ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological trends and characteristics of brucellosis in humans (hereinafter referred to as brucellosis) in Tangshan City, Hebei Province from 2016 to 2023, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating brucellosis prevention and control strategies in the region. MethodsThe incidence data of human brucellosis in Tangshan City from 2016 to 2023 were collected from the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The diagnosis time, infection route, and clinical characteristics of the cases were obtained from the case investigation reports. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the temporal, spatial, demographic distributions, and clinical characteristics of human brucellosis. Brucella species were identified using agglutination tests with bacterial suspension and A/M antigen-positive serum. ResultsA total of 2 193 cases of human brucellosis were confirmed and clinically diagnosed in Tangshan City from 2016 to 2023, with the peak incidence occured from March to August, and which exhibited distinct geographic distribution patterns. The highest incidence rate was found in people aged 60‒<70 years. The occupation of cases were primarily farmers. The incidence rate in males (528/100 000) was higher than that in females (184/100 000). All cases had confirmed exposure to infected animals or contaminated animal products. ConclusionThe epidemic of human brucellosis in Tangshan exhibited an overall steady downward trend from 2016 to 2023, except for a slight increase in 2016 and 2021, with the incidence rate controlled at 289/100 000‒335/100 000. The prevention and control situation of human brucellosis still remains severe, with the highest incidence rate in the eastern region of Tangshan, which are characterized by the breeding, slaughtering, and processing of cattle and sheep. Therefore, it it is necessary to enhance the prevention and control of human brucellosis among the personnel engaged in these industries in the eastern areas.

Objective To examine the sex differences in prescribing patterns of psychotropic drugs and drug-induced side effects in schizophrenia patients in China. Methods Using the same design and a standardized protocol as in 2002 and 2006, the cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to August, 2012 in 45 psychiatric hospitals/centers in 10 provinces and municipalities in China. Inpatients and outpatients with schizophrenia were consecutively screened for eligibility for this study. Sociodemographic characteristics and prescription pattern were collected by using a modified questionnaire for the study. Data comparisons between male and female were performed with univariate analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the gender differences in prescription pattern and drug-induced side effects. Results The sample consisted of 2 260 male and 1 979 female patients. Univariate analyses showed that male patients were younger than female patients(t=5.398), having an earlier age at onset(t=5.662), higher percentage of being employed(χ2=31.597), and more negative symptoms(χ2=10.814)and aggressive behavior (χ2=5.816), more likely to receive clozapine (23.9%(472/1 979) vs. 28.5%(645/2 260),χ2=11.955), higher antipsychotic doses(476 mg vs. 514 mg,F=14.003), less use of antidepressants (7.9%(156/1 979) vs. 6.0%(136/2 260),χ2=5.722)and benzodiazepines(23.9%(472/1 979)vs. 20.0%(451/2 260),χ2=9.396), more frequent tardive dyskinesia(1.3%(25/1 979)vs. 2.1%(47/2 260),χ2=4.212)and less weight gain(11.0%(218/1 979)vs. 7.7%(173/2 260),χ2=14.233)and prolactin elevation(3.2%(63/1 979)vs. 1.7%(39/2 260),χ2=9.548;all P<0.05). In multivariate analyses, greater rate of clozapine use (OR=1.268,P=0.001), less rate of benzodiazepines use(OR=0.841,P=0.025) and antidepressants(OR=0.78,P=0.045),higher rate of tardive dyskinesia(OR=1.879,P=0.014)and less weight gain (OR=0.669,P=0.001) and prolactin elevation (OR=0.527,P=0.003) were independently associated with the male sex. Conclusion Gender is one of the independent contributors to psychotropic prescription pattern and side effects of antipsychotics in Chinese schizophrenia patients. Gender differences should be given more attention in research and clinical practice.

Objective To examine the sex differences in prescribing patterns of psychotropic drugs and drug-induced side effects in schizophrenia patients in China. Methods Using the same design and a standardized protocol as in 2002 and 2006, the cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to August, 2012 in 45 psychiatric hospitals/centers in 10 provinces and municipalities in China. Inpatients and outpatients with schizophrenia were consecutively screened for eligibility for this study. Sociodemographic characteristics and prescription pattern were collected by using a modified questionnaire for the study. Data comparisons between male and female were performed with univariate analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the gender differences in prescription pattern and drug-induced side effects. Results The sample consisted of 2 260 male and 1 979 female patients. Univariate analyses showed that male patients were younger than female patients(t=5.398), having an earlier age at onset(t=5.662), higher percentage of being employed(χ2=31.597), and more negative symptoms(χ2=10.814)and aggressive behavior (χ2=5.816), more likely to receive clozapine (23.9%(472/1 979) vs. 28.5%(645/2 260),χ2=11.955), higher antipsychotic doses(476 mg vs. 514 mg,F=14.003), less use of antidepressants (7.9%(156/1 979) vs. 6.0%(136/2 260),χ2=5.722)and benzodiazepines(23.9%(472/1 979)vs. 20.0%(451/2 260),χ2=9.396), more frequent tardive dyskinesia(1.3%(25/1 979)vs. 2.1%(47/2 260),χ2=4.212)and less weight gain(11.0%(218/1 979)vs. 7.7%(173/2 260),χ2=14.233)and prolactin elevation(3.2%(63/1 979)vs. 1.7%(39/2 260),χ2=9.548;all P<0.05). In multivariate analyses, greater rate of clozapine use (OR=1.268,P=0.001), less rate of benzodiazepines use(OR=0.841,P=0.025) and antidepressants(OR=0.78,P=0.045),higher rate of tardive dyskinesia(OR=1.879,P=0.014)and less weight gain (OR=0.669,P=0.001) and prolactin elevation (OR=0.527,P=0.003) were independently associated with the male sex. Conclusion Gender is one of the independent contributors to psychotropic prescription pattern and side effects of antipsychotics in Chinese schizophrenia patients. Gender differences should be given more attention in research and clinical practice.