1.Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Chronic Atrophic Gastritis by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway:A Review
Yuxue DING ; Zhiwei SU ; Juan XUE ; Jun SUN ; Chunyan JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):307-315
Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a digestive system disease characterized by the reduction and atrophy of the intrinsic glands of the gastric mucosa. This disease is closely related to risk factors such as Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection,long-term unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle. As CAG is a key link in the development of gastric cancer,effectively preventing its deterioration is of great significance for the prevention of gastric cancer. At present,Western medicine mainly uses symptomatic treatments such as eradicating Hp,protecting gastric mucosa, and promoting gastrointestinal motility. However, long-term use is prone to drug resistance and cannot reverse limitations such as gland atrophy, making it urgent to explore new intervention strategies. In recent years,with the deepening of CAG mechanism research,the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway,as one of the classic signaling pathways,plays a significant role in the occurrence and development of CAG,while its systematic summary is still blank. Based on the regulatory advantages of "multi-target,multi-pathway,and low toxicity",traditional Chinese medicine can improve the pathological process of CAG by intervening in key nodes of the PI3K/Akt pathway. In this paper,the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine regulating PI3K/Akt pathway to improve CAG was systematically reviewed for the first time. The expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in CAG was discussed,including the regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress,cell proliferation and apoptosis,and autophagy. The traditional Chinese medicine flavonoids,alkaloids,terpenoids and other compounds that regulate this pathway were summarized. The traditional Chinese medicine compounds mainly include classic famous prescriptions such as Xiaochaihu Tang,Banxia Xiexin Tang,Morodan concentrated pills,Elian granules and other traditional Chinese patent medicines,as well as empirical prescriptions such as modified Leweiyin formula,and Qiling prescription. This study aims to give full play to the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and lay a solid foundation for the wide application and further development of CAG treatment,and provide new ideas for clinical research and drug research on CAG.
2.Upgrade and practice of the drug traceability code management system in children’s hospital under the “payment by code”background
Jinxiang LIN ; Suping LI ; Yanqing SU ; Dehui YE ; Xianwen CHEN ; Yushuang CHEN ; Zhihui JI ; Dongchuan LAI ; Xiayang WU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):288-293
OBJECTIVE To upgrade the drug traceability code management system for a pediatric hospital under the “payment by code” background, aiming to comprehensively enhance traceability integrity, efficiency, and compliance. METHODS Taking Xiamen Children’s Hospital as the implementation setting, a before-and-after control design was adopted to construct an intelligent drug traceability code management system through systematic upgrades involving the technology platform, core mechanisms, and coordination with medical insurance. Key interventions included: upgrading a traceability code management platform and designing a dynamic code pool; innovating differentiated traceability mechanisms for routine, split-dose, and special drugs; establishing a tiered early-warning and emergency response system; and constructing a data coordination and quality control system. The drug traceability code upload rate served as the primary outcome. Process indicators such as the root causes distribution of failed uploads and the duration of medication returns, and a comprehensive outcome (the number of insurance-flagged abnormal prescriptions) were also analyzed. The data between the baseline period (April 2025) and the observation period (June-August 2025) were compared and evaluated. RESULTS After the upgrade, the overall upload rate of drug traceability codes increased from 9.21% (baseline) to 99.86% (August 2025). The upload rate of traceability codes in previously unmanaged areas, such as the inpatient pharmacy and pharmacy intravenous admixture services, soared from 0 to nearly 100%. The proportion of non-uploads due to system issues fell from 66.44% (June 2025) to 2.62% (August Additionally, the number of insurance-flagged) abnormal prescriptions dropped sharply from 2 275.00 in the first “payment by code” policy month (July 2025) to 212.00 by the end of the observation period (August 2025), a 90.70% decrease. CONCLUSIONS The developed management system effectively addresses complex scenario challenges such as high-frequency drug splitting. It significantly enhances traceability code upload performance and ensures a high degree of compliance with medical insurance data requirements. These outcomes contribute to proactive risk mitigation against insurance claim denials and demonstrate a concurrent optimization of pharmacy operations.
3.Clinical Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light Therapy in Treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction among Glaucoma Patients
Kwang Eon HAN ; Sang Woo MOON ; Su Jin KIM ; Ji Eun LEE
Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2025;66(5):215-223
Purpose:
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy combined with meibomian gland expression (MGX) in treating meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) caused by glaucoma eye drops.
Methods:
This study included 20 patients (aged 18-85 years) who were using glaucoma eye drops and exhibited signs of MGD. Participants underwent four sessions of IPL therapy at 3-week intervals, each followed by MGX. Evaluative measures included the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), best-corrected visual acuity, Schirmer's test, tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining score (CFS), lid margin abnormalities, meibomian gland expressibility (MGE), meibum quality, lipid layer thickness (LLT), and meiboscore. These assessments were conducted before and after each treatment.
Results:
After treatment, significant improvements were observed across all measured parameters, including OSDI, Schirmer's test, TBUT, CFS, lid margin abnormalities, MGE, meibum quality, LLT, and meiboscore.
Conclusions
IPL therapy combined with MGX was effective in improving ocular surface and eyelid abnormalities among patients with MGD induced by glaucoma eye drops. Our findings support the use of IPL and MGX as safe and effective adjunct therapies for these patients.
4.Study on the Necessity and Methodology for Enhancing Outpatient and Clinical Education in the Department of Radiology
Soo Buem CHO ; Jiwoon SEO ; Young Hwan KIM ; You Me KIM ; Dong Gyu NA ; Jieun ROH ; Kyung-Hyun DO ; Jung Hwan BAEK ; Hye Shin AHN ; Min Woo LEE ; Seunghyun LEE ; Seung Eun JUNG ; Woo Kyoung JEONG ; Hye Doo JEONG ; Bum Sang CHO ; Hwan Jun JAE ; Seon Hyeong CHOI ; Saebeom HUR ; Su Jin HONG ; Sung Il HWANG ; Auh Whan PARK ; Ji-hoon KIM
Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology 2025;86(1):199-200
5.Current Status and Future Directions of Primary Care in the World: Insights from Australia
Su Jin KIM ; Belong CHO ; Ji Young KIM
Korean Journal of Family Practice 2025;15(1):27-32
Primary care is a key component in building an efficient and sustainable healthcare system, providing comprehensive health management through a patient-centered approach. Countries worldwide continue to reform their primary care systems to enhance their effectiveness within diverse healthcare environments and socioeconomic contexts. Among them, Australia is recognized for its well-established primary care system. It provides universal health coverage through Medicare. General practitioners offer comprehensive medical services and play a pivotal role in Australia’s primary care system. To further support primary care, the Primary Health Networks (PHNs), a community-based medical service network, has been established. However, challenges remain, such as a shortage of workforce shortages and regional disparity in medical resources. To address these issues, the Australian government announced the “Primary Health Care 10 Year plan.” Through the efforts, Australia is expected to further strengthen its primary care system.
6.Adherence of Studies on Large Language Models for Medical Applications Published in Leading Medical Journals According to the MI-CLEAR-LLM Checklist
Ji Su KO ; Hwon HEO ; Chong Hyun SUH ; Jeho YI ; Woo Hyun SHIM
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(4):304-312
Objective:
To evaluate the adherence of large language model (LLM)-based healthcare research to the Minimum Reporting Items for Clear Evaluation of Accuracy Reports of Large Language Models in Healthcare (MI-CLEAR-LLM) checklist, a framework designed to enhance the transparency and reproducibility of studies on the accuracy of LLMs for medical applications.
Materials and Methods:
A systematic PubMed search was conducted to identify articles on LLM performance published in high-ranking clinical medicine journals (the top 10% in each of the 59 specialties according to the 2023 Journal Impact Factor) from November 30, 2022, through June 25, 2024. Data on the six MI-CLEAR-LLM checklist items: 1) identification and specification of the LLM used, 2) stochasticity handling, 3) prompt wording and syntax, 4) prompt structuring, 5) prompt testing and optimization, and 6) independence of the test data—were independently extracted by two reviewers, and adherence was calculated for each item.
Results:
Of 159 studies, 100% (159/159) reported the name of the LLM, 96.9% (154/159) reported the version, and 91.8% (146/159) reported the manufacturer. However, only 54.1% (86/159) reported the training data cutoff date, 6.3% (10/159) documented access to web-based information, and 50.9% (81/159) provided the date of the query attempts. Clear documentation regarding stochasticity management was provided in 15.1% (24/159) of the studies. Regarding prompt details, 49.1% (78/159) provided exact prompt wording and syntax but only 34.0% (54/159) documented prompt-structuring practices. While 46.5% (74/159) of the studies detailed prompt testing, only 15.7% (25/159) explained the rationale for specific word choices. Test data independence was reported for only 13.2% (21/159) of the studies, and 56.6% (43/76) provided URLs for internet-sourced test data.
Conclusion
Although basic LLM identification details were relatively well reported, other key aspects, including stochasticity, prompts, and test data, were frequently underreported. Enhancing adherence to the MI-CLEAR-LLM checklist will allow LLM research to achieve greater transparency and will foster more credible and reliable future studies.
7.Characteristics and outcomes of portal vein thrombosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Korea
Ki Jin KIM ; Su-Bin SONG ; Jung-Bin PARK ; June Hwa BAE ; Ji Eun BAEK ; Ga Hee KIM ; Min-Jun KIM ; Seung Wook HONG ; Sung Wook HWANG ; Dong-Hoon YANG ; Byong Duk YE ; Jeong-Sik BYEON ; Seung-Jae MYUNG ; Suk-Kyun YANG ; Chang Sik YU ; Yong-Sik YOON ; Jong-Lyul LEE ; Min Hyun KIM ; Ho-Su LEE ; Sang Hyoung PARK
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;40(2):243-250
Background/Aims:
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea.
Methods:
This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans.
Results:
A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR.
Conclusions
Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.
8.Preliminary study on change in the upper airway dimension in growing patients with Pierre-Robin sequence
Su-Ji YOON ; Il-Hyung YANG ; Su-Jung KIM ; Seung-Hak BAEK
The Korean Journal of Orthodontics 2025;55(2):105-119
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the changes in upper airway (UA) dimensions in growing patients with Pierre-Robin sequence (PRS).
Methods:
The subjects were 23 PRS patients who had not undergone growth modification therapy or surgical intervention. Their lateral cephalograms were obtained longitudinally at mean ages of 8.81 (T0) and 14.05 (T1). Patients were categorized based on their SNB value at T0 (Criteria: –2 SD): Group-1 (very retrusive mandible, n = 13) and Group-2 (moderately retrusive mandible, n = 10). Skeletal and UA variables at T0 and T1, as well as ∆T0-T1, were statistically analyzed.
Results:
At T0, Group-1 exhibited more retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA, P < 0.01; SNB, P < 0.001), a more hyperdivergent pattern (facial height ratio, P < 0.05), and a more posteriorly positioned hyoid bone (H-PTV, P < 0.05), while Group-1 showed larger UA spaces (superior pharyngeal airway space [SPAS] and inferior pharyngeal airway space, all P < 0.05) than Group 2, which might indicate the existence of a compensatory response to maintain the UA patency.At T1, Group-1 maintained significantly retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA and SNB, all P < 0.01), exhibited a less anteriorly positioned tongue (TT-PTV, P < 0.05), and displayed a more obtuse soft palate angle (SPA, P < 0.05) than Group-2.Between T0 and T1, Group-1 demonstrated significant increases in the hyoid symphysis distance (∆H-RGN, P < 0.001), tongue length (∆TGL, P < 0.01), and pharyngeal UA spaces (∆SPAS and ∆PNS-ad2, all P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Even in growing PRS patients with severe mandibular retrusion, the UA dimensions increased due to forward growth of the mandible, repositioning of tongue and hyoid bone, and existence of compensatory mechanism.
9.Higher Physical Activity is Associated with Reduced Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Korean Men
Seo Eun HWANG ; Jae Moon YUN ; Su Hwan CHO ; Kyungha MIN ; Ji Young KIM ; Hyuktae KWON ; Jin Ho PARK
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):166-173
Purpose:
Identifying and managing risk factors for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is crucial because it impacts the quality of life of elderly individuals. Lifestyle factors, including physical activity (PA), and their relationship with LUTS have not been well studied. This objective of this study was to investigate the association between PA and LUTS.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 7,296 men were included in this cross-sectional study. PA was quantified in metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours per week, and LUTS severity was assessed using the international prostate symptom score. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between PA and LUTS, including voiding and storage symptoms.
Results:
The average age of the participants was 57.8 years, and the prevalence of LUTS was 41.3%. After adjusting for potential confounders, PA was inversely associated with the prevalence and severity of moderate-to-severe LUTS, showing a dose-response pattern (all p for trend <0.01). Compared to the minimal activity group, which engaged in <5 MET-hours per week of PA, the odds ratios for moderate to severe LUTS were 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72–0.97) for men engaging in 15–30 MET-hours per week, 0.82 (95% CI: 0.71–0.95) for 30–60 MET-hours per week, and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.62–0.84) for ≥60 MET-hours per week. The possible protective effect of PA was still observed in the additional analysis for voiding and storage symptoms showing the same dose-response pattern (all p for trend <0.01).
Conclusions
A higher PA level was associated with a lower prevalence and severity of total, voiding, and storage LUTS in a dose-dependent manner in Korean men.
10.Clinical Significance of Various Pathogens Identified in Patients Experiencing Acute Exacerbations of COPD: A Multi-center Study in South Korea
Hyun Woo JI ; Soojoung YU ; Yun Su SIM ; Hyewon SEO ; Jeong-Woong PARK ; Kyung Hoon MIN ; Deog Kyeom KIM ; Hyun Woo LEE ; Chin Kook RHEE ; Yong Bum PARK ; Kyeong-Cheol SHIN ; Kwang Ha YOO ; Ji Ye JUNG
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2025;88(2):292-302
Background:
Respiratory infections play a major role in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). This study assessed the prevalence of bacterial and viral pathogens and their clinical impact on patients with AECOPD.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 1,186 patients diagnosed with AECOPD at 28 hospitals in South Korea between 2015 and 2018. We evaluated the identification rates of pathogens, basic patient characteristics, clinical features, and the factors associated with infections by potentially drug-resistant (PDR) pathogens using various microbiological tests.
Results:
Bacteria, viruses, and both were detected in 262 (22.1%), 265 (22.5%), and 129 (10.9%) of patients, respectively. The most common pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.8%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (11.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (9.0%), influenza A virus (19.0%), rhinovirus (15.8%), and respiratory syncytial virus (6.4%). Notably, a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; p=0.046), bronchiectasis (OR, 1.99; p=0.032), and the use of a triple inhaler regimen within the past 6 months (OR, 2.04; p=0.005) were identified as significant factors associated with infection by PDR pathogens. Moreover, patients infected with PDR pathogens exhibited extended hospital stays (15.9 days vs. 12.4 days, p=0.018) and higher intensive care unit admission rates (15.9% vs. 9.5%, p=0.030).
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that a variety of pathogens are involved in episodes of AECOPD. Nevertheless, additional research is required to confirm their role in the onset and progression of AECOPD.

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