Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of leptospirosis in China from 2010 to 2022, so as to provide insights into formulation of the leptospirosis control strategy. Methods All data pertaining to clinically diagnosed cases and confirmed cases of leptospirosis reported in China from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2022 was collected from Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information Management System. The spatial, temporal and population distributions, and report and diagnosis institutions of leptospirosis cases were analyzed using a descriptive epidemiological method. Results A total of 4 559 leptospirosis cases were reported in China from 2010 to 2022, with an annual average number of 351 cases, and the number of reported leptospirosis cases reduced from 679 cases in 2010 to 158 cases in 2018. A total of 4 276 leptospirosis cases were reported in Sichuan Province, Yunnan Province, Guangdong Province, Hunan Province, Fujian Province, Zhejiang Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Anhui Province, Jiangxi Province and Guizhou Province, accounting for 93.79% of the total number of leptospirosis cases in China. The number of leptospirosis cases had recently appeared a remarkable decline in Yunnan Province, while a significant rise was seen in the number of leptospirosis cases in two provinces of Zhejiang and Guangdong. No leptospirosis cases were reported in Henan Province from 2010 to 2020; however, there were 5 cases and 2 cases reported in 2021 and 2022, respectively. There was only one leptospirosis case reported in Shaanxi Province from 2010 to 2017; however, leptospirosis cases were reported in the province for 5 consecutive years since 2018. Leptospirosis cases were reported throughout the year in China from 2010 to 2022, with the peak of incidence found during the period between August and October, and the peak of leptospirosis incidence varied in provinces. A higher number of leptospirosis cases was seen among men than among women, with a male to female ratio of 2.3:1, and the median age of leptospirosis cases was 50 years (interquartile range, 23 years), with the highest proportion of leptospirosis cases reported at ages of 51 to 60 years (23.21%). Among all reported leptospirosis cases, 53.28% were confirmed cases, and the proportion of confirmed cases increased from 35.05% in 2010 to 61.66% in 2022. In addition, there were 67.22% of leptospirosis cases (2 937 cases) reported by comprehensive hospitals, 20.44% (893 cases) by disease control and prevention institutions, 7.23% (316 cases) by grassroots healthcare institutions and 5.10% (223 cases) by other healthcare and medical institutions, and the mortality of reported leptospirosis cases was 1.07% in China from 2010 to 2022, with a higher mortality seen among men than among women (1.39% vs. 0.36%; χ² = 9.52, P = 0.002). Conclusions The incidence of leptospirosis remained at a low level in China from 2010 to 2022, and southern China was still the main endemic area for leptospirosis. The epidemiological characteristics of leptospirosis cases varied in endemic provinces, and leptospirosis cases had been continued to be reported in Shaanxi and Henan provinces, which should be paid much attention to. Intensified surveillance of leptospirosis, improved diagnosis and treatment capability of leptospirosis cases and leptospirosis control with adaptations to local circumstance are recommended.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by viscerotropic Leishmania species and transmitted by bites of infected phlebotomine sandflies, which is predominantly prevalent in the Indian subcontinent, eastern Africa and South America. Currently, visceral leishmaniasis is the second most fatal parasitic disease in the world. Because of climate changes, urban development and individual conditions, there are changes in the density of visceral leishmaniasis vector sandflies and the likelihood of contact with humans, resulting in a visceral leishmaniasis transmission risk. The review summarizes natural, social and biological factors affecting the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis, so as to provide insights into formulation of targeted control measures for visceral leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND: The presence of fibrosis is a criterion for subtype classification in the newly updated hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) guidelines. The present study aimed to summarize differences in clinical characteristics and prognosis of non-fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (NFHP) and fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (FHP) and explore factors associated with the presence of fibrosis. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, patients diagnosed with HP through a multidisciplinary discussion were enrolled. Collected data included demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and radiologic and histopathological features. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore factors related to the presence of fibrosis. RESULTS: A total of 202 patients with HP were enrolled, including 87 (43.1%) NFHP patients and 115 (56.9%) FHP patients. Patients with FHP were older and more frequently presented with dyspnea, crackles, and digital clubbing than patients with NFHP. Serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 125, carbohydrate antigen 153, gastrin-releasing peptide precursor, squamous cell carcinoma antigen, and antigen cytokeratin 21-1, and count of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) eosinophils were higher in the FHP group than in the NFHP group. BAL lymphocytosis was present in both groups, but less pronounced in the FHP group. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that older age, <20% of lymphocyte in BAL, and ≥1.75% of eosinophil in BAL were risk factors for the development of FHP. Twelve patients developed adverse outcomes, with a median survival time of 12.5 months, all of whom had FHP. CONCLUSIONS Older age, <20% of lymphocyte in BAL, and ≥1.75% of eosinophil in BAL were risk factors associated with the development of FHP. Prognosis of patients with NFHP was better than that of patients with FHP. These results may provide insights into the mechanisms of fibrosis in HP.
Humans ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; Prospective Studies ; Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic/diagnosis* ; Fibrosis ; Carbohydrates

Background: and Purpose Intravenous tenecteplase (TNK) efficacy has not been well demonstrated in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) beyond 4.5 hours after onset. This study aimed to determine the effect of intravenous TNK for AIS within 4.5 to 24 hours of onset. Methods: In this pilot trial, eligible AIS patients with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) mismatch were randomly allocated to intravenous TNK (0.25 mg/kg) or standard care within 4.5–24 hours of onset. The primary endpoint was excellent functional outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score of 0–1). The primary safety endpoint was symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Results: Of the randomly assigned 80 patients, the primary endpoint occurred in 52.5% (21/40) of TNK group and 50.0% (20/40) of control group, with no significant difference (unadjusted odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval 0.46–2.66; P=0.82). More early neurological improvement occurred in TNK group than in control group (11 vs. 3, P=0.03), but no significant differences were found in other secondary endpoints, such as mRS 0–2 at 90 days, shift analysis of mRS at 90 days, and change in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at 24 hours and 7 days. There were no cases of sICH in this trial; however, asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 3 of the 40 patients (7.5%) in the TNK group. Conclusion This phase 2, randomized, multicenter study suggests that intravenous TNK within 4.5–24 hours of onset may be safe and feasible in AIS patients with a DWI-FLAIR mismatch.

Objective: To develop effective alternatives to natural enzymes, it is crucial to develop nanozymes that are economical, resource efficient, and environmentally conscious. Carbon nanomaterials that have enzyme-like activities have been extensively developed as substitutes for traditional enzymes. Methods: Carbide-derived carbons (CDCs) were directly synthesized via a one-step electrochemical method from a MAX precursor using an ammonium bifluoride electrolyte at ambient conditions. The CDCs were characterized by systematic techniques. Results: CDCs showed bienzyme-like activities similar to that of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. We systematically studied the dependence of CDC enzyme-like activity on different electrolytes and electrolysis times to confirm activity dependence on CDC content. Additionally, the synthesis mechanism and CDC applicability were elaborated and demonstrated, respectively. Conclusion The demonstrated synthesis strategy eliminates tedious intercalation and delamination centrifugation steps and avoids using high concentrations of HF, high temperatures, and halogen gases. This study paves the way for designing two-dimensional material-based nanocatalysts for nanoenzyme and other applications.
Ammonium Compounds/chemical synthesis* ; Carbon/chemistry* ; Electrochemical Techniques ; Enzymes ; Fluorides/chemical synthesis* ; Humans ; Nanostructures ; Oxidation-Reduction

Objective    To analyze the value of structured electronic medical records for pulmonary nodules in increasing the ability of outpatient service and hospital management by resident physicians. Methods    We included 40 trainees [94 males and 26 females aged 22-31 (26.45±2.81) years] who were trained in the standardized training base for surgical residents in our hospital from January 2018 to January 2021. The trainees were randomly divided into two groups including a structured group using the structured electronic medical record for pulmonary nodule and an unstructured group using unstructured electronic medical record designed by our department. The time of completing hospitalization records and first-time course records, the quality of course records, the accuracy of issuing admission orders, the quality of teaching rounds, and patient’s satisfaction between the two groups were analyzed and compared. Results    (1) The average time in the structured group to complete inpatient medical records was significantly shorter than that of the unstructured group (53.61±8.12 min vs. 84.25±16.09 min, P<0.010); the average time in the structured group to complete the first-time course record was shorter than that of the unstructured group (13.20±5.43 min vs. 27.51±8.62 min, P<0.010), and there was a significant statistical difference between the two groups. (2) The overall teaching round quality score of the students in the structured group was significantly higher than that in the unstructured group (84.21±15.61 vs. 70.91±12.28, P<0.010). (3) The score of the medical record writing quality of the structured group was significantly higher than that of the unstructured group (80.25±9.22 vs. 74.22±5.40, P<0.010). Conclusion    The structured electronic medical record specific for pulmonary nodules can effectively improve the training efficiency in the standardized training of surgical residents, improve the clinical ability to deal with pulmonary nodules, improve the integrity and accuracy of key clinical data collected by students, and improve doctor-patient relationship.

The primary and secondary tuberculosis features two completely different pathogenesis.At present,the pathogenesis of primary tuberculosis has been clear,whereas that of secondary tuberculosis remains unclear.In order to decipher the mechanism of secondary infection of
Coinfection ; Cord Factors ; Humans ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis ; Tuberculosis ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

BACKGROUND: Shenyankangfu Tablet (SYKFT) is a Chinese patent medicine that has been used widely to decrease proteinuria and the progression of chronic kidney disease. OBJECTIVE: This trial compared the efficacy and safety of SYKFT, for the control of proteinuria in primary glomerulonephritis patients, against the standard drug, losartan potassium. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION: This was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Primary glomerulonephritis patients, aged 18-70 years, with blood pressure ≤ 140/90 mmHg, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 45 mL/min per 1.73 m MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was change in the 24-hour proteinuria level, after 48 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 735 participants were enrolled. The percent decline of urine protein quantification in the SYKFT group after 48 weeks was 8.78% ± 2.56% (P = 0.006) more than that in the losartan 50 mg group, which was 0.51% ± 2.54% (P = 1.000) less than that in the losartan 100 mg group. Compared with the losartan potassium 50 mg group, the SYKFT plus losartan potassium 50 mg group had a 13.39% ± 2.49% (P < 0.001) greater reduction in urine protein level. Compared with the losartan potassium 100 mg group, the SYKFT plus losartan potassium 100 mg group had a 9.77% ± 2.52% (P = 0.001) greater reduction in urine protein. With a superiority threshold of 15%, neither was statistically significant. eGFR, serum creatinine and serum albumin from the baseline did not change statistically significant. The average change in TCM syndrome score between the patients who took SYKFT (-3.00 [-6.00, -2.00]) and who did not take SYKFT (-2.00 [-5.00, 0]) was statistically significant (P = 0.003). No obvious adverse reactions were observed in any group. CONCLUSION: SYKFT decreased the proteinuria and improved the TCM syndrome scores of primary glomerulonephritis patients, with no change in the rate of decrease in the eGFR. SYKFT plus losartan potassium therapy decreased proteinuria more than losartan potassium therapy alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02063100 on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Objective:To investigate the influence of collateral circulation evaluated by CT perfusion (CTP) imaging in infarction progression and clinical prognoses of patients with acute large-artery occlusion of the anterior circulation before and after thrombectomy.Methods:One hundred and ten patients with acute large-artery occlusion of the anterior circulation within 24 h of onset, admitted to our hospital from May 2018 to September 2019, were chosen in our study; all patients completed thrombectomy; their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Regional leptomeningeal collateral-temporally fused maximum intensity projection (rLMC-tMIP) was used to evaluate the collateral circulation based on 4D-CT angiography (4D-CTA). According to the core infarct volume in CTP imaging and the diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) results of MR within one week of surgery, the progressive infarct volume was calculated. Modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to evaluate the prognoses of these patients 3 months after surgery.Results:(1) There were 56 patients with good collateral circulation and 54 patients with poor collateral circulation. Age ( OR=0.951, 95%CI: 0.910-0.993, P=0.023), cardiac dysfunction ( OR=0.116, 95%CI: 0.018-0.731, P=0.022), baseline fasting blood glucose ( OR=0.788, 95%CI: 0.646-0.961, P=0.019), wakefulness stroke ( OR=0.093, 95%CI: 0.023-0.380, P=0.001), and site of vascular occlusion ( OR=7.604, 95%CI: 2.650-21.821, P=0.000) were independent influencing factors for collateral circulation. (2) Scores of rLMC-tMIP ( 95%CI: -2.947- -1.474, P=0.000), volume of ischemic penumbra ( 95%CI: 0.065-0.126, P=0.000), scores of edema in the brain tissues ( 95%CI: 2.952-7.600, P=0.000), hemorrhage transformation ( 95%CI: 8.966-23.114, P=0.000), and 24 h NIHSS scores ( 95%CI: 0.606-1.248, P=0.000) were independent influencing factors for volume of progressive infarction. (3) There were 59 patients having good prognosis and 51 patients having poor prognosis. Hemorrhage transformation ( OR=0.019, 95%CI: 0.001-0.275, P=0.004) and progressive infarction volume ( OR=0.824, 95%CI: 0.756-0.897, P=0.000) were independent influencing factors for prognoses of patients with acute large-artery occlusion of the anterior circulation after thrombectomy. Conclusion:The scores of rLMC-tMIP based on 4D-CTA can well predict the infarction volume in patients with acute large-artery occlusion of the anterior circulation within 24 h of onset, which can effctively evaluate the clinical prognoses of the patients.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of endovascular recanalization 6-24 h after onset in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion,and explore the related factors for their prognoses.Methods Clinical data of 37 patients with acute basilar artery occlusion,received endovascular recanalization in our hospital from January 2016 to July 2019,were retrospectively collected;23 patients were into group of onset-to-puncture time (OPT)＞6 h (6-24 h),and 14 patients were into group of OPT ≤ 6 h (0-6 h).Statistical methods were used to compare the postoperative symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate,good prognosis rate (modified Rankin scale [mRS] scores ≤ 3) and mortality 3 months after onset between the two groups;clinical data between the subgroups with good and poor prognoses in patients of group of OPT＞6 h were compared.Results The postoperative symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate,and good prognosis rate and mortality of patients from group of OPT＞6 h were 30.4％,47.8％ and 43.5％,respectively;and there were no statistically significant differences as compared with those in patients from group of OPT≤6 h (35.7％,35.7％,and 42.9％,P＞0.05).Scores of scales based on preoperative CTA images (posterior circulation-Alberta stroke program early CT scale [pc-ASPECTS],scale of posterior circulation on CTA [pc-CTA],and scale of basilar artery on CTA [BATMAN]) showed significant differences between the good prognosis subgroup and poor prognosis subgroup in patients fiom group of OPT＞6 h (P＜0.05).Conclusion Endovascular recanalization 6-24 h after onset is effective in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion,and the safety does not obviously decrease;scores of pc-ASPECTS,pc-CTA and BATMAN may be related to the clinical prognoses.