OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-utility of ciclesonide （CIC） versus budesonide （BUD） for the maintenance treatment of mild to moderate bronchial asthma. METHODS From the perspective of Chinese health service system， a Markov model was established based on the data from a clinical trial in China and some literature. The cycle length was 1 week， the time horizon was 60 years. A discount rate of 5% per year was applied. Cost-utility analysis was performed on therapeutic scheme of CIC and BUD using three times of China’s per capita gross domestic product （GDP） in 2023 as the threshold of willing-to-pay （WTP）. One-way sensitivity analysis， probabilistic sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis were applied to test the uncertainty of basic analysis. RESULTS Compared with BUD scheme， the incremental cost of the CIC scheme was 9 401.67 yuan， and the incremental quality-adjusted life years（QALYs） were 0.001 3； incremental cost-effectiveness ratio （ICER） was 6 928 868.26 yuan/QALY， far beyond the threshold of WTP 268 074 yuan/QALY. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the usage， dosage and unit price of CIC and BUD were parameters that had a significant impact on ICER； probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the basic analysis results were relatively robust； scenario analysis showed that， when the price of CIC reduced to 159.95 yuan/branch， the probability of CIC scheme having economics was similar to that of BUD scheme. CONCLUSIONS At the current price， CIC is not economical compared with BUD for the maintenance treatment of mild to moderate asthma， using three times of China’s GDP in 2023 as the threshold of WTP.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-utility of ciclesonide （CIC） versus budesonide （BUD） for the maintenance treatment of mild to moderate bronchial asthma. METHODS From the perspective of Chinese health service system， a Markov model was established based on the data from a clinical trial in China and some literature. The cycle length was 1 week， the time horizon was 60 years. A discount rate of 5% per year was applied. Cost-utility analysis was performed on therapeutic scheme of CIC and BUD using three times of China’s per capita gross domestic product （GDP） in 2023 as the threshold of willing-to-pay （WTP）. One-way sensitivity analysis， probabilistic sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis were applied to test the uncertainty of basic analysis. RESULTS Compared with BUD scheme， the incremental cost of the CIC scheme was 9 401.67 yuan， and the incremental quality-adjusted life years（QALYs） were 0.001 3； incremental cost-effectiveness ratio （ICER） was 6 928 868.26 yuan/QALY， far beyond the threshold of WTP 268 074 yuan/QALY. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the usage， dosage and unit price of CIC and BUD were parameters that had a significant impact on ICER； probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the basic analysis results were relatively robust； scenario analysis showed that， when the price of CIC reduced to 159.95 yuan/branch， the probability of CIC scheme having economics was similar to that of BUD scheme. CONCLUSIONS At the current price， CIC is not economical compared with BUD for the maintenance treatment of mild to moderate asthma， using three times of China’s GDP in 2023 as the threshold of WTP.

BACKGROUND:Our previous study found that Modified Erxian Pill could alleviate inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis rats,but its mechanism needs to be further verified. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill,and observe the effect of the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill on pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages. METHODS:(1)Analysis of components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill:Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry was used to detect and identify Modified Erxian Pill and its components absorbed in the blood.(2)Effect of the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill on pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages:Molecular docking technology was used to initially verify the sesquiterpenoids and NLRP3 in components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill.J774A.1 macrophages were randomly divided into blank control group,lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group,and lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill with low(2.5%),medium(5%),and high(10%)dose groups.The release of lactate dehydrogenase in the cell supernatant of each group was detected according to the kit instructions.The levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 in cell supernatant were detected in each group by ELISA.The cell membrane damage was detected by Hoechst/PI staining.The expression levels of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N protein in the cells of each group were detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 32 active components of Modified Erxian Pill were identified,and 21 components entered the blood.The main components into blood included a variety of sesquiterpenoids.(2)Molecular docking results showed that 3-O-Acetyl-13-deoxyphomenone,Incensol oxide,Atractylenolide III,Rupestonic acid,and 3,7-Dihydroxy-9,11-eremophiladien-8-one had good binding activity with NLRP3.(3)Compared with the blank control group,lactate dehydrogenase activity and the expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 were significantly increased in cell supernatant of lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group(P<0.001).Hoechst/PI staining showed that the number of PI-positive cells was significantly increased.After the intervention of lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill group,all of them showed different degrees of reduction.