Background: Healthcare-associated infections impose a significant burden on antibiotic usage, healthcare expenditures, and morbidity. Therefore, it is crucial to revise policies to minimize such losses. This nationwide survey aimed to evaluate infection prevention and control (IPC) components in healthcare facilities and encourage improvements in acute care hospitals with inadequate infection prevention settings. This study aims to enhance the infection control capabilities of healthcare facilities. Methods: From December 27, 2021, to May 13, 2022, we conducted a survey of 1,767 acute care hospitals in the Republic of Korea. A survey was conducted to evaluate the infection control components in 1,767 acute care hospitals. Infection control officers provided direct responses to a systematically developed questionnaire. Subsequently, 10% of the respondents were randomly selected for the site investigation. Results: Overall, 1,197 (67.7%) hospitals responded to the online survey. On-site investigations were conducted at 125 hospitals. Hospitals with ≥ 150 beds are advised to have an IPC team under Article 3 of the Medical Service Act; however, only 87.0% (598/687) of hospitals with ≥ 100 beds had one. Conversely, 22.7% (116/510) of hospitals with < 100 beds had an IPC team. Regulations for hand hygiene, waste management, healthcare worker protection and safety, environmental cleaning, standard precautions, and prevention of the transmission of multidrug-resistant pathogens were present in 84.2%, 80.1%, 77.4%, 76.2%, 75.8%, and 63.5% of the hospitals, respectively. Hospitals with < 100 beds had low availability of all categories of standard operating procedures. Conclusion This study is the first national survey of acute care hospitals in the Republic of Korea. The data presented in the current study will improve the understanding of IPC status and will help establish a survey system. Our survey provides a basis for improving policies related to IPC in healthcare facilities.

Background: Healthcare-associated infections impose a significant burden on antibiotic usage, healthcare expenditures, and morbidity. Therefore, it is crucial to revise policies to minimize such losses. This nationwide survey aimed to evaluate infection prevention and control (IPC) components in healthcare facilities and encourage improvements in acute care hospitals with inadequate infection prevention settings. This study aims to enhance the infection control capabilities of healthcare facilities. Methods: From December 27, 2021, to May 13, 2022, we conducted a survey of 1,767 acute care hospitals in the Republic of Korea. A survey was conducted to evaluate the infection control components in 1,767 acute care hospitals. Infection control officers provided direct responses to a systematically developed questionnaire. Subsequently, 10% of the respondents were randomly selected for the site investigation. Results: Overall, 1,197 (67.7%) hospitals responded to the online survey. On-site investigations were conducted at 125 hospitals. Hospitals with ≥ 150 beds are advised to have an IPC team under Article 3 of the Medical Service Act; however, only 87.0% (598/687) of hospitals with ≥ 100 beds had one. Conversely, 22.7% (116/510) of hospitals with < 100 beds had an IPC team. Regulations for hand hygiene, waste management, healthcare worker protection and safety, environmental cleaning, standard precautions, and prevention of the transmission of multidrug-resistant pathogens were present in 84.2%, 80.1%, 77.4%, 76.2%, 75.8%, and 63.5% of the hospitals, respectively. Hospitals with < 100 beds had low availability of all categories of standard operating procedures. Conclusion This study is the first national survey of acute care hospitals in the Republic of Korea. The data presented in the current study will improve the understanding of IPC status and will help establish a survey system. Our survey provides a basis for improving policies related to IPC in healthcare facilities.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical efficacy of integrating pharmacists into family health teams （FHTs） for long-term medication therapeutical management （MTM） in stroke patients， and empirically evaluate the service model. METHODS A pharmacist team， jointly established by clinical and community pharmacists from the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University （hereinafter referred to as “our hospital”）， developed a pharmacist-supported MTM model integrated into FHTs. Using a prospective randomized controlled design， 170 stroke patients discharged from our hospital （July 2022-December 2023） and enrolled in FHTs at Suzhou Runda Community Hospital were randomly divided into trial group （88 cases） and control group （82 cases） according to random number table. The control group received routine FHTs care （without pharmacist involvement in the team collaboration）， while the trial group xhz8405@126.com received 12-month MTM services supported by pharmacists via an information platform. These services specifically included innovative interventions such as personalized medication regimen optimization based on the MTM framework， dynamic medication adherence management， medication safety monitoring， a home medication assessment system， and distinctive service offerings. Outcomes of the 2 grousp were compared before and after intervention， involving medication adherence （adherence rate， adherence score）， compliance rates for stroke recurrence risk factors [blood pressure， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）]， and incidence of adverse drug reactions （ADR）. RESULTS After 12 months， the trial group exhibited significantly higher medication adherence rates， improved adherence scores， higher compliance rates for blood pressure and LDL-C targets compared to the control group （P＜0.05）. The incidence of ADR in the trial group （4.55%） was significantly lower than that in the control group （8.11%）， though the difference was not statistically significant （P＞ 0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacist involvement in FHTs to deliver MTM services significantly enhances medication adherence and optimizes risk factor for stroke recurrence， offering practical evidence for advancing pharmaceutical care in chronic disease management under the family doctor system.

AIM To investigate the effects of Changpu Yujin Decoction(CPYJD)on striatal mitophagy and PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway in a rat model of Tourette syndrome(TS).METHODS Thirty-six SPF male SD rats were randomly assigned to the control group(n=9)and the TS modeling group(n=27).Rats in the modeling group received daily intraperitoneal injections of 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile(IDPN)(300 mg/kg)for 7 consecutive days to establish the TS model.Post-modeling,successfully induced TS rats were re-randomized into model group(no treatment),tiapride group(47.91 mg/kg)and CPYJD group(77.28 g/kg).All groups received their respective interventions via intragastric administration daily for 28 days.Following drug administration,behavioral scores were assessed in each group.Pathological alterations in the striatum were examined using HE staining,while ultrastructural changes were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy(TEM).Neuronal apoptosis was quantified via TUNEL staining,and ROS levels in striatum were measured by ELISA.Co-localization of PINK1 and LC3B was assessed using immunofluorescence(IF).Finally,mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1,Parkin,Beclin-1,P62 and LC3B(LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio)were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot.RESULTS Compared to the control group,the model group demonstrated significantly increased behavioral scores(P＜0.01),elevated neuronal apoptosis rate and higher ROS levels in the striatum(P＜0.01);severe neuronal and mitochondrial damage in the striatum;significantly reduced mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1,Parkin,Beclin-1 and LC3B(LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio)in the striatum(P＜0.01);markedly upregulated P62 mRNA and protein expressions(P＜0.01).Compared to the model group,both the tiapride and CPYJD intervention groups exhibited significantly reduced behavioral scores(P＜0.01);decreased neuronal apoptosis rate and lower ROS levels(P＜0.01);improved pathological alterations in the striatal neurons and mitochondria;increased mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1,Parkin and Beclin-1 in the striatum(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and decreased P62 mRNA and protein expressions(P＜0.01).Furthermore,the rats in the CPYJD group specifically showed elevated LC3B mRNA level and LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ protein ratio in striatum(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION The effect of CPYJD intervention in TS rats may involve activation of mitophagy through regulation of the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway,improving mitochondrial function,reducing ROS levels,and thereby protecting neurons.

AIM To investigate the effects of Jisuishang Formula on neurological function and ferroptosis in a rat model of cervical spondylotic myelopathy(CSM).METHODS The CSM rat models were established and randomly assigned to the model group,the Fer-1 group(2 g/kg Ferrostatin-1 via intraperitoneal injection),the low-dose(9.7 g/kg,intragastrically),medium-dose(19.4 g/kg,intragastrically)and high-dose(38.8 g/kg,intragastrically)Jisuishang Formula groups,and the sham operation group,with 6 rats in each group.Following 4 weeks of treatment administration,BBB locomotor scores and oblique plate test result were recorded to assess their neurological function in rats.Histopathological evaluation utilized HE staining for spinal cord tissue pathology,Nissl staining for Nissl body visualization,and Prussian blue staining for iron ion deposition analysis.Protein expressions of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4,HO-1,TFRC and Cox2 in spinal cord tissues was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot,while mRNA expressions were quantified using RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared to the sham group,the CSM model group exhibited significantly reduced BBB locomotor scores and inclined plane test performance at 1,2 and 4 weeks post-operation(P＜0.05);obvious tissue cavitation,cellular edema and Prussian blue positive iron deposition in spinal cord tissues;downregulated protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4,HO-1(P＜0.05);and upregulated protein and mRNA expressions of TFRC and Cox2(P＜0.05).Compared to the model group,the Jisuishang Formula and Fer-1 intervention groups showed significantly improved BBB scores and inclined plane test result at 1,2 and 4 weeks post-operation(P＜0.05);reduced tissue cavitation,attenuated cellular edema and decreased Prussian blue positive iron deposition in spinal cord tissues;upregulated protein and mRNA expression of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4 and HO-1 in spinal cord tissues(P＜0.05);and downregulated protein and mRNA expressions of TFRC and Cox2(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION Targeting the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway,Jisuishang Formula potentially suppresses ferroptosis and alleviates iron accumulation in spinal cord neurons,thereby improving neurological recovery in CSM rats.

BACKGROUND:Microplastics are a common environmental pollutant that can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract,liver and kidney,and reproductive system.However,little is known about the effects of microplastics on the prostate.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of different charge-modified polystyrene microplastics on prostate tissues of male mice and its mechanism.METHODS:A total of 48 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a control group,an unmodified microplastic group,a negatively charged microplastic group,and a positively charged microplastic group using a random number table,with 12 mice in each group.The mice in the control group were given ddH2O by gavage;the mice in the unmodified microplastic group were given unmodified polystyrene microplastics by gavage,and the mice in the negatively charged microplastic group and the positively charged microplastic group were given negatively charged polystyrene microplastics and positively charged polystyrene microplastics by gavage,respectively,once a day for 4 consecutive weeks.The body weight,drinking water,and food intake of the mice were detected every week.After gavage,the prostate mass,prostate coefficient,prostate histopathological morphology,inflammatory factor expression,microplastic accumulation in the prostate tissue of the mice,and the mRNA and protein expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor were compared among the groups of mice.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With the prolongation of microplastic exposure time,the body weight of mice in the unmodified microplastics group and the positively charged microplastics exposure group was significantly suppressed.(2)After exposure to microplastics,they could enter the urinary system of mice,including prostate and bladder tissue.Among the mice in the positively charged microplastic group,the prostate mass and prostate coefficient increased most significantly.(3)Compared with the control group,the mass concentration and mRNA expression of interleukin 6,interleukin 1β,and tumor necrosis factorα were increased in the prostate tissue of the other three groups of mice(P＜0.05).Among them,the positively charged microplastic group exhibited most obvious increase.(4)Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the prostate tissue of mice in the unmodified microplastic group,negatively charged microplastic group,and positively charged microplastic group showed obvious proliferation of prostate epithelial cells and matrix,a significant increase in acini,and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells.Masson and Sirius red staining showed that compared with the control group,the prostate tissue of mice in the other three groups had obvious fibrosis.Immunohistochemical staining showed that compared with the control group,angiogenesis in the prostate tissue of mice increased in the other three groups(P＜0.05).(5)Compared with the control group,the mRNA and protein expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor 1αand vascular endothelial growth factor were increased in the prostate tissue of the other three groups of mice(P＜0.05),among which the negatively charged microplastic group and the positively charged microplastic group exhibited more significant increase.(6)The results show that polystyrene microplastics can enhance the release of inflammatory factors in mouse prostate tissue,promote angiogenesis in prostate tissue by activating the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α/vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway,and provide nutrition support for prostate hyperplasia and fibrosis.

Background: Healthcare-associated infections impose a significant burden on antibiotic usage, healthcare expenditures, and morbidity. Therefore, it is crucial to revise policies to minimize such losses. This nationwide survey aimed to evaluate infection prevention and control (IPC) components in healthcare facilities and encourage improvements in acute care hospitals with inadequate infection prevention settings. This study aims to enhance the infection control capabilities of healthcare facilities. Methods: From December 27, 2021, to May 13, 2022, we conducted a survey of 1,767 acute care hospitals in the Republic of Korea. A survey was conducted to evaluate the infection control components in 1,767 acute care hospitals. Infection control officers provided direct responses to a systematically developed questionnaire. Subsequently, 10% of the respondents were randomly selected for the site investigation. Results: Overall, 1,197 (67.7%) hospitals responded to the online survey. On-site investigations were conducted at 125 hospitals. Hospitals with ≥ 150 beds are advised to have an IPC team under Article 3 of the Medical Service Act; however, only 87.0% (598/687) of hospitals with ≥ 100 beds had one. Conversely, 22.7% (116/510) of hospitals with < 100 beds had an IPC team. Regulations for hand hygiene, waste management, healthcare worker protection and safety, environmental cleaning, standard precautions, and prevention of the transmission of multidrug-resistant pathogens were present in 84.2%, 80.1%, 77.4%, 76.2%, 75.8%, and 63.5% of the hospitals, respectively. Hospitals with < 100 beds had low availability of all categories of standard operating procedures. Conclusion This study is the first national survey of acute care hospitals in the Republic of Korea. The data presented in the current study will improve the understanding of IPC status and will help establish a survey system. Our survey provides a basis for improving policies related to IPC in healthcare facilities.

