As a complex autoimmune disease， rheumatoid arthritis （RA） involves immune microenvironment dysregulation resulting from excessive activation of pyroptosis， which is a crucial factor in disease progression. Based on the theory of ying-wei in traditional Chinese medicine， "ying decline and wei attack" is considered the fundamental pathogenesis of RA. Pyroptosis serves as a microscopic manifestation of this concept， suggesting a potential correlation between "ying decline and wei attack" and pyroptosis nd immune microenvironment dysregulation in RA. Accordingly， treatment principles based on this theory are proposed： in the early stage of the disease， boosting wei to consolidate the exterior， and regulating ying to dispel pathogens； in the middle and late stages， harmonizing ying to remove stagnation， and nourishing its transformational source.

ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of action of the Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-relieving Decoction （祛风通窍止咳方， QTCD） in the treatment of upper airway cough syndrome （UACS）. MethodsTwenty-four guinea pigs were randomly divided into blank group， model group， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） group， and inhibitor group， with six guinea pigs in each group. Except for the blank group， guinea pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection， followed by ovalbumin nasal drops combined with smoke exposure to establish the UACS model. After modeling， the TCM group was administered QTCD 0.9 g/（100 g·d） by gavage， the inhibitor group received the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 （TRPV4） inhibitor GSK2193874 1 mmol/L， 5 min by nebulisation， and the blank group and model group were given 2 ml/（100 g·d） normal saline by gavage once daily. After 7 days of treatment， a cough provocation test was performed using 0.4 mol/L citric acid. The levels of IgE in serum and inflammatory cytokines， including interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-8 （IL-8） in serum， bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF）， and nasal lavage fluid （NLF） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Histopathological changes in lung and nasal mucosal tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein levels of TRPV4， substance P （SP）， and calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP） in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRPV4， SP， and CGRP in lung tissues. ResultsHE staining showed significant structural damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung and nasal mucosal tissues in the model group， while the TCM group and inhibitor group showed improved pathological changes. Compared with the blank group， the model group showed increased cough frequency， serum IgE level， and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum， BALF， and NLF. The protein levels of TRPV4， SP， and CGRP in lung and nasal mucosal tissues and their mRNA expression were elevated （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， the TCM group and inhibitor group showed reduced cough frequency， serum IgE level， and TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues. The TCM group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum， BALF， and NLF， and reduced TRPV4 and CGRP protein levels in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. The inhibitor group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum， BALF， and NLF， reduced IL-6 in BALF， reduced IL-8 in NLF， and decreased TRPV4， SP， and CGRP protein levels in lung tissues and SP and CGRP protein levels in nasal mucosal tissues （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the TCM group， the inhibitor group had increased serum IgE， IL-6， and IL-8 levels， increased IL-6 level in BALF， and increased IL-8 levle in NLF， but decreased SP protein level in lung tissues and increased TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues （P＜0.01）. ConclusionQTCD effectively reduces cough frequency in the UACS guinea pig model. Its mechanism may involve inhibiting the activation of the TRPV4 pathway， improving airway neurogenic inflammation， alleviating inflammatory responses， and reducing cough hypersensitivity.

Objective: To investigate the status and influencing factors of influenza vaccination among the elderly, so as to provide insights into improving the strategies for influenza vaccination among the elderly. Methods: Elderly people aged 60 years and above were recruited from one community each in five sub-districts of Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region using a random sampling method. Demographic information, knowledge about influenza and influenza vaccines, vaccine literacy and influenza vaccination status in the past year were collected through questionnaire surveys. Factors affecting influenza vaccination among the elderly were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: Totally 1 121 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 95.08%. There were 417 males (37.20%) and 704 females (62.80%). The majority were aged 60-<81 years, accounting for 80.37% (901 individuals). The awareness of knowledge about influenza and influenza vaccines was 78.86%. Low vaccine literacy was observed in 786 individuals, representing 70.12%. The influenza vaccination rate was 20.96%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age (71-<81 years, OR=1.607, 95%CI: 1.041-2.479; ≥81 years, OR=1.719, 95%CI: 1.040-2.842), educational level (middle school/technical secondary school, OR=0.616, 95%CI: 0.416-0.911), medical expense payment (employee medical insurance, OR=6.531, 95%CI: 2.030-21.010; resident medical insurance, OR=3.385, 95%CI: 1.095-10.466; public expense, OR=4.828, 95%CI: 1.700-13.712), vaccination willingness (yes, OR=6.237, 95%CI: 3.277-11.871), influenza vaccination history (yes, OR=14.600, 95%CI: 8.733-24.408) and vaccine literacy (medium and above, OR=2.412, 95%CI: 1.636-3.555) were associated with influenza vaccination among the elderly. Conclusion The influenza vaccination rate among the elderly was relatively low, and was mainly affected by age, educational level, medical expense payment, vaccination willingness, influenza vaccination history and vaccine literacy.

BackgroundObsessive-compulsive disorder （OCD） is a common neuropsychiatric illness and is listed as one of the top ten disabling conditions causing loss of income and reduced quality of life. Psychological distress is an important cause of anhedonia in OCD patients， and is closely related to psychosomatic symptoms. Therefore， exploring the role of anhedonia in the relationship between psychological distress and psychosomatic symptoms is of great significance for optimizing clinical psychological treatment protocols for OCD patients. ObjectiveTo explore the role of anhedonia in the relationship between psychological distress and psychosomatic symptoms in OCD patients， with the aim of providing references for managing psychosomatic symptoms in patients. MethodsA total of 90 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for OCD according to the International Classification of Diseases， tenth edition （ICD-10）， and who visited the Mental Health Center outpatient clinic of General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from September 2023 to November 2024 were selected as the study objects. The instruments and techniques used for the evaluation were： Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale （DARS）， 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale （K10） and Psychosomatic Symptom Scale （PSSS）. Model 4 of the Process for SPSS 26.0 was used to test the mediating role of anhedonia in the relationship between psychological distress and psychosomatic symptoms， with Bootstrapping used to assess the significance of mediating effect. ResultsA total of 84 patients （93.33%） completed the valid questionnaire. K10 score was positively correlated with PSSS total score， psychological symptom score and physical symptom score （r=0.559， 0.460， 0.551， P<0.01）. K10 score was negatively correlated with DARS total score （r=-0.527， P<0.01）. The total score of DARS was negatively correlated with PSSS total score （r=-0.497， P<0.01）. Anhedonia mediated the relationship between psychological distress and psychosomatic symptoms， with an indirect effect value was 0.148 （95% CI： 0.042~0.278）， accounting for 26.48% of the total effect. ConclusionPsychological distress can affect the psychosomatic symptoms in OCD patients both directly and indirectly via anhedonia.

Background The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is a vast area with a wide array of ecological environments, resulting in considerable regional variations in air pollution characteristics. Current research is limited by a scarcity of systematic, region-wide studies and risk assessments. Objective To assess the health risks associated with inhalation exposure to nine heavy metal and metalloid elements in atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) for the population of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Methods From the 10th to the 16th of each month throughout 2023, atmospheric PM_2.5 samples were collected at designated monitoring sites in 12 leagues (cities) across the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to analyze the characteristics and trends in concentration. The health risk assessment model developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency was employed to evaluate both the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with the heavy metal elements beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), hydrargyrum (Hg), plumbum (Pb), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) and the metalloid elements stibium (Sb) and arsenic (As). Results In 2023, a total of 1206 valid PM_2.5 samples were analyzed from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The annual average PM_2.5 concentrations in Inner Mongolia, as well as in the cities of Ordos, Wuhai, and the Alxa League, all exceeded the national limit of 35 μg·m⁻³. The PM_2.5 concentrations across the leagues (cities) exhibited a clear seasonal variation, peaking in winter, followed by spring, and reaching a minimum in summer and autumn. The median PM_2.5 concentration in Ordos throughout the year was higher than that in the other leagues (cities) of the region. Concerning health risks, the non-carcinogenic risks associated with the 9 elements detected in each league (city) were all below 1, indicating acceptable levels. However, the non-carcinogenic risk values for Mn, Cr, and As were relatively high; specifically, Ordos City displayed the highest non-carcinogenic risk values for Mn (7.74×10⁻¹) and Cr (2.97×10⁻²), while Chifeng City recorded the highest value for As (2.34×10⁻³). The carcinogenic risk values for As, Cd, Cr, and Ni fell within the range of 1×10⁻⁹ to 1×10⁻⁵, representing an acceptable level. The health risks varied with age, and the elderly residents faced the highest non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. Conclusion While the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks from heavy metals and metalloids within atmospheric PM_2.5 in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region are generally within acceptable limits, the potential risks that Mn, As, and Cr pose to the health of elderly people warrants particular attention, and Ordos and Chifeng cities exhibit notably higher health risks among other areas. It is recommended that regular, long-term monitoring be conducted, taking into account the specific conditions at monitoring sites across each league (city), and that targeted air quality management strategies be implemented to protect public health.

Objective:To construct a core competency indicator system for oncology advanced practice nurses.Methods:This study is a cross-sectional study. A preliminary draft of the core competency indicator system for oncology advanced practice nurses was developed through literature review and expert group coordination from June to November 2022. The core competency indicator system for oncology advanced practice nurses was established using the Delphi method for expert consultation and the analytic hierarchy process.Results:A total of 54 experts from 11 hospitals and four medical schools in 10 provinces and municipalities directly under the central government across the country were included in two rounds of expert consultation. The effective response rates of the questionnaire were all 100%, with an expert authority coefficient of 0.90, Kendall coordination coefficients of 0.089 to 0.179 and 0.101 to 0.176 ( P<0.01). The final established core competency indicator system for oncology advanced practice nurses included seven primary indicators and 69 secondary indicators. Conclusions:The core competency indicator system for oncology advanced practice nurses is comprehensive and has the characteristics of specialized oncology nursing, and the construction process is scientific and reliable, laying the foundation for future training of oncology advanced practice nurses.

Objective:To investigate regulatory effect and mechanism of protein kinase C(PKC)δ/θ-dual functional oxidase 1(Duox1)-reactive oxygen species(ROS)signaling pathway on human airway mucin(MUC)5AC,to provide a new target for treatment of high secretion of airway mucus.Methods:Human airway epithelial cells 16HBE were pretreated with PKC and its subunit PKCδ/θ inhibitor,Duox1 inhibitor or free radical scavenger DMTU,respectively,and then human neutrophil elastase(HNE)stimulation to establish an in vitro airway inflammatory cell model.Generation level of ROS in each group of cells was determined by kit,mRNA levels of Duox1 and MUC5AC were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR,influence of interfering factors of each group of cells on Duox1 protein level was determined by Western blot,and protein expression of MUC5AC in each group of cells was detected by ELISA and immunofluorescence.Results:Compared with control group,ROS production in HNE group was increased significantly,expressions of Duox1 and MUC5AC mRNA and protein were also increased(P<0.05).After administration of Duox1 inhibitors,free radical scavengers or PKC inhibitors and PKCδ/θ inhibitors,ROS production was significantly inhibited,Duox1 and MUC5AC mRNA and protein expressions were decreased(P<0.05),while after giving PKCα/β,ROS generation,Duox1 and MUC5AC mRNA and pro-tein expressions were not significantly changed compared with HNE group(P>0.05).Conclusion:HNE can mediate high expression of MUC5AC through PKCδ/θ-Duox1-ROS,which plays an important role in development of high secretion of airway mucus in vitro cell model experiment.

This article reviews the concept and research tools of social distancing, the current situation and influencing factors of social distancing in elderly diabetic patients, in order to provide a basis for the development of targeted intervention strategies for elderly diabetic patients, reduce the sense of social alienation in elderly diabetic patients, and promote their social participation and sense of meaning in life.

Three novel sesquiterpenoid heterodimers,designated as auckcostusolides A-C(1-3),were isolated from Aucklandia costus leaves.The structures of compounds 1-3 were elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis,with their absolute configurations established using a combination of X-ray single-crystal diffraction and electronic circular dichroism(ECD)calculations.Notably,compounds 1 and 2,despite sharing identical planar structures derived from two identical sesquiterpenoids,exhibited oppos-ite configurations at C-11 and C-8'.This configurational difference can be attributed to distinct Diels-Alder cycloaddition processes between the sesquiterpenoid monomers.Additionally,the cytotoxic effects of compounds 1-3 were evaluated against colorectal can-cer HCT116 cells,fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells,and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells.Compounds 1-3 induced cell death was characterized by endoplasmic reticulum(ER)swelling and cytoplasmic vacuolization,typical morphological changes associated with paraptosis.Mechanistic studies revealed that compounds 1 and 3 triggered paraptosis-like cell death through the accumulation of react-ive oxygen species(ROS),activation of ER stress,and stimulation of the MAPK signaling pathway.

Pain is one of the most common and unendurable symptoms in cancer patients and a major factor affecting their quality of life.Patient-controlled analgesia(PCA) is an important palliative measure in additional to conventional pharmacological control of pain.Nurses play the primary role in the management of PCA for cancer pain, and their knowledge, attitude and practice about PCA for cancer pain directly affect the effectiveness of cancer pain management.This article summarizes and analyzes the current status of nurses' knowledge, attitude and practice and associated influencing factors, aiming to improve nursing management of PCA, reinforce specialized nursing training, propose recommendations for an expert consensus on PCA for cancer pain and provide a reference for nursing practice in PCA for cancer pain.