OBJECTIVE To provide direction and reference for the adjustment of the discount rate （DR） in China’s pharmacoeconomic guidelines. METHODS Search was conducted on the official websites of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research， health technology assessment agencies in various countries/regions， as well as relevant websites of other upper-middle-income or high-income countries/regions. The recommended DR， adjustment trends， and setting rationales in pharmacoeconomic evaluation guidelines across different countries/regions were then summarized and compared. Based on theoretical derivation and literature analysis， the effects of different DR on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio （ICER） were examined. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Among the 40 included guidelines， the base-case DR ranged from 1.5% to 5%， with 5% being the most common value； the range for sensitivity analysis was 0 to 12%. Thirty-six countries/regions applied the same DR to both costs and health outcomes， while in the Netherlands， Belgium， Poland and Czech Republic， DR for costs was higher than for health outcomes. In recent years， Korea， France and Ireland had lowered their DR in response to economic changes， whereas the Netherlands and Czech Republic had raised their DR for cost. The setting of the DR was primarily based on the public project investment interest rate or referred to recommendations from internationally authoritative institutions and other relevant guidelines. The direction and magnitude of the impact of different DR on the ICER largely depended on the distribution of costs and health outcomes between the intervention and reference measure. The setting and adjustment of DR were closely associated with the economic environment. Based on international experience, the DR in China can be lowered by 0.5% to 1.5%， and localized empirical research can be conducted using internationally common estimation methods.

Objective To analyze the structural and phylogenetic characteristics of the mitochondrial genome from Bulinus globosus, so as to provide a theoretical basis for classification and identification of species within the Bulinus genus, and to provide insights into understanding of Bulinus-schistosomes interactions and the mechanisms of parasite transmission. Methods B. globosus samples were collected from the Ruya River basin in Zimbabwe. Mitochondrial DNA was extracted from B. globosus samples and the corresponding libraries were constructed for high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. After raw sequencing data were subjected to quality control using the fastp software, genome assembly was performed using the A5-miseq and SPAdes tools, and genome annotation was conducted using the MITOS online server. Circular maps and sequence plots of the mitochondrial genome were generated using the CGView and OGDRAW software, and the protein conservation motifs and structures were analyzed using the TBtools software. Base composition and codon usage bias were analyzed and visualized using the software MEGA X and the ggplot2 package in the R software. In addition, a phylogenetic tree was created in the software MEGA X after sequence alignment with the software MAFFT 7, and visualized using the software iTOL. Results The mitochondrial genome of B. globosus was a 13 730 bp double-stranded circular molecule, containing 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 13 protein-coding genes, with a marked AT preference. The mitochondrial genome composition of B. globosus was similar to that of other species within the Bulinus genus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of B. globosus was clustered with B. truncatus, B. nasutus, and B. ugandae into the same evolutionary clade, and gene superfamily analysis showed that the metabolism-related proteins of B. globosus were highly conserved, notably the cytochrome c oxidase family, which showed a significant consistency. Conclusions This is the first whole mitochondrial genome sequencing to decode the compositional features of the mitochondrial genome of B. globosus from Zimbabwe and its evolutionary relationship within the Bulinus genus, which provides important insights for further understanding of the phylogeny and mitochondrial genome characteristics of the Bulinus genus.

Photodynamic immunotherapy is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, the dysfunctional tumor vasculature results in tumor hypoxia and the low efficiency of drug delivery, which in turn restricts the anticancer effect of photodynamic immunotherapy. In this study, we designed photosensitive lipid nanoparticles. The synthesized PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles could produce type I/II reactive oxygen species (ROS) by electron or energy transfer through PFBT under light irradiation. Moreover, this nanosystem could alleviate tumor hypoxia and promote vascular normalization through Roxadustat. Upon irradiation with white light, the ROS produced by PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles in situ dysregulated calcium homeostasis and triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress, which further promoted the release of damage-associated molecular patterns, enhanced antigen presentation, and stimulated an effective adaptive immune response, ultimately priming the tumor microenvironment (TME) together with the hypoxia alleviation and vessel normalization by Roxadustat. Indeed, in vivo results indicated that PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles promoted M1 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages, recruited more natural killer cells, and augmented infiltration of T cells, thereby leading to efficient photodynamic immunotherapy and potentiating the anti-primary and metastatic tumor efficacy of PD-1 antibody. Collectively, photodynamic immunotherapy with PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles efficiently program TME through the induction of immunogenicity and oxygenation, and effectively suppress tumor growth through immunogenic cell death and enhanced anti-tumor immunity.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is regarded as a neurodegenerative disease, and it has been proposed that AD may be a systemic disease. Studies have reported associations between non-neurological diseases and AD. The correlations between AD pathology and systemic (non-neurological) pathological changes are intricate, and the mechanisms underlying these correlations and their causality are unclear. In this article, we review the association between AD and disorders of other systems. In addition, we summarize the possible mechanisms associated with AD and disorders of other systems, mainly from the perspective of AD pathology. Regarding the relationship between AD and systemic pathological changes, we aim to provide a new outlook on the early warning signs and treatment of AD, such as establishing a diagnostic and screening system based on more accessible peripheral samples.
Alzheimer Disease/therapy* ; Humans ; Brain/pathology*

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of an etoposide (Vp16) -intensified conditioning regimen in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML).Method:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 27 recipients with relapsed/refractory AML who underwent allo-HSCT using a Vp16-intensified conditioning regimen at Aerospace Center Hospital from January 2019 to January 2022. Transplantation-related complications and treatment outcomes were observed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates.Result:Among the 27 recipients, there were 14 males and 13 females, with a median age of 41 years (range: 12~55 years). Except for one recipient who experienced primary graft failure, the remaining 26 recipients achieved hematopoietic reconstitution. The median neutrophil and platelet engraftment times were 13 days (range: 9~20 days) and 13.5 days (range: 11~33 days), respectively. Regimen-related toxicity (RRT) was mainly gastrointestinal toxicity and oral mucositis, and no deaths were attributed to RRT. A total of 12 recipients (44.44%) developed acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), of whom 3 cases (11.11%) had grade III~IV aGVHD. Chronic GVHD (cGVHD) occurred in 13 recipients (48.15%), including 8 cases (29.63%) of extensive cGVHD. The median follow-up time after transplantation was 17 months (range: 1~48 months). Fifteen recipients (55.56%) survived without disease, while 12 recipients (44.44%) died— 9 due to relapse and 3 due to transplant-related complications. The 1-year overall survival and DFS rates were 74.07% and 59.26%, respectively; the 2-year overall survival and DFS rates were 59.26% and 55.56%, respectively. The 2-year relapse rate and transplant-related mortality (TRM) were 33.33% and 11.11%, respectively.Conclusion:The Vp16-intensified conditioning regimen in allo-HSCT appears to be a viable treatment option for patients with relapsed/refractory AML, offering favorable efficacy and manageable safety.

Objective:To explore the value of deep learning models based on ultrafast dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (UF-DCE MRI) in predicting malignant breast lesions.Methods:The study was a cross-sectional study. Clinical and imaging data of 347 patients with breast lesions who received treatment at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from March 2023 to January 2024 were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 347 lesions were observed in the 347 patients, including 75 benign and 272 malignant lesions. The random number method was used to divide into the training set with 243 cases and the validation set with 104 cases in a ratio of 7∶3. All patients underwent breast UF-DCE MRI and conventional dynamic-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). A 27-channel model (27-phase enhancement images of input UF-DCE MRI), a 3-channel model (3-phase enhancement images of input DCE-MRI), and a 1-channel model (1st-phase enhancement images of DCE-MRI) were built based on the pre-trained ResNet18 deep learning model on ImageNet. The efficacy of each model in predicting breast malignant lesions was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the curve (AUC). The differences of AUC were compared using DeLong test.Results:In the training and validation sets, the 27-channel model had the highest AUC for diagnosing malignant breast lesions, which were 0.848 (95% CI 0.818-0.877) and 0.784 (95% CI 0.752-0.817), respectively. DeLong test showed no statistically significant difference in the AUC values of the three models in the validation set for the diagnosis of malignant lesions of the breast in a two-by-two comparison ( P>0.05). UF-DCE MRI scans were 27 phases totaling 81 s with a temporal resolution of 3 s/phase; DCE-MRI scans were 3 phases totaling 270 s with a temporal resolution of 90 s/phase. Conclusions:The model combining UF-DCE MRI with deep learning demonstrates comparable efficacy to DCE-MRI deep learning model in diagnosing breast malignant lesions. However the UF-DCE MRI has the advantages of high temporal resolution and short scanning time, which makes this model valuable for precise diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Objective To investigate the prognostic value of optic nerve sheath diameter(ONSD)measured by critical care ultrasound combined with serum biomarkers[S100 calcium-binding protein β(S100β)and neuron-specific enolase(NSE)]in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.Methods A total of 103 adult severe traumatic brain injury patients admitted to the intensive care unit of this hospital from A-pril 1,2023,to April 1,2024 were enrolled.All patients underwent invasive intracranial pressure monitoring after admission,alongside bedside critical care ultrasound measurement of ONSD at 3 mm behind the globe and serum biomarker testing.Baseline data and Glasgow outcome scale(GOS)scores at 90 days after dis-charge were recorded.Patients were divided into the survival and the non-survival groups based on GOS scores.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis and area under the curve(AUC)were used to evaluate the predictive performance of ONSD and serum biomarkers for poor prognosis in severe traumatic brain injury patients.Results Ninety-six patients were ultimately included,with 52(54.1％)in the survival group and 44(45.9％)in the non-survival group.Significant differences were observed in blood glucose,Glas-gow coma scale(GCS)score,acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)score,ONSD,NSE,and S100β levels(P＜0.05)between the two groups.Multivariate analysis identified ONSD(OR=4.962,95％CI:3.473-6.254),NSE(OR=2.704,95％CI:1.987-3.033),S100β(OR=2.983,95％CI:1.843-4.571),and APACHE Ⅱ score(OR=3.726,95％CI:2.837-4.592)as independent predictors of mortality in severe traumatic brain injury patients(P＜0.05).The combination of ONSD,NSE,and S100β yielded an AUC of 0.840 for predicting poor prognosis,with a specificity of 88.3％and sensitivity of 98.6％.Conclusion ONSD and serum brain injury biomarkers(NSE,S100β)are associated with in-hospital prognosis in severe traumatic brain injury patients.Their combined detection can effectively predict a poor outcome.

Objective:To explore the effects of Xiaoyao Conger Decoction pretreatment on model rats of tinnitus with syndrome of liver-qi stagnation and spleen deficiency (TLSSD) and its preliminary mechanisms.Methods:The rats were divided into four groups: a blank group, a model group, a positive group, and Xiaoyao Conger high- and low-dosage groups, with 7 rats in each group according to random number table method. Except for the blank group, the TLSSD model was prepared by the composite etiological method in all groups of rats. The positive group received a gavage of carbamazepine at 15 mg/kg, while Xiaoyao Conger high- and low-dosage groups were given 30 g/kg and 15 g/kg of Xiaoyao Conger Decoction, respectively. The blank and model groups were administered an equal volume of saline once daily for 4 weeks. The frequency of conditioned avoidance response behaviors in rats was recorded before and at 2 and 4 weeks post-drug administration; TCM syndrome scores were documented before and after treatment; auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds were monitored at frequencies of 4, 12, 20, and 28 kHz; IL-1β mRNA expression in the inferior colliculus and cochlea was detected by RT-qPCR; and the levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamic acid (Glu) in hippocampal tissues were determined by LC-MS/MS.Results:The model group exhibited symptoms of liver depression, including irritability, yellow fur, and a dark red tongue, along with signs of spleen deficiency such as lethargy, decreased activity, and loose stools. Compared to the model group, rats in the Xiaoyao Conger high- and low-dosage groups demonstrated a reduction in conditioned avoidance response behaviors ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), a decrease in TCM syndrome scores ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), lower ABR thresholds at 12, 20, and 28 kHz ( P<0.01), reduced levels of IL-1β mRNA in the inferior colliculus and cochlea ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), and decreased hippocampal Glu levels ( P<0.01). Conclusion:The therapeutic effect of Xiaoyao Conger Decoction pretreatment on TLSSD rats may be related to its ability to improve the mood disorders and stress, reduce the neuroinflammatory response, regulate the CNS neurotransmitter balance, and correct the overexcitability of the auditory centre, etc.

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and speech recognition capabilities characteristics of patients with different subtypes of sudden deafness.Methods 280 patients with unilateral sudden deafness who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2022 to October 2024 were randomly selected.They were grouped based on the type of pure-tone hearing threshold curve and the degree of hearing loss before treatment(with 76 cases of ascending type,91 cases of descending type and 113 cases of flat type).The general conditions,clinical incidences,maximum speech recognition rates,and efficacy data of each group were compared.Results When comparing clinical symptoms regarding disease course,degree of hearing loss,tinnitus,ear tightness,dizziness,etc.,and therapeutic effects,the ascending-type hearing loss was characterized by a mild degree,a high incidence of ear tightness,and a favorable prognosis.The flat-type has a short course of illness,a high incidence of tinnitus,and severe hearing loss.The descending-type presented with a long disease course and a poor prognosis.These differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).In the comparison of average pure-tone hearing threshold value at speech frequencies and speech recognition rate,the average hearing threshold value of the flat-type at speech frequencies was higher than that of the other two types,and its speech recognition rate was lower,with statistical significance(P＜0.05).Conclusion Patients with different subtypes of sudden deafness exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of onset and prognosis.Quantifying the speech recognition rates of sudden deafness patients with different subtypes and degrees of hearing loss can serve as a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.This is of great significance for enhancing the accuracy of clinical diagnosis of sudden deafness,formulating personalized treatment plans,and improving patient prognosis.

Objective:To explore predictive value of pericoronary fat attenuation index(FAI)of the assessment of computed tomography(CT)for coronary restenosis post the surgery of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)in elderly patients with coronary heart disease(CHD).Methods:A total of 100 elderly patients with CHD who admitted to Harbin 242 Hospital and underwent PCI from August 2021 to August 2024 were prospectively selected,and they were divided into stenosis group(46 cases)and non-stenosis group(54 cases)based on whether occurred coronary artery restenosis after the surgery.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influence factors of occurring restenosis in elderly patients with CHD after PCI surgery,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of FAI for restenosis post PCI surgery in patients with CHD.Results:The differences in lipoprotein a,fibrinogen(FIB),total bilirubin(TBIL),total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),Coronary artery Lesion Complexity Scoring System(SYNTAX)score and FAI were significant between the stenosis group and the non-stenosis group,and the differences were all statistically significant(t=11.819,27.088,38.363,2.632,4.106,7.773,3.231,P<0.05).There were no statistically significant difference in gender,age,body mass index(BMI),blood pressure,basically medical history,and the diameter of implanted stents between the two groups(P>0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lipoprotein a FIB TBIL,TC,TG,SYNTAX score,and FAI index were all influence factors for restenosis post PCI surgery in patients with CHD[OR=4.578(95%CI:2.645～7.932),3.850(95%CI:2.048～7.237),0.145(95%CI:0.052～0.405),6.133(95%CI:1.382～27.219),0.019(95%CI:0.002～0.158),1.264(95%CI:1.150～1.389),1.062(95%CI:1.024～1.102),P<0.05].The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve(AUC)value of the ROC curve of the FAI index was 0.760(95%CI:0.666～0.854)in predicting restenosis post PCI surgery,and the sensitivity,specificity,the maximum Youden index and the best cut-off value of that were respectively 89.1%,59.3%,0.484,-79.79,P<0.001.Conclusion:FAI has significant value in predicting restenosis post PCI surgery in elderly patients with CHD,and it can be used as basis of assessing clinical risk.