AIM To explore the clinical effects of Jiawei Yanghe Decoction combined with Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation on patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma in chronic and persistent period.METHODS One hundred and eighteen patients were randomly assigned into control group(59 cases)for 4-week administration of Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation,and observation group(59 cases)for 4-week administration of both Jiawei Yanghe Decoction and Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation.The changes in clinical effects,ACT score,bronchial asthma control rate,pulmonary function indices(FEV1,PEF,FEV1％,PEF％),inflammatory indices(EOS,EOS％,FeNO),TCM syndrome score and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P＜0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed increased bronchial asthma control rate,ACT score,PEF(P＜0.05),and decreased TCM syndrome score(P＜0.05),especially for the observation group(P＜0.05);the observation group exhibited increased FEV1,FEV1％,PEF％(P＜0.05),among which FEV1,PEF％were higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05);the observation group showed decreased inflammatory indices(P＜0.05),among which FeNO was lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P＞0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma in chronic and persistent period,Jiawei Yanghe Decoction combined with Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation can safely and effectively alleviate clinical symptoms,improve pulmonary functions,airway inflammatory reactions,and enhance bronchial asthma control rate.

Objective To explore the application value of CMR myocardial strain technique in eld-erly males with HCM.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 50 elderly male pa-tients who underwent CMR examination at the Second Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from April 2020 to December 2024.According to being diagnosed with HCM or not,they were divided into a HCM group(24 cases)and a control group(26 cases).Post-processing soft-ware CVI42 was used to obtain two sets of basic functional and strain parameters of the left ven-tricle(LV)and left atrium(LA).The parameters of LV included LV mass,LV mass index(LV massi),global longitudinal strain(GLS),and so on,while the parameters of LA included minimum LA volume(LAV),minimum LA volume index(LA VI),LA passive strain(εe),LA peak early negative strain rate(SRe)and LA peak late negative strain rate(SRa),etc.The two sets of LV and LA parameters of basic functional and strain were compared between the two groups.Results The HCM group had significant higher LV mass and LV massi and minimum LAV and LAVI,but lower GLS,εe,SRe and SRa in 2D and 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography than the control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The AUC value of 2D GLS,SRa,and logistic regres-sion model in predicting HCM was 0.887(95％CI:0.766-0.959),0.740(95％CI:0.597-0.854),and 0.929(95％CI:0.820-0.983),respectively,with a sensitivity of 76.92％,57.69％,and 84.62％,and a specificity of 70.83％,83.33％,and 91.67％,respectively.The logistic regression model demonstrated higher AUC value,sensitivity,and specificity than 2D GLS and SRa.Conclusion CMR myocardial strain technology is of significant diagnostic value for elderly male patients with HCM.

Objective:To assess the impacts of abdominal spectral computed tomography (CT) scans on radiation dose in order to validate the feasibility of low-dose spectral CT imaging.Methods:Using varying scanning protocols on the Discovery CT750 HD device, the abdomen of an adult male dose-specific phantom was scanned in two modes: conventional single-energy CT (SECT) and gemstone spectral imaging (GSI). Specifically, the conventional SECT mode featured tube voltages of 120 and 80 kVp, automatic tube current modulation technology, and a noise index (NI) of 10 HU. In contrast, the GSI mode was characterized by the automatic spectral imaging protocol selection (ASIS) technique, rapid switching of the tube voltage between 80 and 140 kVp, and Nis for non-spectral scanning of 8, 10, 15, and 20 HU. Then, various radiation dose metrics and objective image quality were compared across different scanning protocols.Results:In the case of the same NI, the three scanning dose modes (SECT with tube voltages of 120 and 80 kVp, and GSI with a tube voltage of 80/140 kVp) presented similar volume CT dose index (CTDI vol) and dose length product (DLP). However, the SECT with a tube voltage of 80 kVp showed the lowest measured organ absorbed dose ( DT; 5.89 mSv). Effective dose ( E) was determined using DLP and organ DT. The result indicated that, under the three modes except for SECT with a tube voltage of 80 kVp, the E values calculated using DLP were lower than those determinized using the organ DT, with deviations ranging from 9% to 20%. The differences in image noise levels and signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of the three scanning modes were statistically significant ( F = 65.52, 35.09, P < 0.001). Conclusions:Spectral CT using ASIS technology can achieve low-dose spectral scanning while ensuring image quality.

Aim To investigate the therapeutic effects of a newly developed Tadalafil tablets on pathological myocardial hypertrophy induced by abdominal aortic constriction(AAC)in rats,as well as its influence on the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in myo-cardial cells.Methods SD rats were randomly divid-ed into 4 groups:the sham operation group(Sham),the model group(AAC),the tadalafil new tablet treat-ment group(N-Tad,5 mg·kg-1),and the positive control drug treatment group(Cialis,10 mg·kg-1g).The AAC model group and treatment group rats under-went blunt dissection and constrictive ligation of the abdominal aorta at the left renal artery branch point during surgery,while the Sham group rats only had their arteries separated without any constrictive liga-tion.Rats in the treatment groups received either N-Tad or Cialis via gavage three days after modeling,while rats in the sham group and the model group re-ceived physiological saline daily for 8 weeks.Small an-imal ultra-high-resolution echocardiography and hemo-dynamic assessment were applied to evaluate left ven-tricular function in each group of rats,and the calcula-tion of the left ventricular mass index was conducted.By employing Western blot and RT-PCR.we assessed the impact of this treatment on the expression of the hy-pertrophy factor atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP),phosphorylated NF-κB p65 protein(p-NF-κB p65),and phosphorylated IκB-α in the left heart tissue of rats and in H9c2 cardiomyocytes.Results Compared to the Sham group,the AAC rats exhibited a significant decrease in left heart function,an increase in left ven-tricular mass index,and a notable increase in ANP and p-p65 expression in the left heart tissue(P＜0.05).Both N-Tad and Cialis treatments could significantly enhance left ventricular function,decrease left ventric-ular mass index,and inhibit the expression of ANP and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 in rats with myocardial hy-pertrophy(P＜0.05).Notably,the therapeutic effect of low-dose N-Tad was comparable to that of high-dose Cialis.At the cellular level,Tadalafil significantly in-hibited the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and reduced the expression of associated proteins in H9c2 cardiomyocytes.Conclusions N-Tad can sig-nificantly inhibit p65 and IκB-α phosphorylation,and the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway,reduce ANP expression,and improve pathological myocardial hypertrophy,as well as mitigate left heart function damage caused by abdominal aortic constriction.

Objective:To analyze the surveillance results of brucellosis in Shanxi Province, to gain a understanding of the epidemic characteristics and changing trend of brucellosis in Shanxi Province, and to provide scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies and measures for brucellosis.Methods:The surveillance data of brucellosis in Shanxi Province from Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System of China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and the active surveillance results of 5 national brucellosis surveillance sites from 2018 to 2023 were collected for descriptive analysis.Results:From 2018 to 2023, a total of 24 041 cases of human brucellosis were reported in Shanxi Province, with the number of cases increased from 2 800 in 2018 to 5 131 in 2023. The annual reported incidence was 11.22/100 000, ranging from 7.56/100 000 to 14.74/100 000, showing an overall upward trend (χ 2trend = 1 377.43, P < 0.001). The epidemic had affected all counties (cities and districts) in the province, mainly concentrated in Linfen City, Jinzhong City, Datong City, and Shuozhou City, with a total of 13 489 cases of human brucellosis reported, accounting for 56.11%. The population distribution was mainly composed of individuals aged 40 - 69 (17 682 cases), males (18 513 cases), farmers (20 295 cases), and household and unemployed individuals (1 017 cases). The onset of the disease showed obvious seasonality, with the peak time from March to August, accounting for 66.39% (15 961/24 041). A total of 14 130 occupational individuals were investigated at the surveillance sites, and 11 141 underwent serological tests, with a positive rate of 5.25% (585/11 141), including 299 new cases. The positive rate of serological tests was relatively high in Qinyuan County, at 8.51% (241/2 832). Etiological culture was conducted on 338 human blood samples, and 43 strains of Brucella were isolated, with a detection rate of 12.72%. All strains were Brucella melitensis, including 42 strains of Brucella melitensis biovar 3. Conclusions:The overall trend of human brucellosis epidemic in Shanxi Province from 2018 to 2023 is on the rise, and it is still at a high level. It is suggested to continue strengthening monitoring, study the epidemic situation in a timely manner, take comprehensive prevention and control measures, and effectively control the spread of brucellosis.

Aim To investigate the therapeutic effects of a newly developed Tadalafil tablets on pathological myocardial hypertrophy induced by abdominal aortic constriction(AAC)in rats,as well as its influence on the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in myo-cardial cells.Methods SD rats were randomly divid-ed into 4 groups:the sham operation group(Sham),the model group(AAC),the tadalafil new tablet treat-ment group(N-Tad,5 mg·kg-1),and the positive control drug treatment group(Cialis,10 mg·kg-1g).The AAC model group and treatment group rats under-went blunt dissection and constrictive ligation of the abdominal aorta at the left renal artery branch point during surgery,while the Sham group rats only had their arteries separated without any constrictive liga-tion.Rats in the treatment groups received either N-Tad or Cialis via gavage three days after modeling,while rats in the sham group and the model group re-ceived physiological saline daily for 8 weeks.Small an-imal ultra-high-resolution echocardiography and hemo-dynamic assessment were applied to evaluate left ven-tricular function in each group of rats,and the calcula-tion of the left ventricular mass index was conducted.By employing Western blot and RT-PCR.we assessed the impact of this treatment on the expression of the hy-pertrophy factor atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP),phosphorylated NF-κB p65 protein(p-NF-κB p65),and phosphorylated IκB-α in the left heart tissue of rats and in H9c2 cardiomyocytes.Results Compared to the Sham group,the AAC rats exhibited a significant decrease in left heart function,an increase in left ven-tricular mass index,and a notable increase in ANP and p-p65 expression in the left heart tissue(P＜0.05).Both N-Tad and Cialis treatments could significantly enhance left ventricular function,decrease left ventric-ular mass index,and inhibit the expression of ANP and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 in rats with myocardial hy-pertrophy(P＜0.05).Notably,the therapeutic effect of low-dose N-Tad was comparable to that of high-dose Cialis.At the cellular level,Tadalafil significantly in-hibited the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and reduced the expression of associated proteins in H9c2 cardiomyocytes.Conclusions N-Tad can sig-nificantly inhibit p65 and IκB-α phosphorylation,and the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway,reduce ANP expression,and improve pathological myocardial hypertrophy,as well as mitigate left heart function damage caused by abdominal aortic constriction.

Objective:To assess the impacts of abdominal spectral computed tomography (CT) scans on radiation dose in order to validate the feasibility of low-dose spectral CT imaging.Methods:Using varying scanning protocols on the Discovery CT750 HD device, the abdomen of an adult male dose-specific phantom was scanned in two modes: conventional single-energy CT (SECT) and gemstone spectral imaging (GSI). Specifically, the conventional SECT mode featured tube voltages of 120 and 80 kVp, automatic tube current modulation technology, and a noise index (NI) of 10 HU. In contrast, the GSI mode was characterized by the automatic spectral imaging protocol selection (ASIS) technique, rapid switching of the tube voltage between 80 and 140 kVp, and Nis for non-spectral scanning of 8, 10, 15, and 20 HU. Then, various radiation dose metrics and objective image quality were compared across different scanning protocols.Results:In the case of the same NI, the three scanning dose modes (SECT with tube voltages of 120 and 80 kVp, and GSI with a tube voltage of 80/140 kVp) presented similar volume CT dose index (CTDI vol) and dose length product (DLP). However, the SECT with a tube voltage of 80 kVp showed the lowest measured organ absorbed dose ( DT; 5.89 mSv). Effective dose ( E) was determined using DLP and organ DT. The result indicated that, under the three modes except for SECT with a tube voltage of 80 kVp, the E values calculated using DLP were lower than those determinized using the organ DT, with deviations ranging from 9% to 20%. The differences in image noise levels and signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of the three scanning modes were statistically significant ( F = 65.52, 35.09, P < 0.001). Conclusions:Spectral CT using ASIS technology can achieve low-dose spectral scanning while ensuring image quality.

Objective:To analyze the surveillance results of brucellosis in Shanxi Province, to gain a understanding of the epidemic characteristics and changing trend of brucellosis in Shanxi Province, and to provide scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies and measures for brucellosis.Methods:The surveillance data of brucellosis in Shanxi Province from Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System of China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and the active surveillance results of 5 national brucellosis surveillance sites from 2018 to 2023 were collected for descriptive analysis.Results:From 2018 to 2023, a total of 24 041 cases of human brucellosis were reported in Shanxi Province, with the number of cases increased from 2 800 in 2018 to 5 131 in 2023. The annual reported incidence was 11.22/100 000, ranging from 7.56/100 000 to 14.74/100 000, showing an overall upward trend (χ 2trend = 1 377.43, P < 0.001). The epidemic had affected all counties (cities and districts) in the province, mainly concentrated in Linfen City, Jinzhong City, Datong City, and Shuozhou City, with a total of 13 489 cases of human brucellosis reported, accounting for 56.11%. The population distribution was mainly composed of individuals aged 40 - 69 (17 682 cases), males (18 513 cases), farmers (20 295 cases), and household and unemployed individuals (1 017 cases). The onset of the disease showed obvious seasonality, with the peak time from March to August, accounting for 66.39% (15 961/24 041). A total of 14 130 occupational individuals were investigated at the surveillance sites, and 11 141 underwent serological tests, with a positive rate of 5.25% (585/11 141), including 299 new cases. The positive rate of serological tests was relatively high in Qinyuan County, at 8.51% (241/2 832). Etiological culture was conducted on 338 human blood samples, and 43 strains of Brucella were isolated, with a detection rate of 12.72%. All strains were Brucella melitensis, including 42 strains of Brucella melitensis biovar 3. Conclusions:The overall trend of human brucellosis epidemic in Shanxi Province from 2018 to 2023 is on the rise, and it is still at a high level. It is suggested to continue strengthening monitoring, study the epidemic situation in a timely manner, take comprehensive prevention and control measures, and effectively control the spread of brucellosis.

AIM To explore the clinical effects of Jiawei Yanghe Decoction combined with Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation on patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma in chronic and persistent period.METHODS One hundred and eighteen patients were randomly assigned into control group(59 cases)for 4-week administration of Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation,and observation group(59 cases)for 4-week administration of both Jiawei Yanghe Decoction and Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation.The changes in clinical effects,ACT score,bronchial asthma control rate,pulmonary function indices(FEV1,PEF,FEV1％,PEF％),inflammatory indices(EOS,EOS％,FeNO),TCM syndrome score and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P＜0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed increased bronchial asthma control rate,ACT score,PEF(P＜0.05),and decreased TCM syndrome score(P＜0.05),especially for the observation group(P＜0.05);the observation group exhibited increased FEV1,FEV1％,PEF％(P＜0.05),among which FEV1,PEF％were higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05);the observation group showed decreased inflammatory indices(P＜0.05),among which FeNO was lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P＞0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma in chronic and persistent period,Jiawei Yanghe Decoction combined with Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation can safely and effectively alleviate clinical symptoms,improve pulmonary functions,airway inflammatory reactions,and enhance bronchial asthma control rate.

Objective To explore the application value of CMR myocardial strain technique in eld-erly males with HCM.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 50 elderly male pa-tients who underwent CMR examination at the Second Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from April 2020 to December 2024.According to being diagnosed with HCM or not,they were divided into a HCM group(24 cases)and a control group(26 cases).Post-processing soft-ware CVI42 was used to obtain two sets of basic functional and strain parameters of the left ven-tricle(LV)and left atrium(LA).The parameters of LV included LV mass,LV mass index(LV massi),global longitudinal strain(GLS),and so on,while the parameters of LA included minimum LA volume(LAV),minimum LA volume index(LA VI),LA passive strain(εe),LA peak early negative strain rate(SRe)and LA peak late negative strain rate(SRa),etc.The two sets of LV and LA parameters of basic functional and strain were compared between the two groups.Results The HCM group had significant higher LV mass and LV massi and minimum LAV and LAVI,but lower GLS,εe,SRe and SRa in 2D and 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography than the control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The AUC value of 2D GLS,SRa,and logistic regres-sion model in predicting HCM was 0.887(95％CI:0.766-0.959),0.740(95％CI:0.597-0.854),and 0.929(95％CI:0.820-0.983),respectively,with a sensitivity of 76.92％,57.69％,and 84.62％,and a specificity of 70.83％,83.33％,and 91.67％,respectively.The logistic regression model demonstrated higher AUC value,sensitivity,and specificity than 2D GLS and SRa.Conclusion CMR myocardial strain technology is of significant diagnostic value for elderly male patients with HCM.