Background: Dysregulation of inflammation underpins chronic cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative, and neoplastic conditions. Traditional medicine has long utilized medicinal plants to alleviate and treat systemic inflammation. Specifically, Rhodiola rosea L. and Rhodiola quadrifida (Pall.) Fisch. & C.A.Mey. possess anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-angiogenic properties. Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk. has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects, support musculoskeletal function, and enhance tissue regeneration. Furthermore, Salsola laricifolia Litv. has been studied for its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. Although the individual anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activities of these plants are established, research evaluating the combined effect of their combined extract remains scarce, providing the rationale for this study. Aim: To evaluate the in vitro effects of a combined extract derived from these medicinal plants on the expression of selected pro-inflammatory cytokines. Materials and Methods: A dry combined extract consisting of Rhodiola rosea, Rhodiola quadrifida, Salsola laricifolia, and Saposhnikovia divaricata was prepared at the Chemistry and Technology Sector of the Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Monos Group. An in vitro inflammation model was established using murine RAW264.7 macrophage-like cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 ng/mL). Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, while the output of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 was measured via Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA. Result: The combined plant extract demonstrated no cytotoxic effects on RAW264.7 cells across the tested concentration range. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, the composite extract dose-dependently and significantly suppressed the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (p<0.001) and IL-6 (p<0.0001). Conclusion 1. The combined extract of Saposhnikovia divaricata, Rhodiola rosea, Rhodiola quadrifida, and Salsola laricifolia exhibited no cytotoxicity in vitro within the range of 50–400 µg/mL. 2. The combined herbal extract significantly suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (p<0.01) and IL-6 (p<0.001) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner.

Background: It is widely recognized that expenditures for medical treatment, rehabilitation services, and assistive devices for families with children with disabilities place a significant financial burden on household budgets, often making it difficult to meet basic daily needs. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in countries with well-developed economic and social service systems to examine how disability affects family financial stability. Additionally, there is growing evidence on the relationship between financial burden and quality of life among families raising children with disabilities. Aim: To determine the correlation between financial strain and family quality of life (FQOL) among families raising children with disabilities. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2024 and 2025, involving 735 caregivers from both urban (Ulaanbaatar) and rural areas, recruited through governmental and non-governmental organizations. Data were collected using measures of average household income, the proportion of household income spent on disability-related expenses, self-reported financial burden, and the standardized Family Quality of Life questionnaire developed by Hoffman (2006), which includes five domains. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were performed. Result: The average household income of participants was 2,905,277.16±2,141,515.84 MNT. Families with children diagnosed with epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and autism spectrum disorders spent a higher proportion of their annual income on related expenses. Each unit increase in the frequency of financial burden was associated with a 0.22-point decrease in overall family quality of life (p<0.001). Furthermore, a one-unit increase in the proportion of household income spent on child-related treatment and services was associated with a decrease in physical and material well-being by 0.007 points (p<0.001) and overall family quality of life by 0.003 points (p=0.037). Conversely, a 100,000 MNT increase in household income was associated with an increase in family quality of life scores (B=0.00249; p<0.001). Conclusion Household income and the proportion of income spent on disability-related expenses are significant factors influencing quality of life. Financial stress experienced by families with children with disabilities negatively affects family quality of life.

Background: The past decade has seen an increasing involvement of private for-profit medical laboratories in the national healthcare provision. But the majority of patients still use services of public hospital laboratories. Goal: The goal of the survey was to assess the status of private and public medical laboratories based on ISO 15189 requirements. Method: The overall capacity of seven private and seven public laboratories was assessed using a questionnaire based on ten main requirements of ISO 15189. Results In general, the public laboratories scored better that the private laboratories but the difference was not significant (79 points for public laboratories vs. 72 points for private laboratories; p=0.115). The main differences were in the areas of equipment management (82 points for private vs. 92 points for public; p=0.025) and testing performances (77 points for private vs. 91 points for public; p=0.006). Out of the remaining eight assessment sections, the private laboratories scored better, but not significantly, in the areas of laboratory management and laboratory information system.

Background: Poor laboratory quality can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment of patients. To demonstrate the quality and reliability of their services, medical laboratories seek accreditation to ISO 15189. We have initiated a project to assist laboratories in their efforts to obtain the accreditation. Goal: Conduct a gap analysis of the status of preparedness of medical laboratories for accreditation. Materials and Methods: Six laboratories are selected for participation in the project. In the first phase of the project, a gap analysis of the participant laboratories is conducted using an Excel program based on ISO 15189 requirements. Results: The findings reveal that the participant laboratories are the strongest in Organization and management of laboratory, Quality of examination results, Personnel and facility management and in Laboratory information management. The majority of the laboratories are hospital based, and their organization and management are well established and functional mostly due to centralized administrative guidance. The concept of quality control is effectively adapted in medical laboratories, therefore ensuring the quality of examinations and the data management are usually in line with the requirements. Weaker areas include Evaluation and audits, and Document control. Even though the laboratories do conduct evaluations and control, they do not do it regularly and, most importantly, do not keep records routinely, which cause the higher gap rate. Conclusion Policies to meet ISO 15189 requirements are in place in the participant laboratories, but their documentation and records keeping are insufficient.