ObjectiveTo assess the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Shenlong decoction in addressing the symptoms of pulmonary deficiency and stasis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF）. MethodsSixty eligible patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF were randomly assigned to the observation （30 patients） and control groups （30 patients）. All patients underwent standard Western medical therapy. Additionally，the observation group received Shenlong decoction granules，while the control group received a placebo. Both treatments were packaged in four doses of 10.5 g each，taken twice daily for three months. The indexes of the patients during the treatment cycle were observed，and the main indexes include traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores and 6 min walk test （6MWT）. The secondary indexes include pulmonary function test ［actual value/expected value of total lung volume （TLC%），actual value/expected value of vital capacity（FVC%），actual/predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide（DLCO%），actual/predicted forced expiratory volume in one second （FEV₁%），and FEV₁/ forced vital capacity （FVC）］，blood gas analysis ［arterial blood diathesis partial pressure of oxygen （PaO₂），partial pressure of carbon dioxide （PaCO₂），and arterial oxygen saturation （SaO₂）］，serum inflammatory factors ［transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁），interleukin-4 （IL-4），interleukin-13 （IL-13），interleukin-12 （IL-12），and gamma-interferon （IFN-γ）］，and quality of survival evaluation ［St George's Respiratory Questionnaire （SGRQ） score］. The patients' clinical manifestations were determined at the end of the treatment， and the occurrence of adverse events was recorded. ResultsA total of 53 patients completed the study，comprising 27 in the control group and 26 in the observation group. Upon completion of the treatment period，the control group achieved a total effective rate of 33.33% （9/27），whereas the observation group demonstrated a total effective rate of 53.85% （14/26），which was statistically superior to the control group （χ²=4.034，P<0.05）. After the treatment，the TCM syndrome scores，6MWT，DLCO%，FEV₁%，PaO₂，PaCO₂，TGF-β₁，IL-4，IL-13，IL-12，and IFN-γ in the two groups were all significantly improved （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the control group after treatment at the same period，the TCM syndrome scores，6MWT，PaO₂，and PaCO₂ were significantly improved in the observation group after 60 days and 90 days of medication （P<0.01）. Three months after the end of medication，the SGRQ score in the observation group showed significant improvement when compared to that in the control group （P<0.05），and no severe adverse events were reported during the follow-up period. ConclusionCompound Shenlong decoction can alleviate clinical symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF，enhance exercise tolerance，improve the quality of life，and have certain potential advantages in improving pulmonary function.

ObjectiveTo assess the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Shenlong decoction in addressing the symptoms of pulmonary deficiency and stasis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF）. MethodsSixty eligible patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF were randomly assigned to the observation （30 patients） and control groups （30 patients）. All patients underwent standard Western medical therapy. Additionally，the observation group received Shenlong decoction granules，while the control group received a placebo. Both treatments were packaged in four doses of 10.5 g each，taken twice daily for three months. The indexes of the patients during the treatment cycle were observed，and the main indexes include traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores and 6 min walk test （6MWT）. The secondary indexes include pulmonary function test ［actual value/expected value of total lung volume （TLC%），actual value/expected value of vital capacity（FVC%），actual/predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide（DLCO%），actual/predicted forced expiratory volume in one second （FEV₁%），and FEV₁/ forced vital capacity （FVC）］，blood gas analysis ［arterial blood diathesis partial pressure of oxygen （PaO₂），partial pressure of carbon dioxide （PaCO₂），and arterial oxygen saturation （SaO₂）］，serum inflammatory factors ［transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁），interleukin-4 （IL-4），interleukin-13 （IL-13），interleukin-12 （IL-12），and gamma-interferon （IFN-γ）］，and quality of survival evaluation ［St George's Respiratory Questionnaire （SGRQ） score］. The patients' clinical manifestations were determined at the end of the treatment， and the occurrence of adverse events was recorded. ResultsA total of 53 patients completed the study，comprising 27 in the control group and 26 in the observation group. Upon completion of the treatment period，the control group achieved a total effective rate of 33.33% （9/27），whereas the observation group demonstrated a total effective rate of 53.85% （14/26），which was statistically superior to the control group （χ²=4.034，P<0.05）. After the treatment，the TCM syndrome scores，6MWT，DLCO%，FEV₁%，PaO₂，PaCO₂，TGF-β₁，IL-4，IL-13，IL-12，and IFN-γ in the two groups were all significantly improved （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the control group after treatment at the same period，the TCM syndrome scores，6MWT，PaO₂，and PaCO₂ were significantly improved in the observation group after 60 days and 90 days of medication （P<0.01）. Three months after the end of medication，the SGRQ score in the observation group showed significant improvement when compared to that in the control group （P<0.05），and no severe adverse events were reported during the follow-up period. ConclusionCompound Shenlong decoction can alleviate clinical symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF，enhance exercise tolerance，improve the quality of life，and have certain potential advantages in improving pulmonary function.

Objective:To learn about the operation of fluoride reduction and water improvement projects, the current situation of water fluoride level and the changing trend of fluorosis in drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas in Shaanxi Province, and to evaluate the effect of prevention and control measures.Methods:From March 2014 to December 2021, 15 endemic villages in drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas of Dali, Dingbian, Jingbian, Jingyang and Liquan counties in Shaanxi Province were selected as monitoring villages to investigate the operation of water improvement projects. Water samples were collected, and the water fluoride level was detected according to the "Standard Examination Methods for Drinking Water - Nonmetal Parameters" (GB/T 5750.5-2006). "Diagnosis of Dental Fluorosis" (WS/T 208-2011) was done to detect dental fluorosis in all children aged 8 - 12 who were born and lived in the monitoring village. Using "Diagnostic Standard for Endemic Skeletal Fluorosis" (WS/T 192-2008) and "Determination of Fluoride in Urine - Ion Selective Electrode Method" (WS/T 89-2015), X-ray examination and urine fluoride level test were performed on adults over 25 years old who had lived in the monitoring village for more than 5 years, respectively.Results:From 2014 to 2021, a total of 122 water improvement projects were investigated, all of which were in normal operation. The qualified rate of water fluoride increased from 81.25% (13/16) in 2014 to 100.00% (11/11) in 2021. A total of 5 595 children aged 8 - 12 were examined, 1 790 children with dental fluorosis were detected, with a detection rate of 31.99%. The detection rate of dental fluorosis in children decreased from 52.05% (304/584) in 2014 to 9.68% (93/961) in 2021, showing an overall downward trend (χ 2trend = 533.76, P < 0.001). In 2014, 791 adults were examined, and 256 patients with skeletal fluorosis were detected, the detection rate was 32.36%. In 2019, 770 adults were examined, and 88 patients with skeletal fluorosis were detected, with a detection rate of 11.43%. The detection rate of skeletal fluorosis in adults in 2019 was lower than that in 2014, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2 = 99.54, P < 0.001). In 2014, 754 adult urine samples were collected, and the geometric mean of urine fluoride was 2.571 mg/L. In 2019, 770 adult urine samples were collected, and the geometric mean of urine fluoride was 1.292 mg/L. The geometric mean of urine fluoride in adults in 2019 was lower than that in 2014, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z = - 12.74, P < 0.001). Conclusions:From 2014 to 2021, the water improvement projects in drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas in Shaanxi Province are running normally, and the qualified rate of water fluoride has increased. The incidence of dental fluorosis in children and skeletal fluorosis in adults has decreased. In the later stage, it is necessary to continuously strengthen the monitoring and management of water improvement projects to prevent the rebound of water fluoride from causing residents' illness.

OBJECTIVES: The association between concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO), nitrogen dioxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O), and emergency ambulance dispatches (EADs) for asthma was explored in the central Sichuan Basin of southwestern China for the first time. METHODS: EADs for asthma were collected from the Chengdu First-Aid Command Center. Pollutant concentrations were collected from 24 municipal environmental monitoring centers and including SO, NO, CO, daily 8-h mean concentrations of O (O-8 h), and particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM). The climatic data were collected from the Chengdu Municipal Meteorological Bureau. All data were collected from years spanning 2013-2017. A time-stratified case-crossover design was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: After controlling for temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure, IQR increases in SO (13 μg/m), NO (17 μg/m), and CO (498 μg/m) were associated with 18.8%, 11.5%, and 3.1% increases in EADs for asthma, respectively. The associations were strongest for EADs and SO, NO, and CO levels with 3-, 5-, and 1-day lags, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study provides additional data to the limited body of literature for potential health risks arising from ambient gaseous pollutants. The results of the study suggest that increased concentrations of SO, NO, and CO were positively associated with emergency ambulance dispatches for asthma in Chengdu, China. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of individual air pollutants on asthma.
Air Pollutants ; analysis ; toxicity ; Asthma ; chemically induced ; epidemiology ; Carbon Monoxide ; analysis ; toxicity ; China ; epidemiology ; Cities ; Cross-Over Studies ; Emergency Medical Dispatch ; statistics & numerical data ; Environmental Monitoring ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Nitrogen Dioxide ; analysis ; toxicity ; Ozone ; analysis ; toxicity ; Particle Size ; Particulate Matter ; analysis ; toxicity ; Risk ; Sulfur Dioxide ; analysis ; toxicity

Objective To understand the schedule and effectiveness of water-improving defluoridation projects comprehensively in control of fluorosis in drinking-water-borne endemic fluorosis areas in Shaanxi Province,and to provide a scientific basis for making strategies in prevention and control the disease for the next step.Methods The progress of drinking-water-borne endemic fluorosis water-improving defluoridation projects and operation condition were investigated in Shaanxi (fluoride content of drinking water was greater than 1.2 mg/L in the endemic areas) in 2014,and children aged 8 to 12 in 32 epidemic villages of six counties including Jingbian,Dingbian,Dali,Jingyang,Qian and Liquan were selected to survey dental fluorosis.Results In Shaanxi Province,the number of villages with water fluorine content of more than 1.2 mg/L was 5 005 and water improvement rate was 83.42％ (4 175/5 005),water-improving projects operated normally rate was 85.05％ (3 551/4 175),and scraped was 37,accounted for 0.89％ (37/4 175).There were 830 epidemic villages without water-improving projects in Shaanxi Province,and high fluoride exposed population was 579 400,mainly distributed in Yulin,Xianyang,Weinan and Yan'an cities.A total of 1 849 children aged 8 to 12 in the 6 counties were examined,the detection rate of dental fluorosis was 56.57％ (1 046/1 849),the index of dental fluorosis was 1.11.Conclusion In drinking-water-borne fluorosis epidemic areas of Shaanxi,the improved-water rate is generally high,and the normal operation of waterimproving projects is overall good,but the measures for water-improving defluoridation must be reinforced and improved.

Objective To analyze retrospectively the death pattern, risk factors, and death time of 253 patients at the Respiratory Care Unit of General Hospital of PLA in order to improve care quality and reduce mortality.Methods The information of patients was extracted from the hospital information system ( HIS) , and then classified and calculated accord-ing to different time points.Results Between November and next March,the mortality rate was higher than in other months (P<0.05), accounting for 19.5%.Mortality of those admitted between 8∶01 and 9∶00 or between 23∶01 and 24∶00 was higher than at other times(P<0.05), accounting for 41.7%and 50.0%, respectively.There was statistically significant difference(P<0.01) in mortality between days of the week,with the highest on Saturday, accounting for 43.1%.Mortality on non-work days was higher than on workday(P<0.01), accounting for 38.3% and 13.2%, respectively.Mortality at off-hour was higher than at office time(8∶00-11∶30 and 14∶30-18∶00 on workday) (P<0.01), accounting for 31.3%and 5.2%, respectively.Logistic regression analysis showed that age, month of admission, and the hour of discharge were associated with the outcome.Conclusion The high mortality between November and next March may be related to the higher incidence of respiratory diseases in winter, air pollution and cold weather.High mortality is also significantly associ-ated with the care quality of the medical staff.

Objective To investigate the operating situation of water-improvement projects,fluoride content in drinking water and the tendency of drinking-water-born fluorosis in Shaanxi Province.Methods In the areas of drinking-water-born endemic fluorosis,15 villages in 5 counties were randomly selected as monitoring sites,by random number table method.Ten water-improvement projects in each county were randomly selected to investigate the operating situation and 1 water sample from the tap water of each water-improvement project was collected to determine the fluoride level in 2009-2011.For water-improvement villages,the operating situation of the water-improvement projects was monitored and 1 water sample from the tap water of each water-improvement project was collected to determine the fluoride level,and for water-unimprovement villages,1 water sample from each direction of the east,west,south,north and middle of the villages was collected,respectively,to determine fluoride level in 2009-2013.Dental fluorosis of 8-12 years old children and X-ray skeletal fluorosis of adults 25 years old were examined in each village.Water fluoride was tested according to the Standard Testing Methods for Drinking Water (GB/T 5750.5-2006).Diagnosis of dental fluorosis was based on the Dean's Standard (2009 to 2011 edition) and WS/T 208-2011 (2012 to 2013 edition) and that of the adults X-ray skeletal fluorosis was based on WS 192-2008.Results The number of investigated water-improvement projects was 146 in survey counties and 68 in survey villages.The normal operation rates were 97.95％ (143/146) and 98.53％ (67/68),respectively.The qualified rates of water fluoride were 53.42％ (73/146) and 61.67％ (42/68),respectively.The populations covered by the qualified water-improvement projects were 18.93％ and 8.70％ of the total water-improvement projects.And,78.95％ (15/19) of the water-unimproved villages had a water fluoride level of over 1.2 mg/L in the drinking water.In the water-improved villages,children dental fluorosis rate reached an average of 41.62％ (1 061/2 549) and decreased year by year from 2009 to 2013 (except 2012) (x2 =46.818,P ＜ 0.01),but in the water-unimproved villages,the rate was 64.73％(1 167/1 803) on average and did not go down year by year,and the difference was statistically significant (x2 =225.557,P ＜ 0.01).Adults X-ray skeletal fluorosis rate was 22.55％(124/550) in the water-improved villages and 30.00％ (60/200) in the water-unimproved villages in 2009,and the difference was statistically significant (x2 =4.402,P ＜ 0.05).In 2013,adults X-ray skeletal fluorosis rate was 34.17％(219/641) in the water-improved villages and 24.67％(37/150) in the water-unimproved villages,and the difference was statistically significant (x2 =5.010,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The measures of water improvement against fluoride have showed definitely control effects,but excess fluoride in drinking water is still a health problem,and the prevalence of fluorosis is not controlled completely.The control work remains to be further strengthened and deepened.

This article elaborated the theory of chronic and complex disease treatment based on collaterals. It put forward that complex virtual evil stasis was the common pathogenesis of chronic and complex disease treatment. Combined with articles published in recent 5 years, from the perspective of cytokines and genes, it summarized traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound targets in chronic and complex disease treatment. It put forward the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), matrix metalloproteinases/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (MMPs/TIMPs) were its high-frequency targets. It provided a basis for future experiment design on chronic and complex disease treatment based on collaterals as well as new drug development.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of X-ray signs of water-related and coal-burning borne endemic fluorosis in Shaanxi Province,so as to provide a theoretical basis for revising X-ray diagnostic criteria of skeletal fluorosis in the future.Methods The X-ray data of 2 525 cases of patients with endemic fluorosis from the central subsidies to local public health programs were collected from 2008 to 2011,and the X-ray signs,age,gender distribution,detection rate were analyzed statistically ; skeletal fluorosis was diagnosed on the basis of skeletal diagnostic criteria(WS 192-2008).Results The 2 525 cases observed were taken X-ray film on forearm and shank.In the X-ray signs of patients from fluorosis areas,the detection rates were higher,and these signs were mainly radial crest of increase,marginal sclerosis,surface thickening and forearm interosseous membrane ossification and forearm interosseous membrane calcification which showed bud break ground sign,which accounted for 29.91％(242/809),17.92％(145/809) and 17.69％ (143/809),respectively.Three X-ray signs occurred in the forearm,and the total detection rate based on the forearm signs was 88.12％ (721/809); 682 cases of skeletal fluorosis were detected and the detection rate was 27.01％ (682/2 525),including 401 mild cases accounting for 15.88％ (401/2 525); 236 moderate cases that accounted for 9.35％ (236/2 525); 45 severe cases accounted for 1.78％(45/2 525).With age,the prevalence increased gradually.After the age of 55 reached the peak,and the difference was significant statistically between different ages (x2 =228.58,P ＜ 0.05).The total prevalence was not significantly different between male group and female group (x2 =0.74,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions With age,the prevalence of skeletal fluorosis is increased,and the skeletal fluorosis is not different between different sexes.The X-ray sign results have showed that the prevalence based on forearm signs is high and specific.We suggest to diagnose skeletal fluorosis by the X-ray signs of the forearm in the diagnostic standard revision,so as to reduce financial input,workload and radiation level to the patient.

Objective To investigate the correlation of rupture risk of intracranial aneurysms with aneurysm diameter,blood pressure,neck width,gender,age,and smoking and alcohol histories of the patients.Methods Retrospective analysis of the clinical and radiological data of 928 patients with intracranial aneurysm,admitted to our hospital from January 2011 to December 2012,was performed; according to rupture situation,these patients were divide into ruptured group (n=411) and unruptured group (n=517); univariate analysis and multivaviable Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the rupture risk of intracranial aneurysms,including aneurysm diameter,blood pressure,neck width,gender,age,and smoking and alcohol histories.Results Univariate analysis showed that there were statistical significances between the two groups on aneurysm diameter,blood pressure,aneurysm neck width,gender,smoking history (P＜0.05); multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that aneurysm diameter was the independent risk factor of rupture of aneurysms (P=0.001).Conclusion Aneurysm diameter is a key risk of rupture for intracranial aneurysms,while rupture of intracranial aneurysms is not correlated to the blood pressure,aneurysm neck width,gender,age,and smoking and alcohol histories.