1.Development of Mongolian Bisyllabic Word Lists for Speech Audiometric Testing
Baigalmaa O ; Urtnasan D ; Oyunchimeg D ; Junghwa Bahng ; Byambasuren L ; Batzorig B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;91(1):150-156
Background:
Speech audiometry is a widely used standard diagnostic method in the evaluation of hearing and auditory function. It requires word materials that are developed in the native language of the target population and that reflect its phonetic characteristics. Because the phonetic structure, pronunciation, and familiarity of words directly influence speech recognition, it is essential to use language-specific word lists that are phonetically balanced, uniformly distributed, and psychometrically validated to ensure the accuracy and reliability of testing. Therefore, there is a strong need to develop Mongolian bisyllabic word lists that are balanced in both phonetic and psychometric properties, which forms the basis of this study.
Aim:
To develop psychometrically balanced Mongolian bisyllabic word lists for use in speech audiometry and to evaluate their suitability for determining the Speech Recognition Threshold (SRT).
Materials and Methods:
Fifty-five commonly used and phonetically balanced Mongolian bisyllabic words were selected and recorded by a professional female speaker. The recordings were presented to 50 normal-hearing participants aged 18–29 years at ten intensity levels ranging from –4 to 14 dB HL in 2-dB steps. Based on participants’ responses, the 50% SRT and the 20–80% slope of the psychometric function for each word were calculated using logistic regression. Chi-square and one-way ANOVA analyses were performed to examine the equivalence between lists. On the basis of these results, two psychometrically balanced half-lists, each containing 25 words, were constructed, and digital level adjustments were applied to ensure uniform intensity.
Result:
The slopes of the psychometric functions for the two half-lists ranged from 11.2 to 11.6 %/dB. Chi-square and one-way ANOVA analyses showed no statistically significant differences between the two lists in terms of the 50% SRT and psychometric slope derived from logistic regression [χ²(24, N=50) = 2.21, p = 0.99; F(1,48) = 0.00895, p = 0.925]. The mean pure-tone average (PTA) threshold of the 50 normal-hearing participants was 2.23 dB HL with a standard deviation of 4.4 dB. The difference between PTA and SRT was less than 10 dB HL for all participants, which is within the clinically acceptable range.
Conclusion
The developed Mongolian bisyllabic word lists, consisting of two 25-word sets, are suitable for determining the Speech Recognition Threshold and can be reliably applied in clinical speech audiometry practice.
2.Detection of the TCF7L2 gene associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Burentugs G ; Oyunchimeg D ; Zanabazar E
Diagnosis 2025;113(2):57-62
Introduction:
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Over the past two decades, the prevalence of diabetes has been increasing rapidly in Mongolia. Although the national prevalence is not the highest in the region, it is relatively comparable to that of other Asian countries such as South Korea (6.8%) and Japan (6.6%) among adults aged 20 to 79. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is known to be strongly influenced by genetic factors, and in recent years, significant research has focused on identifying associated genetic variants. Among the numerous genes linked to T2DM, the TCF7L2 gene has been extensively studied. TCF7L2 (Transcription Factor 7-Like 2) is located on the short arm of chromosome 10 at locus q25.2 25.3. It consists of 19 exons and encodes a protein comprising 619 amino acids. As a transcription factor, TCF7L2 plays a critical regulatory role in various processes, including pancreatic β-cell function, insulin secretion, insulin receptor activity, and multiple intracellular biochemical signaling pathways.
Objectives of the study:
Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (ICD-10 code: E11), and a specific region of the TCF7L2 gene was amplified and detected using PCR.
Reasearch materials and methods:
This study employed an experimental research design and used purposive sampling to recruit 30 participants who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (ICD-10: E11). A total of 5–10 mL of peripheral blood was collected from each participant in EDTA-containing tubes. Genomic DNA (gDNA) was extracted from 30 samples, and the DNA yield was quantified using a NanoDrop spectrophotometer. The extracted gDNA was then used as a template for the amplification of an 888 base pair (bp) fragment of the TCF7L2 gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products were verified by gel electrophoresis, confirming the presence of the expected 888 bp amplicon.
