Objective:To investigate the operation of water improvement projects in villages affected by drinking-water-borne endemic arsenic poisoning in Shaanxi Province, the arsenic level in both internal and external environments, the trend of disease development and patient management, and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention and control measures.Methods:From March to December 2023, in accordance with the requirements of the "Notice of the Office of Shaanxi Provincial Health Commission on Issuing the Monitoring Plan for Key Endemic Diseases such as Kashin-Beck Disease" and the "Monitoring Plan for Endemic Fluorosis and Arsenism in Shaanxi Province", all villages affected by drinking-water-borne arsenic disease were monitored. Water arsenic testing was carried out in accordance with the "Standard Test Methods for Drinking Water Inorganic Nonmetallic Indicators" (GB/T 5750.5-2006), and the evaluation of whether water arsenic exceeded the standard was conducted based on the "Sanitary Standards for Drinking Water" (GB 5749-2022). According to the "Diagnosis of Endemic Arsenism" (WS/T 211-2015), the arsenic poisoning status of all population in the disease affected areas was investigated. In 5 villages of 3 monitoring counties, 358 people were randomly selected to determine the urinary arsenic level, and the determination was made according to the "Safety Guideline Value of Urinary Arsenic for Human Population" (WS/T 665-2019). According to the "Notice of the National Health Commission on Issuing the Evaluation Measures for Control and Elimination of Key Endemic Diseases (2019 Edition)", elimination evaluation was conducted.Results:A total of 2 cities, 3 counties, 9 towns, and 13 endemic villages were monitored, with a water improvement rate of 100% (13/13), and all were operating normally. The arsenic level in residents' drinking water was < 0.01 mg/L. A total of 12 688 people were examined, and 338 cases of arsenic poisoning were detected, all of whom were historical cases. There were no new cases of arsenic poisoning or skin cancer patients. The geometric mean of urinary arsenic was 0.026 0 mg/L, which was lower than the safety guideline value of 0.032 mg/L for urinary arsenic in the population. All 338 existing arsenic poisoning patients had received family doctor contract services and implemented follow-up management. The drinking-water-borne endemic arsenic poisoning areas counties in Shaanxi Province have reached the elimination standard.Conclusions:The water improvement project in drinking-water-borne endemic arsenic poisoning areas in Shaanxi Province is operating normally. The arsenic content in both the internal and external environments of the population meets the standard. The condition is stable and no new cases have been detected. Follow up management has been implemented for all current cases. All affected counties have reached the elimination standard.

ObjectiveTo assess the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Shenlong decoction in addressing the symptoms of pulmonary deficiency and stasis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF）. MethodsSixty eligible patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF were randomly assigned to the observation （30 patients） and control groups （30 patients）. All patients underwent standard Western medical therapy. Additionally，the observation group received Shenlong decoction granules，while the control group received a placebo. Both treatments were packaged in four doses of 10.5 g each，taken twice daily for three months. The indexes of the patients during the treatment cycle were observed，and the main indexes include traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores and 6 min walk test （6MWT）. The secondary indexes include pulmonary function test ［actual value/expected value of total lung volume （TLC%），actual value/expected value of vital capacity（FVC%），actual/predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide（DLCO%），actual/predicted forced expiratory volume in one second （FEV₁%），and FEV₁/ forced vital capacity （FVC）］，blood gas analysis ［arterial blood diathesis partial pressure of oxygen （PaO₂），partial pressure of carbon dioxide （PaCO₂），and arterial oxygen saturation （SaO₂）］，serum inflammatory factors ［transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁），interleukin-4 （IL-4），interleukin-13 （IL-13），interleukin-12 （IL-12），and gamma-interferon （IFN-γ）］，and quality of survival evaluation ［St George's Respiratory Questionnaire （SGRQ） score］. The patients' clinical manifestations were determined at the end of the treatment， and the occurrence of adverse events was recorded. ResultsA total of 53 patients completed the study，comprising 27 in the control group and 26 in the observation group. Upon completion of the treatment period，the control group achieved a total effective rate of 33.33% （9/27），whereas the observation group demonstrated a total effective rate of 53.85% （14/26），which was statistically superior to the control group （χ²=4.034，P<0.05）. After the treatment，the TCM syndrome scores，6MWT，DLCO%，FEV₁%，PaO₂，PaCO₂，TGF-β₁，IL-4，IL-13，IL-12，and IFN-γ in the two groups were all significantly improved （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the control group after treatment at the same period，the TCM syndrome scores，6MWT，PaO₂，and PaCO₂ were significantly improved in the observation group after 60 days and 90 days of medication （P<0.01）. Three months after the end of medication，the SGRQ score in the observation group showed significant improvement when compared to that in the control group （P<0.05），and no severe adverse events were reported during the follow-up period. ConclusionCompound Shenlong decoction can alleviate clinical symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF，enhance exercise tolerance，improve the quality of life，and have certain potential advantages in improving pulmonary function.

ObjectiveTo assess the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Shenlong decoction in addressing the symptoms of pulmonary deficiency and stasis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF）. MethodsSixty eligible patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF were randomly assigned to the observation （30 patients） and control groups （30 patients）. All patients underwent standard Western medical therapy. Additionally，the observation group received Shenlong decoction granules，while the control group received a placebo. Both treatments were packaged in four doses of 10.5 g each，taken twice daily for three months. The indexes of the patients during the treatment cycle were observed，and the main indexes include traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores and 6 min walk test （6MWT）. The secondary indexes include pulmonary function test ［actual value/expected value of total lung volume （TLC%），actual value/expected value of vital capacity（FVC%），actual/predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide（DLCO%），actual/predicted forced expiratory volume in one second （FEV₁%），and FEV₁/ forced vital capacity （FVC）］，blood gas analysis ［arterial blood diathesis partial pressure of oxygen （PaO₂），partial pressure of carbon dioxide （PaCO₂），and arterial oxygen saturation （SaO₂）］，serum inflammatory factors ［transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁），interleukin-4 （IL-4），interleukin-13 （IL-13），interleukin-12 （IL-12），and gamma-interferon （IFN-γ）］，and quality of survival evaluation ［St George's Respiratory Questionnaire （SGRQ） score］. The patients' clinical manifestations were determined at the end of the treatment， and the occurrence of adverse events was recorded. ResultsA total of 53 patients completed the study，comprising 27 in the control group and 26 in the observation group. Upon completion of the treatment period，the control group achieved a total effective rate of 33.33% （9/27），whereas the observation group demonstrated a total effective rate of 53.85% （14/26），which was statistically superior to the control group （χ²=4.034，P<0.05）. After the treatment，the TCM syndrome scores，6MWT，DLCO%，FEV₁%，PaO₂，PaCO₂，TGF-β₁，IL-4，IL-13，IL-12，and IFN-γ in the two groups were all significantly improved （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the control group after treatment at the same period，the TCM syndrome scores，6MWT，PaO₂，and PaCO₂ were significantly improved in the observation group after 60 days and 90 days of medication （P<0.01）. Three months after the end of medication，the SGRQ score in the observation group showed significant improvement when compared to that in the control group （P<0.05），and no severe adverse events were reported during the follow-up period. ConclusionCompound Shenlong decoction can alleviate clinical symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF，enhance exercise tolerance，improve the quality of life，and have certain potential advantages in improving pulmonary function.

BACKGROUND: The effect of the interval between previous Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication and rescue treatment on therapeutic outcomes remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between eradication rates and treatment interval durations in H. pylori infections. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted from December 2021 to February 2023 at six tertiary hospitals in Shandong, China. We recruited patients who were positive for H. pylori infection and required rescue treatment. Demographic information, previous times of eradication therapy, last eradication therapy date, and history of antibiotic use data were collected. The patients were divided into four groups based on the rescue treatment interval length: Group A, ≥4 weeks and ≤3 months; Group B, >3 and ≤6 months; Group C, >6 and ≤12 months; and Group D, >12 months. The primary outcome was the eradication rate of H. pylori . Drug compliance and adverse events (AEs) were also assessed. Pearson's χ2 test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare eradication rates between groups. RESULTS: A total of 670 patients were enrolled in this study. The intention-to-treat (ITT) eradication rates were 88.3% (158/179) in Group A, 89.6% (120/134) in Group B, 89.1% (123/138) in Group C, and 87.7% (192/219) in Group D. The per-protocol (PP) eradication rates were 92.9% (156/168) in Group A, 94.5% (120/127) in Group B, 94.5% (121/128) in Group C, and 93.6% (190/203) in Group D. There was no statistically significant difference in the eradication rates between groups in either the ITT ( P = 0.949) or PP analysis ( P = 0.921). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of AEs ( P = 0.934) or drug compliance ( P = 0.849) between groups. CONCLUSION: The interval duration of rescue treatment had no significant effect on H. pylori eradication rates or the incidence of AEs. REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT05173493.
Humans ; Helicobacter Infections/drug therapy* ; Helicobacter pylori/pathogenicity* ; Male ; Female ; Prospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects* ; Adult ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Proton Pump Inhibitors/therapeutic use*

Objective:To investigate the treatment and management of patients with endemic fluorosis (referred to as fluorosis) in Ankang City, Shaanxi Province, and to provide a scientific basis for adjusting and optimizing treatment and management strategies for fluorosis patients.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on patient information collected from county-level disease prevention and control centers in Ankang City from 2019 to 2023. Data included demographic information, clinical treatment, chronic disease management, treatment records, work reports, and summaries. The study aimed to learn about the treatment willingness, methods, and effects of patients with fluorosis, and to evaluate the disease management situation of patients with fluorosis.Results:From 2019 to 2023, the proportion of fluorosis patients who were willing to receive treatment in Ankang City had increased from 76.80% (1 089/1 418) in 2019 to 100% (1 408/1 408) in 2023, showing an upward trend year by year (χ 2trend = 971.15, P < 0.001). A total of 6 876 patients received treatment, with a treatment rate of 100%. The majority of patients received drug treatment (99.64%, 6 851/6 876), with an effective rate of 94.90% (6 525/6 876). The effective rate of treatment for patients with fluorosis had increased from 88.71% (966/1 418) in 2019 to 94.67% (1 333/1 408) in 2023, showing an upward trend (χ 2trend = 1 002.92, P < 0.001). The adverse reaction rate of drug treatment was 0.36% (25/6 876). The combination of oral medication and local treatment had the highest effective rate (97.62%, 3 566/3 653). The management rate and contracted service rate of fluorosis patients were 100% each year, and the standardized management rate was above 99%. Conclusions:Fluorosis patients in Ankang City have a high willingness to receive treatment, with good treatment outcomes. The contracted services and management of patients are well implemented. In the future, continuous efforts should be made to improve the prevention, management, and health education of fluorosis patients.

Objective:To investigate the treatment and management of patients with endemic fluorosis (referred to as fluorosis) in Ankang City, Shaanxi Province, and to provide a scientific basis for adjusting and optimizing treatment and management strategies for fluorosis patients.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on patient information collected from county-level disease prevention and control centers in Ankang City from 2019 to 2023. Data included demographic information, clinical treatment, chronic disease management, treatment records, work reports, and summaries. The study aimed to learn about the treatment willingness, methods, and effects of patients with fluorosis, and to evaluate the disease management situation of patients with fluorosis.Results:From 2019 to 2023, the proportion of fluorosis patients who were willing to receive treatment in Ankang City had increased from 76.80% (1 089/1 418) in 2019 to 100% (1 408/1 408) in 2023, showing an upward trend year by year (χ 2trend = 971.15, P < 0.001). A total of 6 876 patients received treatment, with a treatment rate of 100%. The majority of patients received drug treatment (99.64%, 6 851/6 876), with an effective rate of 94.90% (6 525/6 876). The effective rate of treatment for patients with fluorosis had increased from 88.71% (966/1 418) in 2019 to 94.67% (1 333/1 408) in 2023, showing an upward trend (χ 2trend = 1 002.92, P < 0.001). The adverse reaction rate of drug treatment was 0.36% (25/6 876). The combination of oral medication and local treatment had the highest effective rate (97.62%, 3 566/3 653). The management rate and contracted service rate of fluorosis patients were 100% each year, and the standardized management rate was above 99%. Conclusions:Fluorosis patients in Ankang City have a high willingness to receive treatment, with good treatment outcomes. The contracted services and management of patients are well implemented. In the future, continuous efforts should be made to improve the prevention, management, and health education of fluorosis patients.

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of skeletal fluorosis and the management and treatment of patients in endemic fluorosis areas of Shaanxi Province.Methods:From March to November 2023, in accordance with the requirements of the "2023 Monitoring Plan for Endemic Fluorosis in Shaanxi Province", the implementation of prevention and control measures of endemic fluorosis in Shaanxi Province was investigated. The data of patients with skeletal fluorosis from January to December 2023 were downloaded from Shaanxi Province Endemic Disease Control Information Management Platform, and the epidemiological characteristics were analyzed. At the same time, the management and treatment of patients with skeletal fluorosis in endemic fluorosis areas of Shaanxi Province were carried out in accordance with the requirements of the "Shaanxi Province Endemic Disease Patient Management Service Specification".Results:In 2023, there were 10 drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis cities in Shaanxi Province, involving 3 715 endemic villages, including 3 650 water improvement villages with a water-improving rate of 98.25%. There were 2 coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis cities in Shaanxi Province, involving 641 746 households in 1 414 endemic villages. Among them, 641 617 households had changed their furnaces and stoves, with a furnace and stove change rate of 99.98%. There were 37 462 patients with skeletal fluorosis in the province, with 35 792 from drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas and 1 670 from coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis areas. The condition was mainly mild and moderate (94.12%, 35 258/37 462), with females accounting for 55.13% (20 654/37 462). The education level was mainly primary school and illiteracy (83.64%, 31 333/37 462), and the occupation was mainly farmers (99.29%, 37 196/37 462). A total of 37 116 patients with skeletal fluorosis were followed up and managed, with a management rate of 99.08% (37 116/37 462). A total of 35 756 patients were managed in a standardized manner, and the standardized management rate was 96.34% (35 756/37 116). A total of 30 649 patients with skeletal fluorosis were actually treated, with a treatment rate of 84.27% (30 649/36 370) and a total effective rate of 98.08% (30 062/30 649).Conclusion:In 2023, the prevalence of skeletal fluorosis in endemic fluorosis areas of Shaanxi Province is mainly mild and moderate, with a wide coverage of community management and a high level of treatment efficiency.

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of skeletal fluorosis and the management and treatment of patients in endemic fluorosis areas of Shaanxi Province.Methods:From March to November 2023, in accordance with the requirements of the "2023 Monitoring Plan for Endemic Fluorosis in Shaanxi Province", the implementation of prevention and control measures of endemic fluorosis in Shaanxi Province was investigated. The data of patients with skeletal fluorosis from January to December 2023 were downloaded from Shaanxi Province Endemic Disease Control Information Management Platform, and the epidemiological characteristics were analyzed. At the same time, the management and treatment of patients with skeletal fluorosis in endemic fluorosis areas of Shaanxi Province were carried out in accordance with the requirements of the "Shaanxi Province Endemic Disease Patient Management Service Specification".Results:In 2023, there were 10 drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis cities in Shaanxi Province, involving 3 715 endemic villages, including 3 650 water improvement villages with a water-improving rate of 98.25%. There were 2 coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis cities in Shaanxi Province, involving 641 746 households in 1 414 endemic villages. Among them, 641 617 households had changed their furnaces and stoves, with a furnace and stove change rate of 99.98%. There were 37 462 patients with skeletal fluorosis in the province, with 35 792 from drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas and 1 670 from coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis areas. The condition was mainly mild and moderate (94.12%, 35 258/37 462), with females accounting for 55.13% (20 654/37 462). The education level was mainly primary school and illiteracy (83.64%, 31 333/37 462), and the occupation was mainly farmers (99.29%, 37 196/37 462). A total of 37 116 patients with skeletal fluorosis were followed up and managed, with a management rate of 99.08% (37 116/37 462). A total of 35 756 patients were managed in a standardized manner, and the standardized management rate was 96.34% (35 756/37 116). A total of 30 649 patients with skeletal fluorosis were actually treated, with a treatment rate of 84.27% (30 649/36 370) and a total effective rate of 98.08% (30 062/30 649).Conclusion:In 2023, the prevalence of skeletal fluorosis in endemic fluorosis areas of Shaanxi Province is mainly mild and moderate, with a wide coverage of community management and a high level of treatment efficiency.

Objective:To investigate the operation of water improvement projects in villages affected by drinking-water-borne endemic arsenic poisoning in Shaanxi Province, the arsenic level in both internal and external environments, the trend of disease development and patient management, and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention and control measures.Methods:From March to December 2023, in accordance with the requirements of the "Notice of the Office of Shaanxi Provincial Health Commission on Issuing the Monitoring Plan for Key Endemic Diseases such as Kashin-Beck Disease" and the "Monitoring Plan for Endemic Fluorosis and Arsenism in Shaanxi Province", all villages affected by drinking-water-borne arsenic disease were monitored. Water arsenic testing was carried out in accordance with the "Standard Test Methods for Drinking Water Inorganic Nonmetallic Indicators" (GB/T 5750.5-2006), and the evaluation of whether water arsenic exceeded the standard was conducted based on the "Sanitary Standards for Drinking Water" (GB 5749-2022). According to the "Diagnosis of Endemic Arsenism" (WS/T 211-2015), the arsenic poisoning status of all population in the disease affected areas was investigated. In 5 villages of 3 monitoring counties, 358 people were randomly selected to determine the urinary arsenic level, and the determination was made according to the "Safety Guideline Value of Urinary Arsenic for Human Population" (WS/T 665-2019). According to the "Notice of the National Health Commission on Issuing the Evaluation Measures for Control and Elimination of Key Endemic Diseases (2019 Edition)", elimination evaluation was conducted.Results:A total of 2 cities, 3 counties, 9 towns, and 13 endemic villages were monitored, with a water improvement rate of 100% (13/13), and all were operating normally. The arsenic level in residents' drinking water was < 0.01 mg/L. A total of 12 688 people were examined, and 338 cases of arsenic poisoning were detected, all of whom were historical cases. There were no new cases of arsenic poisoning or skin cancer patients. The geometric mean of urinary arsenic was 0.026 0 mg/L, which was lower than the safety guideline value of 0.032 mg/L for urinary arsenic in the population. All 338 existing arsenic poisoning patients had received family doctor contract services and implemented follow-up management. The drinking-water-borne endemic arsenic poisoning areas counties in Shaanxi Province have reached the elimination standard.Conclusions:The water improvement project in drinking-water-borne endemic arsenic poisoning areas in Shaanxi Province is operating normally. The arsenic content in both the internal and external environments of the population meets the standard. The condition is stable and no new cases have been detected. Follow up management has been implemented for all current cases. All affected counties have reached the elimination standard.

Objective:To learn about the monitoring indicators and patient management in coal-burning-borne endemic arsenic poisoning areas in Shaanxi Province, and provide a basis for consolidating and improving the prevention and control achievements.Methods:From March to December 2023, in accordance with the requirements of the "Notice of the Office of Shaanxi Provincial Health Commission on Issuing of the Monitoring Plan for Key Endemic Diseases Such as Kashin-Beck Disease" and "The Monitoring Plan for Endemic Fluorosis and Arsenic Poisoning in Shaanxi Province", a basic situation investigation was conducted in the affected villages of all counties (districts) with coal-burning-borne endemic arsenic poisoning in Shaanxi Province, and on-site visits were conducted to check the management of high arsenic coal mines. Using the simple random sampling method, 30 families in each village were selected to investigate the use of stoves and the formation of health-related behaviors. A survey on arsenic poisoning was carried out among all populations in the affected villages. According to the requirements of the provincial monitoring program, 720 people were randomly selected from 12 affected villages in 3 monitoring counties to measure their urinary arsenic level. The determination was based on the "Guidelines for the Safety of Urinary Arsenic in Population" (WS/T 665-2019). The evaluation for elimination of disease areas was carried out in accordance with the "National Health Commission Issued the Evaluation Approach for Control and Elimination of Priority Endemic Diseases (2019 edition)".Results:A total of 2 cities, 8 counties (districts), 99 townships, and 1 414 affected villages were monitored. All 53 high arsenic coal mines had stopped mining. The rate of qualified improved stoves was 99.97%; the correct utilization rate of qualified improved stoves, and the correct drying rate of corn and chili peppers provided for human consumption in the affected villages were 100.00%. A total of 2 064 138 people were examined, and 2 682 cases of arsenic poisoning were detected, all of whom were historical patients. There were no new cases of arsenic poisoning or skin cancer. There were currently 2 682 arsenic poisoning patients who had received family doctor contract services and implemented follow-up management. The geometric mean of urinary arsenic was 0.016 7 mg/L, which was lower than the safety guideline value for human urinary arsenic (0.032 mg/L).Conclusions:The monitoring indicators in the coal-burning-borne endemic arsenic poisoning areas in Shaanxi Province have reached the elimination standards. In the future, we should continue to strengthen the management of high arsenic coal mines, implement comprehensive prevention and control measures mainly focused on furnace and stove renovation and health promotion, and do a good job in patient management to continuously consolidate and improve the prevention and control achievements.