Objective To analyze the epidemiological and spatial clustering characteristics of varicella in Changzhou from 2018 to 2024, and to provide a theoretical support for the formulation of prevention and control measures. Methods The reported case information of varicella in Changzhou from 2018 to 2024 was collected through the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, and the three-dimensional distribution characteristics were analyzed. The incidence trend was analyzed by Joinpoint regression, and the spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed by Arc GIS 10.5 software. The spatiotemporal scanning analysis was carried out with SaTScan 10.1.2 software. Results From 2018 to 2024, a total of 42,132 cases of varicella were reported in Changzhou, with an average annual incidence of 116.25/100,000. The reported incidence showed a downward trend, with an annual percentage change (APC) of -21.96% (95%C1: -32.63%~-9.33%, P<0.01). The incidence showed a ^“bimodal distribution^”, and the age group was mainly under 15 years old (29,086 cases, accounting for 69.04%). The difference in incidence between men and women was statistically significant (χ²= 92.83, P<0.001), and the incidence gradually decreased with age ( χ²_trend=112771.44, P<0.001). Global autocorrelation analysis showed that there was spatial aggregation in the six years (P<0.05), and local autocorrelation analysis showed that most of the towns (streets) in the three central urban areas of Tianning District, Zhonglou District, and Xinbei District, as well as some towns (streets) in Liyang City, Wujin District, and Economic Development Zone were high-high aggregation areas. Spatiotemporal scanning analysis showed that the first type of aggregation area was most of the towns (streets) in Tianning District, Zhonglou District and Xinbei District (23, accounting for 92%), and some towns (streets) in Wujin District and Economic Development Zone (RR=3.76, P<0.001), and the second type of aggregation area was most of the towns (streets) in Liyang City (7, accounting for 70%) (RR=3.66, P<0.001). Conclusion The reported incidence of varicella in Changzhou City shows a downward trend, with multiple spatial and temporal clusters. The prevention and control of varicella in high-risk clustering areas, peak hours and high-risk populations should be strengthened, and intervention measures should be taken as soon as possible.

Aberrant activation of glycolysis represents a key metabolic mechanism underlying the initiation and progression of nasal inflammation. Allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and vasomotor rhinitis exhibit distinct etiologies, yet all are characterized by inflammatory responses, impaired epithelial barrier function, and neurovascular dysregulation, in which glycolytic metabolic reprogramming acts as a central hub connecting immunometabolism and inflammatory regulation.Recent evidence indicates that glycolysis-dependent activation of immune cells provides the essential energy basis for inflammatory onset. In dendritic cells, eosinophils, mast cells, and Th2 cells, the expression of key glycolytic enzymes including HK2, PKM2, and LDHA is upregulated, thereby promoting cellular activation and proinflammatory cytokine release via the mTOR-HIF-1α signaling axis. Notably, the metabolic reprogramming of eosinophils prolongs their survival and enhances the release of cytotoxic granules, while in mast cells, enhanced glycolysis facilitates IgE-mediated degranulation and histamine release. Furthermore, glycolysis also influences the Th17/Treg balance, with enhanced glycolytic flux promoting Th17 differentiation and contributing to the heterogeneous inflammatory profiles observed across different rhinitis subtypes.As a central metabolite, lactate contributes to the formation of a metabolism-inflammation vicious cycle through multiple mechanisms. Lactate acidifies the local microenvironment to activate TRPV1 channels and facilitate neuropeptide release, mediates immune cell chemotaxis through GPR81, and regulates gene expression via histone lactylation, thereby sustaining proinflammatory gene transcription. These lactate-mediated processes collectively amplify local inflammation and contribute to the persistence of nasal symptoms.Glycolytic reprogramming in epithelial cells is modulated by the EGF/EGFR pathway, and its dysregulation may result in disrupted tight junctions, abnormal goblet cell hyperplasia, and subsequent tissue remodeling. Substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide released from sensory neurons, in conjunction with metabolic products, synergistically maintain persistent inflammatory stimulation by activating mast cells, forming a neuro-immune-metabolic regulatory network that drives disease chronicity.From a therapeutic perspective, glycolytic inhibitors such as 2-deoxyglucose, FX11, and 3-bromopyruvate exert anti-inflammatory effects by targeting key enzymes including HK2 and LDHA, each with distinct mechanisms: 2-DG competitively inhibits hexokinase, FX11 selectively targets LDHA to reduce lactate production, and 3-BrPA modulates multiple glycolytic enzymes. Moreover, traditional Chinese medicine formulas, monomeric active components, and small-molecule compounds have shown promising potential in alleviating nasal inflammation by regulating the mTOR-HIF-1α axis, exerting antioxidant effects, and modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. The multi-target characteristics of these natural products offer advantages in addressing the complex pathophysiology of nasal inflammatory diseases.Despite these advances, several challenges remain. The non-selective inhibition of glycolysis may interfere with epithelial repair and mucosal regeneration, leading to delayed wound healing. Technical limitations in dynamic metabolic monitoring and sampling precision hinder the accurate assessment of local nasal metabolism. Furthermore, current animal models, which predominantly rely on acute stimulation protocols, inadequately recapitulate the chronic tissue remodeling processes characteristic of human rhinitis.This review systematically summarizes glycolysis as a common metabolic node shared by different rhinitis subtypes, offering a novel theoretical basis for the development of precision therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic reprogramming.

Aberrant activation of glycolysis represents a key metabolic mechanism underlying the initiation and progression of nasal inflammation. Allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and vasomotor rhinitis exhibit distinct etiologies, yet all are characterized by inflammatory responses, impaired epithelial barrier function, and neurovascular dysregulation, in which glycolytic metabolic reprogramming acts as a central hub connecting immunometabolism and inflammatory regulation.Recent evidence indicates that glycolysis-dependent activation of immune cells provides the essential energy basis for inflammatory onset. In dendritic cells, eosinophils, mast cells, and Th2 cells, the expression of key glycolytic enzymes including HK2, PKM2, and LDHA is upregulated, thereby promoting cellular activation and proinflammatory cytokine release via the mTOR-HIF-1α signaling axis. Notably, the metabolic reprogramming of eosinophils prolongs their survival and enhances the release of cytotoxic granules, while in mast cells, enhanced glycolysis facilitates IgE-mediated degranulation and histamine release. Furthermore, glycolysis also influences the Th17/Treg balance, with enhanced glycolytic flux promoting Th17 differentiation and contributing to the heterogeneous inflammatory profiles observed across different rhinitis subtypes.As a central metabolite, lactate contributes to the formation of a metabolism-inflammation vicious cycle through multiple mechanisms. Lactate acidifies the local microenvironment to activate TRPV1 channels and facilitate neuropeptide release, mediates immune cell chemotaxis through GPR81, and regulates gene expression via histone lactylation, thereby sustaining proinflammatory gene transcription. These lactate-mediated processes collectively amplify local inflammation and contribute to the persistence of nasal symptoms.Glycolytic reprogramming in epithelial cells is modulated by the EGF/EGFR pathway, and its dysregulation may result in disrupted tight junctions, abnormal goblet cell hyperplasia, and subsequent tissue remodeling. Substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide released from sensory neurons, in conjunction with metabolic products, synergistically maintain persistent inflammatory stimulation by activating mast cells, forming a neuro-immune-metabolic regulatory network that drives disease chronicity.From a therapeutic perspective, glycolytic inhibitors such as 2-deoxyglucose, FX11, and 3-bromopyruvate exert anti-inflammatory effects by targeting key enzymes including HK2 and LDHA, each with distinct mechanisms: 2-DG competitively inhibits hexokinase, FX11 selectively targets LDHA to reduce lactate production, and 3-BrPA modulates multiple glycolytic enzymes. Moreover, traditional Chinese medicine formulas, monomeric active components, and small-molecule compounds have shown promising potential in alleviating nasal inflammation by regulating the mTOR-HIF-1α axis, exerting antioxidant effects, and modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. The multi-target characteristics of these natural products offer advantages in addressing the complex pathophysiology of nasal inflammatory diseases.Despite these advances, several challenges remain. The non-selective inhibition of glycolysis may interfere with epithelial repair and mucosal regeneration, leading to delayed wound healing. Technical limitations in dynamic metabolic monitoring and sampling precision hinder the accurate assessment of local nasal metabolism. Furthermore, current animal models, which predominantly rely on acute stimulation protocols, inadequately recapitulate the chronic tissue remodeling processes characteristic of human rhinitis.This review systematically summarizes glycolysis as a common metabolic node shared by different rhinitis subtypes, offering a novel theoretical basis for the development of precision therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic reprogramming.

OBJECTIVE To explore the antidepressant mechanism of Wenyang jieyu granules （WYJYG） via the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 （NLRP3）/apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）/Caspase-1 pathway. METHODS A rat model of depression was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress combined with single-housing for 42 consecutive days.The experiment set up blank group， model group， MCC950 （NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor） group （10 mg/kg）， fluoxetine group （positive control，2.08 mg/kg），low-dose WYJYG（3.78 g/kg） and high-dose WYJYG group （7.56 g/kg），with 10 rats in each group. From the 22nd day of the experiment， rats in the fluoxetine group， low-dose and high-dose WYJYG groups were intragastrically administered with the corresponding drugs and intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of normal saline. Rats in the MCC950 group were intraperitoneally injected with MCC950 at the corresponding concentration and intragastrically administered with an equal volume of distilled water. Rats in the blank group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage and an equal volume of normal saline by intraperitoneal injection. All interventions were performed once a day for 21 consecutive days. Behavioral tests were conducted once a week. After the last administration， the contents of ASC， ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 （Iba1）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and IL-18 in hippocampal tissues were detected. The protein expressions of NLRP3， cluster of differentiation 68 （CD68）， Caspase-1， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein were determined， and neuronal apoptosis was observed. RESULTS After the last administration， compared with the model group， the open-field activity time was significantly prolonged （ P ＜0.05）， and the latency to feed in a novel environment was significantly shortened （ P ＜0.05） in rats of the high-dose WYJYG group. In hippocampal tissue， the contents of ASC， Iba1， IL-1β， and IL-18， as well as the protein expression levels of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and CD68， and the positive rate of neuronal apoptosis were all significantly decreased/downregulated （ P ＜0.05）. Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly upregulated （ P ＜0.05）， and the density of neuronal apoptosis-positive cells was significantly reduced （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS WYJYG play on antidepressant role by inhibiting the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway， reducing microglia-mediated neuroinflammation， and inhibiting hippocampal neurons apoptosis.

Introduction: Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing syndrome is a rare but important cause of hypercortisolism and can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in the presence of incidental pituitary lesions. Case: A 21-year-old patient presented with recurrent severe hypokalemia, normotension, and rapid weight gain. The hypokalemia was persistent, requiring multiple hospital admissions and ongoing potassium supplementation. Biochemical evaluation confirmed ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome with elevated ACTH (27.4 pmol/L), elevated late-night salivary cortisol, and failure of suppression on low-dose dexamethasone suppression testing (cortisol 875 nmol/L). Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 0.5 × 0.3 cm microadenoma, raising suspicion for a pituitary source. However, inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) showed no central-to-peripheral ACTH gradient, excluding Cushing disease. Computed tomography of the thorax revealed a 0.6 cm right middle lobe pulmonary nodule. Gallium-68 DOTATATE PET-CT demonstrated increased somatostatin receptor uptake, confirming the lesion as the likely ectopic ACTH source. The lesion was not amenable to bronchoscopic resection, and the patient was referred for cardiothoracic surgical excision. During the course of illness, the patient developed resistant hypertension and worsening hypokalemia requiring high-dose potassium supplementation and multiple antihypertensive agents. Medical therapy with ketoconazole and metyrapone was initiated for cortisol control while awaiting definitive surgical resection. Conclusion This case highlights an aggressive and atypical presentation of ectopic ACTH syndrome in a young patient, initially presenting with isolated hypokalemia but rapidly progressing to severe hypercortisolism. It underscores the importance of early recognition, appropriate localization with IPSS, and timely initiation of medical therapy to control cortisol excess prior to definitive surgery.
Cushing Syndrome ; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major healthcare problem worldwide, yet high percentage of patients are undiagnosed. There is a dire need for effective screening strategies. We examine the use of modified Asian FINDRISC (M-FINDRISC) and POCT random capillary blood glucose (rCBG) for the detection of dysglycemia Methodology: This cross-sectional, observational study included 151 adults aged ≥30 years without a prior history of diabetes in healthcare and community settings. Hemoglobin A1c of ≥6.3% was used for the diagnosis of diabetes, and 5.7– 6.2% for prediabetes. Areas under the receiver operating curve (ROC-AUC) for M-FINDRISC were analyzed. The sensitivity and specificity of the combined use of M-FINDRISC and rCBG for the detection of dysglycemia were evaluated. Results: The mean age of the participants was 44.6 ± 11.0 years. They had high body mass index (27.8 ± 4.9 kg/m²). Most were sedentary (only 25.2% reported physical activities of ≥30 min/day). A total of 52.3% had first-degree relatives with diabetes, but less than 12% were taking antihypertensive medication. Out of 151 participants, 3.3% (n = 5) were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and 37.7% (n = 57) with prediabetes, giving an overall prevalence of 41.1% for dysglycemia. The mean age of participants with dysglycemia was significantly older (47.9 vs. 42.3 years, p-value 0.002). Other parameters were not statistically different for the two groups. Mean M-FINDRISC score was 9.7 ± 3.9 in the normal and 10.8 ± 4.0 in the dysglycemic group, while rCBG was 6.4 ± 1.1 mmol/L and 7.1 ± 3.1 mmol/L, respectively. ROC-AUC of M-FINDRISC for dysglycemia was 0.561. A combined screening strategy (M-FINDRISC score ≥7.5 and CBG ≥7.8 mmol/L) yielded high specificity (89.9%) but low sensitivity (17.7%) for dysglycemia. Conclusion While the combined screening strategy utilizing M-FINDRISC and POCT random CBG improves specificity, M-FINDRISC showed limited predictive value for dysglycemia in this specific cohort, making it a less ideal tool for screening.

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 investigate the expression changes of branched-chain amino acid transaminase 1(BCAT1)in the process of atherosclerosis(AS)in the elderly and its regulatory effect on macrophage foam cell formation,thereby revealing the potential pathogenesis of AS in the elderly.Methods:AS mouse models were established by feeding a high-fat diet in vivo.The expression and co-localization of BCAT1 and CD68 in aortic tissues of mice were detected by immunofluorescence double staining.Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Oil Red O staining were used to observe the pathological damage and lipid deposition in the aortic root tissues of mice.The expression of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in aortic tissues was determined by qPCR.In vitro,RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cells were stimulated with ox-LDL.The expression of BCAT1 in cells was detected by Western blot.Oil Red O staining was used to detect lipid accumulation and foam cell formation in cells.The contents of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in the cell supernatant were detected by ELISA.Results:Compared with the control group,the expression of BCAT1 in aortic tissues of AS mice was upregulated,and this protein was mainly localized in infiltrating macrophages(CD68+cells).The lipid content in atherosclerotic plaques of AS mice was significantly increased,the arterial wall was significantly thickened,and the infiltration of inflammatory cells was aggravated.Overexpression of BCAT1 further exacerbated AS lesions in aortic tissues of mice.The mRNA expression levels of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in the aorta of AS mice were significantly higher than those in the control group,and overexpression of BCAT1 further upregulated the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.In vitro,ox-LDL treatment significantly upregulated the protein expression of BCAT1 in RAW264.7 cells,increased intracellular lipid accumulation and foam cell formation,and promoted the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.Overexpression of BCAT1 promoted lipid accumulation,foam cell formation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cells,while knockdown of BCAT1 showed the opposite trend.Conclusion:BCAT1 is involved in the development process of AS and increases the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines,promotes macrophage foam cell formation and inflammatory response,suggesting that BCAT1 plays a key role in the development of AS in the elderly.

Objective To investigate the expression changes of serum circRNA membrane bound O-acyltransferase 2(circRNA MBOAT2)and circRNA recombinant actinin 4(circRNA ACTN4)in patients with cholangiocarcinoma and their relationship with prognosis.Methods 96 patients with cholangiocarcinoma treated at the First Hospital of Handan City from January 2020 to January 2022 in Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery were regarded as as the cholangiocarcinoma group.Additionally,85 patients with intraductal stones and 90 healthy volunteers were collected as the stone group and control group,respectively.Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR(qRT-PCR)was applied to detect the expression levels of circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4.χ2 test was applied to analyze the relationship between circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 and clinical pathological features.Pearson was applied to analyze the correlation between circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.ROC was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 in the occurrence of cholangiocarcinoma.COX was applied to analyze the influencing factors of poor prognosis in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.Kaplan-Meier method was applied for survival analysis.Results circRNA MBOAT2(1.24±0.38)and circRNA ACTN4(1.27±0.42)in cholangiocarcinoma group were higher than those in stone group(1.02±0.31,1.05±0.34)and control group(0.83±0.24,0.78±0.21),and the stone group was higher than that in control group,with statistically significance(t=5.016～14.025,all P<0.05).There was a positive correlation between circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 in patients with cholangiocarcinoma group(r=0.428,P<0.05).Combined diagnosis of MBOAT2 and ACTN4 was better than single diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma(Z=4.063,4.004,all P<0.05);circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 were correlated with clinical staging and lymph node status(t=5.091～5.984,all P<0.05).Positive lymph node status and elevated levels of circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 were independent risk factors for mortality(HR=1.527,1.582,1.727,all P<0.05).The cumulative survival rate of patients with high expression of circRNA MBOAT2(23.40%vs 46.94%)and circRNA ACTN4(24.00%vs 47.83%)was lower than that of patients with low expression(χ2=5.809,5.946,all P<0.05).Conclusion The serum levels of circRNA MBOAT2 and circRNA ACTN4 increase with the progression of the disease,and the combination of the two has certain value in diagnosing the occurrence of cholangiocarcinoma.

Objective To establish and validate the reference interval for serum anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH)in healthy women of childbearing age in Shenzhen using an indirect method based on mathematical statistics.Methods Collected the AMH data for women aged 21～50 in outpatient and physical examination populations in Shenzhen Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital from 2017 to 2023.Grouping by age range of five,first performed normality tested on each group of data,and used the interquartile range method to remove outliers for non-normal data.Then established reference intervals for AMH in different age groups through indirect method(Hoffmann method)and verified them.Compared with the reference interval of the reagent instructions and analyzed the correlation be-tween serum AMH levels and age.Results The correlation coefficient between serum AMH and age in women of childbearing age was-0.642,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.001).The distribution of AMH levels among women in six age groups was compared,and the difference was statistically significant(H=28 392.655,P<0.05),and AMH levels showed a decreasing trend with age.The reference range of serum AMH at ages 21～25,26～30,31～35,36～40,41～45 and 46～50 yesrs were 0.92～11.30,0.68～9.43,0.38～7.51,0.12～6.93,<4.42 and<1.83ng/ml,respectively,and all reference intervals in each group had been validated.Compared to the age groups provided by the manufacturer,the age groups in this study are more refined,the reference range was narrower,and the interpretation of clinical and laboratory data was more accurate.Conclusion This study used Hoffmann's indirect method for the first time to establish a reference range for AMH in women aged 21～50 years in Shenzhen.The reference interval established is more in line with the actual situation and is a simple and reliable acquisition mode,suitable for promotion and wide application in clinical labo-ratories.