Updated on 2025/01/10

Information

 

写真a

 
LKHAGVASUREN BATTUVSHIN
 
Organization
Faculty of Medical Sciences Department of Clinical Medicine Assistant Professor
Title
Assistant Professor

Research Areas

  • Life Science / General internal medicine

  • Life Science / Pathophysiologic neuroscience

Degree

  • PhD ( 2013.3   Kyushu University )

  • MD ( 2005.5   Health Sciences University )

Research History

  • Kyushu University Psychosomatic Medicine Assistant Professor

    2024.4 - Present

  • International University of Health and Welfare Psychosomatic Medicine Lecturer

    2021.6 - 2024.3

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    Country:Japan

  • Kyushu University Department of Psychosomatic Medicine Academic Researcher

    2013.4 - 2013.10

Papers

  • Anxiety, depression, and brain overwork in the general population of Mongolia

    Lkhagvasuren B., Hiramoto T., Bat-Erdene E., Tumurbaatar E., Tumur-Ochir G., Amartuvshin T., Dashtseren M., Lai E., Viswanath V., Oka T., Jadamba T.

    Scientific Reports   14 ( 1 )   2024.12

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    In Mongolia, there is limited data on the prevalence and correlates of common mental health conditions. This study addresses this data gap by exploring anxiety, depression, and brain overwork. The aim of this study was to determine normative data on these conditions in the general population of Mongolia. This nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 sampling centers across Mongolia in 2020. A total of 613 participants (190 men and 423 women) with a mean age of 41.8 ± 12.4 years were recruited. The participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Brain Overwork Scale (BOS-10). Vital signs, body measurements, and lifestyle determinants were also assessed. The prevalence of anxiety was 9.9%, depression was 4.9%, and brain overwork was 18.3% among the participants. Anxiety and depression were correlated with brain overwork symptoms. Brain overwork was associated with young age, unemployment, low income, and alcohol use. These findings suggest that anxiety, depression, and brain overwork are a significant problem in the general population of Mongolia. Further research is needed to develop effective interventions to reduce the prevalence and risk factors of anxiety, depression, and brain overwork.

    DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52779-w

    Scopus

  • Emotional intelligence in children with epilepsy

    Enkhtuya B., Bayarsaikhan A., Lkhagvasuren B., Sainbat U., Bayanmunkh B., Avirmed T., Tsend B.

    IBRO Neuroscience Reports   16   260 - 266   2024.6   ISSN:26672421

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    Objective: Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder in the pediatric population, often accompanied by comorbidities, drug-related burdens, and psychosocial issues. Emotional intelligence (EI) is a crucial aspect of neurocognitive functioning that may be impaired in various clinical conditions. This study aimed to assess EI and its associated risk factors in children with epilepsy. Methods: In a case-control design, we recruited 47 children with epilepsy (37 males, mean age 10.5 ± 3.1 years) and age- and gender-matched controls. Participants were evaluated using the Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Version (EQ-I:YV). We included risk factors, including comorbidities, perinatal complications, epilepsy characteristics, and magnetic resonance imaging results to predict EI. Results: Results indicate that children with epilepsy demonstrated significantly lower EI scores compared to controls (Total EQ score: p = 0.031, intrapersonal: p < 0.001, adaptability: p = 0.03, and general mood: p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that lower total EQ scores were associated with the number of anti-epileptic drugs, age, seizure frequency, MRI abnormalities, aura, and early onset of seizures. Conclusions: The study provides evidence that children with epilepsy exhibit lower EQ scores than control group, with notable differences in intrapersonal skills, adaptability, and general mood. Additionally, age, and some seizure-related factors predicted decreased total EQ scores. These findings emphasize the need to consider EI in the context of pediatric epilepsy, as impaired EI may contribute to further psychosocial challenges faced by affected children.

    DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.01.013

    Scopus

  • Psychometric properties of the Mongolian version of shitsu-taikan-sho (alexisomia) in young adults

    Lkhagvasuren B., Batkhuyag E., Tumurbaatar E., Urtnasan T., Tsengel D., Tumur-Ochir G., Oka T.

    Science Progress   107 ( 1 )   2024.1   ISSN:00368504

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    Objective: Alexisomia is characterized by difficulty in identifying and describing bodily feelings. Shitsu-taikan-sho scale (STSS) is a self-report tool that assesses alexisomia. This study aimed to validate the Mongolian version of STSS in a nonclinical student sample. Methods: A total of 593 undergraduate students (217 males, 376 females, 18–25 years), who were studying at medical universities, were recruited. Participants completed the Mongolian version of STSS, which was translated from Japanese to Mongolian, back-translated, and finalized by an expert committee. Construct validity was examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses for a three-factor structure. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were measured using Cronbach's α and the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), respectively. Results: The mean scores of STSS were 18.6 ± 5.7 for difficulty identifying bodily feelings (DIB), 18.8 ± 4.0 for overadaptation (OA), 23.7 ± 4.1 for lack of health management (LHM), and 61.1 ± 10.5 for the total score (possible range: 7–35 for DIB, OA, LHM, and 21–105 for the total score, respectively). Exploratory factor analysis indicated a three-factor structure consisting of 21 items that explained 40.3% of the variance (KMO = 0.916, RMSEA = 0.049, χ2= 372, p <.001). Confirmatory factor analysis provided a good fit to the data (CFI = 0.876, TLI = 0.861, RMSEA = 0.068, χ2= 703, p <.001). Cronbach's alpha for the STSS was 0.860, indicating good internal consistency. Test-retest reliability analysis demonstrated good reliability (ICC = 0.791). Conclusion: The 21-item Mongolian version of STSS demonstrated evidence of good reliability and validity for assessing alexisomia in a nonclinical population in Mongolia. This suggests that the Mongolian version of the STSS may allow for the comparison of alexisomia among adults in Mongolia with those in other countries.

    DOI: 10.1177/00368504231225075

    Scopus

  • Heart rate variability and tension-type headache: A population-based cross-sectional study

    Tumurbaatar E., Bat-Erdene E., Amartuvshin T., Dashtseren M., Tumur-Ochir G., Boldbaatar D., Jadamba T., Hiramoto T., Oka T., Lkhagvasuren B.

    IBRO Neuroscience Reports   15   194 - 202   2023.12   ISSN:26672421

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    Background: The relationship between tension-type headache (TTH) and autonomic functions is poorly understood, although TTH is one of the most prevalent disorders in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the direct and indirect effects of TTH on the autonomic functions measured by heart rate variability (HRV). Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the general population of Ulaanbaatar between July and September in 2020. After physical examination, trained researchers applied structured interviews to examine the remote history of TTH and mental distress, followed by a recording of HRV to detect autonomic activity. Psychological factors and the quality of life were measured using Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life–Brief (WHOQOL-BREF). Binary logistic regression and GLM mediation model analysis were used to examine the effects of risk factors on the associations between TTH and autonomic functions. Results: Among participants (n = 217, mean age=41.8 ± 11.5 years), a total of 117 (53.9%) participants had a remote history of TTH. The age and sex-adjusted prevalence was 43%. Groups did not differ statistically in the HRV indices. LF/HF (ratio of low-frequency to high frequency), the index of sympathovagal balance, was correlated with the HADS anxiety. TTH was associated with mental distress. Binary logistic regression analysis confirms the relationship suggesting that TTH was associated with increased likelihood of mental distress, and decreasing RMSSD (root mean square of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent NN intervals) and pNN50 (NN50 divided by the total number of NN intervals) were the independent predictors of TTH. GLM mediation model indicated that the relationship between TTH and RMSSD was mediated by mental distress. Conclusions: The present study suggests that mental distress is a critical factor in the association between TTH and autonomic dysfunction. Additionally, our findings demonstrate the influence of age and gender on TTH. These results highlight the need to understand the mechanisms underlying pathophysiology to facilitate targeted and efficacious prevention and management approaches for TTH.

    DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.09.004

    Scopus

  • Psychometric properties of the Mongolian version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

    Tumurbaatar E., Hiramoto T., Tumur-Ochir G., Bat-Erdene E., Erdenebaatar C., Amartuvshin T., Dashtseren M., Lkhagvasuren B., Boldbaatar D., Jadamba T.

    Neuroscience Research Notes   6 ( 3 )   2023.9

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    Poor sleep quality is associated with decreased brain health, such as fatigue, low quality of life, and risk of neurological and psychiatric comorbidities. Until now, no testing instruments for an accurate assessment of sleep quality for use in the general population have been rigorously translated and validated in Mongolia. We aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the globally recognized screening tool and sleep quality in the general population of Mongolia. In this cross-sectional study, participants were randomly selected between August and October 2020, from 64 sites in 8 urban, and 9 rural areas in Mongolia. Of the total 1152 participants (mean age, SD=42.66±12.6, range: 18 and 65) 76% were women. An overall Cronbach’s α was 0.69. Both EFA and CFA indicated a two-factor solution. The PSQI total score was positively correlated with anxiety and depression. The PSQI total score (p values < 0.01) was negatively correlated with the mean scores of all domains of WHOQOL-BREF. The mean PSQI total score was 5.67±3.4 and 43% of the participants were classified as poor sleepers by a global cut-off point of 5. The Mongolian version of the PSQI demonstrated a reliable and valid tool for screening sleep quality among the Mongolian general population. The results suggest that the prevalence rate of poor sleep quality was 43% using PSQI global cut-off point.

    DOI: 10.31117/neuroscirn.v6i3.190

    Scopus

  • Quality of life in the general population of Mongolia: Normative data on WHOQOL-BREF

    Bat-Erdene E., Hiramoto T., Tumurbaatar E., Tumur-Ochir G., Jamiyandorj O., Yamamoto E., Hamajima N., Oka T., Jadamba T., Lkhagvasuren B.

    PLoS ONE   18 ( 9 September )   2023.9

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    No data on the quality of life (QOL) of the general population are available for Mongolia. This study aimed to determine normative data on the World Health Organization Quality of Life- Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) in the general population of Mongolia. This nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 sampling centers across Mongolia in 2020. We used the WHOQOL-BREF and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in our study and evaluated their associations with vital signs, body measurements, and lifestyle determinants. A total of 714 participants (261 men and 453 women) with a mean (standard deviation) age of 40.7 (13.2) years were recruited. The mean scores of WHOQOL-BREF subscales were 61.5 for physical health, 73.5 for psychological health, 70.1 for social relationship, and 67.2 for environmental health domains. The prevalence of poor QOL was 16.9% among the participants. Participants living in an apartment in urban areas with high HADS scores had a low QOL. All domains of WHOQOL-BREF were inversely correlated with anxiety score (r = -0.353 - -0.206, p < 0.001) and depression scores (r = -0.335 - -0.156, p < 0.001). Physical health was predicted by residency location, anxiety, and depression (R2 = 0.200, p < 0.001); psychological health by anxiety and depression (R2 = 0.203, p < 0.001); social relationship by residency location, age group, anxiety and depression (R2 = 0.116, p < 0.001); and environmental health by employment, anxiety, and depression (R2 = 0.117, p < 0.001). This is the first report on normative data on the QOL in the general population of Mongolia. Physical health was low compared with that determined using international data. Poor QOL was observed among those with mental health issues living in the urban areas.

    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291427

    Scopus

  • Brain Science Week 2022 in Mongolia

    Badarch A., Zambal O., Angarag U., Otgon N.E., Bat-Erdene E., Tumurbaatar E., Lkhagvasuren B., Jadamba T., Erdenebaatar C.

    Neuroscience Research Notes   6 ( 2 )   2023.6

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    The Brain and Mind Research Institute (BMRI), affiliated with the Mongolian Academy of Sciences (MAS), in collaboration with the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) and the Mongolian Neuroscience Society (MNS), organized the Brain Science Week 2022 from August 8 to 13, 2022, in Ulaanbaatar. The Brain Science Week 2022 included three main events: a 6-day training school for neuroscientists, the IBRO-APRC Ulaanbaatar Associate School on Brain-Related Disorders, a roundtable meeting with stakeholders and advisors themed "Perspectives of Brain Science in Mongolia", and the 9th Annual Meeting of MNS, Multidisciplinary Brain Science 2022. In addition, a press conference and an art contest, Brain Have No Limit, were organized to raise brain awareness in public. The IBRO-APRC Ulaanbaatar Associate School on Brain-Related Disorders was aimed to train 20 students on current advances in brain science by seven international faculties and 14 local faculties in six consecutive days. As a satellite event to the school, a 2-day training program for school psychologists, Basic Concepts of Psychology, was held in conjunction with the Mongolian Psychologists Association. The 9th Annual Meeting of MNS brought together 31 speakers and more than 100 participants who attended 14 invited lectures by world-leading neuroscientists in Ulaanbaatar. The support of MAS, the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, and the Ministry of Education and Science of Mongolia also contributed to the success of the events. The events made clear what we have achieved so far and what we have to do next for the development of brain science in Mongolia for all participants and the general population.

    DOI: 10.31117/neuroscirn.v6i2.221

    Scopus

  • The Brain Overwork Scale: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study on the Psychometric Properties of a New 10-Item Scale to Assess Mental Distress in Mongolia

    Lkhagvasuren B., Hiramoto T., Tumurbaatar E., Bat-Erdene E., Tumur-Ochir G., Viswanath V., Corrigan J., Jadamba T.

    Healthcare (Switzerland)   11 ( 7 )   2023.4

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    Identifying mental distress is a complex task, particularly when individuals experience physical symptoms. Traditional self-report questionnaires that detect psychiatric symptoms using emotional words may not work for these individuals. Consequently, there is a need for a screening tool that can identify both the physical and mental symptoms of mental distress in individuals without a clinical diagnosis. Our study aimed to develop and validate a scale that measures mental distress by measuring the extent of brain overwork, which can be extrapolated as the burden of mental distress. In this population-based cross-sectional study, we recruited a total of 739 adults aged 16–65 years from 64 sampling centers of a cohort in Mongolia to validate a 10-item self-report questionnaire. Internal consistency was measured using McDonald’s ω coefficient. Test–retest reliability was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients. Construct and convergent validities were examined using principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the abbreviated version of World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) were used to evaluate criterion validity. Among the participants, 70.9% were women, 22% held a bachelor’s degree or higher, 38.8% were employed, and 66% were married. The overall McDonald’s ω coefficient was 0.861, demonstrating evidence of excellent internal consistency. The total intraclass correlation coefficient of the test–retest analysis was 0.75, indicating moderate external reliability. PCA and CFA established a three-domain structure that provided an excellent fit to the data (RMSEA = 0.033, TLI = 0.984, CFI = 0.989, χ2 = 58, p = 0.003). This 10-item scale, the Brain Overwork Scale (BOS-10), determines mental distress in three dimensions: excessive thinking, hypersensitivity, and restless behavior. All the items had higher item-total correlations with their corresponding domain than they did with the other domains, and correlations between the domain scores had a range of 0.547–0.615. BOS-10 correlated with HADS, whereas it was inversely correlated with WHOQOL-BREF. In conclusion, the results suggest that BOS-10 is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing mental distress in the general population. The scale screens for mental distress that is characterized by subjective symptoms such as excessive thinking, hypersensitivity, and restless behavior. The current findings also demonstrate that the BOS-10 is quantitative, simple, and applicable for large group testing. This scale may be useful for identifying at-risk individuals who may require further evaluation and treatment for mental distress.

    DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11071003

    Scopus

  • Validation of the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life in Mongolia: a population-based cross-sectional study among adults in Ulaanbaatar

    Bat-Erdene E., Tumurbaatar E., Tumur-Ochir G., Jamiyandorj O., Jadamba T., Yamamoto E., Hamajima N., Oka T., Lkhagvasuren B.

    Nagoya Journal of Medical Science   85 ( 1 )   79 - 92   2023   ISSN:00277622

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    There is currently no validated tool to measure the quality of life (QOL) in the Mongolian language. This study aimed to validate the Mongolian version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life – Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire for the general population of Mongolia. The subjects were 301 adults aged 18–65 years selected randomly by a computer from 30 centers in 8 districts of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in 2020. Reliability was measured using Cronbach’s α and intraclass correlation coefficients. Convergent, discriminant, and construct validities were examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses for a four-domain factor structure. Among the participants, 56.1% were women, 32.9% held a bachelor’s degree or higher, 48.8% were employed, and 61.8% were married. The overall Cronbach’s α coefficient of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was 0.804. Correlations between the component scores of the WHOQOL-BREF ranged from 0.581–0.822. All items showed higher item-total correlations with their corresponding domains than with other domains, except the mobility item from the physical domain. Discriminative validity was evident in physical and psychological domains. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed a four-factorial structure consisting of 24 items that provided an acceptable fit to the data (RMSEA=0.084; CFI=0.860). In conclusion, the Mongolian version of the WHOQOL-BREF demonstrated evidence of good reliability and validity for assessing QOL in the general population of Mongolia. These findings indicate that it allows the comparison of QOL of adults in Mongolia with those in other countries.

