Introduction: Poor feeding practices can result in malnutrition, which may have long-term negative effects on children’s physical and cognitive development. There is limited qualitative research exploring feeding practices among caregivers of urban poor, even though their children are highly vulnerable to undernutrition. Aim: This qualitative study aimed to explore and compare the feeding practices, barriers and coping strategies of caregivers of well-nourished and undernourished children aged three to five years living in public low-cost housing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted among 27 caregivers. Caregivers were purposively selected using purposive sampling and categorized into two groups based on their children’s growth status: families with well-nourished children (FWWC; n=15) and families with undernourished children (FWUC; n=12). Thematic analysis was conducted. Results: Two main themes emerged: feeding practices and barriers and coping strategies to feed children. FWWC caregivers demonstrated certain unique yet beneficial practices. They emphasized responsive feeding techniques, such as using nutritious snacks, promising outdoor activities, and involving children in meal preparation at home as effective strategies to increase children’s food intake. Contrarily, FWUC caregivers practiced less responsive feeding techniques, such as forcing, ignorance, and distraction. Caregivers from both groups experienced similar barriers (child barriers and family barriers) and applied comparable coping strategies (ignorance, distraction, pressure and force, compromise, and creativity). Conclusion: Understanding feeding practices of caregivers of healthy and undernourished children can guide the development of culturally tailored interventions and policies. These efforts can help address barriers and improve child nutrition through responsive feeding, ultimately preventing undernutrition.

Objective: To investigate the association between different digital media usage types and depressive symptoms among junior and senior high school students, so as to provide a scientific reference for making precise mental health prevention and intervention strategies for adolescents. Methods: In October 2024, a convenience cluster sample of 3 225 students was collected from 2 junior high schools and 2 senior high schools in Shenyang City. Participants were investigated for its daily usage duration of various digital media types and depressive symptoms. Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to examine trend in depressive symptom detection rates across digital media usage types. Multivariate Logistic regression model was employed to assess associations, with stratified analyses by gender and educational stage. Results: The daily usage durations for educational/learning, social/chatting, gaming, and video/music/novel digital media were 30.0(12.1, 60.0), 22.9(9.3, 50.0), 17.1(0.0, 50.0), and 22.9(8.6, 55.7) minutes for junior and senior high school students, respectively. The detection rate of depressive symptoms was 46.1%. Among them, the detection rate of depressive symptoms of girls (49.8%) was higher than that of boys (42.3%), and that of senior high school students (53.2%) was higher than that of junior high school students (39.7%), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2= 18.35, 59.02, both P <0.01). Cochran-Armitage trend test revealed significant upward trends in depressive symptom detection rates with increasing usage of non educational digital media (social/chatting: Z =4.77; gaming: Z =3.24; video/music/novel: Z =7.30, all P <0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that, compared to usage <1 h/d, using social/chatting digital media for 1-<2 h/d ( OR =1.66), 2-<3 h/d ( OR =1.80), and ≥3 h/d ( OR =2.68), gaming for 1-<2 h/d ( OR =1.48), 2-<3 h/d ( OR =1.90), and ≥3 h/d ( OR =2.93), and video/music/novel for 1-<2 h/d ( OR =1.76), 2-<3 h/d ( OR =2.00), and ≥3 h/d ( OR = 3.48) were all significantly associated with increased risks of depressive symptoms (all P <0.01). Conclusions Excessive use of non-educational digital media is a risk factor for depressive symptoms in adolescents. Regulating usage duration is beneficial for promoting adolescent mental health.

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of α-ketoglutarate （α-KG） on hepatic lipid deposition in offspring caused by arsenic exposure during pregnancy. Methods8-week-old institute of cancer research （ICR） mice were mated in a ratio of 2∶1 between females and males， and the detection of vaginal plugs confirmed pregnant. A total of 32 pregnant mice were randomly divided into four groups： control group， arsenic group， α-KG group， arsenic+α-KG group. On gestational day 0-16 （GD0-GD16）， the arsenic and arsenic+α-KG groups were exposed to sodium arsenite （NaAsO₂ ，15 mg/L） in drinking water everyday， and the α-KG and arsenic+α-KG groups were gavaged with α-KG （2 g/kg） everyday. On GD16， pregnant mice were euthanized to collect fetal liver， and fetal body weight and crown-rump length were measured. Gene expression differences between the control group and the arsenic group were analyzed by transcriptome. The total triglycerides （TGs） and subtypes in fetal liver were detected by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry （LC-MS/MS）. Oil red O staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the liver. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction （qPCR） was used to detect the expression level of genes related to lipid synthesis， transport， and degradation， and phosphatidylinositol 3' -kinase/ protein kinase B （PI3K/AKT） in the liver of fetus. ResultsTranscriptomics analysis showed that 2 144 genes were downregulated and 1 675 genes were upregulated in the arsenic exposed fetal liver； body weight and crown-rump length were reduced （P_TuKey<0.05）； the level of hepatic TGs was elevated in arsenic group （P_TuKey<0.05）； oil-red O staining showed a significant increase in lipid droplets in arsenic group （P_TuKey<0.01）； the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes were significantly upregulated （P_TuKey<0.05）； the expression of β-oxidation-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes were downregulated （P_TuKey<0.05）； the expression of PI3K， AKT decreased（P_TuKey<0.05）. Compared with the arsenic group， the body weight and crown-rump length of fetus increased in the arsenic+α-KG group （P_TuKey<0.05）； the level of hepatic TGs decreased in the arsenic+α-KG group （P_TuKey<0.05）； oil red O staining showed lipid droplets significantly decreased （P_TuKey<0.01）； the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes were downregulated （P_TuKey<0.05）， the expression of β-oxidation-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes were upregulated （P_TuKey<0.05）； the expression levels of PI3K and AKT increased （P_TuKey<0.05）. Conclusionα-KG alleviated hepatic lipid deposition in offspring exposed to arsenic during pregnancy through activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Introduction: The growing population of international students in Malaysia has underscored the need to better understand their food preferences. Despite this, local studies addressing this topic have remained scarce. This study aimed to determine relationships between nutrition knowledge and food environment and their respective contributions to food preferences among international students at a Malaysian public university. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 619 international students. A structured questionnaire was used to assess general nutrition knowledge and food environment. Students were asked to rate their preferences for 77 food items using a five-point Likert scale, ranging from “dislike a lot” (1) to “like a lot” (5). The food items were categorised into six groups, namely animal foods (14 items), starches (12 items), dairy products (8 items), fruits (15 items), vegetables (20 items), and snacks (8 items). Results: A significant negative relationship was observed between dairy preference and affordability (r=-0.115, p=0.005). Students who lived off campus reported significantly greater preference for vegetables (M=75.49) than those who lived on campus (M=72.84). Nutrition knowledge related to diet, disease, and weight management emerged as the strongest predictor of fruit preference (β=0.257, p<0.001). Conclusion: General nutrition knowledge and food accessibility emerged as significant predictors of food preferences. Nutrition intervention programmes and efforts to improve access to fresh food options on campus may help encourage healthier food preferences among international students.

Introduction: The 2021 IDF-DAR risk calculator had been previously evaluated in multiple studies and subsequently widely accepted and applied in clinical practice as a practical standardized tool for patient risk stratification. Recently updated, the 2026 IDF-DAR Risk calculator enables a more individualized, evidence-related evaluation of patientrelated and disease-related risk factors, incorporating modern diabetes technologies, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, and advanced insulin formulations to enhance risk stratification. This tool allows medical professionals to tailor Ramadan practices based on overall factors toward promoting safe fasting. Methodology: This prospective multicentre observational study recruited adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes attending public hospitals nationwide. People with diabetes (PwD) intending to perform Ramadan fasting were invited to participate and assessed using the 2026 IDF-DAR Risk Calculator in the 6-week pre-Ramadan period between 30th January and 19th March 2026. Results: A total of 458 PwD were evaluated and stratified into low (15.7%), moderate (41%), and high risk (43.3%) categories. Most participants had Type 2 diabetes (83.6%), with 60.3% having a disease duration exceeding 10 years and 43% exhibiting poor glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c >9%). Insulin therapy was used by 76.4% of participants, including two individuals with Type 1 diabetes using AID systems. Most participants reported no recent hypoglycemia (76.4%), 81.0% performed glucose monitoring, and 3.3% used CGM. Severe comorbidities were uncommon, with 1.1% having unstable macrovascular disease and 4.4% advanced chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30). Notably, 72.2% received structured Ramadan education. Conclusion Majority of PwD attending tertiary diabetes clinics were in the moderate- to high-risk category and intended to fast despite medical advice against fasting in some cases. Although most participants were on insulin therapy, hypoglycemia was low in the pre-Ramadan period. Integration of modern technologies, advanced insulin therapies, and structured education may support safer fasting practices.
Risk Assessment ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Hospitals ; Fasting

Objective To compare and analyze malaria epidemic trends and characteristics of initial confirmed cases before and after malaria eliminating in Qingjiangpu District, Huai′an City, and to provide a scientific basis for improving strategies to prevent imported malaria retransmission. Methods Malaria case data from Qingjiangpu District were obtained from the National Infectious Disease Information Reporting System for 2010-2023. Case investigation and epidemiological data were summarized and analyzed for the pre-elimination period (2010-2016)and post-elimination period(2017-2023). Results A total of 185 malaria cases were reported between 2010 and 2023, with one locally acquired case in both 2010 and 2011; the remainder were imported, primarily falciparum malaria. Post-elimination cases decreased from 140 to 45, showing a statistically significant difference in case distribution ratios(χ2=9.642, P<0.05). Seasonal peaks occurred in early January and mid-July before elimination but showed no distinct pattern afterward. Malaria cases were mainly imported from Africa countries, and most patients were young adult males. Post-elimination, the proportion of migrant workers decreased, while technical and business personnel increased significantly(χ2=17.855, P<0.05). Both time-to-diagnosis and time-to-certification changed markedly after elimination, with township health centers showing improved diagnostic accuracy at initial visits. All confirmed patients were treated at designated municipal medical institutions. Conclusions After malaria elimination in Qingjiangpu District, imported malaria remains a serious concern, with cases reported each year. Therefore, it is necessary to continue strengthening the malaria monitoring system, enhance screening and evaluation of key populations, improve health education, raise diagnostic and treatment capacity across all medical institutions, and consolidate the achievements of malaria elimination.

Aim To explore the mechanism by which dioscin regulates IL-17+γδT cells in the treatment of arthritis.Methods A collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)model was established in DBA/1 mice using bovine type Ⅱ collagen.The mice were randomly divid-ed into the CIA model group,methotrexate(MTX)positive control group,and dioscin low-dose(Dioscin-L),medium-dose(Dioscin-M),and high-dose(Dios-cin-H)groups.After intervention,the therapeutic effects were evaluated using scoring methods.Joint pathological damage was analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.The levels of anti-collagen-spe-cific antibodies and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 were measured by ELISA.The expressions of γδT cells and their subtypes,as well as the secretion level of IL-17,were detected by flow cytometry.Results Dioscin significantly reduced the arthritis severity score in collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)mice,alleviated joint pathological damage,inhibited the production of IL-17 by splenic lymphocytes and the levels of anti-col-lagen-specific antibodies total IgG and IgG3,and de-creased the proportion of γδT cells in the lymph nodes,splenic γδT cells,and the Vδ4+T-cell subset.The level of IL-17 produced by the Vδ4 subtype in the lymph nodes of the intervention groups was lower than that in the model group,but the difference was not sta-tistically significant.Conclusion Dioscin has signifi-cant therapeutic effect on CIA,and its mechanism may be through the inhibition of γδT cells,but it is unlikely to be related to IL-17 derived from γδT cells.

Aim To reveal the mechanism of CIP4 homologs protein 1(RICH1)are involved in the regu-lation of myocardial fibrosis.Methods Mouse cardiac fibroblasts(MCFs)cells were treated with transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β1)to induce the formation of a myocardial fibrosis cell model;the level of the target protein was detected by Western blotting;and the RICH1 gene was detected by transfection of the cells with plasmid.The RICH1 gene was overexpressed(RICH 1 OE)using plasmid transfection;the RICH1 gene was silenced using siRNA fragment(siRICH1);and the expression levels of myocardial fibrosis marker genes,such as Col1 a1,Col3 a1,and Acta2,were de-tected using RT-qPCR.Results RICH1 was signifi-cantly down-regulated in TGF-β1-treated MCFs;the expression levels of myocardial fibrosis marker genes,such as Col1 a1,Col3a1,and Acta2,were down-regu-lated in the RICH1 OE+TGF-β1 group;and in the siRICH1+TGF-β1 group,myocardial fibrosis marker genes,such as Col1 a1,Col3a1 and Acta2 were up-regulated at the expression level;phosphorylated SMAD2(p-SMAD2)and phosphorylated SMAD3(p-SMAD3)levels were down-regulated in the siRICH1 OE+TGF-β1 group.p-SMAD2 and P-SMAD3 levels were upregulated in the siRICH1+TGF-β1 group.Conclusion RICH1 inhibits TGF-β1-induced myo-cardial fibrosis;RICH1 inhibits TGF-β1-induced myo-cardial fibrosis by negatively regulating the SMAD2/3 signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: EPF3 is a fibrinolysin monomer isolated and purified from Pheretima vulgaris Chen, an earthworm used in traditional Chinese medicine as Dilong for treating blood stasis syndrome. Its composition, anticoagulant and fibrinolytic activities, and relevant mechanisms have been confirmed through in vitro experiments. However, whether it has antithrombotic effects in vivo and can be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract is unknown. This study evaluates the antithrombotic effect in zebrafish and investigates the gastrointestinal stability and intestinal absorption mechanism of this protein in vitro. METHODS: The antithrombotic effect of EPF3 in vivo was verified using the zebrafish thrombus model induced by arachidonic acid and FeCl₃. Then, the protein bands of EPF3 incubated with simulated gastric fluid (SGF), simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), and homogenate of Caco-2 cells (HC2C) were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to evaluate its gastrointestinal stability. Finally, the transport behavior and absorption mechanism of EPF3 were studied using Caco-2 cell monolayer. RESULTS: EPF3 could significantly enhance the returned blood volume and blood flow velocity in zebrafish with platelet aggregation thrombus induced by arachidonic acid. It could also prolong the formation time of tail artery thrombus and increase the blood flow velocity in zebrafish with vessel injury thrombus induced by FeCl₃. EPF3 was stable in SIF and HC2C and unstable in SGF. The permeability of EPF3 in Caco-2 monolayer was time-dependent and concentration-dependent. The efflux ratio was less than 1.2 during transport, and the transport behavior was not affected by inhibitors. EPF3 could reversibly reduce the expression of tight junction-related proteins, including zonula occludens-1, occludin, and claudin-1 in Caco-2 cells. CONCLUSION EPF3 could play a thrombolytic and antithrombotic role in zebrafish. It could be transported and absorbed into the intestine through cellular bypass pathway by opening the intestinal epithelium tight junction. This study provides a scientific explanation for the antithrombotic effect of earthworm and provides a basis for the feasibility of subsequent development of EPF3 as an antithrombotic enteric-soluble preparation. Please cite this article as: Zhong WL, Yang JQ, Liu H, Wu YL, Shen HJ, Li PY, Du SY. Antithrombotic effect in zebrafish of a fibrinolytic protein EPF3 from Dilong (Pheretima vulgaris Chen) and its transport mechanism in Caco-2 monolayer through cell bypass pathway. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(4): 415-428.
Animals ; Zebrafish ; Humans ; Caco-2 Cells ; Fibrinolytic Agents/pharmacology* ; Thrombosis/drug therapy* ; Intestinal Absorption

Objective To explore the effect of project-based learning on the training of sharp injury prevention skills in the pre-job training for nursing interns and its impact on the incidence of sharp injuries during internship.Methods Two classes(class A and B),majoring in nursing at Medical College of Nanchang Institute of Technology in March 2023 were selected as the research subjects by convenience sampling method.Coin flipping method was used to designate class A as the routine group and class B as the intervention group.The routine group received rou-tine pre-job training which mainly focused on retrospective intensive training on nursing operation skills.On this ba-sis,the intervention group integrated project-based learning as compensation education on sharp injury prevention skills.Kirkpatrick's four level training evaluation model was adopted to comprehensively evaluate the educational effectiveness at the four progressive levels of"reaction,learning,behavior,and outcome"at corresponding stages.Results 56 nursing interns were included in the class A routine group and class B intervention group,respectively.The course evaluation score(128.67±4.39 vs 117.28±6.55),needlestick protection knowledge cognition score(109.11±4.38 vs 96.44±6.72),safe injection behavior score(38.45±4.91 vs 32.30±5.62),occupational iden-tity score(58.02±8.55 vs 51.77±15.86),and job competency score(82.59±13.35 vs 75.61±15.09)of nursing interns in the intervention group were all higher than those in the routine group,differences were all statistically sig-nificant(all P＜0.05).The incidence of sharp injuries(19.64％ vs 57.14％)and the average frequency of occu-rrence(1.45 vs 2.13)in nursing interns in the intervention group were both lower than those in the control group.The case intervention rate(87.50％ vs 45.59％)and case reporting rate(93.75％vs 32.35％)after sharp injury were both higher than those in the routine group,and the differences were both statistically significant(both P＜0.05).Conclusion Introducing project-based learning in pre-job training for nursing interns can effectively improve their mastery of protection skills,reduce the incidence of sharp injuries during internships,and have important prac-tical value in cultivating their occupational protection abilities.