Background: Healthcare-associated infections impose a significant burden on antibiotic usage, healthcare expenditures, and morbidity. Therefore, it is crucial to revise policies to minimize such losses. This nationwide survey aimed to evaluate infection prevention and control (IPC) components in healthcare facilities and encourage improvements in acute care hospitals with inadequate infection prevention settings. This study aims to enhance the infection control capabilities of healthcare facilities. Methods: From December 27, 2021, to May 13, 2022, we conducted a survey of 1,767 acute care hospitals in the Republic of Korea. A survey was conducted to evaluate the infection control components in 1,767 acute care hospitals. Infection control officers provided direct responses to a systematically developed questionnaire. Subsequently, 10% of the respondents were randomly selected for the site investigation. Results: Overall, 1,197 (67.7%) hospitals responded to the online survey. On-site investigations were conducted at 125 hospitals. Hospitals with ≥ 150 beds are advised to have an IPC team under Article 3 of the Medical Service Act; however, only 87.0% (598/687) of hospitals with ≥ 100 beds had one. Conversely, 22.7% (116/510) of hospitals with < 100 beds had an IPC team. Regulations for hand hygiene, waste management, healthcare worker protection and safety, environmental cleaning, standard precautions, and prevention of the transmission of multidrug-resistant pathogens were present in 84.2%, 80.1%, 77.4%, 76.2%, 75.8%, and 63.5% of the hospitals, respectively. Hospitals with < 100 beds had low availability of all categories of standard operating procedures. Conclusion This study is the first national survey of acute care hospitals in the Republic of Korea. The data presented in the current study will improve the understanding of IPC status and will help establish a survey system. Our survey provides a basis for improving policies related to IPC in healthcare facilities.

Cardiac fibrosis(CF) is a cardiac pathological process characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix(ECM). When the heart is damaged by adverse stimuli, cardiac fibroblasts are activated and secrete a large amount of ECM, leading to changes in cardiac fibrosis, myocardial stiffness, and cardiac function declines and accelerating the development of heart failure. There is a close relationship between heart yin deficiency and cardiac fibrosis, which have similar pathogenic mechanisms. Heart Yin deficiency, characterized by insufficient Yin fluids, causes the heart to lose its nourishing function, which acts as the initiating factor for myocardial dystrophy. The deficiency of body fluids leads to stagnation of blood flow, resulting in blood stasis and water retention. Blood stasis and water retention accumulate in the heart, which aligns with the pathological manifestation of excessive deposition of ECM, as a tangible pathogenic factor. This is an inevitable stage of the disease process. The lingering of blood stasis combined with water retention eventually leads to the generation of heat and toxins, triggering inflammatory responses similar to heat toxins, which continuously stimulate the heart and cause the ultimate outcome of CF. Considering the syndrome of heart Yin deficiency, traditional Chinese medicine capable of nourishing Yin, activating blood, and promoting urination can reduce myocardial cell apoptosis, inhibit fibroblast activation, and lower the inflammation level, showing significant advantages in combating CF.
Humans ; Fibrosis/drug therapy* ; Animals ; Yin Deficiency/metabolism* ; Myocardium/metabolism* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*

Resveratrol(Res) is a kind of polyphenolic compound, possessing multiple biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and anticancer effects. In recent years, the cardiovascular protective mechanism of Res has become a research hotspot. Studies have shown that Res has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system through various pathways, such as inhibiting oxidative stress, regulating ferroptosis of cells, improving ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) injury, regulating lipid metabolism, suppressing inflammatory responses, and enhancing endothelial function. It can also alleviate cardiotoxicity caused by drugs and chemicals. In terms of oxidative stress, Res reduces the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS) by enhancing the expression of proteins such as silent information regulator 1(SIRT1) and regulating mitochondrial function, thereby alleviating myocardial cell damage. Regarding ferroptosis, Res inhibits the occurrence of ferroptosis by regulating the expression of proteins related to iron metabolism. Res can also improve I/R injury through mechanisms such as activating autophagy and the mitochondrial quality control network. In regard to improving endothelial function, Res protects the function of endothelial cells by regulating multiple signaling pathways, such as downregulating the PREP1-mediated pathway. Res can also regulate lipid metabolism and inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis. In terms of inflammatory responses, Res exerts anti-inflammatory effects through mechanisms such as inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathway. In addition, Res has an improving effect on cardiotoxicity caused by different drugs or environmental factors. However, the clinical application of Res still faces limitations such as poor pharmacokinetic properties. In the future, in-depth exploration is needed at multiple levels from basic research to clinical application to clarify the dose-response relationship and standardize the standards of medication regimens with the expectation of providing more effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Humans ; Resveratrol/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Cardiotonic Agents/pharmacology* ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Cardiovascular Diseases/genetics* ; Cardiovascular System/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects*