Background: Basketball involves repeated high-intensity, explosive movements that depend largely on anaerobic energy systems. Accordingly, anaerobic capacity and body-composition parameters such as skeletal muscle mass and fat distribution are key determinants of performance. However, data-driven studies integrating conditioning training, anaerobic performance, and body composition in Mongolian professional players are limited, and the application of machine-learning approaches in this context remains underexplored. Aim: To examine the relationships between conditioning training, anaerobic capacity, and body composition in professional basketball players and to develop a machine-learning model for injury-risk prediction. Materials and Methods: Eleven healthy professional male basketball players (21–28 years) from the Omni Erdenet Miners were evaluated. Body composition was measured using the InBody 970, and anaerobic performance was assessed by a 30-s Wingate test on a Monark 894E ergometer. Measurements were obtained at three time points. Changes were analyzed using Friedman and Wilcoxon tests, while associations were examined by Pearson correlation and multivariate regression. Injury-risk models were developed using Random Forest and regression-based machine-learning methods. Research Ethics Committee, approval number 24-25/04-01 Result: Phase angle increased from 6.8±0.5 to 7.3±0.6° (p =0.021), and body-fat percentage decreased from 20.5±3.2% to 16.2±2.0% (p =0.015), with no change in skeletal muscle mass. Visceral fat decreased and anaerobic peak and mean power improved (p <0.05). Fat percentage was negatively correlated with anaerobic performance. Heart-rate recovery improved, indicating enhanced exercise tolerance. Random Forest identified phase angle, visceral fat, fat percentage, and fatigue index as the strongest predictors of injury risk. Conclusion 1. The body composition of professional basketball players was closely associated with anaerobic performance and recovery indices, with higher body fat percentage and central adiposity tending to be linked to reduced anaerobic capacity. 2. Reducing fat mass while preserving muscle mass did not adversely affect anaerobic performance and demonstrated potential improvements in performance efficiency, load tolerance, and recovery regulation. 3. A Random Forest Regression model based on body composition and anaerobic capacity indicators demonstrated a high level of accuracy in predicting performance decline and injury risk.

Background: Aetiological mechanisms of demyelinating diseases underlie a very heterogeneous clinical course, ranging from relapsing to progressive, with a longer disease duration leading to physical and cognitive disability. Aim: To identify factors in the development of long-term disability in demyelinating diseases. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 64 patients with multiple sclerosis and 33 patients with NMO treated at the Third State Central Hospital. We assessed demographic and clinical data, including the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, analysis of variance, correlation, and regression. Result: In MS, relapses (≥1) within 1.0 years of MS onset (OR=5.5, 95% CI 1.11-26.69, p=0.037), optic neuritis (OR=4.3, 95% CI 1.02-21.67, p=0.014), relapse frequency (≥3) (OR=6.6, 95% CI 1.39-31.3, p=0.018), myelitis frequency (≥2) (OR=5.5, 95% CI 1.42-21.67, p=0.014), in NMOSD, time from disease onset to diagnosis (≥3 month) (OR=7.9, 95% CI 1.04-60.7, p=0.046), years of diagnosis (≥3 years) (OR=6.3, 95% CI 1.15-34.12, p=0.034) contributed to disabilty worsening outcomes. Conclusion Disability in demyelinating diseases is affected by many factors.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system and a major cause of disability in young adults. MRI is essential for diagnosis and monitoring, while early evaluation of structural brain changes is important. Aim: To evaluate brain volumetric changes using automated MRI analysis in patients with MS. Materials and Methods: This case–control study included 50 MS case patients and 50 controls patients examined between 2020–2023 at the Third State Hospital. T1-MPRAGE images were analyzed using volBrain automated segmentation software. Result: The mean age of MS patients was 45.5±11.8 years. Compared with healthy controls, the MS group showed significantly lower total grey matter volume (p=0.002), cortical grey matter volume (p<0.001), subcortical grey matter volume (p=0.006), and cerebral volume (p=0.02). Significant volume reductions were also observed in the temporal (p=0.006) and occipital (p<0.001) lobes. Deep grey matter structures, including the thalamus (p=0.001), caudate nucleus (p=0.009), putamen (p=0.008), and nucleus accumbens (p<0.001), also showed significantly reduced volumes. Disease duration was negatively correlated with total grey matter volume (r=−0.30, p=0.02), thalamic volume (r=−0.28, p=0.04), and occipital lobe volume (r=−0.43, p=0.002). Disease duration was also significantly associated with spinal cord involvement (p=0.01) and grey matter volume (p=0.04). The number of relapses was negatively correlated with total brain volume (r=−0.28, p=0.046). Conclusion Patients with MS demonstrated decreased grey matter volume, particularly within deep grey matter structures, along with increased abnormal white matter volume, suggesting the coexistence of neurodegeneration and demyelination in MS. Brain volume loss in MS appeared to occur independently of aging. Automated quantitative MRI analysis may provide important diagnostic value in detecting structural brain changes associated with MS.