(4)Compared with the blank control group,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N protein expression levels were significantly increased in the lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group(P<0.05).Compared with lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group,the protein expressions of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N were significantly decreased in the lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill group(P<0.05),and had a certain dose dependence.These findings verify that the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill may inhibit the pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages by regulating the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among residents aged 60 years and older in Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province from 2013 to 2022, so as to provide the evidence for the improvement of PTB prevention and control measures in this population. Methods: Data of PTB cases aged 60 years and older in Yangzhou City from 2013 to 2022 were collected from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The temporal, population, and regional distribution characteristics of PTB cases were analyzed using the descriptive epidemiological method. Results: A total of 8 726 PTB cases aged 60 years and older were registered in Yangzhou City from 2013 to 2022, including 4 167 cases positive for pathogenic tests, with a positive rate of 47.75%. The registered incidence rates and the positive rates of pathogenic tests of PTB among residents aged 60 years and older in Yangzhou City showed downward trends from 2013 to 2022 (both P<0.05). The average annual registered incidence rate of PTB was 83.95/105, and the average annual registered incidence rate of PTB positive for pathogenic tests was 40.09/105. The average annual registered incidence rate of PTB in males was higher than that in females (138.57/105 vs. 31.76/105, P<0.05). The registered incidence rate of PTB showed an increasing trend with age (P<0.05), with the highest rate observed in the age group of 75-<80 years (110.37/105). The top three regions with the highest average annual registered incidence rates of PTB were Jiangdu District (94.34/105), Baoying County (91.61/105) and Hanjiang District (84.93/105). Conclusions The registered incidence of PTB among residents aged 60 years and older in Yangzhou City showed a downward trend from 2013 to 2022. Particular attention should be payed to males, residents aged 75- <80 years, and the elderly in Jiangdu District and Baoying County.

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Jiande City, Zhejiang Province from 2005 to 2024, so as to provide the evidence for strengthening the prevention and control of brucellosis. Methods: Data on brucellosis cases and surveillance in Jiande City from 2005 to 2024 were collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, the annual brucellosis surveillance reports from the Jiande Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the annual summaries of brucellosis prevention and control efforts. The epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis were analyzed using a descriptive epidemiological method. Results: A total of 1 125 individuals were monitored in Jiande City from 2005 to 2024, with 18 seropositive cases identified and the seropositivity rate of 1.60%. The average annual seropositivity rate from 2015 to 2024 was 3.35%, which was significantly higher than that of 0.57% from 2005 to 2014 (P<0.05). There were 10 confirmed brucellosis cases and 8 asymptomatic infections, with no reported deaths. The peak incidence occurred between March and August. Among the 16 towns (streets) in Jiande City, 8 reported brucellosis cases. Of the brucellosis cases, 14 were male and 4 were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.5∶1. The majority of cases (13 cases) were aged between 40 and 60 years. Occupational exposure was identified in 16 cases, all of whom were infected through direct hand contact with the excreta, secretions, or animal products of infected sheep or cattle. The primary source of infection was sheep, followed by cattle. Five strains of Brucella were isolated and cultured, all identified as Brucella melitensis biovar 3. Conclusions The brucellosis epidemic in Jiande City remained at a sporadic and low prevalence level from 2005 to 2024, with an increasing trend observed from 2015 to 2024. Male occupational groups aged 40 to 60 years were the key population for brucellosis prevention and control, and sheep were the primary source of infection.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF） can be classified as pulmonary collateral disease，and its pathogenesis is mainly characterized by the loss of Qi meridian nourishment，the loss of Yin meridian nourishment，and the formation of blood stasis in the blood vessels. Qi Yin deficiency is the pathological basis that runs through IPF，and obstruction of meridians and collaterals is a key element in the development of the disease. The dysfunction of "spleen being in charge of the defensive function" is closely related to the formation of the pathological pattern of "lung deficiency and collateral stasis" in IPF. The term "spleen being in charge of the defensive function" originated from the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon. If the spleen is healthy，the Qi will be filled with vitality. Positive energy is stored inside，evil cannot be dried up. Its concept is quite similar to the immune defense function in modern medicine. If the principle of "spleen being in charge of the defensive function" is lost，the key structure and function of the IPF alveolar epithelial barrier may be abnormal，and it can interact with various innate immune cells to promote inflammation and fibrosis processes. Therefore，this article explains the imbalance of immune homeostasis in IPF alveolar epithelium from two aspects：the barrier function of alveolar epithelial cells（AECs） and their interaction with innate immune cells. And based on the theory of "spleen being in charge of the defensive function"，using traditional Chinese medicine for strengthening the spleen and nourishing Qi to treat IPF from the perspective of the spleen. This not only strengthens the scientific connotation of "spleen being in charge of the defensive function" in the pathogenesis of IPF，but also provides new research directions and ideas for its future clinical prevention and treatment.

Objective: To analyze the change trends in the body shape indicators and proportions of students in Harbin from 2010 to 2024, and to investigate ergonomic compatibility of functional dimensions of school desks and chairs with current student shape indicators, so as to provide a reference for revising furniture standards of desks and chairs. Methods: Between September and November of both 2010 and 2024, a combination of convenience sampling and stratified cluster random sampling was conducted across three districts in Harbin, yielding samples of 6 590 and 6 252 students, respectively. Anthropometric shape indicators cluding height, sitting height, crus length, and thigh length-and their proportional changes were compared over the 15-year period. The 2024 data were compared with current standard functional dimensions of school furniture. The statistical analysis incorporated t-test and Mann-Whitney U- test. Results: From 2010 to 2024, average height increased by 1.8 cm for boys and 1.5 cm for girls; sitting height increased by 1.5 cm for both genders; crus length increased by 0.3 cm for boys and 0.4 cm for girls; and thigh length increased by 0.5 cm for both genders. The ratios of sitting height to height, and sitting height to leg length increased by less than 0.1 . The difference between desk chair height and 1/3 sitting height ranged from 0.4-0.8 cm. Among students matched with size 0 desks and chairs, 22.0% had a desk to chair height difference less than 0, indicating that the desk to chair height difference might be insufficient for taller students. The differences between seat height and fibular height ranged from -1.4 to 1.1 cm; and the differences between seat depth and buttock popliteal length ranged from -9.8 to 3.4 cm. Among obese students, the differences between seat width and 1/2 hip circumference ranged from -20.5 to -8.7 cm, while it ranged from -12.2 to -3.8 cm among non obese students. Conclusion Current furniture standards basically satisfy hygienic requirements; however, in the case of exceptionally tall and obese students, ergonomic accommodations such as adaptive seating allocation or personalized adjustments are recommended to meet hygienic requirements.

A 20-year-old male patient presented to the Department of Dermatology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital with complaints of an 8-year history of facial scarring, swelling of the lower limbs, and a 4-year history of scalp thickening. Physical examination showed thickening furrowing wrinkling of the skin on the face and behind the ears, ciliary body hirsutism, blepharoptosis, and cutis verticis gyrate. Both lower limbs were swollen, especially the knees and ankles. The skin of the palms and soles of the feet was keratinized and thickened. Laboratory examination using bone and joint X-ray showed periostosis of the proximal middle phalanges and metacarpals of both hands, distal ulna and radius, tibia and fibula, distal femurs, and metatarsals.Genetic testing revealed two variants in SLCO2A1, c.1658T > A and c.96+4A > C.Through multidisciplinary consultation, we confirmed the diagnosis of pachydermoperiostosis.

ObjectiveThe central symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is impaired motor function. Beta-band electrical activity in the motor network of the basal ganglia is closely related to motor function. In this study, we combined scalp electroencephalography (EEG), brain functional network, and clinical scales to investigate the effects of beta burst-period neural electrical activity on brain functional network characteristics, which may serve as a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. MethodsThirteen PD patients were included in the PD group, and 13 healthy subjects were included in the healthy control group. Resting-state EEG data were collected from both groups, and beta burst and non-burst periods were extracted. A phase synchronization network was constructed using weighted phase lag indices, and the topological feature parameters of phase synchronization network were compared between the two groups across different periods and four frequency bands. Additionally, the correlation between changes in network characteristics and clinical symptoms was analyzed. ResultsDuring the beta burst period, the topological characteristic parameters of phase synchronization network in all four frequency bands were significantly higher in PD patients compared to healthy controls. The average clustering coefficient of the phase synchronization network in the beta band during the beta burst period was negatively correlated with UPDRS-III scores. In the low gamma band during the non-burst period, the average clustering coefficient of phase synchronization network was positively correlated with UPDRS and UPDRS-III scores, while UPDRS-III scores were positively correlated with global efficiency and average degree. ConclusionThe brain functional network features of PD patients were significantly enhanced during the beta burst period. Moreover, the beta-band brain functional network characteristics during the beta burst period were negatively correlated with clinical scale scores, whereas low gamma-band functional network features during the non-burst period were positively correlated with clinical scale scores. These findings indicate that motor function impairment in PD patients is associated with the beta burst period. This study provides valuable insights for the diagnosis of PD.

ObjectiveTo investigate the chemical constituents of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra（CRPRR） that cross the blood-brain barrier in rats with ischemic stroke， their brain-protective effects， and their impact on inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and interleukin-18 （IL-18） based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry （UPLC-Q-TOF-MS） and pharmacodynamic experiments. MethodsA focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model was established in rats via the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion （MCAO/R） method using intraluminal suture. Neurological function was evaluated using behavioral scoring. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to identify the chemical constituents of CRPRR that crossed the blood-brain barrier and entered the cerebrospinal fluid in MCAO/R model rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups： sham operation group， model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose CRPRR groups （1.35， 2.7， 5.4 g·kg^-1， respectively）， and an edaravone group （5 mg·kg^-1）， with 12 rats in each group. The sham and model groups received normal saline， while the treatment groups received the respective doses of CRPRR once daily by gavage for three consecutive weeks. The brain-protective effects of CRPRR were assessed using the Longa five-point scoring method， open field test， Morris water maze， 2，3，5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride （TTC） staining， hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining， and transmission electron microscopy. ResultsNine chemical constituents were identified in the cerebrospinal fluid containing CRPRR， namely paeoniflorin， senkyunolide F， senkyunolide G， paeonimetabolin Ⅰ， paeoniflorin derivative， senkyunolide H， benzoylpaeoniflorin， senkyunolide A， and ligustilide. Animal experiment results showed that compared with the sham operation group， the model group exhibited disordered neuronal arrangement， severe vacuolation， nuclear pyknosis， and evident mitochondrial swelling. Chromatin aggregation and peripheralization were also observed. Neurological scores and the number of crossings in the central region were significantly increased （P<0.01）， while platform crossings were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and clear infarct areas were present （P<0.01）. Serum levels and protein expression of TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-18 were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， all dose groups of CRPRR showed marked improvement in neuronal morphology which was close to the normal level， with mitochondrial swelling alleviated and chromatin distribution more uniform. The medium- and high-dose groups significantly reduced neurological scores （P<0.01）， while the low-， medium-， and high-dose groups significantly reduced the number of central crossings （P<0.01） and infarct volume （P<0.01）， and decreased TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-18 levels （P<0.05， P<0.01） compared with the model group. Furthermore， the medium- and high-dose groups significantly reduced TNF-α protein expression （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and the high-dose group significantly reduced IL-1β and IL-18 protein expression （P<0.01）. ConclusionThis study confirmed that CRPRR improves neurological function and alleviates brain tissue damage in MCAO/R rats. Its mechanism may be associated with the downregulation of inflammatory factors TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-18， as well as the presence of nine active chemical constituents in cerebrospinal fluid， namely paeoniflorin， senkyunolide F， senkyunolide G， paeonimetabolin Ⅰ， paeoniflorin derivative， senkyunolide H， benzoylpaeoniflorin， senkyunolide A， and ligustilide， which are closely related to their brain-protective effects.