 93 women aged 26–78 years diagnosed with ovarian masses (72% benign, 28% malignant) were enrolled, and data were collected using a 116-item questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using binary logistic regression in SPSS 25.0. Results: The mean age of the malignant group (53.45±12.97) was statistically significantly higher than that of the benign group (38.95±12.81) (p<0.0001). Lower educational level (p=0.046) and higher smoking rates (p=0.034) were observed in the malignant group. Regarding symptoms, abdominal distension (p=0.005), urinary difficulty (p=0.016), and weight loss (p=0.002) were predominantly present in the malignant group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that weight loss increased the risk of malignant ovarian tumor by 7.0-fold (OR=7.0; 95% CI: 1.74–28.14; p=0.006), urinary difficulty by 4.05-fold (OR=4.05; 95% CI: 1.23–13.37; p=0.022), and abdominal distension by 3.52-fold (OR=3.52; 95% CI: 1.43–8.67; p=0.006). Additionally, menstrual irregularity, postmenopausal status, and family history of ovarian cancer were statistically significantly associated with malignancy. Conclusion Malignant ovarian tumors predominantly occur in postmenopausal women, with risk increasing with age. Weight loss, urinary difficulty, and abdominal distension are the key clinical symptoms for differentiating malignant tumors, and menstrual irregularity, menopausal status, and family history showed statistically significant associations with malignancy. The use of the HE4 biomarker and the ROMA algorithm is recommended for early detection of ovarian cancer in future practice.

Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) accounts for approximately 20% of all malignant skin tumors and is the second most common skin cancer worldwide. Although the prognosis is generally favorable when diagnosed at an early stage, large tumors with invasion into surrounding tissues and metastasis to regional lymph nodes tend to exhibit more aggressive behavior. In particular, reconstruction of large tissue defects following wide excision of skin tumors remains a significant clinical challenge. Case presentation: We present a rare case of cSCC in a 69-year-old male patient, located on the left hip. The lesion measured 13x9 cm, with well-demarcated borders from the surrounding normal skin, prominently elevated above the skin surface, and characterized by a bluish-brown color. The central superior portion of the lesion was depressed and ulcerated with infiltrative features. Histopathological examination confirmed a well-differentiated, keratinizing invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Computed tomography revealed a soft tissue density mass at the skin surface of the left lower abdomen, along with enlargement of the left inguinal lymph nodes. Treatment: The patient underwent wide local excision of the tumor along with regional lymph node dissection (lymphadenectomy). The resulting large tissue defect was reconstructed using an anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap. During surgery, indocyanine green (ICG) angiography was performed to assess flap perfusion, and handheld Doppler was used to evaluate vascular flow. Results: The postoperative course was uneventful. The flap survived successfully with adequate perfusion. Histopathological examination confirmed negative surgical margins, and no metastasis was identified in the lymph nodes. The patient remains in stable condition without any complaints or symptoms and is under regular follow-up by an oncologist. Conclusion This case demonstrates that combining wide excision with free flap reconstruction is an effective approach for managing large cSCC. In addition, the use of indocyanine green (ICG) angiography for intraoperative assessment of vascular perfusion enhances flap viability and contributes to improved surgical outcomes.

Background: Reconstruction of mandibular and maxillary defects resulting from malignant tumors has remained a complex challenge in recent years. Defects caused by tumors—as well as trauma, inflammatory diseases, and congenital anomalies—lead to impaired essential functions such as mastication, swallowing, and speech. Prior to the 1950s, reconstruction of maxillofacial hard tissue was not commonly performed. Instead, metal plates were used to reestablish bony continuity, and surrounding tissues were utilized to close soft tissue defects, without effectively restoring function. With modern advances in three-dimensional (3D) virtual planning, it is now possible to accurately plan free bone flaps for reconstructing jaw defects. During surgery, manually bending reconstruction plates to fit donor bone precisely is often not feasible. Preoperative 3D planning allows for precise fabrication of surgical guides and fixation plates, improving accuracy and significantly reducing operative time. Additionally, incorporating dental implant planning into the reconstruction process facilitates restoration of both structural and functional outcomes. Aim: To evaluate the outcomes of mandibular defect reconstruction using scapular free flaps in Mongolia and explore potential approaches to optimize the technique. Materials and Methods: This was a case study series. Data from reconstructive surgeries performed at the National Cancer Center of Mongolia, Central Dental Hospital, and the Mongolia-Japan Hospital were collected. Variables included patient age and sex, etiology of the mandibular defect, size of the scapular bone segment, operative time, ischemia time of the free flap, number of vascular anastomoses performed, and pedicle length. For 3D planning, CT scans of the patient's head and lower limb (slice thickness <1 cm) were used to generate 3D models via the 3D Slicer software. Cutting guides for the mandible and scapula (ASIGA), as well as the reconstruction models (AMS), were printed using a 3D printer. Results: A total of 400 free flap reconstructions were performed during the study period. Of these, 29 cases involved reconstruction of mandibular defects using scapular free flaps. The mean age of patients was 40.0 ± 18.3 years, with 52% (15 patients) being female. The etiologies of the defects included malignant tumors (13 cases, 45%), benign tumors (6 cases, 21%), and pre-existing defects (10 cases, 34%). In one case, tumor resection and mandibular reconstruction were performed using 3D planning. The total operative time was 9 hours and 30 minutes, and the ischemia time was 2 hours and 40 minutes. Conclusion Between 2012 and 2025, a total of 29 mandibular reconstructions using scapular free flaps were performed in Mongolia. Traditional reconstruction methods were associated with prolonged ischemia time. The use of 3D surgical planning has shown potential in significantly reducing ischemia time and improving surgical outcomes.

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: Vulnerable populations at risk of micronutrient deficiencies include children and women, especially pregnant women, lactating mothers, infants and young children. According to WHO guidelines, a population with a micronutrient (vitamin and mineral) deficiency of more than 20% is considered a public health problem.
Although Mongolia has made significant progress in improving the nutritional status of the population, especially children and women, the 2024 VI survey found that micronutrient deficiencies are high among pregnant women.
The MMS (Multi-ingredient Micronutrient Supplement) distributed to pregnant women by soum and household health centers contains all the essential vitamins and minerals for pregnant women, but coverage has remained inadequate for more than 10 years. Goal: To establish the prevalence of micronutrients deficiency in pregnant women Materials and Methods: Totally 2796 pregnant women included in cross-sectional study from urban and rural area. Survey procedures consisted of interview, anthropometric measurements, clinical examinations, and the collection of biological (blood and urine) samples for pregnant women. Micronutrient deficiencies were assessed by tests for hemoglobin, serum, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), 25-hydroxyvitamin D {25(ОН)D}, spot urine samples for determination of urinary iodine concentration. Statistical processing : The data from the survey questionnaires were entered into a database created in the “EpiData 3.1” software environment. The data created and verified in the EpiData software environment were converted to the “SPSS–25” program, and statistical analysis was also performed using the SPSS-25 program. The results table was prepared using Microsoft Word 2021 and Microsoft Excel 2021 programs. Research ethics: The research methodology was discussed at the meeting of the Medical Ethics Review Committee under the Ministry of Health on 2023.03.27 (23/017), and permission to conduct the study was obtained Result : The prevalence of anemia, as measured by hemoglobin, was 22.3% and the iron deficiency anemia (IDA), as measured by adjusted serum ferritin or soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) was (39.8%/9.0%). Prevalence of iron deficiency as measured by serum ferritin was also highest in Western 41.9% and lowest in Khangai region 40.2% (P<0.01). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women was high at 92.5%, and 7.5% of all pregnant women had adequate vitamin D status. The median concentration of 76.4µg/l indicates inadequate iodine status in pregnant women, as the desired range for adequate iodine nutrition in pregnancy 150-249 µg/l. Conclusions 1. 22.3 percent of pregnant women are anemic, and the prevalence of anemia has not decreased from 2017 levels and remains common.
2. The prevalence of iron deficiency (as measured by ferritin levels) was 39.8 μg/L and the soluble transferrin receptor level was 9.0 μg/L, which is higher than previous studies.
3. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women remains common, with 76.6% having severe or moderate deficiency, and 15.9% having mild deficiency.

Background: According to the theory of traditional medicine, there are 19 active veins that pierce down from the brain stem like a root, through which the lhung runs and performs the movement of the body. It is believed that the water veins or white veins exist in all four limbs and solid organs and play an important role in regulating the body's activities by lhung action, while in traditional medicine, the nervous system regulates the activities of all organ systems and ensures the unity of the body's activities and adapts to the external environment. It is considered as a system that creates conditions for the body to interact as a whole, and moxibustion is a treatment that provides beneficial therapeutic changes to the diseased organ through the arc of reflection. Purpose Purpose : Establishing importance of moxibustion treatment and coherence of moxibustion points and peripheral nerve fibers. Survey Methodology: Data collection method: 31 pairs of neurological terms from European and traditional medical books and texts, judge which organs to go to for innervation and the degree of branching of white veins and summarize the translated material Comparative method: To develop results by comparing the data collected from the literature and sources of traditional medicine and European medicine which are the main materials of this research Research results: The 13 inner and 6 outer veins from the white vein were filtered from traditional medical commentaries and compared with the peripheral nerve branches of the spinal cord medicine. Compared with nerve, nerve branches from the anterior horn of the spinal cord, including the shoulder, lumbar were compared with 6 fibers running outside, and from the nerve branches from the shoulder where N. medialis, N. radialis, and N. ulnaris nerves were located and branched. According to the comparison of jajid, and Radna veins, the N. femoralis nerve coming from the lumbar with internal branches of the Vugujin vein, and the N. sciaticus or sciatic nerve coming from the lumbar were compared depending on the location of the outer branches of the Vugujin nerve and the end of the branching.
Studied how the nerves branching out from the main 20 junctions located in the posterior confluence of moxibustion therapy, and in doing so, compared the spinal nerve and vegetative nerve branches that exit from the confluence separately and assigned their locations. It is considered the feature of forming a network and separating from it to go to the innervation organ. Conclusion The white veins have 13 inner veins, outer veins 6, and the inner veins are 4 lhung veins, 2 heart, 2 in the small intestine, the 4 tripa (tiba) veins are in the lungs, colon, liver, and gallbladder, and the 4 badkan veins are in the stomach, spleen, kidney, bladder veins connects with vesicle of regeneration. It is mentioned in the majority of texts that it will connect with also vesicle of regeneration, but there are differences in two sources saying that 2 veins of lhung 2 in large intestine, 1 vein of badkan connects with lungs, and the 13 branches of white veins correspond to the organs innervating the vagus nerve in the medical theory. The branch of the nerve that connects with the back points of moxibustion is connected with the branch of the nerve from the anterior horn of the spinal cord, the ganglion of the sympathetic nerve from the external horn and its branches. It is considered more important to consider the branching of nodes.

Background: Nucleic acid sequencing is a multi-step process taken place in medical research or diagnostic laboratories. Since the emerge of second generation sequencing technology generally referred as next generation sequencing (NGS), the mass parallel reads covering human genome or transcriptome is achieved by cost cut down over thousand folds. Though the technology made tremendous push forward to various applications, its data analysis time and effort still takes worrisome time and human effort, bringing the emerge of next-step demand: targeted mass sequencing of only desired part from human genome or transcriptome with lower material cost and labor. By targeted sequencing, both run cost and data analysis process can be further cut down, and the read results are more reliable on changes such as determining varied number of repeats, heterozygote alleles, deletions, chromosomal scale abnormality and more. Objective: In this study, we explored the utilization of biotinylated RNA baits on captured sequencing of cancer marker genes functional regions. Method: Targeted NGS was achieved by capturing desired genomic regions using preparatory nucleic acid probes. RNA bait capturing of desired genomic regions has shown to have high specificity and quality.
The study was carried out with informed consent obtained from patients, with the approval №53 in 2018.03.15 by Medical Ethics committee, Ministry of Health, Mongolia. Result: By preparing library of biotinylated RNA baits with 75000 unique sequences, we achieved mass parallel sequencing of human 410 cancer-marker-genes’ exons and UTRs with average read depth ~760, and covered thousands of SNPs on 5 genomic DNA samples. Tissue samples derived from breast cancer and ovary cancer had SNP and deletion on 7 marker genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, BRIP1, PTEN, TP53, RAD51C) not registered in database. Conclusion Experiments showed RNA baits with up to 117 nucleotide length, produced from ssDNA oligonucleotide stock, can be utilized to capture desired regions of human genome, and bring the cost of captured mass sequencing to 1500 USD, with 93.14-93.33% of Q30 read quality.

Afl atoxins are a type of mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus species of fungi, such as A. fl avus andA.parasiticus. Afl atoxins are the most potent hepatocarcinogen and mutagen among mycotoxins.Afl atoxins can effects a wide range of commodities, including crops, cereals, peanuts, maize, beans,and milk and fruits. Thus, we carried out a monitoring surveillance survey on the afl atoxins level in somefood commodities. In early stage of this survey we tested a total of 112 samples of foods including fl our,rice, peanuts, maize, dried fruits, milk, and cereals. According to the preliminary results of this survey,59 (52.7%) samples of foods including fl our, rice, peanuts, maize, dried fruits, milk, and cereals’ sampleswere positive for a total afl atoxins (AFB1+AFB2+AFG1+AFG2). Although levels of total afl atoxins in allsamples were at permissible limits by the commission regulation of EU, the strategies for the preventionand control of mycotoxin are required in Public health system and Agricultural organization in Mongolia.Since afl atoxins is the most well-known mycotoxin ever thoroughly studied and its prevention and controlhas been most successfully practiced in various countries, therefore, this paper will focus on the strategyfor the prevention and control of afl atoxins’s mycotoxin contamination food in Mongolia.

This cross-sectional survey was conducted in seven district of the capital city Ulaanbaatar ofMongolia, and border post in Zamiin-Uud, and Altanbulag province from March to December 2015.A total of 380 samples including 70 flours, 114 rice’, 41 various peanuts, 15 maize and maizeproducts, 24 milks, 6 yoghurts, 39 beers, 27 dried fruits and 44 herbal teas were randomly collectedfrom supermarkets, hypermarkets, department stores, factories, and bazaars in Ulaanbaatar city,and Zamiin-Uud, and Altanbulag province.HPLC (High performance liquid chromatography), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)were used for the total aflatoxins (B1+B2) and aflatoxin M1 detection.The survey found that (148) 38.9% of all analysed food samples were contained aflatoxins (B1+B2),and aflatoxin M1 were ranging from 0.0094 μg kg-1to 2.4μg kg-1. The levels of aflatoxins (B1+B2)were below the maximum tolerance limit in EU and worldwide regulations. Mean concentrationlevel of aflatoxins (B1+B2) was 0.17 μg kg-1 in all positive samples. Mean daily low and high foodintake were respectively, 63 g and 245 g. Based on the daily food consumption data, estimatedexposure dose of aflatoxins (B1+B2) was 0.16734 mg kg-1bw day-1 in individuals with a daily low foodintake, and 0.65078 mg kg-1bw day-1 in individuals with a daily high food intake (95th percentile). Theexposure dose of aflatoxins from daily high food intake exceeds the estimated provisional maximumtolerable daily intakes, 0.4 μg kg-1 body weight day-1 for adults with hepatitis B (Kuiper-Goodman,1998). Furthermore, estimated excess cancer risk values to liver cancer incidence by ingestion ofthese foods for aflatoxins (B1+B2) and aflatoxin M1were calculated to be 0.0448 mg kg-1bw day-1forindividuals negative for hepatitis Band 1.344 mg kg-1bw day-1 for individuals positive for hepatitis B.Thus, the findings of our survey showed that the potential hazard associated with aflatoxin in foodin Mongolia has not been serious. However, most researchers suggested that no level of aflatoxinexposure is considered safe.Conclusion: Currently, the levels of the total aflatoxins and aflatoxin M1 were lower than the maximumpermissible levels in UE and the USFDA, and worldwide regulations. Currently, estimated exposuredose of the total aflatoxins and M1aflatoxin through daily high food intake was risked in populationwith hepatitis B virus. However, in Mongolian population has not been excess liver cancer risk.