Conclusion
Blood samples from 30 individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were analyzed. The extracted DNA showed a purity range of 1.73 to 2.1 (A260/A280), indicating that the samples met the general quality requirements for PCR. DNA concentrations measured using a NanoDrop spectrophotometer ranged from 12.7 to 54.3 ng/µl, which is sufficient for downstream PCR analysis. The TCF7L2 gene, known to be associated with the development of T2DM, was detected in 26% of the total samples.
3.Association between serum ferritin levels and hepatic steatosis in patients with hepatitis c virus infection
Urtnasan Ts ; Oyunchimeg D ; Batbold B
Diagnosis 2025;113(2):74-80
Introduction:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030, the number of deaths from cancer worldwide is estimated to reach 13.2 million. However, this number is expected to increase to 20.3 million due to population growth. As of 2018, liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
HCV is estimated to infect 175 million people globally, accounting for 2.8–3% of the total population. About 20% of people infected with HCV progress to severe liver disease, sometimes requiring liver transplantation.
In our country, the prevalence of chronic hepatitis increased significantly between 2015 and 2019. In 2019, it accounted for 45.3% of the total liver diseases, an increase of 10.3 percentage points since 2015. When analyzing age groups, it is noteworthy that incidence increased by 3.2 times in children aged 0-9 years.
Objectives of the study:
To determine the level of ferritin in the blood of patients with hepatitis C virus infection and to assess its relationship with fatty liver.
Research materials and methods:
This study was conducted using a cross- sectional design. The data were collected before the initiation of anti-HCV treatment, and each participant underwent serum biochemical analysis to assess basic iron metabolism indicators such as ferritin and transferrin.
Conclusion
Of the 115 participants in the study, 27% (31) had elevated ferritin levels, while 73% (84) had normal levels. The mean ferritin level was 336±262 ng/ mL, indicating that a significant number of participants had elevated ferritin levels. This suggests that ferritin levels are increased in cases of liver cell inflammation and injury. Although biopsy-proven fatty liver disease was not present, 97.4% (112) of the participants had elevated blood lipid levels, and 94.6% of these had elevated ferritin levels. However, the chi-square test did not reveal a statistically significant difference (χ² = 0.170, p = 0.681). Additionally, 91.5% of participants with high HDL also had elevated ferritin, but the relationship was not statistically significant (p = 0.117).
4.Estimated glomerular filtration rate in alcohol use disorder people
Khorolgarav A ; Narantsatsral D ; Oyundelger M ; Zoljargal S ; Oyunchimeg D ; Erdenebat N
Diagnosis 2025;112(1):5-9
Background:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate serum creatinine as a marker of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in alcohol use disorder people, and to determine correlation between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and eGFR in chronic kidney disease classification level.
Methods:
In this study, 118 people were examined 2024. We measured serum creatinine based GFR using the Cockroft Gault formula. Biochemical analysis and serum creatinine were evaluated using a fully automatic analyzer (GOLSITE, China). Statistical results were analyzed SPSS.
Result:
The mean subject age was 48.6±10.3, BMI 25.3±3.7 and male: female ratio was 5:1. Mean arterial pressure was 104±12.8 mmHg, eGFR 94±28 ml/ min/1.73m2, and mean arterial pressure was significantly correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (P<0.05) and no difference between male and female recipients. Mean eGFR was calculated into 4 groups of 10-year intervals, that eGFR was decreased significantly with age groups. For the alcohol dependence stages of the Michigan Test, the mean eGFR was stage 1 is 112 ml/min/1.73m2, stage 2 is 89 ml/min/1.73m2, stage 3 is 97 ml/min/1.73m2 and there is not statistically significant correlation between Michigan test scores and eGFR.
Conclusion
According to our research, one of the optimal methods for assessing kidney function is the creatinine-based CKD calculation method, and long-term excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for CKD, as well as one of the main causes of death due to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
5.Evaluation of some changes in liver function in patients with alcohol use disorder
Udmaral B ; Byambajargal D ; Pagmadulam B ; Oyundelger M ; Zoljargal S ; Oyunchimeg D ; Erdenebat N
Diagnosis 2025;112(1):75-79
Background:
To evaluate changes in liver function in patients with alcohol use disorder and propose preventive measures.
Methods:
In this study, 118 people were examined between January 2024 to December 2024. Results were analyzed SPSS.
