1.The In vitro study on the effect of the bioactive fraction of Rhododendron adamsii on the end products of TLR4 signaling
Otgontuya N ; Badmaarag B ; Khashchuluun S ; Onon Ch ; Oyun S ; Tsogtsaikhan S ; Erdenezaya O ; Chimidtseren S
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):239-243
Background:
Rhododendron adamsii (Sagaan Dalya) is a medical plant widely distributed in the Altai region, Mongolia,
and Russia. It is traditionally used for its calming, restorative, and immune-boosting properties. Inflammation is a complex immune response against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, involving macrophages, fibroblasts, mast
cells, and neutrophils. These cells release inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and IL-1β.
In collaboration with the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, a project was initiated to investigate the bioactive fractions of Rh. rosea (L.) and Rh. adamsii and their effects on the production of TLR4 signaling end products
and associated protein activation. Previous studies within this project have shown that certain bioactive fractions exhibit
anti-inflammatory activity. Specifically, fraction 7.11 suppressed NO production and inflammatory signaling molecules
in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, while fractions 7.46 and 7.52 influenced the phosphorylation of proteins
such as ERK1/2, JNK, and IRF3. These findings suggest the need for further investigation into the effects of Rh. adamsii
bioactive fractions on inflammatory signaling pathways.
Aim:
This study aims to evaluate the effects of bioactive fractions derived from Rhododendron adamsii on the production
of TLR4 signaling end products in RAW264.7 macrophage cell cultures.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted using RAW264.7 macrophage cell cultures and bioactive fractions
extracted from Rh. adamsii, dividing the experiments into three groups. After stabilization, RAW264.7 cells were stimulated with 100 ng/mL LPS. Based on previous studies, non-toxic concentrations of bioactive fractions (10 µg/mL) were
applied. NO production was measured using the Griess assay, while TNF-α and IFN-β cytokine levels were evaluated
using ELISA. Each experiment were repeated three times, and data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 25.0, applying
One-way ANOVA and Independent Samples T-test.
Results:
The NO production in the positive control group was significantly higher compared to the negative control. In
contrast, the experimental groups showed a statistically significant reduction in NO production, suggesting a potential inhibitory effect on TLR4 signaling in macrophages. However, fraction 7.48 reduced TNF-α levels while increasing IFN-β
production, but these changes were not statistically significant. Similarly, fraction 7.55 slightly reduced TNF-α and IFN-β
levels, but the effect was also statistically unsignificant.
Conclusion
The bioactive fractions 7.48 and 7.55 of Rh. Adamsii reduced nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated macrophage cell line cultures, suggesting that they may inhibit TLR4 signaling. However, their lack of effect on
TNF-α and IFN-β production indicates that they do not influence TLR4 signaling mediated by these cytokines. Instead,
they may affect the final product output through other pathways or different stages of signal transduction.
2.Quality Assurance of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit - A Single Center Study
Sarantuya Ts ; Amarjargal B ; Tungalag B ; Khishgee D ; Amarmend T ; Delgertsog T ; Amarjargal E ; Sarantuya G ; Gan-Orshikh L ; Enkhjargal B ; Sarantsatsral D ; Burentungalag A ; Nandintsetseg B ; Tserendolgor Ts ; Sattgul Sh ; Javzanpagma E ; Suvdantsetseg B ; Khashchuluun O ; Ouynkhishig N ; Munkhtuya E ; Uranchimeg M ; Oyuntungalag L ; Myadagmaa B ; Bat-Erdene I ; Batgombo N ; Saranbaatar A
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):165-170
Background:
Accreditation of healthcare institutions serves as a fundamental mechanism for ensuring patient safety
and validating the quality of medical services provided to the population. At Intermed Hospital, a quality measurement
system for healthcare services has been established since 2015, encompassing 126 quality indicators at both institutional
and departmental levels. This system facilitates continuous quality improvement efforts. In this context, quality indicators
specific to the endoscopy department play a pivotal role in objectively assessing the quality of endoscopic services.
Aim:
To assess the quality indicators in gastrointestinal endoscopy unit.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective single-center study was conducted by collecting data from the Intermed hospital’s
electronic information systems which included HIS and PACS and Quality and Safety Department’s Database and the results
were processed using the SPSS software. Ethical approval was granted by the Intermed hospital’s Scientific research
committee. The quality of endoscopic services in the Intermed hospital was assessed based on: a) the average values of
four quality indicators measured monthly; b) sample survey data from five categories of quality indicators.
Results :
Between 2016 and 2024, the quality indicators of the endoscopy unit measured as the level of early warning
score evaluations for patients was 95.97%±3.33, the level of cases where peripheral blood oxygen saturation decreased
during sedation was 1.54%±3.78, the level of cases where patients experienced paradoxiical response during sedation was
5.82%±1.75, surveillance culturing level for validation of endoscopy reprocessing was 11.6%. The endoscopic documentation
quality by peer review showed 95.7-100%, the colonoscopy quality indicators were followings as adenoma
detection rate: 24.5% Cecal intubation rate: 99.1%, 95.2%, Colonoscope withdrawal average time: 13.28±10.62 minutes,
Bowel preparation quality (Boston Scale): 89.3% 95.7%), patient discharge from the recovery room, Average discharge
time post-procedure: With propofol alone: 30.92 minutes; With propofol and fentanyl combined: 31.52 minutes, The intermediate
risk was 0.28% by the TROOPS evaluation during procedural sedation.
Conclusion
The quality benchmark levels for these endoscopic units, as determined by a single-center study, can be
effectively implemented by benchmark endoscopy centers to enhance their quality and safety operations.