    DOI: 10.18999/nagjms.85.1.79

    Scopus

  • Prevalence of alcohol dependence in Mongolia: a nationwide population-based, cross-sectional study

    Tumur-Ochir G., Perenleisambuu E.U., Vanchindorj B., Lkhagvasuren N., Oka T., Lkhagvasuren B.

    Neuroscience Research Notes   6 ( 2 )   181 - 181   2023

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    Alcohol-related problems are a major health issue in Mongolia and remain underdiagnosed. The nationwide population-based, cross-sectional study reported here was carried out between September and November 2013. It aimed to determine the prevalence of alcohol dependence among the general population using two instruments: the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and an International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 based clinical interview. The AUDIT test, developed by the World Health Organization, was adopted to screen a full spectrum of alcohol-related disorders. Participants identified as at high risk of alcohol dependence were referred to a clinical interview for diagnosis of alcohol dependence. The interview was designed using ICD-10 diagnostic criteria. The study consisted of 11746 participants from 79 clusters, age 18–64 years (n=11746, males 49.1%, females 50.8%, mean age 39.6 ± 12.5 years). 45.4% of the participants (n=5336) abstained from alcohol use, 39% were at low risk of alcohol dependence (n=4582), 9.2% were at moderate risk (n=1075), and 6.4% were at high risk (n=753). Among the participants, a total of 522 participants (4.4%) were diagnosed as having alcohol dependence through the clinical interview. Increased risk of alcohol dependence was associated with those who were men, divorced or widowed, living in rural regions, unemployed, and less educated. The study results suggest that the prevalence of alcohol dependence is 4.4% among the general population of Mongolia. Gender, marital status, geographical location, and education significantly influence alcohol dependence.

    DOI: 10.31117/neuroscirn.v6i2.181

    Scopus

  • Clinical effects of wasabi extract containing 6-MSITC on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an open-label trial

    Oka T., Yamada Y., Lkhagvasuren B., Nakao M., Nakajima R., Kanou M., Hiramatsu R., Nabeshima Y.i.

    BioPsychoSocial Medicine   16 ( 1 )   2022.12

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    Background: Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) is a common pungent spice used in Japan. 6-Methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) found in the rhizome of wasabi has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as improve neuroinflammation and memory. Therefore, we hypothesized that these effects would be beneficial for treating myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of wasabi extract containing 6-MSITC on ME/CFS in an open-label trial. Methods: Fifteen patients (3 males, 12 females, 20–58 years old) were orally administered wasabi extract (9.6 mg of 6-MSITC/day) for 12 weeks. The following parameters and test results were compared pre- and post-treatment: performance status (PS), self-rating questionnaires, pressure pain threshold (PPT) on the occiput, Trail Making test-A (TMT-A), and hemodynamic patterns determined by an active standing test. Results: After treatment with 6-MSITC, PS improved significantly (p = 0.001). Although the scores on the 11-item Chalder Fatigue scale (CFS-11) and numerical rating scale (NRS) of fatigue did not show significant changes, subjective symptoms improved significantly, including headache frequency (4.1 to 3.0 times/week, p = 0.001) and myalgia (4.1 to 2.4 times/week, p = 0.019), NRS brain fog scores (5.7 to 4.5, p = 0.011), difficulty finding appropriate words (4.8 to 3.7, p = 0.015), photophobia (4.8 to 3.5, p = 0.008), and the Profile of Mood Status vigor score (46.9 to 50.0, p = 0.045). The PPT of the right occiput (17.3 to 21.3 kPa, p = 0.01) and TMT-A scores (53.0 to 38.1 s, p = 0.007) also changed, suggesting reduced pain sensitivity, and improved cognitive function, respectively. Orthostatic patterns determined by a standing test did not show remarkable changes. There were no serious adverse reactions. Conclusion: This study suggests that 6-MSITC improves PS as well as subjective symptoms such as pain and cognitive dysfunction, and psychological vitality of patients with ME/CFS. It also improved cognitive performance and increased pain thresholds in these patients. 6-MSITC may be a promising therapeutic option especially for improving cognitive dysfunction associated with ME/CFS.

    DOI: 10.1186/s13030-022-00255-0

    Scopus

  • 筋痛性脳脊髄炎/慢性疲労症候群に対する6-MSITC含有ワサビ抽出物の臨床効果 非盲検試験(Clinical effects of wasabi extract containing 6-MSITC on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an open-label trial)

    Oka Takakazu, Yamada Yu, Lkhagvasuren Battuvshin, Nakao Mutsuhiro, Nakajima Ryota, Kanou Masanobu, Hiramatsu Ryuji, Nabeshima Yo-ichi

    Biopsychosocial Medicine   16   1 of 12 - 12 of 12   2022.12

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    Language:English   Publisher:(一社)日本心身医学会  

    ワサビ成分である6-メチルスルフィニルヘキシルイソチオシアナート(6-MSITC)が筋痛性脳脊髄炎/慢性疲労症候群(ME/CFS)に及ぼす効果について、非盲検試験で検討した。ME/CFS患者15人名に6-MSITC(9.6mg/day)を12週間経口投与し、治療前と治療後にactive standing testで、performance status(PS)、自己評価質問表、後頭部圧痛閾値(PPT)、Trail Making test-A(TMT-A)などを評価した。その結果、6-MSITC治療後にPSは有意に改善した。疲労スコアに変化は見られなかったが、頭痛頻度、筋肉痛、ブレインフォグ活力などの客観的症状も有意に改善した。PPTとTMT-Aの変化から、疼痛感受性低下と認知機能改善が示唆された。起立パターンには顕著な変化を認めず、重篤な副作用は見られなかった。

  • Effects of practicing yoga on alexisomia: an open-label trial

    Oka, T; Lkhagvasuren, B

    BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MEDICINE   16 ( 1 )   14   2022.6   ISSN:1751-0759

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    Background: Alexisomia refers to difficulties in the awareness and expression of somatic feelings. This idea was proposed by Dr. Yujiro Ikemi as a characteristic observed in patients with psychosomatic diseases and is based on his observations that patients with psychosomatic diseases have difficulty in the awareness and expression of not only their emotions, i.e., alexithymia, but also somatic feelings and sensations, i.e., alexisomia. He also proposed that treating alexisomia is important in the treatment of psychosomatic diseases and that yoga might help improve alexisomia. However, no study has investigated if yoga actually affects alexisomia. This open-label pilot study investigated whether practicing yoga in a class results in change in patients with alexisomia and alexithymia. Methods: The Shitsu-taikan-sho Scale (STSS) and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) were administered to 305 participants, including 64 healthy participants, 111 participants who had subjective symptoms without abnormal findings, and 130 participants with chronic diseases. Participants were tested before and 3 months after attending yoga classes. Results: Yoga practice reduced the STSS and the TAS-20 difficulty in identifying feelings (DIF) subscale scores. Multiple linear regression indicated that a reduction in the TAS-20 DIF subscale scores predicted a decrease in the STSS score, whereas reductions in the STSS difficulty in identifying bodily feelings (DIB) and the lack of health management based on bodily feelings (LHM) subscale scores predicted a decrease in the TAS-20 scores. Conclusion: We found that regular yoga practice improves alexisomia. Yoga-induced improvement of alexisomia may be mediated, at least in part, by an improvement of DIF in alexithymia. Yoga would be a promising therapeutic approach to improve alexisomia.

    DOI: 10.1186/s13030-022-00243-4

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    Scopus

    PubMed

  • アレキシサイミアに対するヨガの実践効果 非盲検試験(Effects of practicing yoga on alexisomia: an open-label trial)

    Oka Takakazu, Lkhagvasuren Battuvshin

    Biopsychosocial Medicine   16   1 of 8 - 8 of 8   2022.6

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    Language:English   Publisher:(一社)日本心身医学会  

    ヨガ教室が失体感症と失感情症の患者に変化を及ぼすか検討した。健常者64名、異常な所見はないが主観的症状のある患者111名、慢性疾患のある患者130名を対象とした。失体感症尺度(STSS)とToronto失感情症尺度(TAS-20)を、ヨガ教室の前と3ヵ月後に判定した。ヨガの履行はSTSSおよびTAS-20の感情確認困難(DIF)サブ尺度のスコアを低下させた。重回帰分析では、TAS-20 DIFサブ尺度スコアの低下はSTSSスコアの低下を予測し、STSSの体感覚困難と体感覚に基づく健康管理の欠乏のサブスコアの低下は、TAS-20スコアの低下を予測した。

  • The epidemiology series of brain-related disorders in Mongolia: Nationwide registry-based epidemiological study on CNS tumours in Mongolia, 2015-2019

    Sandagdorj T., Tudev U., Jamiyandorj O., Oka T., Lkhagvasuren B.

    Journal of Integrative Neuroscience   21 ( 1 )   2022.1   ISSN:02196352

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    Publisher:Journal of Integrative Neuroscience  

    No epidemiological study on central nervous system tumours is available for Mongolia. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, mortality and survival of people diagnosed with central nervous system tumours in Mongolia. It reports cancer data for the entire population (3.3 million) during the period between 2015 and 2019. Data was obtained from the National Cancer Registry of Mongolia. Diagnosis of tumours was established according to the diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10). Incidence and mortality rates were calculated as mean annual numbers per 100,000 population. Age-standardized incidence and age-standardized mortality rates were calculated from age-specific rates by weighting directly from the World Standard Population. The three-year survival from 2015 through 2017 was calculated between treatment types by the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. It found 515 (adults: 83 %; children: 17%) newly diagnosed central nervous system tumour cases over the five year period. The national age-standardized incidence of central nervous system tumours for the entire population was 3.7 per 100,000. The rate was higher for males than females (4.2 versus 3.4 per 100,000, respectively). Only 23% of the diagnosed cases were confirmed histologically. The most common tumour was glioma (57.6% of histologically verified tumours). In children (age 0-19 years) the age-specified incidence rate of tumours was 1.4 per 100,000. Geographically, the age-standardized incidences of the Eastern region were higher than the country average rates for both genders. During the period, 381 deaths were registered with an age-standardized mortality rate of 3.0 per 100,000 population. Furthermore, the overall three-year survival rate was 40.6% (out of 283 patients, 115 survived). The five-year prevalence of tumours was 183 and the mean per 100,000 population was 5.5. In conclusion, the data from the National Cancer Registry indicate that the incidence and survival rates of central nervous system tumours in Mongolia are relatively low. The most common location of central nervous system tumours was the brain. Glioma was the most common tumour among histologically confirmed cases. Despite the limitations, data from this study should provide information for national health policy and health care assessment. To improve the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of central nervous system tumours, expansion of the cancer registry through collecting data on non-malignant tumours, increasing the rate of histological verification, conducting studies on cancer epidemiology and the introduction of advanced treatment technologies for central nervous system tumours are recommended.

    DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2101024

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  • Obstructive sleep apnea in a clinical population: Prevalence, predictive factors and clinical characteristics of patients referred to a sleep center in mongolia

    Dashzeveg S., Oka Y., Purevtogtokh M., Tumurbaatar E., Lkhagvasuren B., Luvsannorov O., Boldbaatar D.

    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health   18 ( 22 )   2021.11   ISSN:16617827

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    Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) disrupts sleep. This study examined factors related to OSA severity. A cross-sectional, prospective, hospital-based study was conducted with 205 patients who underwent polysomnography (PSG). Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, PSG, and sleep quality assessment data were analyzed. Participants (N = 205) were classified into four groups based on apnea–hypopnea index (AHI); no OSA (AHI <5/h; N = 14), mild (mOSA, 5< AHI <15/h; N = 50), moderate (modOSA, 15 <AHI <30/h; N = 41), severe (sOSA, 30 <AHI <60/h; N = 50), and very severe (vsOSA, AHI ≥ 60; N = 50). Men had more severe OSA than women (p < 0.001). Anthropometric characteristics differed with OSA severity (p < 0.001). OSA patients had decreased sleep quality and increased excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Body mass index (BMI), neck/waist circumference, and blood pressure (BP) differed between groups (p < 0.001). Patients with vsOSA had the highest Mallampati grades (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression indicated that OSA severity was related to gender and sleep quality. PSG parameters (oxygen saturation, systolic BP, and arousal/respiratory arousal) were strongly related to OSA severity. In conclusion, about half of study-referred patients had severe/very severe OSA; these groups were predominantly obese men with high BP. OSA severity associated with high BP, BMI, waist circumference, and neck circumference.

    DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212032

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  • Health-related benefits and adverse events associated with yoga classes among participants that are healthy, in poor health, or with chronic diseases

    Oka, T; Lkhagvasuren, B

    BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MEDICINE   15 ( 1 )   17   2021.10   ISSN:1751-0759

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    Background: Our previous study demonstrated that 42% of yoga class participants in Japan had chronic diseases requiring medication. This raises the question as to whether those with chronic diseases would benefit from practicing yoga or if they are at higher risk for specific adverse events compared to healthy individuals receiving the same instruction. Methods: To address these questions, 328 adults who started practicing yoga for the first time were asked to complete the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 8, standard version (SF-8™) and to record any adverse events on the first day of the yoga class and again three months later. The participants consisted of three groups: a healthy (H) group (n = 70), a poor health (PH) group (n = 117), and a chronic disease (CD) group (n = 141). The degree of subjective symptoms was also compared between the pre- and post-intervention period in the PH and CD groups. Results: Typically, yoga classes were held once a week for 60–90 min. The programs included asanas, pranayamas, meditation, isometric yoga, and sukshma vyayama. In the PH and CD groups, the POMS tension-anxiety and fatigue scores decreased and the vigor score increased significantly after the first class. Furthermore, PSS scores decreased and the SF-8™ scores increased significantly three months later. The degree of subjective symptoms such as easy fatigability, shoulder stiffness, and insomnia also decreased over three months. Individuals in these groups experienced more frequent adverse events than those in the H group. The PH and CD groups also experienced a greater variety of symptoms, including psychological ones, not reported by the H group. Adverse events were not so serious that participants stopped practicing yoga during the class. About 60% of all participants were highly satisfied with participating in yoga classes. Conclusions: If yoga classes are conducted with attention to possible adverse events, yoga practice in a yoga studio may have beneficial effects for people with functional somatic symptoms and chronic diseases, as well as healthy participants. These benefits include reductions in perceived stress and uncomfortable symptoms as well as improved mood and quality of life.

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  • 健康、病弱または慢性疾患のある参加者間におけるヨガ教室関連の健康上の利益と有害事象(Health-related benefits and adverse events associated with yoga classes among participants that are healthy, in poor health, or with chronic diseases)

    Oka Takakazu, Lkhagvasuren Battuvshin

    Biopsychosocial Medicine   15   1 of 13 - 13 of 13   2021.10

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    ヨガ教室成人参加者を健康状態により、健康(H)群、病弱(PH)群、慢性疾患(CD)群に分け、初日と3ヵ月後に感情プロフィール検査(POMS)、知覚ストレス尺度(PSS)、医学的転帰研究短縮版8(SF-8)による調査を実施し、健康状態が健康上の利益と有害事象に及ぼす影響を比較した。PH群とCD群では介入前後の自覚症状も比較した。PH群とCD群ではPOMSスコアで、初日後に緊張-不安と疲労の減少、活力の増加を認め、3ヵ月後にPSSスコア減少とSF-8スコア増加を認めた。また、易疲労性などの自覚症状は3ヵ月後に減少した。両群の有害事象頻度はH群より多く、H群では見られない心理学的症状を含む種々の自覚症状を認めたが、有害事象はヨガ中断に至るほど重大ではなく、参加者の約60%はヨガ教室に満足していた。以上より、有害事象に注意してヨガ訓練を実施すれば、機能的身体症状や慢性疾患があっても、健康な人と同様の利点が得られると考えられた。

  • Mongolian Neuroscience Society (MNS) - The 8th Annual Meeting of the Mongolian Neuroscience Society and IBROAPRC Ulaanbaatar Associate School on Fundamental Techniques in Neuroscience 2021

    Munkhbaatar B., Badarch A., Munkhjargal A., Ganzorig U., Bayarmunkh C., Bat-Erdene E., Tumurbaatar E., Nyamjav S., Boldbaatar D., Lkhagvasuren B.