Result:
The mean subject age was 48.6± 10.3 years, male: female ratio was 5:1. Mean arterial pressure was 104±12.8 mmHg, ALT 86.7 ± 93.8 (U/L), AST 89.3±82.8 (U/L), GGT 213.8±252.3 (U/L). A statistically
significant correlation was found between AST and ALT levels (R² = 0.562). However, no significant correlation was observed between body mass index (BMI) and blood glucose levels (R² = 0.002). The AST/ALT ratio was also statistically significant (p = 0.0001).
Conclusion
Excessive alcohol consumption increases the levels of liver enzymes AST 89.3 ± 82.8 (U/L), ALT 86.7
± 93.8 (U/L), and GGT 213.8 ± 252.3 (U/L), leading to increased liver cell damage. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce alcohol consumption and implement preventive measures.
6.Anti-Inflammatory effects of some medicinal plants in LPS stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages
Oyunchimeg B ; Khandmaa D ; Lkhaasuren L ; Khurelbaatar L ; Kim Xae Won
Mongolian Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2024;25(2):58-63
Abstract :
Introduction: Medicinal herbs have been used in traditional medicine to treat systemic inflammatory disease for
many years. For instance, Rhodiola rosea L. extracts are used to enhance behavioural stresses for improving
fatigue and depression. Saposhnikovia divaricata notified to support function of musculoskeletal tissue and
to enhance tissue regeneration by its anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to investigate
therapeutic potential of four different types of medicinal plants (Rhodiola rosea L, Rhodiola quadrifidia (Pall)
Fisch, Saposhnikova divaricate (Turcz) Schischk and Salsola laricofolia Turcz.ex Litv).
Materials and methods:
Anti-inflammatory effects of each extracts were evaluated separately using
chemically induced inflammatory model (RAW 264.7 macrophages). iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6 relative expression
was determined real-time reverse transcription-PCR.
Results:
No cytotoxicity was observed with a concentration of herbal extract. LPS treated macrophages were
released cytokines at higher level and it was downregulated when plant extracts were treated. Herbal extract
treatment suppressed the production of iNOS, IL-1b and IL-6 from Raw264.7 cells after LPS.
Conclusion
These results demonstrate that herbal extracts exerts anti-inflammatory effects, which results
decreasing production of iNOS and pro-inflammatory cytokines and allowed us to screen future therapeutic
possibility.
7.Estimated glomerular filtration rate in alcohol use disorder people
Erdenebat N ; Khorolgarav A ; Narantsatsral D ; Zoljargal S ; Oyunchimeg Ch
Diagnosis 2024;111(4):42-46
Background:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate serum creatinine as a marker of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in alcohol use disorder people, and to determine correlation between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and eGFR in chronic kidney disease classification level.
Methods:
In this study, 99 people were examined between January 2024 to November 2024. We measured serum
creatinine based GFR using the Cockroft Gault formula. Results were analyzed SPSS.
Result:
The mean subject age was 48.2±9.9 years, male: female ratio was 5:1. Mean arterial pressure was 103±13.5 mmHg, eGFR 95.5±28.8 ml/min/1.73m2, and mean arterial pressure was significantly correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (P<0.05) and no difference between male and female recipients.
Conclusion
According to our research, one of the optimal methods for assessing kidney function is the creatinine-based CKD calculation method, and excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease, as well as one of the main causes of complication and mortality in cardiovascular disease.
8. A study to determine actual daily consumption of drinking and residential water for households in Ulaanbaatar
Zolzaya D ; Suvd B ; Amgalan G ; Tsegmed S ; Bolor B ; Soyombo G ; Oyun-Erdene O ; Altangerel B ; Oyunchimeg D ; Enkhjargal A ; Bolormaa I ; Tsogtbaatar B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2024;208(2):39-47
Introduction :
Water is a vital resource for human existence and is essential for daily food processing, preparation,
washing, hygiene, and sanitation. Furthermore, providing the population with safe drinking water is one
of the pressing problems of the world and some regions.
In recent years, population density and the scale of commercial and industrial activities, as well as clean
and dirty water consumption were increased in the capital city. As a result of these, ground and surface
water resources are becoming scarce and polluted.
Therefore, assessment of daily drinking and residential water consumption of Ulaanbaatar should be
determined to use drinking water properly in daily life and water loss. This study assessed the actual
amount of households’ daily water consumption.
Goal:
The purpose of this study is to determine the daily consumption of drinking water for households in ger
areas and apartments in Ulaanbaatar.
Materials and Method:
This study covers 30 households in ger areas and 15 apartment households, in Ulaanbaatar.
Household members performed 6-10 types of measurements every day, within 7 days. As a result of
these measurements, actual consumption of water quantity used for drinking and household purposes
was calculated. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS Version 21 to calculate the true probability of
difference between parameters.
Result:
67.9% of the households in the ger areas were 4-5 family members. The average daily household
consumption of drinking and domestic water were 68.3 ± 3.57 L (95% 61.3-75.3), the minimum
consumption was 12 L, and the maximum was 227 L. Average of the household water consumption
water was 97.6-108.9 liters during the weekends, and water consumption was statistically higher than
weekdays (p=0.001; p=0.01).
The water consumption of residential households with 3 family members accounted for the majority
(30.8%) in this study. The average daily consumption of drinking and domestic water was 297.67±19.7
liters. There was no statistically significant difference (p=0.96) in week. The average daily water
consumption including drinking and residential was 270.3-335.97 L.
The total daily drinking and residential water consumption per person was 15.57 L for households in ger areas and 90 L for apartment households. Calculating the daily water consumption of households in ger areas, 60.3% of it is used for laundry, washing dishes, food preparation, washing face and hands, and clothes, 31% for drinking, and 8.7% for outdoor water use. While apartment households, approximately 94.1%, were used for household and 5.9% for drinking purposes.
Research ethics approval :
This study was discussed at the meeting of the Academic Council of the National Center for Public
Health. In addition, this study was carried out according to the methods and methods discussed and
approved at the meeting of the Medical Ethics Control Committee of the Ministry of Health (Resolution
No. 08).
Conclusion
The total daily consumption of drinking and residential water per person were 15.57 litres for the
households in the ger areas and 90 litres for the apartment households. It implies that it does not exceed
the WHO recommendations
9.Evaluation of air pollution prevention consultation, Ulaanbaatar
Zolzaya D ; Bolor B ; Oyunchimeg D ; Enkhtuya P ; Tsegmed S ; Bolormaa I ; Chinzorig B ; Amartuvshin T ; Suvd B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2022;199(1):74-82
Introduction:
Mongolia’s capital hosts about half the country’s total population, and its air pollution ranks among the highest in the world during winter. Air pollution is linked to reduced fetal growth, preterm birth, low birth weight, impaired cognitive intra-uterine development, impaired cognitive development, and even spontaneous abortion. Antenatal care includes fetal development monitoring, prevention of anemia, immunization against infectious diseases, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, and any health risk factors such as environmental pollution.
Health care measures for pregnant women and children under one year of age have the potential to be highly effective because they are directly aimed at reducing pneumonia in children. As such, we need to conduct this survey to determine whether pregnant women were satisfied with the information and advice on air pollution prevention provided by health facilities and to take evidence-based measures.
Materials and Methods :
The survey data were collected using quantitative and qualitative research methods. In this study, a total of 958 pregnant women participated from Songinokhairkhan district, Bayanzurkh district, and Bayankhongor province center. The overall satisfaction of health services is calculated using the three dimensions namely: satisfaction with health service, operation, and environment of the Health Organization. Satisfaction scores were assessed using an even-point scale. These are “Very Dissatisfied-1 point”, “Dissatisfied-2 point”, “Satisfied-3 point”, “Very satisfied-4 point”. The results were calculated after entering the survey data into SPSS-23, creating a database, and performing error control. The research methodology was discussed at the meeting of the Academic Council of the National Center for Public Health on December 25, 2019, and the methodology was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the MOH (Stagnant №2).
Results :
The survey covered 958 pregnant women aged 16-45 in Bayanzurkh district Songinokhairkhan district, and Bayankhongor province. During antenatal care visits, the majority of pregnant women (BZD- 56.9%, SKHD- 68.3%, BKH province - 86.7%) were advised by their health specialists to go outside for fresh air, while women in Ulaanbaatar (BZD- 18.9%, SKHD- 24.7%) received the information and advice at the lowest percentage. Pregnant women in Ulaanbaatar were less involved in air pollution training than in Bayankhongor. Participants in the air pollution prevention training rated it as “satisfied” regardless of location. 37.2% of pregnant women obtained information on protecting their health from air pollution from the board of Family Health Center and 34% from their district health centers. 86.1% of the participants were able to obtain information on air pollution on their own, while 86% of them got information from their family and friends.
Conclusion
The percentage of pregnant women getting medical advice, training, and information on air pollution prevention from hospitals during their antenatal care visits was the highest in rural areas. Moreover, their level of satisfaction with counseling had been rated as “satisfied”. Pregnant women often seek information on air pollution prevention from non-professional sources, such as their family and friends.
10.Prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in hospitalized patients
Tegshjargal T ; Altantsetseg T ; Regzedmaa D ; Oyunchimeg D
Health Laboratory 2021;13(1):5-11
Description:
Asymptomatic bacteriuria is defined as the presence of 1x105 or more bacteria per milliliter of urine, although there are no signs of UTI [1]. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is quite common and occurs in 1-5% of healthy women before menopause. The incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria increases in the elderly (men and women) to 4-19%. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is observed in 0.7% -27% of patients with diabetes mellitus, in 2-10% of pregnant women and in 23-89% of patients with spinal cord injury. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is rarely observed in young men and always requires differential diagnosis with chronic bacterial prostatitis[2].
Among the elderly, those in institutionalized settings such as long-term care facilities and hospitals have a higher prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria than those living in the community. Therefore, interest in asymptomatic bacteriuria has shifted from the general population to these groups of individuals. The prevalence varies from 2% to 10% in pregnancy and from 15% to 50% in the elderly in long-term care facilities.[3,4]
This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of people asymptomatic bacteriuria in among hospitalized people.
Purpose:
Investigate cases of asymptomatic bacteriuria among hospitalized individuals and determine antibiotic susceptibility by type of pathogen detected in urine.
Materials and methods:
This cross-sectional study in the “I” Hospital of UB city, Mongolia. We conducted into the study 133 patients. After obtaining informed consent, a midstream clean-catch urine sample was collected in the same 24 hour time window and was evaluated for urinalysis using a dipstick test and routine culture. A positive urine culture was defined as a single urine sample with microbal growth of >105 colony- forming units of a single organism. We use 5-10% Blood agar, UTI agar, Mackkong agar and Chroma agar for a bacterial growth. Then we did antibiotic susceptibility of the determined pathogen.
Result:
The average age of the respondents was 55.9±14.6, the youngest was 17 years old and the oldest was 91 years old (CI 95% 53.4-58.5). By age group, 4.5% (n = 6) of people aged 20-30, 21.1% (n = 28) of people aged 31-45, 37.5% (n = 50) of people aged 46-60, and people over 61 years of age 36.8% (n = 49) respectively.Of the respondents, more than 56 or 54.9% (n = 73) were elderly, of which 63.9% (n = 85) were women and 36.1% (n = 48) were men.
A total of 36 (27.1%) leukocytes were detected, and 25 (34.2%) more (P-0.05) were detected in people over 56 years of age. The protein detected in 24 (18.0%) people, all over 56 years of age and more defined in men (P-0.01).
80.5% (n = 107) of those surveyed were diagnosed with the pathogens, and 54.9% were elderly (P-0.031). 82.4% of women and 77.1% of men were diagnosed with urinary pathogens.
Streptococcus 26%, E.coli 19%, Saprophyticus 13%, Enterococcus 11% and Staphylococcus 11% were detected in the analysis, and Streptococcus and E.coli (19%) accounted for a slightly higher rate of infection.
A total of 13 types of pathogens were identified, of which 53.4% were susceptible, 21.7% were moderately sensitive, and 24.9% were non-susceptible.
Discussion:
According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Taiwan, the prevalence of asymptomatic UTI-s in the general population is 57.8%. E.Coli was also the most common bacterium in the urine [6].
In our study, there are many cases of E. coli.
Study in the United States found that the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among inpatients was 8.5%, all of them women. The most common pathogens in this study are Enterococcus bacteria. This study found that 1 in 10 people admitted to the hospital may have asymptomatic bacteriuria. [1]
Conclusion
1. Asymptomatic bacteriuria in 80.5% of those surveyed 54.9% were detected in people over 56 years of age.
2. Antibiotic susceptibility of the tested pathogens was determined as 53.4% sensitive, 21.7% moderately sensitive and 24.9% insensitive.
Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail