Objective To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy for surgical treatments among patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis in Gansu Province from 2006 to 2023, so as to provide insights into optimization of the diagnosis and treatment strategies against hepatic cystic echinococcosis. Methods The demographic and clinical data of all echinococcosis cases included in central government fiscal transfer payment program for echinococcosis control and undergoing surgical treatments in Gansu Province from 2006 to 2023 were captured. Hepatic cystic echinococcosis patients with complete medical records and follow-up data were included in the study, and patients’ characteristics, including hospital where patients received diagnosis and treatment, methods of case identification, year of surgery, classification of lesions, number of lesions, size of lesions, course of disease, surgical methods, and post-surgical follow-up data. The cure and recurrence of hepatic cystic echinococcosis were evaluated according to the Guidelines for Management of Echinococcosis Patients in the Central Government Fiscal Transfer Payment Program, and the cure and recurrent rates were calculated. Results Data were collected from 1 686 surgical patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 1 222 hepatic cystic echinococcosis patients undergoing surgical treatments were included during the period from 2006 to 2022, including 1 166 cured patients (95.42%) and 88 patients with postsurgical recurrence (7.20%), and the cure rate of surgical treatments appeared a tendency towards a rise among patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis from 2008 to 2022 (χ²_trend = 19.39, P < 0.05). The cure rates of hepatic cystic echinococcosis were 100% (177/177), 94.81% (128/135) and 94.62% (861/910) among patients detected through regular physical examinations, screened by the central government fiscal transfer payment program for echinococcosis control, and those who passively sought healthcare services, respectively (χ² = 9.95, P < 0.05). The cure rates of hepatic cystic echinococcosis were 95.96% (1 046/1 090) among patients with a disease course of 2 years and less and 90.90% (120/132) among patients with a disease course of over 2 years (χ² = 6.87, P < 0.05), and there were significant differences in the cure rates among patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis in terms of number of lesions (χ² = 24.44, P < 0.05) and surgical methods (P < 0.05). The cure rate of hepatic cystic echinococcosis patients was significantly higher following initiation of the central government fiscal transfer payment program for echinococcosis control (96.06%, 1 096/1 141) than before the program (86.42%, 70/81) (χ² = 16.06, P < 0.05), and the cure rate of hepatic cystic echinococcosis patients was significantly higher in designated hospitals (96.48%, 741/768) than in non-designated hospitals (93.37%, 366/392) (χ² = 5.78, P < 0.05). The median follow-up period was 4 (interquartile range, 7) years among 1 222 hepatic cystic echinococcosis patients undergoing surgical treatments. The recurrent rate of hepatic cystic echinococcosis appeared a tendency towards a decline from 2008 to 2022 (χ²_trend = 36.86, P < 0.05), with a reduction from 23.08% (9/39) in 2008 to 1.85% (1/54) in 2021, and the post-surgical recurrence rate of hepatic cystic echinococcosis was lower following initiation of the central government fiscal transfer payment program for echinococcosis control (5.87%, 67 / 1 141) than before the program (25.93%, 21/81) (χ² = 45.51, P < 0.05). In addition, the post-surgical recurrence rate of hepatic cystic echinococcosis was higher in non-designated hospitals (10.46%, 41/392) than in designated hospitals (5.60%, 43/768) (χ² = 9.12, P < 0.05), and there was a significant difference in the post-surgical recurrence rate among patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis in terms of surgical methods (P < 0.05), with the highest recurrence rate (11.54%) seen among patients undergoing percutaneous fine-needle aspiration of cyst fluids-based surgical procedures (P < 0.05). Conclusion Since the initiation of the central government fiscal transfer payment program for echinococcosis control in Gansu Province in 2006, an increase in the surgical cure rate and a reduction in the recurrence of hepatic cystic echinococcosis had been found among patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis, indicating a high overall therapeutic efficacy.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health threat. The World Health Organization (WHO) 2020–2024 global TB reports provide a comprehensive overview of the TB situation from 2019 to 2023. In 2023, TB re-emerged as the world's leading infectious killer, with an estimated 10.8 million new cases. While the growth in the incidence rate slowed, the number of deaths decreased to 1.25 million. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted TB control efforts in 2020–2021. As control measures are gradually restored, a positive trend in TB control is emerging. However, significant regional disparities in incidence persist, with eight high-burden countries, including India and China, accounting for over two-thirds of the global total. In 2023, global treatment coverage for drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) was 44.00% with a treatment success rate of 68.00%; yet, with 400 000 new drug-resistant cases, the control situation remains severe. China has achieved remarkable progress in TB control: new cases fell to 741 000 in 2023 (an incidence of 52 per 100 000); mortality decreased significantly; its share of the global DR-TB burden dropped from 14.00% to 7.30%; and the TB/HIV co-infection rate declined from 1.68% in 2019 to 0.66% in 2023, outperforming the global average. Globally, control measures continue to be optimized: treatment coverage increased from 70.00% in 2019 to 75.00% in 2023, the number of people receiving preventive therapy grew to 4.7 million, and rapid diagnostic coverage reached 48.00%. In China, the number of patients treated recovered to 565 000 in 2023, and rapid diagnostic coverage rose to 74.00%. Although technological innovations have enhanced the efficiency of prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and management, achieving the 2030 End TB Strategy goals will require strengthening TB management, building primary healthcare capacity, and targeting interventions for high-risk populations, while balancing resource allocation with technological innovation to address the challenges of a heterogeneous global epidemic.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical feasibility and potential for malignant transformation prevention of hyperkeratotic oral leukoplakia (OLK) treatment using erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser (Er,Cr:YSGG) ablation combined with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT), providing a reference for clinical practice. Methods: Two cases of histopathologically confirmed gingival leukoplakia were treated. Following Er,Cr:YSGG (wavelength: 2,780 nm) ablation of the hyperkeratotic layer, 20% ALA solution was topically applied for 3 hours, followed by irradiation with a 635 nm diode laser (energy density: 100 J/cm²). Follow-up assessments included lesion regression and exfoliative cytology DNA ploidy stability, supplemented by a systematic literature review on OLK treatment advancements. Results: Case 1: at 1-year follow-up, > 90% lesion regression was observed (residual: 2 mm circular white patch) without recurrence, with stable diploid DNA ploidy. Case 2: complete lesion resolution and no recurrence at 1 year, with stable diploid DNA ploidy. Literature review showed that pharmacological therapies ameliorate OLK symptoms but fail to halt malignant progression, while surgical interventions carry recurrence risks. PDT demonstrates unique advantages by selectively targeting dysplastic cells. However, uneven ALA penetration due to the keratin barrier limits efficacy. Compared to needling, diode laser, or CO₂ laser pretreatment, Er,Cr:YSGG leverages water absorption for precise, low-thermal keratin ablation, substantially enhancing tissue permeability and optimizing ALA diffusion, thereby improving PDT outcomes. Conclusion Er,Cr:YSGG ablation combined with PDT serves as an optimized regimen for hyperkeratotic OLK, offering a novel approach to mitigate OLK carcinogenesis.

OBJECTIVE To study the correlation between penetration enhancement effect and transepidermal water loss(TEWL)values of essential oils(EOs)from traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).METHODS The amount of 3 kinds of glycosides(geniposide,gentiopicroside,paeoniflorin)and their oil-water partition coefficient were determined by HPLC.The penetration enhancement effect of the five EOs from Gaoliangjiang(Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma,AOR),Ganjiang(Zingiberis Rhizoma,ZR),Bohe(Menthae Haploca-lycis Herba,MHH),Hujiao(Piperis Fructus,PF)and Wuzhuyu(Euodiae Fructus,EF)on geniposide,gentiopicroside,and paeoniflor-in were performed by the modified Franz diffusion cell method with the abdominal skin of rats.The TEWL values were measured to evalu-ate the effect of the five EOs on the skin barrier function of rats.The correlation between penetration enhancement effect of EOs and their effect on skin barrier function was investigated by correlation analysis.RESULTS AOR oil,ZR oil,MHH oil,and PF oil could im-prove the absorption of the three glycosides and reduce skin barrier function of rats.The results of correlation analysis showed that the penetration enhancement effect of EOs was significantly related to TEWL values following dermal administration of EOs.CONCLUSION TEWL measurement technology provides a more convenient method for the selection of penetration enhancers.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between the course of antibiotics during perioperative period and postoperative infection in pregnant women with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome(HIV/AIDS) undergoing cesarean section, and to guide the rational use of antibiotics in clinical practice. METHODS A total of 53 cesarean section women in the hospital from January 2014 to September 2022 were chosen as research objects. According to the course of antibiotics, the puerperae were divided into two groups. The treatment course of antibiotics in the study group(n=31) was >24 h and ≤48 h, and the control group(n=22) was ≤24 h. The postoperative wound healing, inflammatory indexes, postoperative infection rate, and postoperative hospital stay were observed. RESULTS There was no significant difference in postoperative body temperature, white blood cell count, neutrophil ratio, C-reactive protein, postoperative hospital stay, wound healing grade and postoperative infection rate between the study group and the control group. CONCLUSION Antibiotics for HIV/AIDS patients during perioperative period of cesarean section for <24 h may play a better role in preventing postoperative infection.

Diabetes mellitus(DM)is a common metabolic disease,and its hyperglycemia can induce many complications and even threaten human health and life.Ferritinophagy,currently a research focus,has been proven to be related to the occurrence and development of DM and its complications.Ferritinophagy,which is cell-selective,is mediated by nuclear receptor coactivator 4(NCOA4),which degrades ferritin in autophagosomes and releases excessive iron ions so that irons are overloaded and ROS are accumulated.This process contributes to the upstream ferroptosis.This article reviews the mechanism of ferritinophagy and its pathogenesis in DM and its complications,and further analyzes the effects of regulated ferritinophagy on DM and its complications,pro-viding new insight into the prevention and treatment of DM and its complications.

Background::Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can profoundly affect the mental health of the people living with HIV (PLWH), with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. The disparities in neuropsychological problems evaluated by physicians and self-assessed by patients are still unknown.Methods::A total of 5000 PLWH and 500 physicians from 167 hospitals were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from September 2022 to February 2023. 4-Item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) was used for the evaluation of depressive issues and anxiety issues by PLWH. Each physician assessed 10 PLWH under their care for the presence of depressive or anxiety issues. The primary outcomes of this study are the concordance rates on the depressive issues and anxiety issues evaluation between physicians and PLWH. The Cohen’s kappa test was used to assess the agreement between physicians and PLWH.Results::The concordance rate for the evaluation of depressive issues is 73.84% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 72.60-75.04%), and it is significantly different from the expected rate of 80% ( P <0.001). Similarly, the concordance rate for the evaluation of anxiety issues is 71.74% (95% CI: 70.47-72.97%), which is significantly different from the expected rate of 80% as per the null hypothesis ( P <0.001). The overestimation rate by physicians on depressive issues is 12.20% (95% CI: 11.32-13.14%), and for anxiety issues is 12.76% (95% CI: 11.86-13.71%). The mismatch rate for depressive issues is 26.16% (95% CI: 24.96-27.40%), and for anxiety issues is 28.26% (95% CI: 27.02-29.53%). The underestimation rate by physicians on depressive issues is 13.96% (95% CI: 13.03-14.95%), and for anxiety issues is 15.50% (95% CI: 14.52-16.53%). For the treatment regiments, PLWH sustained on innovative treatment regimen (IR) related to a lower prevalence of depressive issues (odds ratio [OR] = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87, P = 0.003) and a lower prevalence of anxiety issues (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.52-0.76, P <0.001). PLWH switch from conventional treatment regimen (CR) to IR also related to a lower prevalence of depressive issues (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64-0.98) and a lower prevalence of anxiety issues (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67-0.99). Conclusion::Nearly one in three PLWH had their condition misjudged by their physicians. The findings underscore the need for improved communication and standardized assessment protocols in the care of PLWH, especially during the acute phase of HIV infection.

Objective:To evaluate the short-term rehabilitation effect of wearable visual training devices based on extended reality (XR) glasses in patients after macular hole surgery.Methods:A self-controlled study was conducted.Eleven patients with monocular low vision after macular hole surgery were recruited at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from October 2022 to March 2024.All patients underwent biofeedback training for 3 months using the independently developed visual rehabilitation training glasses LOOKBON T10.The LogMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal sensitivity, effective fixation rate, fixation stability, reading speed, vertical metamorphopsia (MV), horizontal metamorphopsia (MH), and Chinese version of the visual-related quality of life assessment form (CVRQoL-25) were compared before and after training.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (No.WDRY2024-K263).Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:After training, the patients' BCVA, retinal sensitivity, effective fixation rate, fixation stability, and reading speed were 0.69±0.19, (21.61±2.75)db, (92.43±4.06)%, (93.09±4.31)%, and (104.82±21.85) characters/minute, respectively, which were significantly improved compared to 0.85±0.28, (17.71±3.17)db, (31.83±19.05)%, (32.35±19.12)%, and (69.64±20.17) characters/minute before training ( t=5.253, -5.987, -11.561, -12.003, -11.682; all at P<0.001).After training, MV and MH were (0.29±0.20)° and (0.21±0.24)°, respectively, which were significantly reduced compared to pre-training (0.44±0.24)° and (0.43±0.41)° ( t=9.238, 4.068; both at P<0.01).After training, the CVRQoL-25 score was 1 193.18±229.43, which was significantly higher than pre-training 947.73±203.86 ( t=-11.687, P<0.001). Conclusions:The application of wearable visual training equipment based on XR glasses can effectively improve the visual function of patients with poor visual function recovery after macular hole surgery, and enhance their quality of life.

Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive dysfunction and behavioral impairment,with a lack of effective drug treatment.Transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique,and its role in regulating and improving cognitive function has become increasingly prominent.Previously,the targets of TMS stimulation were focused on the cerebral cortices,but emerging evidence suggests that cerebellum stimulation could not only regulate the motor cortex but also regulate and integrate the distant cognitive-related cerebral regions.Consequently,the cerebellum has gradually emerged as a potential non-invasive therapeutic target for cognitive rehabilitation in AD.This article summarizes the anatomical and functional basis of the cerebellum's involvement in cognitive function regulation,as well as the research progress on TMS modulation of cognitive function mediated by the cerebellum.

Objective:To study the the mechanism of action of Huanglong Mixture in the treatment of cough variant asthma (CVA) in children based on the IL-4/signal transduction and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) signaling pathway using network pharmacology methods, molecular docking techniques, and in vitro cell experiments.Methods:The components and targets of various TCM components in Huanglong Mixture were searched in TCMSP database, HERB database and literature, and the disease targets of CVA were found in Gene Cards database, OMIM database, DrugBank database and PharmGkb database. The STRING database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction network, and Cytoscape 3.9.1 was used for topology analysis to screen out the core targets. The disease-drug-component-target network was constructed to screen out the core components. The KEGG enrichment analysis and GO enrichment analysis of the intersection targets were performed using Metascape software. PDB protein database, PubChem, Autodock and R language were used for molecular docking verification of core targets and core drug components. Finally, rat primary airway smooth muscle cells were cultured, modeled with interleukin-4 (IL-4), and p-STAT6 expression in the cytoplasm and nucleus was detected by Western blot.Results:A total of 122 effective components were obtained, including quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin and so on. The core targets included JUN, ESR1, TP53, MYC, HIF1, etc. GO enrichment analysis involved biological processes such as response to external stimuli, response to oxygen levels, positive regulation of protein phosphorylation, and regulation of cellular stress response. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the main pathways of Huanglong Mixture in treating CVA included advanced glycation end product-glycation end product receptor (AGE-RAGE) signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, Janus kinase/signal transduction activation factor (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway. Molecular docking found that the core targets and core drug components had good combination. Cell experiments also confirmed that Huanglong Mixture could inhibit p-STAT6 entering the nucleus.Conclusions:The effective components and targets of Huanglong Mixture in the treatment of CVA are successfully predicted. The mechanism of Huanglong Mixture in the treatment of children with CVA may be related to the inhibition of IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway.