ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness and safety of Qingfei Shenshi Decoction （清肺渗湿汤） combined with western medicine for patients with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome， and to explore its potential mechanism of action. MethodsEighty-six participants with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome were randomly divided into treatment group and control group， each group with 43 participants. The control group received conventional western medicine， and the treatment group was additionally administered Qingfei Shenshi Decoction orally on the basis of the control group， 1 dose per day. Both groups were treated for 14 days. The primary outcome measure was clinical effectiveness； secondary outcome measures included traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score， asthma control test （ACT） score， pulmonary function indices such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second （FEV₁）， forced vital capacity （FVC）， peak expiratory flow （PEF）， serum inflammatory factor levels including interleukin-4 （IL-4）， tumour necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein （hs-CRP）， and immune function indices including CD3⁺， CD4⁺， CD8⁺， CD4⁺/CD8⁺. All outcome measures were evaluated before and after treatment. Vital signs were monitored， and electrocardiography， blood routine， urine routine， liver function， and renal function tests were performed before and after treatment. Adverse events and reactions during the study were recorded. ResultsA total of 80 patients completed the trial with 40 in each group. The total clinical effective rate of the treatment group was 97.5% （39/40）， which was significantly higher than that of the control group （85.0%， 34/40， P＜0.05）. After treatment， both groups showed decreased TCM syndrome scores， IL-4， TNF-α， hs-CRP， and CD8⁺ levels， as well as increased ACT scores， CD3⁺， CD4⁺， CD4⁺/CD8⁺， FEV₁， FVC， and PEF levels （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Moreover， the improvements in these indices were more significant in the treatment group than in the control group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. No significant abnormalities in safety indicators were observed in either group， and no adverse events or reactions occurred. ConclusionQingfei Shenshi Decoction combined with conventional western medicine for patients with bronchial asthma of heat wheezing syndrome can effectively improve the clinical symptoms， pulmonary function， and clinical effectiveness， with good safety. Its mechanism may be related to reducing inflammatory factor levels and regulating T lymphocyte subsets to improve immune function.

Objective:To learn about the epidemic characteristics and temporal-spatial trends of human anthrax in Shaanxi Province, and to provide a theoretical basis for prevention and control of anthrax.Methods:The epidemic data of human anthrax in Shaanxi Province from 1955 to 2024 were collected for descriptive epidemiological analysis. Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trend of anthrax incidence rate. The trend at all times and different intervals were estimated by average annual percent change (AAPC) and annual percent change (APC), respectively. Based on the number of human anthrax cases in each county (district) of Shaanxi Province from 1980 to 2024, datasets were constructed in segments every five years for global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis.Results:From 1955 to 2024, a total of 3 900 cases of human anthrax were reported in Shaanxi Province, with 124 deaths. The average annual incidence rate was 0.18/100 000 and the fatality rate was 3.18%. The incidence rate of human anthrax generally showed a downward trend (AAPC = - 3.21, t = - 1.99, P = 0.044), with the fastest decline rate from 1977 to 1993 (APC = - 15.24, t = - 4.08, P < 0.001). A temporal and regional distribution analysis was conducted on 484 human anthrax cases in Shaanxi Province from 1980 to 2024. The peak period of incidence was from July to September, accounting for 52.27% (253/484). The cities with a relatively high number of reported cases were Weinan City (201 cases), Xianyang City (161 cases), and Xi'an City (77 cases), accounting for a total of 90.70% (439/484). A population distribution analysis was conducted on 93 human anthrax cases in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2024, with 73 males (78.49%) and 20 females (21.51%), resulting in a male to female ratio of 3.65 ∶ 1.00. The age range was 13 to 79 years old, with a median of 44 years old. The age group of 35 to 59 years old had a higher case of the disease, accounting for 65.59% (61/93). Farmers were the main occupation, accounting for 87.10% (81/93). The shortest time interval between onset and diagnosis of 93 human anthrax cases was 0 days, the longest was 47 days, and the median was 5 days. The results of global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that there was spatial positive correlation in human anthrax cases from 1980 to 1984, 1985 to 1989, 2000 to 2004, and 2020 to 2024 (global Moran's I > 0, Z > 1.96, P < 0.05). The results of local spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that the high-high aggregation area of human anthrax cases was concentrated in the Guanzhong region. Conclusions:From 1955 to 2024, the incidence rate of human anthrax in Shaanxi Province generally shows a downward trend. The peak period of incidence is from July to September, and the affected populations are mainly middle-aged male farmers. Human anthrax cases from 1980 to 1984, 1985 to 1989, 2000 to 2004 and 2020 to 2024 show spatial clustering, with high-high clustering areas concentrated in the Guanzhong region.

Objective:To summarize the tools and applications of functionality appreciation assessment.Methods:A computerized search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, VIP, and China Biology Medicine disc for literature related to functionality appreciation assessment tools and their applications, with the time frame from database inception to May 12, 2024.Results:A total of 26 articles were included. Functionality appreciation was found to be associated with demographic, physiological, psychological, and social health factors. Functionality appreciation assessment tools demonstrated good psychometric properties across different cultural backgrounds and populations.Conclusions:Functionality appreciation exerts multidimensional benefits on physical and psychological health. However, the available functionality appreciation assessment tools are limited in variety. Future research should further explore the applicability of these tools in different populations in China.

Objectives:To explore the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue(EAT),left atrium and left atrial appendage(LAA)structures and LAA thrombosis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.Methods:Clinical data from non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients who underwent cardiac computed tomography angiography(CTA)and transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University between November 2019 and October 2024,were retrospectively collected.Twenty-eight patients diagnosed with LAA thrombus by both CTA and TEE were enrolled as the LAA thrombus group(20 males,8 females,average age[65±9]years).Using an individual matching method,56 non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients without LAA thrombus,matched for gender and age(±3 years),were sequentially enrolled at a ratio of 1:2 as the no-thrombus group(40 males,16 females,average age[65±8]years).CTA was used to measure the epicardial adipose tissue volume(EATV),left atrial epicardial adipose tissue volume(LA-EATV),and structural parameters of the left atrium and LAA in both groups.The correlation between EAT,structural parameters of the left atrium/LAA and LAA thrombosis was evaluated.Results:In the LAA thrombus group,the proportions of patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and atrial fibrillation rhythm were significantly higher than in the no-thrombus group(both P<0.001).There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age,gender composition,body mass index,duration of atrial fibrillation,and the proportions of patients with hypertension,diabetes,dyslipidemia,coronary heart disease,ischemic stroke,heart failure,vascular disease,and CHA2DS2-VASc scores(all P>0.05).Compared to the no-thrombus group,the EATV,LA-EATV,left atrial volume(LAV),LAA volume(LAAV),and LAA orifice area were significantly higher in the LAA thrombus group(all P<0.05).There was no significant difference between the two groups in the LAA depth(P=0.076).Conditional logistic regression analysis showed that LA-EATV(OR=1.092,95%CI:1.004-1.187,P=0.040)and LAV(OR=1.022,95%CI:1.003-1.041,P=0.025)were independent predictors of LAA thrombosis in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients.The LA-EATV threshold for predicting LAA thrombosis was 27.16 cm3,with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of 0.843(sensitivity 85.7%,specificity 76.8%);the LAV predictive threshold was 118.45 ml(AUC=0.853,sensitivity 82.1%,specificity 80.4%).Conclusions:LA-EATV and LAV measured by cardiac CTA are independent predictors of LAA thrombosis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Objectives:To explore the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue(EAT),left atrium and left atrial appendage(LAA)structures and LAA thrombosis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.Methods:Clinical data from non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients who underwent cardiac computed tomography angiography(CTA)and transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University between November 2019 and October 2024,were retrospectively collected.Twenty-eight patients diagnosed with LAA thrombus by both CTA and TEE were enrolled as the LAA thrombus group(20 males,8 females,average age[65±9]years).Using an individual matching method,56 non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients without LAA thrombus,matched for gender and age(±3 years),were sequentially enrolled at a ratio of 1:2 as the no-thrombus group(40 males,16 females,average age[65±8]years).CTA was used to measure the epicardial adipose tissue volume(EATV),left atrial epicardial adipose tissue volume(LA-EATV),and structural parameters of the left atrium and LAA in both groups.The correlation between EAT,structural parameters of the left atrium/LAA and LAA thrombosis was evaluated.Results:In the LAA thrombus group,the proportions of patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and atrial fibrillation rhythm were significantly higher than in the no-thrombus group(both P<0.001).There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age,gender composition,body mass index,duration of atrial fibrillation,and the proportions of patients with hypertension,diabetes,dyslipidemia,coronary heart disease,ischemic stroke,heart failure,vascular disease,and CHA2DS2-VASc scores(all P>0.05).Compared to the no-thrombus group,the EATV,LA-EATV,left atrial volume(LAV),LAA volume(LAAV),and LAA orifice area were significantly higher in the LAA thrombus group(all P<0.05).There was no significant difference between the two groups in the LAA depth(P=0.076).Conditional logistic regression analysis showed that LA-EATV(OR=1.092,95%CI:1.004-1.187,P=0.040)and LAV(OR=1.022,95%CI:1.003-1.041,P=0.025)were independent predictors of LAA thrombosis in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients.The LA-EATV threshold for predicting LAA thrombosis was 27.16 cm3,with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of 0.843(sensitivity 85.7%,specificity 76.8%);the LAV predictive threshold was 118.45 ml(AUC=0.853,sensitivity 82.1%,specificity 80.4%).Conclusions:LA-EATV and LAV measured by cardiac CTA are independent predictors of LAA thrombosis in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Objective:To summarize the tools and applications of functionality appreciation assessment.Methods:A computerized search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, VIP, and China Biology Medicine disc for literature related to functionality appreciation assessment tools and their applications, with the time frame from database inception to May 12, 2024.Results:A total of 26 articles were included. Functionality appreciation was found to be associated with demographic, physiological, psychological, and social health factors. Functionality appreciation assessment tools demonstrated good psychometric properties across different cultural backgrounds and populations.Conclusions:Functionality appreciation exerts multidimensional benefits on physical and psychological health. However, the available functionality appreciation assessment tools are limited in variety. Future research should further explore the applicability of these tools in different populations in China.

Chronic kidney disease(CKD)is a chronic renal structural and functional disorder caused by multiple causes(history of kidney injury>3 months),with complex etiology and high inci-dence,which will eventually lead to end-stage re-nal disease(ESRD).Common chronic kidney diseas-es include diabetic nephropathy,polycystic ne-phropathy,nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and re-nal fibrosis.At present,there is still a lack of effec-tive specific treatment for chronic kidney disease.The Apelin system is an endogenous physiological regulator.Studies have shown that Apelin is in-volved in the occurrence and development of the above diseases mainly through the regulation of kidney body fluids and blood vessels,and the regu-lation of kidney glucose and lipid metabolism and immunity.This article aims to review the role of Apelin in chronic kidney diseases in recent years,and provide ideas for the treatment and drug de-velopment of kidney diseases with Apelin as a new target.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of vaccination on the onset of varicella and clinical symptoms of varicella based on the survey data of varicella outbreaks in schools.Methods Six schools with chickenpox outbreaks in Shaanxi Province were selected as the sites,and students in the classes or dormitories where the cases were located were chosen as the research subjects.A 1∶2 matching case control was used to conduct a questionnaire survey to analyze the relationship between the history of varicella vaccine immunization and the incidence of chickenpox so as to evaluate the effectiveness of varicella vaccine.Results The total prevalence of the six varicella outbreaks involved in this study was 1.39％.The proportion of chickenpox vaccinations was 44.53％,of which 15.78％ were vaccinations with two doses.The overall effectiveness of varicella vaccine was 63.52％ (95％ CI:40.690％-77.560％),and the effectiveness of one and two doses was 58.72％ and 72.90％,respectively.The effectiveness of varicella vaccine against moderate to high fever and moderate to severe rash was 82.77％ and 76.27％,respectively.The risk of chickenpox in people with vaccination intervals of 6 to 8 years and ≥ 9 years was 13.05 times and 3.93 times higher than that of those vaccinated before the age of 3 years,respectively.Conclusion Varicella vaccine has a good effectiveness on high-exposure people,and the effectiveness of two doses is better than that of one dose.Varicella vaccination can lessen the clinical symptoms of chickenpox.It is recommended to further strengthen the publicities of varicella vaccination and increase the number of children to complete two doses of varicella vaccination before entering nurseries,so as to actively and effectively control varicella outbreaks.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of vaccination on the onset of varicella and clinical symptoms of varicella based on the survey data of varicella outbreaks in schools.Methods Six schools with chickenpox outbreaks in Shaanxi Province were selected as the sites,and students in the classes or dormitories where the cases were located were chosen as the research subjects.A 1∶2 matching case control was used to conduct a questionnaire survey to analyze the relationship between the history of varicella vaccine immunization and the incidence of chickenpox so as to evaluate the effectiveness of varicella vaccine.Results The total prevalence of the six varicella outbreaks involved in this study was 1.39％.The proportion of chickenpox vaccinations was 44.53％,of which 15.78％ were vaccinations with two doses.The overall effectiveness of varicella vaccine was 63.52％ (95％ CI:40.690％-77.560％),and the effectiveness of one and two doses was 58.72％ and 72.90％,respectively.The effectiveness of varicella vaccine against moderate to high fever and moderate to severe rash was 82.77％ and 76.27％,respectively.The risk of chickenpox in people with vaccination intervals of 6 to 8 years and ≥ 9 years was 13.05 times and 3.93 times higher than that of those vaccinated before the age of 3 years,respectively.Conclusion Varicella vaccine has a good effectiveness on high-exposure people,and the effectiveness of two doses is better than that of one dose.Varicella vaccination can lessen the clinical symptoms of chickenpox.It is recommended to further strengthen the publicities of varicella vaccination and increase the number of children to complete two doses of varicella vaccination before entering nurseries,so as to actively and effectively control varicella outbreaks.

Objective: To grasp the distribution characteristics and incidence trend of varicella in Shaanxi Province, so as to provide a reference for scientific and accurate prevention and control strategies. Methods: Data of 161 377 varicella cases in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2023 were collected and described from Surveillance Report Management System, a subsystem of National Disease Control and Prevention Information Systems of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. FlexScan 3.1.2 software was used to determine irregular spatial clustering, and spatial clustering area was detected for each year. Results: The incidence of varicella in Shaanxi Province showed a seasonal bimodal distribution with peaks from April to July (36.68%) and from October to next January (48.07%). The cases were mainly concentrated in the 3-12 years old group (60.50%), and there was a trend of high incidence age shift within the 0-19 age group from 2021. Most of the cases were students (62.40%) and preschool children ( 17.78 %). The outbreaks mainly occurred in primary schools (76.47%). The regional distribution was mainly concentrated in some areas of southern Shaanxi and Guanzhong. Through spatial analysis, the primary clusters were primarily concentrated in Ankang and Hanzhong cities in southern Shaanxi from 2016 to 2023, and the secondary clusters were mainly found in some areas of Guanzhong (Xi an, Baoji and Weinan cities). Conclusions Prevention and control of varicella should be focused on students and kindergartens aged 3-12 years in southern and Guanzhong areas of Shaanxi Province. Continuous varicella surveillance and vaccination measures should be carried out, and the two dose vaccination strategy and intensive vaccination of key groups should be actively promoted.