Background: Sarcopenia is a multifactorial geriatric syndrome characterized by age-related loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. In recent years, neurotrophic and neuromuscular biomarkers have been investigated as potential diagnostic indicators of sarcopenia; however, evidence regarding their sex-specific differences remains limited. Aim: To evaluate the sex-specific associations of serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels with sarcopenia and muscle-related parameters among older adults. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included adults aged 60 years and older. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019) criteria. Serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels were measured using ELISA. Group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests, correlations were assessed using Pearson correlation analysis, and diagnostic performance for sarcopenia was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was also performed. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic participants in either the male or female groups (all p>0.05). ROC analysis demonstrated AUC values ranging from 0.540 to 0.542 in males and from 0.508 to 0.530 in females for BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age (OR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.04–1.21, p=0.003) and lower fat-free mass index (OR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.66–0.91, p=0.001) were significantly associated with sarcopenia, whereas BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 showed no independent association with sarcopenia. Conclusions 1. No statistically significant sex-specific differences were observed in serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults (all p>0.05). 2. CAF22 levels were weakly negatively correlated with muscle mass and fat-free mass index in males (p<0.05), whereas BDNF levels showed weak positive correlations with handgrip strength and fat-free mass index in females (p<0.05). CAF22 levels also demonstrated a weak positive correlation with age (p<0.05). 3. ROC and multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated limited diagnostic utility of BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 for sarcopenia (AUC=0.508–0.542), and none of these biomarkers showed an independent association with sarcopenia (all p>0.05). In contrast, older age (OR=1.12, p=0.003) and lower fat-free mass index (OR=0.78, p=0.001) were significantly associated with sarcopenia.

Background: Teaching is a profession associated with high levels of stress. Research has shown that when job demands are high while organizational support is insufficient, levels of stress and burnout increase. Aim: Prior to conducting our study aimed at determining the stress levels among university faculty members, we performed a literature review. Materials and Methods: We conducted a literature search using the PubMed and Embase databases for studies published in English without restriction on publication year, including all relevant articles available up to September 2025. The search strategy included the following keywords: “stress,” “researchers,” “university professors,” “academic researchers,” “college,” “academics,” “scholars,” “teachers,” and “professors.” Results: We searched for English-language publications in the PubMed and Embase databases without year restrictions, including studies published up to September 2025. The search was conducted using the following mesh terms: “stress,” “researchers,” “university professors,” “academic researchers,” “college,” “academics,” “scholars,” “teachers,” and “professors.” A total of 3,961 articles were identified from the database search. After screening titles, 2,944 articles were excluded. Subsequently, 58 articles were reviewed based on their abstracts, and 12 studies that were relevant to our research objectives and questionnaire were selected for analysis. Conclusion This review study demonstrated that stress levels among university and college faculty members are high. Stress is associated with multiple factors, including workload, organizational support, and performance demands, leading to negative physical and psychological consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to implement systematic institutional-level interventions to support the well-being of faculty members.

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are among the most common forms of anemia worldwide. Although the underlying causes of ID may vary depending on a country’s developmental level, lifestyle, and other factors, blood loss remains the principal cause leading to ID and subsequent IDA. In hemophilia, recurrent bleeding due to deficiencies of coagulation factors (FVIII, FIX, FXI) can lead to ID, which may progress to IDA and adversely affect the quality of life in these patients. The absence of studies evaluating the prevalence of ID and IDA among hemophiliac patients in Mongolia provided the impetus for this investigation. Aim: To assess the prevalence of ID and IDA among patients with hemophilia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 45 patients with hemophilia registered at the Hemophilia Comprehensive Center (HCC), Mongolia-Japan Hospital, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. All participants underwent laboratory testing, including complete blood count (CBC) and serum ferritin levels—were performed using the SYSMEX XN2000 and COBAS BM6010 analyzers. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 27.0 and MS Excel 2010. Results: Among the 45 cases, 41 were Hemophilia A and 4 were Hemophilia B. Reduced serum iron levels were found in 33.3% (15), and low ferritin levels were observed in 22.2%. Detailed blood tests revealed microcytic hypochromic changes in 43.9% (18) of Hemophilia A cases and in 100% (4) of Hemophilia B cases. The overall prevalence of ID was 13.3%, while the prevalence of IDA was 22.2%. Among the IDA cases, 90.0% were classified as mild and 10.0% as moderate. Notably, 80.0% of the IDA cases occurred in children under 15 years of age. Conclusion ID and IDA are common among hemophiliac patients. The high prevalence among children under 15 years of age suggests an age-related predisposition, emphasizing the need to improve disease management and to implement preventive measures against anemia in this population.

Background: Hypokalemia is considered when the serum potassium level is less than 3.5 mmol/L. Clinical research indicates that hypokalemia affects 20% of hospitalized patients, and in 24% of these cases, inadequate interventions result in life-threatening complications. At present, there is no research available on the prevalence, management, and outcomes of hypokalemia in hospitalized patients, which justifies the need for this study. Aim: The study aimed to examine the prevalence of hypokalemia and the effectiveness of its management in hospitalized patients within the internal medicine department, in relation to the knowledge of doctors and resident physicians. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based retrospective study included a total of 553 cases of patients hospitalized in the Internal Medicine Department of the Mongolia Japan Hospital between January 2024 and August 2024. Patients with a potassium level of <3.5 mmol/L were diagnosed with hypokalemia, and the effectiveness of potassium replacement therapy was evaluated according to the method of supplementation employed. Results: The prevalence of hypokalemia among hospitalized patients in the Internal Medicine Department was 9.8% (54 cases). Based on the study criteria, 42 cases of hypokalemia were selected for further analysis, and a total of 118 potassium replacements were performed through oral, intravenous, and mixed methods. Following potassium replacement therapy, 37.3% (44) of patients achieved normalized potassium levels, while 62.7% (74) still had persistent hypokalemia. Conclusion According to the study results, the prevalence of hypokalemia among hospitalized patients in the Internal Medicine Department is 9.8%. The method of potassium replacement and the severity of hypokalemia do not impact the normalization of potassium levels, with the critical factor being the proper dosage of supplementation. The knowledge of doctors and resident physicians regarding hypokalemia is insufficient, and there is a need to implement guidelines and protocols for potassium replacement therapy in daily clinical practice.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer originating from liver cells, classified as a chronic liver disease. This cancer ranks third in the world in terms of mortality rate. The MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) and Child-Pugh scoring systems are utilized to assess the prognosis of chronic liver diseases. Based on studies suggesting that certain blood test indicators, particularly red cell distribution width (RDW), could be used to predict the prognosis of liver cancer and other cancers, as well as serve as diagnostic markers, this topic was chosen to evaluate the clinical significance of RDW in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aim: The aim is to study some blood test indicators and compare them with the MELD score and Child-Pugh score systems in order to determine the prognosis of chronic liver diseases. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted at Mongolia-Japan Hospital. Among 322 patients diagnosed with HCC, 24 patients were selected for the case group, and 37 patients with liver cirrhosis were included in the control group. Results: According to the research criteria, 61 patients were selected and divided into 3 groups, and statistical analysis was performed. In the detailed blood test, platelet count and WBC count showed statistically significant differences among the 3 groups (p< 0.024). In the biochemical tests, C-reactive protein (CRP) was p< 0.018, total bilirubin p< 0.001, and the mean albumin level p< 0.015, all showing statistically significant differences among the 3 groups. A statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between RDW-CV and the clinical MELD score (r=-0.356). Conclusion Platelet count, RDW, CRP, total bilirubin, and average albumin levels are significantly different across the studied groups. RDW-CV shows a moderate inverse correlation with MELD scores, suggesting its potential as a prognostic marker in chronic liver diseases. Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to confirm these findings.