    Neuroscience Research Notes   4   65 - 69   2021.9

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    In 2021, the Mongolian Neuroscience Society (MNS), together with the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) and the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS), organized two events: The 8th Annual Meeting of the Mongolian Neuroscience Society themed as "Multidisciplinary Brain Science 2021" and the IBRO-APRC Ulaanbaatar Associate School on Fundamental Techniques in Neuroscience. Multidisciplinary Brain Science 2021 aimed to bring together scientists with brain science-related backgrounds under an umbrella meeting consisting of educational lectures and academic connections. It was held with 14 invited lecturers and 20 speakers for two days virtually from August 13 to 14, 2021. The meeting was streamed live on social media, which brought together 2.6K online viewers. The goal of the IBRO-APRC Associate School on Fundamental Techniques in Neuroscience was to enable students to understand the theoretical and practical fundamentals of neuroscience. This virtual school was formed by 20 students and 16 faculty members from 5 countries. The students participated in lectures, technical talks, interactive discussions, and hands-on sessions on responsible conduct of research in neuroscience with a high neuroethical standard during the 6-day program. The events were a great success, offering a unique opportunity for the participants to get updated with current advances in brain science by global and regional experts in neuroscience and facilitate academic collaborations.

    DOI: 10.31117/NEUROSCIRN.V4I3SUPPL.130

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  • Pancreas-Brain Crosstalk

    Lkhagvasuren B., Mee-inta O., Zhao Z.W., Hiramoto T., Boldbaatar D., Kuo Y.M.

    Frontiers in Neuroanatomy   15   2021.7

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    The neural regulation of glucose homeostasis in normal and challenged conditions involves the modulation of pancreatic islet-cell function. Compromising the pancreas innervation causes islet autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes and islet cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. However, despite the richly innervated nature of the pancreas, islet innervation remains ill-defined. Here, we review the neuroanatomical and humoral basis of the cross-talk between the endocrine pancreas and autonomic and sensory neurons. Identifying the neurocircuitry and neurochemistry of the neuro-insular network would provide clues to neuromodulation-based approaches for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and obesity.

    DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.691777

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  • Translation, reliability, and structural validity of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in the general population of Mongolia

    Tumurbaatar E., Hiramoto T., Tumur-Ochir G., Jargalsaikhan O., Erkhembayar R., Jadamba T., Lkhagvasuren B.

    Neuroscience Research Notes   4 ( 3 )   30 - 39   2021

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    Various psychological, biological, and social factors make people vulnerable to mental health problems. These precursory factors as mental distress, are not sufficient alone for diagnosing a mental disorder but are recognised as risks to mental health. There has been no screening tool available in Mongolia that is adequately validated for mental health screening and neuropsychiatric functions of the brain. Therefore, we aimed to translate and validate the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) to identify potential mental distress in healthy people. The HADS is reliable, valid, and practical for identifying the most common psychological disturbances. This nationwide comparative observational study for the validity of a self-reported measure was conducted between June and December 2020. One thousand ninety-four participants were randomly selected, aged 13-75, mean age was 37.7±13.7 years old, 60.9% were females, 63.9% were married. HADS total score was 13.0±5.7, HADS anxiety (HADS-A) score was 6.8±3.6, and HADS depression (HADS-D) score was 6.0±3.1 for the original two-factor model. The external reliability was good in the whole scale, and both subscales using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (0.872, 0.837, and 0.801 for the HADS-T, HADS-A, and HADS-D, respectively). Cronbach's alpha value was 0.776, 0.756, and 0.582, respectively, for the HADS-T, HADS-A, and HADS-D, indicating an acceptable internal consistency for the entire scale but marginal reliability for the HADS-D subscale. The reliability of both the two-factor and three-factor structures of the HADS was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis with a satisfactory model fit on a separate sample. In conclusion, the Mongolian version of the HADS can be considered a valid and reliable measurement tool for various scientific and clinical practices in the general population.

    DOI: 10.31117/NEUROSCIRN.V4I3SUPPL.101

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  • Test-retest reliability of the questionnaire on the screening of sleep disorders

    Batkhuyag E., Tumurbaatar E., Lkhagvasuren B., Perenleisambuu E.U., Bat-Erdene E., Dashtseren M., Duurenjargal O., Zeng X., Tumur-Ochir G.

    Neuroscience Research Notes   4   21 - 29   2021

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    Sleep is a vital component for maintaining good physical and mental health. When sleep is disordered, it can adversely affect an individual's mental and physical wellbeing. Although a variety of single specific disorder measurements are available for specialized clinicians use across the globe, to date, there are no proper screening instruments available for screening multiple sleep disorders at the primary care level. The purpose of this study is to determine the test-retest reliability of the sleep disorder screening questionnaire (SDSQ) for detecting multiple sleep disorders among the Mongolian population. A total of 366 university students were recruited for participation. SDSQ was administrated to all participants on two occasions two weeks apart. The test-retest reliability intra-class correlation (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha of the SDSQ were calculated. The sample consisted of 194 (53%) females, and 172 (47%) males, with a mean age of 21.6. Observed test-retest reliability was ranged from 0.53 to 0.81. The SDSQ was found to have excellent internal consistency with an alpha=0.950. The external validity of SDSQ revealed strong test-retest reliability in the current study population. The discriminant and convergent validity studies are required for the further improvement of the construct of the SDSQ.

    DOI: 10.31117/neuroscirn.v4i3Suppl.90

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  • Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward Covid-19 among the Mongolian general population during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic: a nationwide, population-based, randomised, cross-sectional study

    Tumurbaatar E., Bat-Erdene E., Duurenjargal O., Erbat M., Amartuvshin T., Dashtseren M., Tumur-Ochir G., Boldbaatar D., Takakazu O., Lkhagvasuren B., Jadamba T.

    Neuroscience Research Notes   4 ( 3 )   55 - 64   2021

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    Improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 is critical to control the infection rate of the pandemic successfully. Mongolia declared a state of emergency in January 2020 but no study was performed on public adherence to centralised measures and awareness of the pandemic in Mongolia. This study aimed to determine knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward COVID-19 in the general population, especially regarding the extent to which KAP has contributed to the control measures before local COVID-19 outbreaks. The study was conducted between July and October 2020, when the pandemic was limited to internationally imported cases. We adapted a structured KAP questionnaire that was used to survey residents of Wuhan, China, during the initial outbreak of the pandemic. Participants aged between 13 and 65 years (n=1324, mean age=39.79±14.8), 73.2% were women, and 27.2% held a bachelor's degree or above. The results suggested that 81.9% of the participants had sufficient knowledge about the transmission, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of the disease. In the multiple linear regression, an increase in age and education contributed positively to a high knowledge score (p<0.05, p<0.001, respectively). The majority of the participants (96.2%-96.5%) had compliance with the measures to control COVID-19 spread with good practices (82.4%-93.1%) toward COVID-19 prevention. In the binary logistic regression analyses, the COVID-19 knowledge score was associated with a higher likelihood of optimistic attitudes and preventive practices (OR: 0.617-0.845). In conclusion, despite the sufficient knowledge toward the COVID-19 pandemic among the general population of Mongolia, a relatively low level of optimistic attitudes and appropriate practices compared to other populations may negatively impact preventing the outbreak in the society. Health education programs aimed at improving COVID-19 knowledge will be helpful to minimise local epidemic growth and the current government measures such as lockdowns, quarantines, and travel restrictions.

    DOI: 10.31117/NEUROSCIRN.V4I3SUPPL.102

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  • The longitudinal effects of seated isometric yoga on blood biomarkers, autonomic functions, and psychological parameters of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a pilot study

    Oka, T; Tanahashi, T; Lkhagvasuren, B; Yamada, Y

    BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MEDICINE   13 ( 1 )   28   2019.11   ISSN:1751-0759

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    Background: In a previous randomized controlled trial, we found that practicing seated isometric yoga regularly for 2 months improved the fatigue of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) who are resistant to conventional therapy. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the possible mechanisms behind this finding by comparing blood biomarkers, autonomic nervous function, and psychological indices before versus after an intervention period of seated isometric yoga practice. Methods: Fifteen patients with CFS who did not show satisfactory improvements after at least 6 months of conventional therapy practiced seated isometric yoga (biweekly 20-min sessions with a yoga instructor and daily practice at home) for 2 months. The longitudinal effects of seated isometric yoga on fatigue, blood biomarkers, autonomic function, and psychological state were investigated by comparing the following parameters before and after the intervention period: Fatigue severity was assessed by the Chalder fatigue scale (FS) score. Levels of the blood biomarkers cortisol, DHEA-S, TNF-α, IL-6, prolactin, carnitine, TGF-β1, BDNF, MHPG, HVA, and α-MSH were measured. The autonomic nervous functions assessed were heart rate (HR) and HR variability. Psychological indices included the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Practicing seated isometric yoga for 2 months resulted in significant reductions in the Chalder FS (P = 0.002) and HADS-depression (P = 0.02) scores. No significant changes were observed in any other parameter evaluated. The change in Chalder FS score was not correlated with the change in HADS-depression score. However, this change was positively correlated with changes in the serum TNF-α levels (P = 0.048), the high frequency component of HR variability (P = 0.042), and TAS-20 scores (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Regular practice of seated isometric yoga for 2 months reduced the fatigue and depressive symptom scores of patients with CFS without affecting any other parameters we investigated. This study failed to identify the markers responsible for the longitudinal fatigue-relieving effect of seated isometric yoga. However, considering that the reduced fatigue was associated with decreased serum TNF-α level and TAS-20 scores, fatigue improvement might be related to reduced inflammation and improved alexithymia in these patients. Trial registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000009646. Registered Dec 27, 2012.