Background: Pediatric diarrhea is one of the most common diseases among children and is the second leading cause of death and the third most prevalent disease among children worldwide. In Traditional Medicine, pediatric diarrhea is considered to result from an imbalance of the three bodily principles. In the treatment of this condition, Indra-4 decoction, which is traditionally used for its antipyretic and antidiarrheal effects, is commonly administered. Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Indra-4 in the treatment of pediatric diarrhea. Materials and Methods: A quantitative, randomized, controlled (active-control), open-label, single-center clinical trial was conducted. A total of 150 children were enrolled based on a confidence level of P>0.90 and a margin of error of D=10%, and were randomly assigned to two groups in a 1:1 ratio. The treatment group received Indra-4 decoction at a dose of 1.5 g twice daily for children aged 2–5 years and 2 g twice daily for children aged 6–9 years. The comparison group received montmorillonite powder at a dose of 2 g three times daily. Treatment was administered for 7 days in both groups. Clinical symptoms were scored and assessed before treatment, on days 3 and 5 of treatment, and after completion of treatment, and the results were compared between the two groups. The study was conducted with the approval of the Research Ethics Review Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Mongolia (Approval No. 2026/1-01, January 23, 2026). Result: No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, sex distribution, or total symptom scores at baseline (p>0.05), indicating that the groups were comparable. On days 3 and 5 of treatment and after treatment, the total symptom scores in the Indra-4 group were significantly lower than those in the comparison group (p<0.001). The overall treatment efficacy was 92.0% in the Indra-4 group and 78.7% in the comparison group, with a statistically significant difference (χ²=4.315, p=0.038). The percentage reduction in symptom scores was 90.97±4.14% in the Indra-4 group compared with 61.32±5.24% in the comparison group (t=28.072, p<0.001). These findings suggest that Indra-4 decoction may be more effective in reducing symptoms and improving treatment outcomes in children with diarrhea. Conclusion The results demonstrated that the Indra-4 group had significantly greater improvement in the major and accompanying symptoms of pediatric diarrhea, as well as higher overall treatment efficacy and recovery rates, compared with the comparison group. Indra-4 appears to be effective in the treatment of pediatric diarrhea and may be suitable for clinical use.

Background: Globally, research on identifying bioactive compounds from medicinal plants and characterizing their in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities is progressing rapidly. Plants native to Mongolia have adapted to unique, extreme continental climatic conditions, accumulating distinct phytochemicals, and have historically been utilized in traditional medicine and dietary practices. Establishing the non-cytotoxic safety threshold of these wild and cultivated plant extracts in RBL-2H3 mast cells a universally accepted model for type I hypersensitivity and inflammation is a vital prerequisite. Determining these baseline non-toxic dose ranges provides the essential scientific foundation for subsequent cellular allergy models, animal studies, and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying their therapeutic efficacy. Aim: To determine the cytotoxicity profile and establish the non-cytotoxic dose ranges of extracts from four selected Mongolian plant species (wild and cultivated) in RBL-2H3 cells. Materials and Methods: Plant samples including lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), strawberry (Fragaria orientalis), black radish (Raphanus sativus), and blue-berried honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) were standardly collected, authenticated, and cataloged as herbarium specimens at the Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Mongolian Academy of Sciences. A total of 12 distinct extracts were prepared from plant leaves, stems, and fruits using water and ethanol extraction, followed by concentration via rotary evaporation and freeze-drying. Rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells were maintained in EMEM growth medium and utilized during the exponential growth phase. Cell viability and non-cytotoxic concentration thresholds were evaluated using the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. Result: Ethanolic extracts of strawberry leaves, black radish, and honeysuckle leaves (≥6.25 µg/mL), as well as aqueous extracts of honeysuckle fruits (≥6.25 µg/mL) and stems (≥25 µg/mL), exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity. Conversely, aqueous extracts of lingonberry leaves (≤200 µg/mL), strawberry leaves (≥100 µg/mL), and black radish (≤200 µg/mL), alongside ethanolic extracts of lingonberry leaves (≥50 µg/mL), demonstrated non-cytotoxic profiles. Furthermore, ethanolic extracts of honeysuckle stems (≤300 µg/mL) and fruits (≥12.5 µg/mL), as well as the aqueous extract of honeysuckle leaves (≤50 µg/mL), significantly enhanced RBL-2H3 cell viability. Conclusion The tested plant extracts influenced RBL-2H3 cell viability in a solvent polarity and plant organ dependent manner. Ethanolic extracts of strawberry leaves, black radish, and honeysuckle leaves, along with aqueous extracts of honeysuckle fruits and stems, demonstrated relatively high cytotoxicity, reducing cell viability by >40% starting at concentrations of 12.5, 25, and 50 µg/mL. In contrast, aqueous extracts of strawberry leaves and black radish, as well as both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of lingonberry leaves, maintained low cytotoxicity at concentrations below 200 µg/mL. Notably, ethanolic extracts of honeysuckle stems and fruits (>12.5 µg/mL) and its aqueous leaf extract (<100 µg/mL) enhanced cell viability, exhibiting significant cell proliferation promoting activity.

Background: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare lung disorder characterized by the accumulation of surfactant within the alveoli, leading to impaired gas exchange and respiratory insufficiency. Although the disease is uncommon, it significantly affects patients’ quality of life and requires specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Whole lung lavage (WLL) is considered the standard treatment; however, it has not been widely implemented in Mongolia. We report the first successful case of WLL performed for PAP in Mongolia. Case Presentation: A 56-year-old male presented with dyspnea. Chest computed tomography demonstrated a bilateral “crazy paving” pattern. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was positive for periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining, and anti–GM-CSF antibodies were detected, confirming the diagnosis of PAP. WLL was performed under general anesthesia using a double-lumen endotracheal tube with bronchoscopic guidance. One lung was ventilated with 100% oxygen while the contralateral lung was sequentially lavaged with 800–1000 mL of warm (37°C) saline per cycle until the effluent became clear. A total of approximately 20 liters of saline was used. Result: The procedure was completed successfully without complications. Following treatment, the patient showed marked clinical improvement with reduced dyspnea and increased exercise tolerance. Oxygen saturation improved from 88% to 93%, and spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV₁) demonstrated improvement. Chest imaging revealed a reduction in pulmonary opacities. Conclusion This case demonstrates the successful implementation of whole lung lavage (WLL) in Mongolia and highlights its importance in improving the diagnostic and therapeutic capacity for rare pulmonary diseases such as pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. The procedure resulted in significant improvement in clinical, functional, and radiological parameters, consistent with findings from international studies. Early diagnosis of PAP and the adoption of standardized protocols in accordance with international guidelines are essential to optimize treatment outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life.

Background: Herbal teas are rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatobiliary supportive properties. Despite their long-standing use in Mongolian traditional medicine for liver and gallbladder health, comprehensive scientific data regarding the specific chemical composition and antioxidant activities of these polyherbal formulations remain limited. Aim: To evaluate the bioactive compound content and antioxidant activity of a polyherbal tea formulation for supporting liver and gallbladder function, with a focus on the influence of solvent concentration. Materials and Methods: The study utilized a polyherbal tea consisting of five plant species: Achillea asiatica Serg., Thalictrum foetidum L., Zygophyllum potaninii Maxim., Tanacetum vulgare L., and Rheum undulatum L. Samples were extracted using 30% and 70% ethanol. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and total flavonoid content (TFC) was measured via the AlCl3 colorimetric assay. Antioxidant capacity was assessed through DPPH, ABTS+ and FRAP assays. Results: Phytochemical screening identified flavonoid derivatives, glycosides, and terpenoids in both extracts, while alkaloids were not detected. Quantitative analysis showed that the 70% ethanolic extract contained significantly higher levels of total phenolics (5.518±0.24%) and total flavonoids (1.513±0.023) compared to the 30% extract (p < 0.05). The 70% extract also demonstrated superior antioxidant potency, with lower (IC50) values for DPPH (55.37 µg/mL) and ABTS (86.08 µg/mL). Additionally, the FRAP assay confirmed the 70% extract had substantially higher reducing power (1440.84 µM Fe²⁺/L). Conclusions 1. Phytochemical analysis confirmed that the polyherbal tea is primarily composed of flavonoid derivatives, glycosides, and terpenoids. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the 70% ethanolic extract were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the 30% extract. 2. The free radical scavenging activity evaluated by DPPH (IC50) 55.37 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC50) 86.08 µg/mL) assays indicated that the 70% ethanolic extract possesses markedly stronger antioxidant activity compared to the 30% extract. 3. The iron ion reducing power (FRAP: 1440.84 µM/L) showed a concentration-dependent linear relationship. The positive correlation between polyphenol content and antioxidant activity confirms that this herbal formulation has a scientific basis for its traditional use in supporting liver and gallbladder function.

Background: RNA-based therapeutics are rapidly advancing in clinical trials for the treatment of various diseases, particularly cancer, through the use of nucleic acid–based drugs that directly regulate gene expression at the molecular level and suppress transcription by degrading target RNA via small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Genetic studies have shown that overexpression of the MYC proto-oncogene, caused by genomic amplification, is observed in up to 70% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases associated with viral infections and alcohol-related liver disease. The MYC proto-oncogene influences key signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, and MAPK/ERK in hepatocellular carcinoma, thereby enhancing protein synthesis required for tumor cell growth, increasing transcriptional activity, promoting tumor progression, and enabling immune evasion. Consequently, the concept of inhibiting the MYC oncogene has gained increasing attention. Aim: To design multi-transcript–specific siRNAs targeting the MYC proto-oncogene using bioinformatics approaches and to investigate their effects on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Materials and Methods: Using an in silico experimental design, 15 transcript candidates encoding a specific protein of the MYC proto-oncogene were retrieved from Ensembl and aligned to identify the most conserved regions across all transcripts, which were then used for subsequent siRNA prediction. Selected coding sequence (CDS) variants were analyzed using siDirect 2.1, and three candidate variants were further validated based on the following criteria: siExplorer ≥ 60, OligoWalk ≥ 0.7, and siPRED ≥ 70%. The GC content of the siRNA duplexes, the presence of palindromic sequences in both antisense and sense strands, and the specificity of binding to the target mRNA sites were predicted. Additionally, the three-dimensional structure of the protein was modeled. Results: By aligning transcript candidates encoding a specific protein of the MYC proto-oncogene and identifying the most conserved regions, three potential candidate variants (s1, s2, s3) were predicted and further validated: s1 (siExplorer ≥ 79.9, OligoWalk ≥ 0.9, siPRED ≥ 85.5%), s2 (siExplorer ≥ 64.2, OligoWalk ≥ 0.87, siPRED ≥ 91.9%), s3 (siExplorer ≥ 67.7, OligoWalk ≥ 0.81, siPRED ≥ 91.6%). The siRNA sequences exhibited recommended GC content and showed no off-target binding. When modeling the three-dimensional structure by incorporating the predicted antisense siRNA strand into the spatial structure of Ago2, the siRNA was positioned in a biologically compatible manner within the PAZ–MID domain region, and the siRNA–Ago2 complex remained stable in its final conformation. Conclusion In this study, three multi-transcript–specific siRNAs targeting MYC proto-oncogene mRNA were successfully designed as potential therapeutic candidates against hepatocellular carcinoma. The selected siRNAs demonstrated strong binding affinity to Ago2. Further validation through in vitro and in vivo studies is required.

Background: HepG2 cells are widely used as an in vitro model for investigating alterations in hepatic cellular metabolism. Studies evaluating the biological activities of plant-derived compounds using HepG2 cells have also increased. Strawberry (Fragaria orientalis), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), radish (Raphanus sativus), and blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) contain polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and other secondary metabolites. The biological activities of these plants may vary depending on species, plant tissue, growing conditions, and extraction methods. Prior to evaluating the biological activities of plant extracts, it is essential to assess their cytotoxic effects on cells and determine appropriate concentrations for subsequent experiments. Therefore, evaluating the effects of plant extracts on the viability of HepG2 cells, a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, is of considerable importance. Aim: To evaluate the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of strawberry, lingonberry, radish, and cultivated and wild blue honeysuckle on HepG2 cell viability and to determine concentrations exhibiting cytotoxic effects. Materials and Methods: A total of 18 plant extracts were prepared using water and ethanol as extraction solvents. The extracts were obtained from strawberry leaves, lingonberry leaves, radish, and the fruits, stems, and leaves of cultivated and wild blue honeysuckle. The extracts were subsequently dried. HepG2 cells maintained in the Cell Biology Laboratory of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences were revived, stabilized, and used for the experiments. The plant extracts were prepared at concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 300 μg/mL and used to treat HepG2 cells. Cell viability was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cytotoxicity was defined as a reduction in cell viability of more than 30% compared with the control group. Results: The aqueous extract of cultivated blue honeysuckle and the ethanolic extracts of its fruits and stems maintained HepG2 cell viability above 70% across the concentration range of 6.25–300 μg/mL, indicating relatively low cytotoxicity. In contrast, the ethanolic extract of cultivated blue honeysuckle leaves reduced cell viability at higher concentrations. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of fruits and stems of wild blue honeysuckle showed no apparent cytotoxic effects, whereas both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of its leaves reduced cell viability to approximately 65% at 300 μg/mL, indicating relatively higher cytotoxicity. Most aqueous and ethanolic extracts of strawberry, radish, and lingonberry maintained cell viability above 70% and showed no cytotoxic effects. The ethanolic extract of strawberry leaves reduced cell viability to approximately 63% even at the lowest concentration of 6.25 μg/mL; however, cell viability tended to increase with increasing extract concentration. Conclusion The effects of plant extracts on HepG2 cell viability varied depending on plant species, tissue type, extraction solvent, and concentration. Most extracts of strawberry, lingonberry, radish, and the fruits and stems of cultivated and wild blue honeysuckle exhibited relatively low cytotoxicity at concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 300 μg/mL. However, the ethanolic extract of cultivated blue honeysuckle leaves at 200 μg/mL and the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of wild blue honeysuckle leaves at 300 μg/mL reduced cell viability by more than 30%, indicating relatively higher cytotoxicity.

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity are important public health concerns. Assessing weight status among children presenting with fractures may provide preliminary data for further investigation of a possible association between body weight and injury. Aim: To estimate the proportion of overweight and obesity among children aged under 18 years diagnosed with fractures and compare weight-status categories by sex. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study included 30 children presenting with a fracture to the outpatient clinic of Mongolia–Japan Hospital between June and September 2026. Weight status was classified using age- and sex-adjusted BMI-for-age. We summarized continuous variables as mean±standard deviation, median, quartiles, and minimum–maximum values; we reported categorical variables as counts and percentages. The Mann–Whitney U test and Fisher’s exact test were used, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 30 children, 20 (66.7%) were boys and 10 (33.3%) were girls. Eighteen children (60.0%) were classified as overweight/obese. Mean BMI was 20.58±3.44 kg/m² and median BMI was 19.82 kg/m². Mean BMI was higher in the overweight/obesity group than in the normal-weight group (22.00±3.55 vs 18.46±1.90 kg/m²; p=0.0092). Sex was not statistically associated with weight-status category (p=1.000). Conclusion The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children under 18 years of age diagnosed with bone fractures was 60.0%. The body mass index (BMI) was statistically significantly higher in children with overweight and obesity than in those with normal weight. Sex was not statistically associated with excess body weight. Further studies with larger sample sizes, a control group, and bone mineral density measurements are needed to determine the relationship between excess body weight, bone health, and fracture risk in children with bone fractures.