Introduction: Anemia is still being a population’s challenging issue regardless of high development of countries around the world. According to a study regarding prevalence and etiology of anemia conducted in 187 countries around the world, the anemia rate is 23 176 per 100 000 population. In accordance with the “5th National Nutrition Survey” study conducted in our country in 2017, one of every five women (21.4%), aged 15-49 years, (16.2%) of reproductive age women and (3.0%) of men are anemic. The current study was conducted due to it is still essential to study and identify the etiology of anemia, determine its prevalence, plan appropriate intervention, and organize future preventive measures, depending on the socio economic conditions, location, diet, and customs of the Mongolians. Aim: To determine the prevalence, red blood cell morphology, and severity of anemia among adults. Method: The cross sectional study was conducted during between May 2022 and Sep 2023 and adults aged above 18 years were included. Moreover, we identified anemia cases based on the laboratory test results and determined the anemia severity grade. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS software. Result: Overall, (6.7%) of participants were anemic: (9.9%) of women and (2.8%) of men. The distribution by severity was: mild anemia (66.7%), moderate anemia (30%), and severe anemia (3.3%). Among women of reproductive age, prevalence was higher, whereas in men, anemia prevalence increased with age. Regionally, the Central region showed the highest prevalence, while other regions varied. Analysis of anemia by red blood cell morphology showed that normocytic anemia accounted for (51.6%), hypochromic anemia 66%, and mean hemoglobin concentration hypochromic (53.6%). Moderate and severe anemia was more common in women than men. Conclusion Anemia was detected in (6.7%) of the total study population, (9.9%) of females, and (2.8%) of males were anemic. Of those with anemia, (66.7%) had mild anemia, (30%) had moderate anemia, and (3.3%) had severe anemia. Moderate and severe anemia were more common in females than in males.

Background: Generation Z students, born after 1995, are characterized by their ability to multitask, low tolerance for traditional learning methods, impatience, short attention span, and preference for working independently rather than collaboratively. They are also considered more vulnerable to mental health challenges compared to previous generations. Aim: To assess the level of academic engagement among Generation Z students studying in the School of Nursing. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted from February 1 to April 1, 2025. A total of 420 students majoring in nursing, midwifery, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and traditional medicine nursing at the School of Nursing, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, participated in the study. The Student Course Engagement Questionnaire (Handelsman, 2005) was used to evaluate students’ engagement levels. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed with a Cronbach’s α of 0.955. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, and results were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. Results: Among the 420 participants, 91.9% were female and 8.1% were male. By major, 57.1% studied nursing, 22.6% midwifery, 8.8% physical therapy, and the remainder were from other disciplines. Student engagement was analyzed across three domains: academic involvement, personal responsibility and effort, and learning attitude and motivation. Pearson correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations between academic involvement and personal responsibility/ effort (r=0.828), learning attitude and motivation (r=0.825), and between responsibility/effort and learning attitude/ motivation (r=0.903) (p<0.01). Age showed a weak positive correlation with year of study (r=0.381), while major and year of study had a weak negative correlation (r= -0.146) (p<0.01). Year of study and learning motivation also showed a weak negative correlation (r=-0.107, p<0.05). Conclusion The learning motivation and class engagement of Generation Z nursing students were found to be strongly correlated with their sense of responsibility, effort, and learning attitude (r=0.82–0.90, p<0.01). Most students demonstrated consistent participation and motivation to learn, showed less interest in traditional teaching approaches, and preferred practical training.

Background: The global urgency for environmentally friendly technologies has steadily intensified, and as a result, the synthesis of silver nanoparticles with antibacterial properties derived from medicinal plants traditionally used to combat bacterial infections has garnered significant interest. Goals: This research endeavors to synthesize silver nanoparticles utilizing Jidanga and Banzdo plants, widely recognized in traditional medicine, while elucidating their physical, chemical attributes, and biological potential. Methods: The physicochemical characteristics of these silver nanoparticles, synthesized through phytosynthesis, were meticulously examined via various analytical techniques. Ultraviolet and visible light spectrophotometry (UV/Vis), Photon Cross Correlation Spectroscopy (PCCS), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Crystallography (XRD) were employed for comprehensive analysis. Additionally, their antitumor efficacy was assessed via MTT assay utilizing RAW264.7 cell cultures, while antibacterial properties were evaluated through agar diffusion tests against selected bacterial strains. Results: Silver nanoparticles exhibited distinctive UV/Vis absorption peaks at 407-426 nm, affirming their composition. PCCS measurements revealed nanoparticles with hydrodynamic diameters spanning from ~100 nm to ~450 nm, while AFM imaging showcased spherical nanoparticles ranging from ~35 nm to ~97 nm. Crystallography analysis identified both simple cubic and polycrystalline structures. FTIR analysis unveiled the presence of organic compounds adsorbed onto the nanoparticle surfaces, in addition to silver bonds. Notably, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Banzdo plants demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of RAW264.7 cell growth via the MTT assay. Furthermore, the silver nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity against a range of test bacteria with inhibition zones spanning 1-4 mm. Conclusion This study successfully synthesized silver nanoparticles utilizing Jidanga and Banzdo plants from traditional medicine, comprehensively characterizing their physicochemical attributes and demonstrating their biological activity. These findings hold promise for the future utilization of phytosynthetically derived silver nanoparticles.

Background: Kidney transplantation has being performed in Mongolia since 2006. However there is currently no published data available on long-term graft and patient survival. Objective: Our aim was to assess the long-term graft and patient survival rate correlation with HLA-A-B-DR matching. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 70 adult kidney transplants performed at our hospital from August 2006 through January 2014. The data was retrospectively collected from patient files, including characteristics of the recipient and donor, post transplant features and HLA-A-B-DR DNA based typing results. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze graft and patient survival. Results: The mean patient follow-up period after kidney transplantation was 39,6±25.9 months, and the mean kidney graft follow-up period was 36.6±23.7 months for 70 cases. Overall graft and patient survivals were 52 (74.3%) and 60 (85.7%) respectively in 70 cases. Five-year graft and patient survivals were 23 (67.6%) and 29 (85.3%) respectively in 34 cases. The group with four to six mismatched were found to have a significantly lower 3 and 5-year graft and patient survival (71%; 35%); (80%; 40%) compared to 0 to 1 mismatched group (100%) (p=.030; p=.015). Furthermore we analyzed the association of HLA matching, immunosuppressive therapy and long-term graft survival. We selected CNI mono-therapy group for long-term survival analysis and observed a similar pattern. In mono-therapy group, the group with four to six mismatched were found to have a significantly lower 3 and 5-year graft and patient survival (75%; 30%); (65%; 30%) compared to 0 to 1 mismatched group (100%) (p=.037; p=.001). Conclusion The results showed that graft and patient survival rates were lower compared with results from established centers. Statistically highly significant effect of HLA matching on kidney graft and patient survival rates was found in our analysis. Five years after transplantation the graft survival rate of first adult kidney transplant with 4-6MM was 65-70% lower than that of grafts with 0-1MM. Longitudinal cohort study needed in the future to exhibit an improved transplantation outcome.

Introduction: Sarcopenia is a prevalent condition characterized by decrease in muscle strength and loss of body function which result from the decrease of muscle mass in older age. In 2014, the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia developed the diagnosis criterion for sarcopenia. The measurements were changed to accommodate for the physical characteristics of asians. The loss of muscle mass increases after age 40 and decreases by 8 percent every 10 years. After age 70 this number is increased to 15 percent every 10 years. Goal: Assess the prevalence of sarcopenia among men by comparing body height and mass Materials and Methods: The study included 196 older men aged 40 and above chosen by random sampling from the geriatric and rehabilitation cabinets of the Mongolian National Gerontology Center.
Sarcopenia diagnosis was made based on the criteria from the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia using methods by Janssen I and others to compare body mass and height. Results: Comparing body muscle mass and height 11.7 percent of participant aged 40-86 had sarcopenia. When comparing body muscle mass and weigth 33.2 percent had sarcopenia. Conclusion Determining sarcopenia among Mongolian men by comparing muscle mass and body mass resulted in 33.2 percent sarcopenia. When compared with height, 11.7 percent had sarcopenia.