    DOI: 10.1186/s13030-019-0168-x

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  • 慢性疲労症候群患者の血液バイオマーカー、自律神経機能、心理学的パラメータに対する座位で行うアイソメトリックヨガの長期的効果 予備的研究(The longitudinal effects of seated isometric yoga on blood biomarkers, autonomic functions, and psychological parameters of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a pilot study)

    Oka Takakazu, Tanahashi Tokusei, Lkhagvasuren Battuvshin, Yamada Yu

    Biopsychosocial Medicine   13   1 of 13 - 13 of 13   2019.11

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    慢性疲労症候群(CFS)患者に対する座位で行うアイソメトリックヨガの介入前後で血液バイオマーカー、自律神経機能、心理学的指標を比較した。6ヵ月以上にわたる通常治療後に良好な改善が認められなかったCFS患者15例(男性3例、女性12例、平均38.0±11.1歳)を対象に、座位でアイソメトリックヨガを2ヵ月間実施した。疲労、血液バイオマーカー、自律神経機能、心理状態を介入の後で比較した。2ヵ月間の座位でのアイソメトリックヨガにより、チャルダー疲労スケールおよび不安と抑うつの評価尺度(HADS)のスコアは有意に低下した。他のパラメータでは有意な変化は認められなかった。チャルダー疲労スケールの変化はHADSうつスコアにおける変化と相関しなかったが、血清TNF-α値の変化と正の相関を示した。以上から、2ヵ月間の座位でのアイソメトリックヨガはCFS患者において他のパラメータに影響することなく疲労および抑うつ症状のスコアを低下させることが示された。

  • Changes in fatigue, autonomic functions, and blood biomarkers due to sitting isometric yoga in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

    Oka, T; Tanahashi, T; Sudo, N; Lkhagvasuren, B; Yamada, Y

    BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MEDICINE   12 ( 1 )   3   2018.4   ISSN:1751-0759

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    Background: In a previous randomized controlled trial, we found that sitting isometric yoga improves fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) who are resistant to conventional therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate possible mechanisms behind this finding, focusing on the short-term fatigue-relieving effect, by comparing autonomic nervous function and blood biomarkers before and after a session of isometric yoga. Methods: Fifteen patients with CFS who remained symptomatic despite at least 6 months of conventional therapy practiced sitting isometric yoga (biweekly 20 min practice with a yoga instructor and daily home practice) for eight weeks. Acute effects of sitting isometric yoga on fatigue, autonomic function, and blood biomarkers were investigated after the final session with an instructor. The effect of a single session of sitting isometric yoga on fatigue was assessed by the Profile of Mood Status (POMS) questionnaire immediately before and after the session. Autonomic nervous function (heart rate (HR) variability) and blood biomarkers (cortisol, DHEA-S, TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, IFN-α, prolactin, carnitine, TGF-β1, BDNF, MHPG, and HVA) were compared before and after the session. Results: Sitting isometric yoga significantly reduced the POMS fatigue score (p < 0.01) and increased the vigor score (p < 0.01). It also reduced HR (p < 0.05) and increased the high frequency power (p < 0.05) of HR variability. Sitting isometric yoga increased serum levels of DHEA-S (p < 0.05), reduced levels of cortisol (p < 0.05) and TNF-α (p < 0.05), and had a tendency to reduce serum levels of prolactin (p < 0.1). Decreases in fatigue scores correlated with changes in plasma levels of TGF-β1 and BDNF. In contrast, increased vigor positively correlated with HVA. Conclusions: A single session of sitting isometric yoga reduced fatigue and increased vigor in patients with CFS. Yoga also increased vagal nerve function and changed blood biomarkers in a pattern that suggested anti-stress and anti-inflammatory effects. These changes appear to be related to the short-term fatigue-relieving effect of sitting isometric yoga in patients with CFS. Furthermore, dopaminergic nervous system activation might account for sitting isometric yoga-induced increases in energy in this patient population.

    DOI: 10.1186/s13030-018-0123-2

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  • 慢性疲労症候群患者における座位のアイソメトリックヨガによる疲労度、自律神経機能および血中バイオマーカーの変化(Changes in fatigue, autonomic functions, and blood biomarkers due to sitting isometric yoga in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome)

    Oka Takakazu, Tanahashi Tokusei, Sudo Nobuyuki, Lkhagvasuren Battuvshin, Yamada Yu

    Biopsychosocial Medicine   2018 ( April )   1 - 11   2018.4

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    慢性疲労症候群(CFS)患者15例(男性3例、女性12例、年齢24~60歳、平均年齢38.0±11.1歳)に対し、座位で行うアイソメトリックヨガが、急性の疲労緩和にも効果を及ぼすか、また、それらの作用機序について明らかにした。なお、本検討では、ヨガセッション前後の自律神経機能および血中バイオマーカーの変化を測定し、これらパラメータとヨガによる疲労緩和効果ならびに活力増加との関連性を評価した。その結果、ヨガセッション後、気分状態プロファイル(POMS)の疲労スコアおよび心拍数(HR)の低下、活力スコアおよび高周波HR変動の増加が認められた。また、ヨガセッション後、血中DHEA-S濃度の上昇およびコルチゾール、TNFαの低下も確認され、疲労スコアの低下は、血中TGF-β1およびBDNF値と相関性が認められた。これらの結果から、CFS患者における座位アイソメトリックヨガの短期的な疲労緩和効果が確認された。

  • The histaminergic system is involved in psychological stress-induced hyperthermia in rats

    Lkhagvasuren, B; Oka, T

    PHYSIOLOGICAL REPORTS   5 ( 8 )   2017.4   ISSN:2051-817X

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    The histaminergic system modulates numerous physiological functions such as wakefulness, circadian rhythm, feeding, and thermoregulation. However, it is not yet known if this system is also involved in psychological stress-induced hyperthermia (PSH) and, if so, which histamine (H) receptor subtype mediates the effect. Therefore, we investigated the effects of pretreatments with intraperitoneal injections of mepyramine (an H1 receptor inverse agonist), cimetidine (an H2 receptor antagonist), and ciproxifan (an H3 receptor inverse agonist) on cage-exchange stress-induced hyperthermia (a model of PSH) by monitoring core body temperature (Tc) during both light (10:00 am–12:00 pm) and dark (10:00 pm–12:00 am) phases in conscious, freely moving rats. We also investigated the effects of these drugs on stress-induced changes in locomotor activity (La) to rule out the possibility that effects on Tc are achieved secondary to altered La. Cage-exchange stress increased Tc within 20 min followed by a gradual decrease back to baseline Tc during both phases. In the light phase, mepyramine and cimetidine markedly attenuated PSH, whereas ciproxifan did not affect it. In contrast, in the dark phase, mepyramine dropped Tc by 1°C without affecting cage-exchange stress-induced hyperthermia, whereas cimetidine and ciproxifan did not affect both postinjection Tc and PSH. Cage-exchange stress induced an increase in La, especially in the light phase, but none of these drugs altered cage-exchange stress-induced La in either circadian rhythm phase. These results suggest that the histaminergic system is involved in the physiological mechanisms underlying PSH, particularly through H1 and H2 receptors, without influencing locomotor activity.

