1.Using Machine Learning Models to Assess Performance, Physiological Indicators, and Injury Risk in Professional Basketball Players
Jadamba M ; Khaliun M ; Sarangerel D ; Usukhbayar C ; Tsetsegdolgor D ; Burenjargal B ; Odbayasgalan O ; Baasanjargal B ; Ganzorig B ; Otgon G ; Munkhsoyol E
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;91(1):65-71
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.
2.First successful whole lung lavage for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in Mongolia: A Case Report
Amartuvshin G ; ; Altanzul L ; Ichinnorov D ; ; Naidansuren Ts ; Solongo B ; Densenbal D ; ; Tumen-Ulzii G ; ; Allabyergyen M ; Tumurjin G ; Khaliun P ; Tamir L ; Erdenetuya E ; Byambasuren S ; Ankhzaya B ; Ganbold L ; Manaljav Ts ;
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;93(3):212-216
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.
3.Results of the study on antioxidant activity of selected polyherbal teas for hepatobiliary support
Tungalag B ; ; Batkhuyag P ; Enkh-Amgalan B ; Purevdorj E ; Khaliun N
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;92(2):159-164
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.
4.Assessment of overweight and obesity among children diagnosed with bone fractures
Amarbat S ; ; Uuganbayar Ch ; Enkhmurun B ; Khaliun A ; Naranbat L ; Saranchimeg E
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;97(7):223-226
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.
5.Treatment of miniere’s disease (icd-10 h.81) using traditional medicine and therapeutic interventions: Case report
Undarmaa B ; Tserendulam G ; Oyun-Erdene U ; Oyunnyam Ch ; Nasankhishig D ; Khaliun E ; Tsegmed G ; Oyunbileg Yu ; Enkhtuya V
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;87(3):72-74
Background:
Meniere's disease is a condition caused by disturbances in the
auditory and vestibular systems. It is characterized by symptoms such as dizziness,
nausea, vomiting, and tinnitus. In the United States, the prevalence of
Meniere's disease has been found to be 84 cases per 100,000 women and
56 cases per 100,000 men. Regionally, it is more common in less populated
areas, and research has confirmed that the prevalence increases with higher
household income.
Aim:
To evaluate the effectiveness of traditional medicine treatments and therapies
for Meniere's disease.
Results:
The patient is a 43-year-old male, with symptoms of dizziness, vomiting,
and tinnitus. Since 2023, he has sought care at the Central Hospital of
Mongolian Medicine, where he received traditional medicine treatments including
herbal therapy and other traditional therapies on three occasions. As a
result, the frequency of dizziness has decreased and other clinical symptoms
have improved.
Conclusion
Traditional medicine treatments have been shown to be effective
in managing Meniere's disease by extending the interval between relapses,
improving quality of life, and significantly reducing clinical symptoms.
6.Study of histopathological features in membranous nephropathy
Khaliun B ; Ulzii-Orshikh N ; Ariunbold J ; Khurtsbayar D ; Chuluuntsetseg D ; Enkhtamir E ; Ariunaa T ; Saruultuvshin A
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):84-90
Background:
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is among the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults. MN
is diagnosed in one third of cases of nephrotic syndrome on kidney biopsy. Kidney biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing
MN and plays an important role in determining the severity of the disease and in determining treatment decisions
and regimens. Therefore, the lack of research on kidney biopsy in Mongolia is the reason for this study.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the pathological features in the kidney tissues of patients with primary
membranous nephropathy diagnosed by kidney biopsy.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted on 51 cases of MN diagnosed in kidney biopsies performed
at the First Central Hospital of Mongolia (FCHM) over a period of 12 years. Renal function was calculated using
the CKD-EPI (2021) formula and classified into the stage of CKD by eGFR. Histopathological findings were examined
using 4 light microscopy (LM) stains (Hematoxylin-Eosin, Masson-Trichrome, PAS, and Methenamine silver staining)
and 8 immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy stains (IgG, A, M, complement C3, C4, C1q, and kappa, lambda). The study
excluded secondary MN based on viral markers, tumor markers, and serological tests. Statistical analysis was performed
using SPSS and STATA 15.0 software, using t-tests, Pearson’s chi-square tests, and multiple group comparisons were
performed using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis methods. The study design was approved by the Ethics Committee of the
MNUMS, Mongolia. (№ 2023/3-07)
Results:
A total of 305 kidney biopsies performed at the Kidney Center of the FCHM between 2011 and 2023 resulted in
the diagnosis of 51 cases of primary MN. The mean age of patients with membranous nephropathy was 40.6±9.3 years,
with the oldest age of 65 and the youngest of 22 years, and 36 (70.59%) were male and 15 (29.41%) were female. In the
kidney biopsy, the average number of glomeruli was 16.51±7.82 (min-max, 3-54), and by LM, 33.3% showed global
sclerosis of glomeruli by hematoxylin-eosin staining, 94.12% showed thickening of the glomerular basement membrane
(GBM), 31.2% showed double counter staining of subepithelial immune complexes by methenamine-silver staining,
88.24% showed holes in the GBM, and 54.9% showed spike-like changes by Masson-Trichrome staining. IF showed IgG
3+ in 37.3%, 2+ in 39.2%, 1+ in 13.7%, and trace staining in 9.8%, while 74.5% of the cases were positive for C3, 93.1%
for kappa, and 79.5% for lambda. LM showed thickening of the GBM (OR 23.5, 95% CI 0.093-0.53, p value= 0.007)
and interstitial fibrosis (95% CI 6.98-31.07, p value= 0.003) contributing to the decrease in eGFR. The mean time from
the onset of the first symptoms of kidney disease to the time of kidney biopsy was 35.35±61.54 months. Patients who
underwent biopsy later (in months) after the diagnosis of the disease had a higher incidence of interstitial fibrosis (74.6 ±
98.43, 95% CI -90.52-20.68, p value = 0.002).
Conclusion
The histopathological features of MN confirmed by kidney biopsy showed thickening of the GBM in
94.12%, global sclerosis in 33.3%, and holes in 88.2%. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed 100% IgG staining,
while C3, kappa, and lambda were positive in 74.5%, 93.1%, and 79.5%, respectively.
7.Emergency cesarean section risk factors of Robson 1, 2A, 3, 4A
Tegshbuyan B ; Uranchimeg R ; Khaliun U ; Lkhagvaochir E ; Undram B ; Tserendavaa D ; Khulan B ; Bodolmaa B ; Nandin-Erdene B ; Bat-Ireedui B ; Ganbold B
Mongolian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Pediatrics 2024;34(1):2467-2474
Emergency cesarean section risk factors of Robson 1, 2A, 3, 4A
Introduction: Cesarean section rates in Mongolia exceed WHO recommendations of 5–15%, reaching 27.6% nationally and 34.1% at the First Maternity Hospital between 2019–2023. C-sections, while life-saving, increase risks of hemorrhage, infection, uterine complications, and reduced maternal quality of life. This study aimed to analyze emergency C-sections by Robson classification and identify associated risk factors in groups 1, 2a, 3, and 4a.
Material and methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted using 886 medical records (443 emergency C-sections and 443 vaginal deliveries) from 2021–2023. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS 24.0, and binary logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results: Robson 2a was the most frequent category (43.8%), followed by 4a (25.7%), 1 (20.1%), and 3 (10.4%). Significant risk factors for emergency C-section included maternal age (p<0.001), early cervical dilation (<5 cm) at labor diagnosis (OR 3.54), abnormal CTG, pre-eclampsia, PROM, amniotomy, infertility, and malposition. Multivariate analysis showed PROM (aOR 14.66), amniotomy (aOR 6.85), fetal weight ≥4000 g (aOR 4.07), and maternal age (aOR 1.48) as key predictors.
Conclusions: Emergency C-sections were most common in Robson group 2a. Major contributing factors included PROM, amniotomy, maternal age, macrosomia, and abnormal labor patterns. Targeted interventions to manage these risk factors could reduce unnecessary emergency C-sections.
8.Climate change and child malnutrition
Nasantogtokh E ; Mungunzaya Kh ; Gunbolor Kh ; Khaliun S ; Unurtsetseg G ; Enkhmaa D
Mongolian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Pediatrics 2024;34(1):2475-2482
Climate change and child malnutrition
Introductions: Globally, one billion children are living in areas at high risk of climate change exposure. Among them, over 200 million children under the age of five suffer from severe malnutrition, and 148 million experience growth and developmental stunting. Climate change affects key determinants of child health such as the nutritional value of food, environmental conditions, and living standards. Mongolia is classified among countries with a high climate vulnerability index. Therefore, it is essential to study the impact of climate change on children's health in the Mongolian context. We aimed at determining the prevalence and trends of nutritional deficiencies among children under five years of age and to assess the impact of climate change on these deficiencies.
Materials and methods: This study was conducted using international databases. Climate change was evaluated using indicators such as the Climate Change Index, average annual land surface temperature, air quality, soil contamination, and precipitation levels. Data on child nutrition were collected from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) database and the Mongolian National Statistical Information Service for the period 2000–2019. Nutritional deficiencies were measured using indicators including wasting and overweight among children under five. Trends in the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies were analyzed using the AR(I)MA model to forecast changes between 2020 and 2030. Regional variations were assessed using panel regression models, and the impact of regional climate variables on child nutrition was estimated.
Results: The climate vulnerability index in Mongolia has been increasing, with trends indicating further rises in temperature variability. From 2000 to 2019, the prevalence of wasting and stunting among children under five showed a decreasing trend, with annual reductions projected at 0.5% and 1.8%, respectively. In contrast, overweight and obesity among children under five are projected to increase until 2030, with Ulaanbaatar showing statistically significant high values. A correlation was found between climate change indicators and childhood overweight.
Conclusions: There is a rising trend in overweight and obesity among young children. Climate change has both direct and indirect impacts on child nutrition, food safety, and nutritional deficiencies. These associations must be taken into serious consideration in public health planning and policy.
9.Risk factors for endometritis following low transverse cesarean section
Khaliun U ; Buyan-Orshih G ; Bayarsaikhan Kh ; Lkhagva-Ochir E ; Uranchimeg R
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2023;206(4):9-15
Introduction:
Endometritis (EMM) is the most common maternal infectious complication of childbirth, occurring
more commonly after low transverse cesarean section (LTCS) than vaginal delivery [1]. In a Cochrane
review, the mean incidence of EMM following elective cesarean section was 7% and after non-elective
or emergency operations was 30% [4]. A variety of independent risk factors for post-cesarean EMM
have been identified in previous studies, including no prior cesarean section [5], low infant Apgar
scores [6], trial of labor [7], premature rupture of membranes (PROM) >24 hours, young maternal
age [8], preterm or post-term gestation [9], antepartum infections [10], pre-eclampsia, meconium [11],
amnion infusion, postpartum anemia, multiple vaginal examinations [12], and manual removal of the
placenta [13]. The time of ruptured membranes before delivery is examined via dichotomized time
thresholds, the risks of chorioamnionitis and endomyometritis are significantly increased at 12 hours
and 16 hours, respectively [16, 17]. A change in policy to administer prophylactic antibiotics before
skin incision led to a significant decline in postcesarean delivery surgical-site infections [18, 19].
Objective:
To determine independent risk factors for EMM following (LTCS).
Material and Method:
The study was case-control study, between 2022 to 2023 years at the “Urguu” specialized maternal
hospital Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Case group has 101 women with EMM and the control group has 100
women with non EMM after LTCS.
Results:
The age of 2 study groups was 32.4 and 32.8, body mass index was 30 kg/m2 and 30.7 kg/
m2.Young maternal age <25 has a 22% (p=0.001, OR=4.5) influence on the occurrence of EMM.
Other pregnancy related factors were not associated with the EMM after LTCS. (p>0.05). Delivery
risk factors has increases the EMM by 15% (p=0.002), labor induction by 20% (p=0.001), duration of
labor >12 hours by 40% (p=0.001), PROM increased by 15% (p=0.005), meconium by 15% (p=0.005),
chorioamnionitis by 15% (p=0.001).
Conclusion
Our study, young maternal age <25 has influence on the occurrence of EMM. Other pregnancy related
factors were not associated with the EMM after LTCS. Delivery associated risk factors are affected
by the EMM after LTCS. The labor after LTCS, labor induction, PROM >12 hours, duration of labor,
number of vaginal exams>4, meconium, chorioamnionitis increased by EMM. Young maternal age
(<25) increased the risk of EMM attached with labor association risk factors.
10.A new diagnostic biomarker in early detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Batchimeg B ; Baljinnyam T ; Khulan U ; Khaliun M ; Bilguun E ; Munkhtsetseg B ; Terguunbileg B ; Chinzorig M ; Gan-Erdene B ; Bilegtsaikhan Ts ; Erkhembulgan P ; Batbold B ; Munkhbat B ; Munkhtuvshin N ; Munkhbayar S
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2021;197(3):10-16
Background and Aims:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cause of cancer related death
in Mongolia. Early diagnosis is the very important management to increase successful treatment
and survival rate. Glypican-3 (GPC3) protein is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
tissue and in serum of HCC patients. Recent studies have been conducted and suggested as a
diagnostic biomarker for detecting HCC in the early stage. Therefore, we investigated the diagnostic
value of the serum GPC3 level and compared it to the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level as a diagnostic
biomarker of HCC.
Methods:
We enrolled a total of 90 participants and divided into 3 groups with HCC (30), with liver
cirrhosis (LC/30) and healthy (30) as the control group (30). GPC3 and AFP serum (sGPC-3, sAFP)
levels were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The
diagnostic accuracy was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and
estimated sensitivity and specificity of each biomarker.
Results:
sGPC3 was significantly elevated in the HCC group as compared to liver cirrhosis and
healthy subjects (658±138.2 pg/ml, 378±25.5 pg/ml, 356.3±29 pg/ml) respectively. sGPC-3 sensitivity
was 96.6% and specificity was 100%. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for GPC3 was 0.999
(0.996- 1.0).
In comparison, the mean of AFP was significantly higher in HCC (16.9±11.7 ng/ml) than in LC (6.7±7.6
ng/ml) and in healthy subject (3.3±2.1 ng/ml) and AFP sensitivity was 43,3 %, specificity was 95 %
with an AUC of 0.808 (0.696- 0.921).
The combination of GPC-3 with AFP achieved the highest sensitivity (97.1%) and specificity (97%).
Conclusion
Serum GPC3 has a higher sensitivity than AFP for the early diagnosis of HCC.
Combination of two markers showed greatest diagnostic accuracy.
Result Analysis
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