Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract and can be classified as “fullness of the stomach”， “epigastric pain”， “noise” and other categories in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. Sijunzi decoction is composed of Panax ginseng， Poria cocos， Atractylodes macrocephala， and honey-fried Glycyrrhiza uralensis， and it has the effect of tonifying qi and strengthening the spleen. This article summarizes the active ingredients， mechanism of action， and clinical application research progress of Sijunzi decoction in treating gastric cancer. The results show that the main active ingredients of Sijunzi decoction include ginsenosides， atractylenolide， pachymic acid， glycyrrhizic acid， etc.； Sijunzi decoction and its effective ingredients can play an anti-gastric cancer role by inhibiting the proliferation of gastric cancer cell， inducing apoptosis of gastric cancer cell， enhancing gastric cancer cell chemotherapy sensitivity， and inhibiting invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cell. In addition， Sijunzi decoction can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs， strengthen the immune function of the body and lower serum cancer marker levels during the clinical treatment of gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE To know about the perception and current status of drug risk management among pharmacists in Chinese medical institutions， providing insights and recommendations for enhancing the drug risk management system in medical institutions. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted across 28 provinces， cities， and autonomous regions； stratified radom sampling was employed to study the population of medical workers and pharmaceutical professionals in medical institutions nationwide. The survey included information on the survey population， the current status of drug risk management implementation in medical institutions， the cognition， definition and process of drug risk management related concepts， and the content and mode of drug risk management work in medical institutions. Finally， suggestions were collected from various medical institutions on the system construction of drug risk management. Descriptive statistical analysis was adopted to summarize the obtained data. RESULTS A total of 446 questionnaires were collected in this survey， including 420 valid questionnaires and 26 invalid questionnaires. The questionnaire collection rate was 100%，and the effective rate was 94.17%. 51.19% of the respondents No.2020YFC2009001）。 based their understanding of drug risk management on Management Measures for Adverse Drug Reaction Reports and Monitoring， while 87.38% recognized the need for drug risk management throughout the drug use process. 63.33% of the participants stated that their medical institutions had dedicated positions related to drug risk management， with the highest proportion （72.17%） was in third-grade class A medical institutions. 66.43% reported implementing risk management across all drug use stages. Suggestions for the development of drug risk management systems in medical institutions by the research participants focused on enhancing guiding documents， clarifying concepts， establishing information-sharing mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS The overall awareness of drug risk management in China’s medical institutions is high， with practices in place across various stages in multiple forms. However， there remains a need to strengthen institutional documents， management regulations， system development， and information-sharing mechanisms to improve collaborative governance， improve drug management levels， and ensure patient safety.

Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammation and a risk factor for diseases such as diabetes， hypertension， dyslipidemia， and malignant tumors， demonstrating an increasingly grim development situation. The nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） signaling pathway is a key signaling pathway involved in the immune response and inflammatory response. In obese individuals， the expression of NF-κB is overactivated， which leads to abnormal inflammatory responses in the body. Therefore， it is expected to alleviate inflammation and treat obesity by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway， which has been proven effective by a large number of studies. The available studies on the NF-κB signaling pathway mostly focus on tumors， and there is no systematic review of the mechanism of this pathway in mediating obesity and the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） treatment. We reviewed the research progress in the pathological and physiological processes of obesity mediated by NF-κB signaling pathway and TCM treatment， aiming to give insights into the clinical treatment of obesity with TCM and provide reference targets and research directions for exploring the biological foundations and the development of new TCM preparations.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test. Results: AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.

Schistosomiasis remains one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases in Tanzania. World Vision Tanzania, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health through the National Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme, implemented school- and community-based mass drug administrations, community-led total sanitation, and community voice and action from 2020 to 2022. This study assessed changes in the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the Itilima district of northwestern Tanzania following the implementation of these integrated interventions. A total of 1,405 students from 22 schools participated in the baseline survey in August to September 2020, and 1,320 in September 2022. Additionally, 368 adults from 8 villages participated in the baseline survey, and 401 in the endline survey. The prevalence difference was calculated to assess changes before and after the integrated interventions. We also investigated risk factors for Schistosoma haematobium infection using endline data. The prevalence difference between 2020 and 2022 was -20.0% (95% confidence interval (CI)=-22.2%–-17.7%, p<0.001) for students and -19.6% (95% CI=-22.2%–-17.7%, p<0.001) for adults. Individuals without a latrine were more likely to have schistosomiasis (adjusted odds ratio=5.9, 95% CI=1.7–21.5, p=0.01) compared to those who had a latrine. The findings indicate substantial changes in schistosomiasis prevalence in the study area following the implementation of integrated interventions. To sustain these achievements in Itilima, a multi-sectorial approach is highly recommended to integrate additional measures for eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health problem.

Hymenolepis nana, commonly known as the dwarf tapeworm, affects 50 to 75 million people worldwide. To date, no studies have explored the disease burden of H. nana infection in Sudan. This study aimed to determine the national prevalence of H. nana across 189 districts and 18 states in Sudan and the number of individuals infected with H. nana who did not receive treatment during the mass drug administration (MDA) campaign targeting schistosomiasis. In addition, the study sought to evaluate the extent of co-infection of H. nana with schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. This involved a secondary analysis of a nationwide survey conducted in 2017 in Sudan. Binomial family generalized linear models with a logarithmic link function were used to estimate the prevalence ratio of potential risk factors, including sex and water and sanitation conditions in schools and households. For the nationwide survey, a 2-stage sampling method was used, in which 105,167 students were selected from 1,772 schools. A total of 96,679 stool samples were collected, of which 4,706 (4.9%) tested positive for H. nana. Of these, fewer than 1% were co-infected with schistosomiasis (either Schistosoma haematobium or Schistosoma mansoni), and a mere 0.1% had co-infections with soil-transmitted helminths. At an 8% threshold for village-based MDA, approximately 1.1 million infected adults are ineligible to receive praziquantel from the village-based MDA. Children residing in households with improved latrines had a lower odds of H. nana infection than those without improved latrines did (adjusted odds ratio=0.87, 95% confidence interval=0.80–0.94, p=0.001). In countries where H. nana is endemic, such as Sudan, providers making MDA decisions should consider the prevalence of either H. nana or schistosomiasis, rather than focusing solely on the latter.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test. Results: AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.

Schistosomiasis remains one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases in Tanzania. World Vision Tanzania, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health through the National Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme, implemented school- and community-based mass drug administrations, community-led total sanitation, and community voice and action from 2020 to 2022. This study assessed changes in the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the Itilima district of northwestern Tanzania following the implementation of these integrated interventions. A total of 1,405 students from 22 schools participated in the baseline survey in August to September 2020, and 1,320 in September 2022. Additionally, 368 adults from 8 villages participated in the baseline survey, and 401 in the endline survey. The prevalence difference was calculated to assess changes before and after the integrated interventions. We also investigated risk factors for Schistosoma haematobium infection using endline data. The prevalence difference between 2020 and 2022 was -20.0% (95% confidence interval (CI)=-22.2%–-17.7%, p<0.001) for students and -19.6% (95% CI=-22.2%–-17.7%, p<0.001) for adults. Individuals without a latrine were more likely to have schistosomiasis (adjusted odds ratio=5.9, 95% CI=1.7–21.5, p=0.01) compared to those who had a latrine. The findings indicate substantial changes in schistosomiasis prevalence in the study area following the implementation of integrated interventions. To sustain these achievements in Itilima, a multi-sectorial approach is highly recommended to integrate additional measures for eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health problem.

Hymenolepis nana, commonly known as the dwarf tapeworm, affects 50 to 75 million people worldwide. To date, no studies have explored the disease burden of H. nana infection in Sudan. This study aimed to determine the national prevalence of H. nana across 189 districts and 18 states in Sudan and the number of individuals infected with H. nana who did not receive treatment during the mass drug administration (MDA) campaign targeting schistosomiasis. In addition, the study sought to evaluate the extent of co-infection of H. nana with schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. This involved a secondary analysis of a nationwide survey conducted in 2017 in Sudan. Binomial family generalized linear models with a logarithmic link function were used to estimate the prevalence ratio of potential risk factors, including sex and water and sanitation conditions in schools and households. For the nationwide survey, a 2-stage sampling method was used, in which 105,167 students were selected from 1,772 schools. A total of 96,679 stool samples were collected, of which 4,706 (4.9%) tested positive for H. nana. Of these, fewer than 1% were co-infected with schistosomiasis (either Schistosoma haematobium or Schistosoma mansoni), and a mere 0.1% had co-infections with soil-transmitted helminths. At an 8% threshold for village-based MDA, approximately 1.1 million infected adults are ineligible to receive praziquantel from the village-based MDA. Children residing in households with improved latrines had a lower odds of H. nana infection than those without improved latrines did (adjusted odds ratio=0.87, 95% confidence interval=0.80–0.94, p=0.001). In countries where H. nana is endemic, such as Sudan, providers making MDA decisions should consider the prevalence of either H. nana or schistosomiasis, rather than focusing solely on the latter.

Objective:To analyze the current status of red blood cell transfusion in very preterm infants (VPI) (gestational age at birth <32 weeks) from Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) in 2022.Methods:This cross-sectional study was based on the CHNN VPI cohort. It included 6 985 VPI admitted to CHNN 89 participating centers within 24 hours after birth in 2022. VPI with major congenital anomalies or those transferred to non-CHNN centers for treatment or discharged against medical advice were excluded. VPI were categorized based on whether they received red blood cell transfusions, their gestational age at birth, the type of respiratory support received during transfusion, and whether the pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels exceeded the thresholds. General characteristics, red blood cell transfusion rates, number of transfusions, timing of the first transfusion, and pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels were compared among different groups. The incidence of adverse outcomes between the group of VPI who received transfusions above the threshold and those who received transfusions below the threshold were compared. Comparison among different groups was conducted using χ2 tests, Kruskal-Wallis H tests, Mann-Whitney U test, and so on. Trends by gestational age at birth were evaluated by Cochran-Armitage tests and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for trend. Results:Among the 6 985 VPI, 3 865 cases(55.3%) were male, with a gestational age at birth of 30.0 (28.6, 31.0) weeks and a birth weight of (1 302±321) g. Overall, 3 617 cases (51.8%) received red blood cell transfusion, while 3 368 cases (48.2%) did not. The red blood cell transfusion rate was 51.8% (3 617/6 985), with rates of 77.7% (893/1 150) for those born before 28 weeks gestational age and 46.7% (2 724/5 835) for those born between 28 and 31 weeks gestational age. A total of 9 616 times red blood cell transfusions were administered to 3 617 VPI, with 632 times missing pre-transfusion hemoglobin data, and 8 984 times included in the analysis. Of the red blood cell transfusions, 25.6% (2 459/9 616) were administered when invasive respiratory support was required, 51.3% (4 934/9 616) were receiving non-invasive respiratory support, while 23.1% (2 223/9, 616) were given when no respiratory support was needed. Compared to the non-transfusion group, the red blood cell transfusion group had a higher rate of pregnancy-induced hypertension in mothers, lower rates of born via cesarean section and mother′s antenatal steroid administration, smaller gestational age, lower birth weight, a higher proportion of small-for-gestational-age, multiple births, and proportions of Apgar score at the 5 th minute after birth ≤3 (all P<0.05). They were also less likely to be female, born in hospital or undergo delayed cord clamping (all P<0.01). Additionally, higher transport risk index of physiologic stability score at admission were observed in the red blood cell transfusion group ( P<0.001). The number of red blood cell transfusion was 2 (1, 3) times, with the first transfusion occurring at an age of 18 (8, 29) days, and a pre-transfusion hemoglobin level of 97 (86, 109) g/L. For VPI ≤7 days of age, the pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels for invasive respiratory support, non-invasive respiratory support, or no respiratory support, respectively, with no statistically significant differences between groups ( H=5.59, P=0.061). For VPI aged 8 to 21 days and≥22 days, the levels with statistically differences between groups (both P<0.01). Red blood cell transfusions above recommended thresholds were observed in all respiratory support categories at different stages of life, with the highest prevalence in infants aged 8 to 21 days and≥22 days who did not require respiratory support, at 90.1% (264/273) and 91.1%(1 578/1 732), respectively. The rate of necrotizing enterocolitis was higher in the above-threshold group ( χ2=10.59, P=0.001), and the duration of hospital stay was longer in the above-threshold group ( Z=4.67, P<0.001) compared to the below-threshold group. Conclusions:In 2022, the red blood cell transfusion rate was relatively high among VPI from CHNN. Pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels frequently exceeded recommended transfusion thresholds.