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  • Prior chronic stress induces persistent polyI:C-induced allodynia and depressive-like behavior in rats: Possible involvement of glucocorticoids and microglia

    Chijiwa, T; Oka, T; Lkhagvasuren, B; Yoshihara, K; Sudo, N

    PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR   147   264 - 273   2015.8   ISSN:0031-9384

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    When animals suffer from viral infections, they develop a set of symptoms known as the "sickness response." Recent studies suggest that psychological stress can modulate the sickness response. However, it remains uncertain whether acute and chronic psychosocial stresses have the same effect on viral infection-induced sickness responses. To address this question, we compared changes in polyI:C-induced sickness responses, such as fever, change of body weight and food intake, mechanical allodynia, and depressive-like behavior, in rats that had been pre-exposed to single and repeated social defeat stresses. Intraperitoneal injection of polyI:C induced a maximal fever of 38.0. °C 3. h after injection. Rats exposed to prior social defeat stress exhibited blunted febrile responses, which were more pronounced in the repeated stress group. Furthermore, only the repeated stress group showed late-onset and prolonged mechanical allodynia lasting until 8. days after injection in the von Frey test and prolonged immobility time in the forced swim test 9. days post-injection. To assess the role of glucocorticoids and microglia in the delayed and persistent development of these sickness responses in rats exposed to repeated stress, we investigated the effect of pretreatment with RU486, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, and minocycline, an inhibitor of microglial activation, on polyI:C-induced allodynia and depressive-like behavior. Pretreatment with either drug inhibited both the delayed allodynia and depressive-like behavior. The present study demonstrates that repeated, but not single, social defeat stress followed by systemic polyI:C administration induced prolonged allodynia and depressive-like behavior in rats. Our results show that even though a single-event psychosocial stress does not have any effect by itself, animals may develop persistent allodynia and depressive-like behavior when they suffer from an infectious disease if they are pre-exposed to repeated or chronic psychosocial stress. Furthermore, this study suggests that stress-induced corticosterone and microglial activation play a pivotal role in this phenomenon.

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  • アイソメトリックヨガは従来の治療が有効ではない慢性疲労症候群患者の疲労と疼痛を改善する 無作為比較対照試験(Isometric yoga improves the fatigue and pain of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome who are resistant to conventional therapy: a randomized, controlled trial)

    Oka Takakazu, Tanahashi Tokusei, Chijiwa Takeharu, Lkhagvasuren Battuvshin, Sudo Nobuyuki, Oka Kae

    Biopsychosocial Medicine   2014 ( December )   np1 - np9   2014.12

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    従来の治療では効果がない慢性疲労症候群(CFS)患者に対するアイソメトリックヨガの実行可能性と有効性を無作為比較対照試験で検討した。従来の治療を6ヵ月以上にわたって施行した後も満足できる改善がみられないCFS患者30例を対象とした。被験者は、従来の薬物療法群(対照群:n=15、平均年齢39.1歳、男性3名)と、従来の治療にアイソメトリックヨガを加えた群(ヨガ群:n=15、平均年齢38.0歳、男性3名)の2群に無作為に割り付けた。アイソメトリックヨガ運動は、ヨガインストラクターとともに行う20分の隔週のセッションと、毎日の在宅セッションから構成し、約2ヵ月間実施した。疲労に対するアイソメトリックヨガの短期的効果は、最後のインストラクターとの20分セッションの前後に、Profile of Mood States(POMS)の質問票を用いて評価した。長期的効果は、両群とも、介入前後にChalderのFatigue Scale(FS)調査票で評価した。ヨガセッション後の平均POMS疲労スコアは有意に低下した。ChalderのFSスコアはヨガ群で有意に低下したが、対照群では有意な変化は見られなかった。ヨガ群では、CFSと線維筋痛症を有する2例の患者が、疲労の改善に加えて疼痛改善も認めた。多くの被験者がアイソメトリックヨガの後に身体が暖かく、軽くなっていた。ヨガ群に重度の有害事象はみられなかったが、インストラクターとの初めてのヨガセッション後、2例が疲労を、1例が浮動性めまいを訴えた。追加併用療法としてのアイソメトリックヨガは、従来の治療で効果がなかったCFS患者の一部で、疲労と疼痛の軽減のために実行可能であり、有効であった。

  • DISTRIBUTION OF FOS-IMMUNOREACTIVE CELLS IN RAT FOREBRAIN AND MIDBRAIN FOLLOWING SOCIAL DEFEAT STRESS AND DIAZEPAM TREATMENT

    Lkhagvasuren, B; Oka, T; Nakamura, Y; Hayashi, H; Sudo, N; Nakamura, K

    NEUROSCIENCE   272   34 - 57   2014.7   ISSN:0306-4522 eISSN:1873-7544

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    The anxiolytic diazepam selectively inhibits psychological stress-induced autonomic and behavioral responses without causing noticeable suppression of other central performances. This pharmacological property of diazepam led us to the idea that neurons that exhibit diazepam-sensitive, psychological stress-induced activation are potentially those recruited for stress responses. To obtain neuroanatomical clues for the central stress circuitries, we examined the effects of diazepam on psychological stress-induced neuronal activation in broad brain regions. Rats were exposed to a social defeat stress, which caused an abrupt increase in body temperature by up to 2. °C. Pretreatment with diazepam (4. mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated the stress-induced hyperthermia, confirming an inhibitory physiological effect of diazepam on the autonomic stress response. Subsequently, the distribution of cells expressing Fos, a marker of neuronal activation, was examined in 113 forebrain and midbrain regions of these rats after the stress exposure and diazepam treatment. The stress following vehicle treatment markedly increased Fos-immunoreactive (IR) cells in most regions of the cerebral cortex, limbic system, thalamus, hypothalamus and midbrain, which included parts of the autonomic, neuroendocrine, emotional and arousal systems. The diazepam treatment significantly reduced the stress-induced Fos expression in many brain regions including the prefrontal, sensory and motor cortices, septum, medial amygdaloid nucleus, medial and lateral preoptic areas, parvicellular paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, dorsomedial hypothalamus, perifornical nucleus, tuberomammillary nucleus, association, midline and intralaminar thalami, and median and dorsal raphe nuclei. In contrast, diazepam increased Fos-IR cells in the central amygdaloid nucleus, medial habenular nucleus, ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus and magnocellular lateral hypothalamus. These results provide important information for elucidating the neural circuitries that mediate the autonomic and behavioral responses to psychosocial stressors. © 2014 IBRO.

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  • INCREASED PREVALENCE OF POSTURAL ORTHOSTATIC TACHYCARDIA SYNDROME IN PSYCHOGENIC FEVER PATIENTS

    Lkhagvasuren, B; Oka, T

    PSYCHOSOMATIC MEDICINE   76 ( 3 )   A25 - A25   2014.4   ISSN:0033-3174 eISSN:1534-7796

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  • FOS DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF ACUTE AUTONOMIC, EMOTIONAL, AND BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES TO SOCIAL DEFEAT STRESS

    Lkhagvasuren, B; Oka, T

    PSYCHOSOMATIC MEDICINE   76 ( 3 )   A85 - A85   2014.4   ISSN:0033-3174 eISSN:1534-7796

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  • Isometric yoga improves the fatigue and pain of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome who are resistant to conventional therapy: a randomized, controlled trial

    Oka, T; Tanahashi, T; Chijiwa, T; Lkhagvasuren, B; Sudo, N; Oka, K

    BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MEDICINE   8 ( 1 )   27   2014   ISSN:1751-0759

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    Background: Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) often complain of persistent fatigue even after conventional therapies such as pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or graded exercise therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate in a randomized, controlled trial the feasibility and efficacy of isometric yoga in patients with CFS who are resistant to conventional treatments. Methods: This trial enrolled 30 patients with CFS who did not have satisfactory improvement after receiving conventional therapy for at least six months. They were randomly divided into two groups and were treated with either conventional pharmacotherapy (control group, n = 15) or conventional therapy together with isometric yoga practice that consisted of biweekly, 20-minute sessions with a yoga instructor and daily in-home sessions (yoga group, n = 15) for approximately two months. The short-term effect of isometric yoga on fatigue was assessed by administration of the Profile of Mood Status (POMS) questionnaire immediately before and after the final 20-minute session with the instructor. The long-term effect of isometric yoga on fatigue was assessed by administration of the Chalder's Fatigue Scale (FS) questionnaire to both groups before and after the intervention. Adverse events and changes in subjective symptoms were recorded for subjects in the yoga group. Results: All subjects completed the intervention. The mean POMS fatigue score decreased significantly (from 21.9 ± 7.7 to 13.8 ± 6.7, P < 0.001) after a yoga session. The Chalder's FS score decreased significantly (from 25.9 ± 6.1 to 19.2 ± 7.5, P = 0.002) in the yoga group, but not in the control group. In addition to the improvement of fatigue, two patients with CFS and fibromyalgia syndrome in the yoga group also reported pain relief. Furthermore, many subjects reported that their bodies became warmer and lighter after practicing isometric yoga. Although there were no serious adverse events in the yoga group, two patients complained of tiredness and one of dizziness after the first yoga session with the instructor. Conclusions: Isometric yoga as an add-on therapy is both feasible and successful at relieving the fatigue and pain of a subset of therapy-resistant patients with CFS.

    DOI: 10.1186/s13030-014-0027-8

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  • Characteristics of the Orthostatic Cardiovascular Response in Adolescent Patients with Psychogenic Fever

    Lkhagvasuren, B; Tanaka, H; Sudo, N; Kubo, C; Oka, T

    PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS   83 ( 5 )   318 - 319   2014   ISSN:0033-3190 eISSN:1423-0348

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    Language:English   Publisher:Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics  

    DOI: 10.1159/000360999

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  • Neural circuitry of psychological stress - induced hyperthermia

    Lkhagvasuren, B; Oka, T; Nakamura, Y; Hayashi, H; Sudo, N; Nakamura, K

    PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS   82   57 - 57   2013.9   ISSN:0033-3190 eISSN:1423-0348

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  • Social defeat stress induces hyperthermia through activation of thermoregulatory sympathetic premotor neurons in the medullary raphe region

    Lkhagvasuren Battuvshin

    2013.3

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    Language:English   Publishing type:Doctoral thesis  

    博士論文

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  • Increased Prevalence of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome in Psychogenic Fever Patients

    Lkhagvasuren, B; Masuno, T; Kanemitsu, Y; Sudo, N; Kubo, C; Oka, T

    PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS   82 ( 4 )   269 - 270   2013   ISSN:0033-3190

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    DOI: 10.1159/000345171

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  • 14. 当科外来受診患者における体位性頻脈症候群の出現頻度(一般演題,第49回日本心身医学会九州地方会演題抄録(2))

    岡 孝和, 河合 啓介, 瀧井 正人, 金光 芳郎, 須藤 信行

    心身医学   52 ( 9 )   863 - 864   2012   ISSN:03850307 eISSN:21895996

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    Language:Japanese   Publisher:一般社団法人 日本心身医学会  

    DOI: 10.15064/jjpm.52.9_863_3

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  • Social defeat stress induces hyperthermia through activation of thermoregulatory sympathetic premotor neurons in the medullary raphe region

    Lkhagvasuren, B; Nakamura, Y; Oka, T; Sudo, N; Nakamura, K

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE   34 ( 9 )   1442 - 1452   2011.11   ISSN:0953-816X eISSN:1460-9568

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    Language:English   Publisher:European Journal of Neuroscience  

    Psychological stress-induced hyperthermia is a fundamental autonomic response in mammals. However, the central circuitry underlying this stress response is poorly understood. Here, we sought to identify sympathetic premotor neurons that mediate a hyperthermic response to social defeat stress, a psychological stress model. Intruder rats that were defeated by a dominant resident conspecific exhibited a rapid increase in abdominal temperature by up to 2.0°C. In these defeated rats, we found that expression of Fos, a marker of neuronal activation, was increased in the rostral medullary raphe region centered in the rostral raphe pallidus and adjacent raphe magnus nuclei. In this region, Fos expression was observed in a large population of neurons expressing vesicular glutamate transporter3 (VGLUT3), which are known as sympathetic premotor neurons controlling non-shivering thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and thermoregulatory constriction of skin blood vessels, and also in a small population of tryptophan hydroxylase-positive serotonergic neurons. Intraperitoneal injection of diazepam, an anxiolytic agent, but not indomethacin, an antipyretic, significantly reduced both the stress-induced hyperthermia and Fos expression in these medullary raphe neuronal populations. Systemic blockade of β 3-adrenoreceptors, which are abundantly expressed in BAT, also attenuated the stress-induced hyperthermia. These results suggest that psychological stress signals activate VGLUT3-expressing medullary raphe sympathetic premotor neurons, which then drive hyperthermic effector responses including BAT thermogenesis through β 3-adrenoreceptors. © 2011 The Authors. European Journal of Neuroscience © 2011 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

    DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2011.07863.x

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  • Social defeat stress activates thermoregulatory sympathetic premotor neurons in the rostral medullary raphe

    Nakamura, K; Battuvshin, L; Nakamura, Y; Oka, T

    FASEB JOURNAL   25   2011.4   ISSN:0892-6638

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  • Prevalence of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders

    Lkhagvasuren, B; Oka, T; Kawai, K; Takii, M; Kanemitsu, Y; Tokunaga, S; Kubo, C

    PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS   80 ( 5 )   308 - 309   2011   ISSN:0033-3190

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    DOI: 10.1159/000322518

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  • Social defeat stress induces hyperthermia through activation of thermoregulatory sympathetic premotor neurons in the medullary raphe region

    Oka, T; Lkhagvasuren, B; Nakamura, Y; Nakamura, K

    NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH   71   E161 - E161   2011   ISSN:0168-0102

  • 心療内科からみた起立性調節障害と自律神経失調症

    岡 孝和

    日本心療内科学会誌   14 ( 2 )   98 - 101   2010.5   ISSN:13429558

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    Language:Japanese  

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  • P-6 当院心療内科受診患者における体位性頻脈症候群の出現頻度に関する検討(基礎研究,ポスターディスカッション,ストレス時代の『こころ』と『からだ』,第51回日本心身医学会総会ならびに学術講演会)

    岡 孝和, 河合 啓介, 瀧井 正人, 金光 芳郎, 須藤 信行

    心身医学   50 ( 6 )   565   2010   ISSN:03850307 eISSN:21895996

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    Language:Japanese   Publisher:一般社団法人 日本心身医学会  

    DOI: 10.15064/jjpm.50.6_565_2

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  • Psychological science in Mongolia: its history, development, and future prospects

    Bayanmunkh B., Shairii B., Battulga B., Jadamba T., Lkhagvasuren B., Tsend B.

    Neuroscience Research Notes   7 ( 1 )   2024.3

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    Publisher:Neuroscience Research Notes  

    This review paper explores the history, development, current state, and future prospects of psychological science in Mongolia. The establishment of the first department of pedagogical psychology in 1954 and the publication of the first Mongolian psychology textbook in 1960 marked the initial steps in the field's development. Dr. Sanjjav Damdinjav's pioneering PhD in 1966 and subsequent international representation paved the way for further growth. Currently, most Mongolian psychologists work across both public and private sectors. Education, healthcare, and justice/military services are the key employer groups in the public sector. Promising research has emerged in recent years, focusing on child and youth development, social support and well-being, psychological factors and financial credit risk, and tool adaptation for psychological assessment. Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain. These include a need for nationally licensed graduate programs, limited research funding, an outdated academic system, political interference in public university governance, a shortage of specialised personnel, and high research infrastructure costs. The most pressing issue is the need for graduate programs and corresponding job opportunities for major specialities like clinical, cognitive, and developmental psychology. Potential solutions include introducing graduate programs in key specialities, establishing licensure regulations, addressing systemic gaps, and increasing financial support for research institutions and universities. These steps would lay a strong foundation for the field, fostering its sustained growth and enabling meaningful contributions to Mongolian development.

    DOI: 10.31117/neuroscirn.v7i1.242

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  • Challenges and perspectives of brain science in Mongolia and Central Asian countries

    Lkhagvasuren B., Jamiyansuren J.

    Neuroscience Research Notes   4 ( 3 )   70 - 74   2021

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    DOI: 10.31117/NEUROSCIRN.V4I3SUPPL.143

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  • ストレス性高体温には発熱と同様、延髄縫線核領域の交感神経プレモーターニューロンが関与する

    岡 孝和, Battuvshin Lkhagvasuren

    日本疲労学会誌   8 ( 2 )   8 - 12   2013.3

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    Language:Japanese   Publisher:(一社)日本疲労学会  

Educational Activities

  • Teaching basic research techniques and academic skills to graduate students/ Hands-on mentoring

Outline of Social Contribution and International Cooperation activities

  • Research collaboration with Mongolian researchers on psychosomatic disorders/
    Contribute to social activities of professional societies, including JSPSM

Year of medical license acquisition

  • 2005

Notable Clinical Activities

  • 心身症患者の診察 (モンゴル)