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 investigate the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild rodents in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, so as to provide insights into formulation of technical guidelines for monitoring of and the precise control strategy for S. japonicum infections in wild rodents during the elimination phase. Methods Two administrative villages where schistosomiasis was historically highly prevalent were selected each from Dongzhi County, Anhui Province, and Duchang County, Jiangxi Province as study villages. Wild rodents were captured from study villages with baited traps or cages at night in June and September, 2021. The number of rodents captured was recorded, and the rodent species was characterized based on morphologi-cal characteristics. Liver tissues were sampled from captured rodents for macroscopical observation of the presence of egg granu- lomas, and S. japonicum infection was detected simultaneously using liver tissue homogenate microscopy, examinations of mesenteric tissues for parasites, and modified Kato-Katz thick smear technique (Kato-Katz technique). A positive S. japonicum infection was defined as detection of S. japonicum eggs or adult worms by any of these methods. The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents were compared in different study villages and at different time periods, and the detection of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents was compared by different assays. Results The overall rate of wild ro- dent capture was 8.28% (237/2 861) in Dongzhi County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 9.24% (133/1 439) and 7.31% (104/1 422) in two study villages (χ² = 3.503, P = 0.061), and were 8.59% (121/1 409) and 7.99% (116/1 452) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ² = 0.337, P = 0.561). The overall rate of wild rodent capture was 3.72% (77/2 072) in Duchang County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 6.91% (67/970) and 0.91% (10/1 102) in two study villages (χ² = 51.901, P < 0.001), and were 4.13% (39/945) and 3.37% (38/1 127) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ² = 0.815, P = 0.365). Rattus norvegicus was the predominant rodent species captured in both counties, accounting for 70.04% (166/237) of all captured wild rodents in Dongzhi County and 88.31% (68/77) in Duchang County. No S. japonicum infection was detected in wild rodents captured in Duchang County. Nevertheless, the overall prevalence of S. japonicum infections was 51.05% (121/237) in wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, with prevalence rates of 50.38% (67/133) and 51.92% (54/104) in two study villages (χ² = 0.098, P = 0.755), and 54.31% (63/116) and 47.93% (58/121) in September and June, 2021, respectively (χ² = 0.964, P = 0.326). Of 237 wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, there were 140 (59.07%) rodents with visible hepatic egg granulomas, 117 (49.47%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs by liver tissue homogenate microscopy, 34 (14.35%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with Kato-Katz technique; however, no adult S. japonicum worms were detected in mesenteric tissues. In addition, hepatic egg granulomas were found in all wild rodents tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with liver tissue homogenate microscopy. Conclusions The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents vary greatly in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, and the prevalence of S. japonicum infection is slightly higher in wild rodents captured in autumn than in summer. Liver tissue is recommended as the preferred sample for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents, and a combination of macroscopical observation of hepatic egg granulomas and liver tissue homogenate microscopy may be a standard method for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents.

Objective Examine and analyze the current situation of the construction of national regional medical centers for children in China,in order to provide reference for promoting the high-quality development of national regional medical centers for children and other categories.Methods Refer to literature and official websites of relevant national departments and hospitals to obtain the required data and establish an analysis database for children's national regional medical centers.Using PEST analysis method,conduct research from four perspectives:politics,economy,society,and technology.Results The development trend of national regional medical centers for children is good,with a favorable policy environment,increasing demand for children's medical and health services,and high social expectations.However,there are issues such as targeted support policies that need to be improved,varying levels of economic security,regional cultural conflicts,and differences in technological resource levels.Conclusion It is suggested to improve the targeted policy support system,establish a sound compensation mechanism,actively integrate into the overall development of regional society,and integrate the advantages of various technological resources.

Objectives:To compare the efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopy(UBE)versus percutaneous endoscopy(PE)for treating cervical spondylotic radiculopathy(CSR)using meta-analysis.Methods:A compre-hensive search was conducted in PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,China National Knowl-edge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Database,and China Biomedical Literature Database for studies published since their inceptions up to June 2025 that reported clinical outcomes and complications of UBE and PE in the treatment of CSR.The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess randomized controlled trials,while the Newcastle-Ottawa scale(NOS)was applied to evaluate retrospective studies.Outcome indicators were ex-tracted including visual analogue scale(VAS)scores for neck and upper limb pain,neck disability index(NDI),operative time,intraoperative blood loss,length of hospital stay,incision size,preoperative and postoperative serum creatine kinase(CK)and C-reactive protein(CRP)levels,and postoperative complications.Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software.Results:A total of 10 literatures were included,all of which were retrospective studies,and six studies were 8 points of NOS scores,three studies were 7 points,and one study was 6 point,indicating moderate to high quality.The total sample comprised 782 patients(UBE:n=388;PE:n=394).Meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in operative time between groups[MD=-6.67,95％CI(-17.47,4.13),P=0.23].Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the PE group[MD=10.86,95％CI(0.64,21.07),P=0.04].No significant difference was observed in postoperative length of hospital stay[MD=0.49,95％CI(-0.00,0.99),P=0.05].Incision size was significantly smaller in the PE group[MD=7.13,95％CI(1.76,12.50),P=0.009].There were no significant intergroup differences in postoperative CK[MD=1.25,95％CI(-5.08,7.75),P=0.70]or CRP levels[MD=-0.03,95％CI(-0.08,0.02),P=0.23].There was no significant difference in neck pain VAS scores at various timepoints between the two groups[MD=-0.07,95％CI(-0.17,0.04),P=0.20].However,the UBE group was significantly lower in upper limb pain VAS scores at 3 months postoperatively[MD=-0.14,95％CI(-0.26,-0.01),P=0.03].No significant differences were found in NDI scores across follow-up periods[MD=-0.24,95％CI(-0.50,0.02),P=0.07]or in complication rates[OR=1.02,95％CI(0.51,2.03),P=0.95].Conclusions:Both UBE and PE operations are effective and safe in the treatment of CSR.The PE technique is associated with less intraoperative blood loss and smaller incisions,while UBE provides superior improvement in upper limb pain at the 3-month follow-up.

Objectives:To compare the efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopy(UBE)versus percutaneous endoscopy(PE)for treating cervical spondylotic radiculopathy(CSR)using meta-analysis.Methods:A compre-hensive search was conducted in PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,China National Knowl-edge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Database,and China Biomedical Literature Database for studies published since their inceptions up to June 2025 that reported clinical outcomes and complications of UBE and PE in the treatment of CSR.The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess randomized controlled trials,while the Newcastle-Ottawa scale(NOS)was applied to evaluate retrospective studies.Outcome indicators were ex-tracted including visual analogue scale(VAS)scores for neck and upper limb pain,neck disability index(NDI),operative time,intraoperative blood loss,length of hospital stay,incision size,preoperative and postoperative serum creatine kinase(CK)and C-reactive protein(CRP)levels,and postoperative complications.Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software.Results:A total of 10 literatures were included,all of which were retrospective studies,and six studies were 8 points of NOS scores,three studies were 7 points,and one study was 6 point,indicating moderate to high quality.The total sample comprised 782 patients(UBE:n=388;PE:n=394).Meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in operative time between groups[MD=-6.67,95％CI(-17.47,4.13),P=0.23].Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the PE group[MD=10.86,95％CI(0.64,21.07),P=0.04].No significant difference was observed in postoperative length of hospital stay[MD=0.49,95％CI(-0.00,0.99),P=0.05].Incision size was significantly smaller in the PE group[MD=7.13,95％CI(1.76,12.50),P=0.009].There were no significant intergroup differences in postoperative CK[MD=1.25,95％CI(-5.08,7.75),P=0.70]or CRP levels[MD=-0.03,95％CI(-0.08,0.02),P=0.23].There was no significant difference in neck pain VAS scores at various timepoints between the two groups[MD=-0.07,95％CI(-0.17,0.04),P=0.20].However,the UBE group was significantly lower in upper limb pain VAS scores at 3 months postoperatively[MD=-0.14,95％CI(-0.26,-0.01),P=0.03].No significant differences were found in NDI scores across follow-up periods[MD=-0.24,95％CI(-0.50,0.02),P=0.07]or in complication rates[OR=1.02,95％CI(0.51,2.03),P=0.95].Conclusions:Both UBE and PE operations are effective and safe in the treatment of CSR.The PE technique is associated with less intraoperative blood loss and smaller incisions,while UBE provides superior improvement in upper limb pain at the 3-month follow-up.

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and underlying mechanism of leucine(Leu)on meta-bolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease induced by high fat diet(HFD)in mice.METHODS C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into chow diet(normal),chow diet+Leu(normal+Leu),HFD and HFD+Leu groups,with 10 mice in each group.The mice in the normal and normal+Leu groups received chow diet while those in the HFD and HFD+Leu groups received HFD.Drinking water for mice in the normal+Leu and HFD+Leu groups was supplemented with 1.5%Leu.The experiment lasted 24 weeks,total food and water intake of mice were recorded weekly to calculate energy and Leu intake respectively.Energy metabolism of mice was detected at week 20 by the Oxymas/CLAMS Animal Metabolic System heat production,CO2 exhalation,O2 consumption and respiratory exchange rate(RER).At the end of week 24,the mice were sacrificed and the livers were harvested,followed by the oil red O staining to reveal the fat content.Western blotting was performed to analyze the changes in the activity of the liver branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase E1α(BCKDE1A),the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase alpha subunit(AMPKα),and the protein expressions of downstream effector molecules including silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator-1α(PGC-1α),fatty acid synthetase(FAS)and fatty acid binding protein 4(FABP4)in the liver of mice.RESULTS Total Leu intake of mice was significantly reduced in the HFD+Leu group,compared with the normal+Leu group.The mice fed with HFD significantly increased the energy intake body mass gain and liver mass,accompanied by fat accumulation in the liver,compared to the mice in the normal group.Simultaneously,the mice in the HFD group showed a decrease in CO2 exha-lation both by day and by night,and in the respiratory exchange ratio by day compared to the normal group.Compared with the HFD group,the body mass gain and liver mass obviously decreased in mice of the HFD+Leu group,and the liver fat accumulation was reduced.The mice in the HFD+Leu group exhib-ited higher heat production and O2 consumption,along with an increase in CO2 exhalation by day and by night.In addition,heat production,CO2 exhalation,and O2 consumption were significantly higher by night than by day(P<0.01).As for the respiratory exchange ratio,a night increase was seen in the mice from the normal group,normal+Leu group,and HFD group,but not in the HFD+Leu group.The results of Western blotting showed that compared with the normal group,the BCKDE1A phosphorylation inacti-vation was enhanced,AMPKα phosphorylation activation alleviated,the protein expressions of SIRT1 and PGC-1α downregulated(P<0.05),and the protein expressions of FAS and FABP4 increased in the livers of mice in the HFD group.Compared with the HFD group,the BCKDE1A phosphorylation inacti-vation was alleviated,AMPKα phosphorylation activation enhanced,the protein expressions of SIRT1 and PGC-1α increased,and the protein expressions of FAS and FABP4 downregulated in the livers of mice in the HFD+Leu group.CONCLUSION Leu can alleviate HFD-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in mice,which may be closely related to the promotion of energy metabo-lism and inhibition of fat synthesis.

Objective Examine and analyze the current situation of the construction of national regional medical centers for children in China,in order to provide reference for promoting the high-quality development of national regional medical centers for children and other categories.Methods Refer to literature and official websites of relevant national departments and hospitals to obtain the required data and establish an analysis database for children's national regional medical centers.Using PEST analysis method,conduct research from four perspectives:politics,economy,society,and technology.Results The development trend of national regional medical centers for children is good,with a favorable policy environment,increasing demand for children's medical and health services,and high social expectations.However,there are issues such as targeted support policies that need to be improved,varying levels of economic security,regional cultural conflicts,and differences in technological resource levels.Conclusion It is suggested to improve the targeted policy support system,establish a sound compensation mechanism,actively integrate into the overall development of regional society,and integrate the advantages of various technological resources.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the method and effectiveness of index finger proximal dorsal island flap supplied by the nutrient vessels of superficial branch of radial nerve for treatment of thumb skin and soft tissue defect. METHODS: Between August 2019 and December 2024, 12 patients with thumb skin and soft tissue defects caused by trauma accompanied by variation of the first dorsal metacarpal artery were treated. There were 8 males and 4 females, aged 19-55 years, with an average age of 32 years. The wound area ranged from 2.2 cm×2.0 cm to 5.5 cm×3.5 cm. The time from injury to operation ranged from 1.5 to 6.0 hours, with an average of 4.5 hours. After thorough debridement, the wound was repaired with a index finger proximal dorsal island flap supplied by the nutrient vessels of the superficial branch of the radial nerve. The flap area ranged from 2.4 cm×2.2 cm to 6.0 cm×4.0 cm. The donor site was repaired with free skin grafting. Regular follow-up was conducted postoperatively to observe the appearance, texture, sensory recovery of the flap, and the condition of the donor site. RESULTS: The operation time ranged from 30 to 72 minutes, with an average of 47 minutes; intraoperative blood loss ranged from 30 to 70 mL, with an average of 46 mL. After operation, partial necrosis occurred at the skin edge of the radial incision on the dorsum of the hand in 1 case, which healed after dressing changes; all other flaps survived uneventfully, with primary wound healing. The skin grafts at the donor sites all survived. All 12 patients were followed up 5-36 months, with an average of 14 months. The appearance and texture of the flaps were good. At last follow-up, the two-point discrimination of the flaps ranged from 4 to 9 mm, with an average of 5.2 mm. According to the functional evaluation criteria for upper limb issued by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the results were excellent in 11 cases and good in 1 case. No scar contracture, pain, or joint movement limitation was observed at the donor sites. CONCLUSION For patients with skin and soft tissue defects of the thumb accompanied by variation of the first dorsal metacarpal artery, the index finger proximal dorsal island flap supplied by the nutrient vessels of the superficial branch of the radial nerve can be selected. This method has advantages such as shorter operation time, less intraoperative bleeding, and good postoperative appearance and sensation of the flap.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Thumb/surgery* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Radial Nerve/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Surgical Flaps/innervation* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Skin Transplantation/methods* ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Fingers/surgery* ; Skin/injuries*

AIM:To analyze the characteristics and correlation of phacoemulsification parameters and anterior segment parameters in cataract patients with different blood glucose levels.METHODS:A total of 45 type 2 diabetic cataract patients(45 eyes)treated in our hospital from March 2023 to April 2024 were stratified into two groups based on glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)levels: group A: HbA1c <7%(n=18)and group B: 7%≤HbA1c<8.5%(n=27); a total of 94 age-matched age-related cataract patients(94 eyes)were enrolled as the control group(group C). All underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Anterior segment parameters, including corneal, lens and anterior chamber measurements, were recorded. Correlations between phacoemulsification parameters and anterior segment parameters were analyzed, and differences among groups were compared.RESULTS: In groups A and B, effective phacoemulsification time(EPT)negatively correlated with corneal endothelial cell density(CECD)(r=-0.315, P=0.035). Average phacoemulsification time(APT)positively correlated with the anterior corneal surface radius of curvature(Rm; r=0.402, P=0.006)and negatively correlated with the flat axis meridian curvature(K1), steep axis meridian curvature(K2), mean curvature(Km)of the anterior corneal surface, and lens density at 6 mm zones(PDZ3; all P<0.05). Average phacoemulsification energy(AVE)positively correlated with mean lens density(LD-mean), lens density at 2 mm zones(PDZ1), lens density at 4 mm zones(PDZ2), and PDZ3(all P<0.05), and negatively with pupil diameter(r=-0.385, P=0.009). In the group C, EPT showed a positive correlation with Pentacam nucleus staging(PNS)density grade, PDZ1, PDZ2, and PDZ3(all P<0.05). A positive correlation was observed between AVE and PNS classification(r=0.246, P=0.018). Conversely, AVE exhibited a negative correlation with CECD(r=-0.245, P=0.018). EPT in groups A and B was higher than that in the group C(P<0.05). Both EPT and APT in the group B were higher than those in the group A(P<0.05). In diabetic cataract patients, CECD, corneal density(CD), and posterior corneal surface height positively correlated with diabetes duration(P<0.05). Posterior corneal surface K1 and Rm positively correlated with 7%≤HbA1c<8.5%(P<0.05). Total corneal astigmatism negatively correlated with HbA1c, 2-hour post-breakfast blood glucose(2hPBG), and fasting insulin(FINS; P<0.05). CD and lens thickness(LT)positively correlated with FINS(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification parameters and blood glucose-related indices exhibited varying degrees of correlation with anterior segment parameters in cataract patients with different blood glucose levels. EPT in diabetic cataract patients was higher than that in age-related cataract patients, while EPT and APT in diabetic cataract patients with poor glycemic control were higher than those with good glycemic control.