Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a clinically significant complication in elderly patients, largely driven by surgery-induced neuroinflammation. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway, a crucial regulator of innate immunity, has been implicated in neuroinflammatory activation. This study investigated whether electroacupuncture (EA) improves POCD by modulating this pathway in aged rats. Aged male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to sevoflurane anesthesia and splenectomy to establish a POCD model. Animals were divided into sham, POCD, POCD+EA, and POCD+EA+cGAS inhibitor groups. The EA groups received stimulation at Baihui (Governor Vessel 20 (GV20)), Neiguan (Pericardium 6 (PC6)), and Zusanli (Stomach 36 (ST36)) acupoints. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Morris water maze, while hippocampal expression of cGAS-STING pathway components and downstream effectors—interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)—was assessed by Western blot. Cellular localization was determined by immunofluorescence staining. Compared with the Sham group, rats in the POCD group showed significant impairments in spatial memory, accompanied by upregulated protein expression of cGAS, STING, NF-κB, IRF3, and IL-1β in the hippocampus. Upon pathway activation, cGAS and STING proteins were predominantly co-localized with neurons, and their fluorescence intensity in the hippocampus was markedly increased. These behavioral deficits and molecular alterations were partially reversed in both the POCD+EA and POCD+EA+inhibitor groups. Electroacupuncture alleviates POCD in aged rats by inhibiting hippocampal cGAS-STING pathway activation and reducing neuroinflammation, suggesting a promising non-pharmacological strategy for POCD management.

Objective: To investigate the characteristics and HIV confirmed positive status among individuals attending HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clinics in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, so as to provide the basis for enhancing interventions targeting high-risk populations for AIDS. Methods: Demographic information, reasons for consultation, consulting institutions, and HIV antibody testing data of individuals attending VCT clinics in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2019 to 2023 were collected through the VCT database of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The characteristics of individuals attending VCT were described. Factors affecting HIV confirmed positive among VCT clinic attendees were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: A total of 249 919 individuals attended VCT clinics in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2019 to 2023, including 128 069 males (51.24%) and 121 850 females (48.76%). The majority of attendees were aged 25-<35 years, accounting for 92 445 cases (36.99%). Among them, 785 cases were confirmed as HIV positive, with a positivity rate of 0.31%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that males (OR=4.787, 95%CI: 3.562-6.434), 45-<65 years of age (45-<55 years, OR=7.723, 95%CI: 1.786-33.406; 55-<65 years, OR=7.689, 95%CI: 1.757-33.653), being unmarried (OR=2.143, 95%CI: 1.580-2.906), junior high school education or below (OR=1.147, 95%CI: 1.042-2.430), having the history of high-risk behaviors or exposure risks (commercial heterosexual behaviors, OR=2.717, 95%CI: 1.707-4.324; non-commercial non-fixed heterosexual behaviors, OR=5.421, 95%CI: 3.763-7.809; homosexual behaviors, OR=70.774, 95%CI: 48.409-103.473; having an HIV-positive spouse/fixed partner/mother, OR=100.024, 95%CI: 62.490-160.100; drug injection, OR=5.366, 95%CI: 2.213-13.014), and seeking general hospitals or traditional Chinese medicine hospitals (OR=1.973, 95%CI: 1.650-2.360) were associated with a higher risk of HIV confirmed positive. Conclusions HIV confirmed positive among individuals attending VCT clinics in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is associated with gender, age, marital status, educational level, reasons for consultation, and consulting institutions. It is recommended to strengthen health education and targeted interventions for high-risk populations to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

Objective:To explore the clinical effectiveness of Masquelet technique combined with improved bone grafting in the treatment of open tibial fractures of Gustilo-Anderson ⅢB with segmental bone defects.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 13 patients with open tibial fracture of Gustilo-Anderson ⅢB with segmental bone defects who had been admitted to Department of Orthopeadics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University from January 2021 to May 2023. There were 9 males and 4 females with an age of (36.9±9.3) years. The length of tibial defects after debridement was (8.1±2.8) cm, and the area of soft-tissue defects 95.0 (53.6, 202.0) cm 2. At the first stage, Masquelet technique was used, soft-tissue defects were covered simultaneously or step by step, skin grafting was conducted on the donor site surface simultaneously, and survival of the tissue and skin grafts was observed. At the second stage, intramedullary space occupation with bone cement rods was conducted using improved bone grafting for which iliac bone, artificial bone, platelet rich plasma (PRP), and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) were mixed; internal fixation was replaced. The interval between 2 stages of surgery was 4 to 7 weeks. The occurrence of infection, bone defect healing time, knee Lysholm score, ankle Mazur score, and knee and ankle ranges of motion at the last follow-up were recorded. The knee and ankle function scores before the second stage bone grafting and at the last follow-up were compared. Results:After the first-stage surgery, all the 13 patients did not need any revision with fine wound healing. After the second-stage surgery, all patients were followed up for (14.9±4.4) months with no infection at all. The healing time for bone defects was 8.0 (6.0, 12.0) months. At the last follow-up, the knee Lysholm score and the ankle Mazur score were (77.2±5.2) points and (76.1±10.9) points respectively, significantly different from those before the second-stage bone grafting [(41.3±7.5) points and (37.4±5.2) points] ( P<0.05). In the 13 patients at the last follow-up, ankle dorsiflexion limitation was 5.0° (0, 10.0°), knee flexion 105.0°±9.6°, and knee extension limitation 5.0° (5.0°, 5.0°). Conclusion:In the treatment of open tibial fractures of Gustilo-Anderson ⅢB with segmental bone defects, Masquelet technique combined with improved bone grafting can effectively prevent infection, repair bone defects, and restore the function of lower extremities, leading to definite curative efficacy.

Objective:To explore the clinical effectiveness of Masquelet technique combined with improved bone grafting in the treatment of open tibial fractures of Gustilo-Anderson ⅢB with segmental bone defects.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 13 patients with open tibial fracture of Gustilo-Anderson ⅢB with segmental bone defects who had been admitted to Department of Orthopeadics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University from January 2021 to May 2023. There were 9 males and 4 females with an age of (36.9±9.3) years. The length of tibial defects after debridement was (8.1±2.8) cm, and the area of soft-tissue defects 95.0 (53.6, 202.0) cm 2. At the first stage, Masquelet technique was used, soft-tissue defects were covered simultaneously or step by step, skin grafting was conducted on the donor site surface simultaneously, and survival of the tissue and skin grafts was observed. At the second stage, intramedullary space occupation with bone cement rods was conducted using improved bone grafting for which iliac bone, artificial bone, platelet rich plasma (PRP), and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) were mixed; internal fixation was replaced. The interval between 2 stages of surgery was 4 to 7 weeks. The occurrence of infection, bone defect healing time, knee Lysholm score, ankle Mazur score, and knee and ankle ranges of motion at the last follow-up were recorded. The knee and ankle function scores before the second stage bone grafting and at the last follow-up were compared. Results:After the first-stage surgery, all the 13 patients did not need any revision with fine wound healing. After the second-stage surgery, all patients were followed up for (14.9±4.4) months with no infection at all. The healing time for bone defects was 8.0 (6.0, 12.0) months. At the last follow-up, the knee Lysholm score and the ankle Mazur score were (77.2±5.2) points and (76.1±10.9) points respectively, significantly different from those before the second-stage bone grafting [(41.3±7.5) points and (37.4±5.2) points] ( P<0.05). In the 13 patients at the last follow-up, ankle dorsiflexion limitation was 5.0° (0, 10.0°), knee flexion 105.0°±9.6°, and knee extension limitation 5.0° (5.0°, 5.0°). Conclusion:In the treatment of open tibial fractures of Gustilo-Anderson ⅢB with segmental bone defects, Masquelet technique combined with improved bone grafting can effectively prevent infection, repair bone defects, and restore the function of lower extremities, leading to definite curative efficacy.

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is a prevalent condition among women of reproductive age,significantly impacting their physical and mental well-being due to its recurrent nature and challenging treatment.The etiology remains elusive,while treatment options exhibit considerable variability.This paper provides a com-prehensive review on the pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches targeting virulence factors associated with recur-rent vulvovaginal candidiasis,aiming to offer valuable insights for understanding the underlying mechanisms and optimizing treatment strategies.

Objective:To analyze the application effect of health failure mode and effect analysis (HFMEA) model in patients with artificial airways in the cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit (CSICU) by establishing a HFMEA project team, and to develop targeted improvement measures and processes.Methods:The patients undergoing cardiovascular surgeries and with established artificial airways in the Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University were recruited from October 2021 to March 2022. The enrolled patients were divided into the conventional management group and the HFMEA model management group according to random number table method. The conventional management group applied the conventional procedures for monitoring the air bag pressure. The HFMEA model management group used the HFMEA model to implement and improve the airbag pressure monitoring process. The efficacy of HFMEA was assessed by comparing the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), the pass rate of airbag pressure monitoring, the duration of endotracheal intubation and the length of CSICU stay between two groups. The practicability of HFMEA model was evaluated by analyzing the theoretical assessment scores and practical skill scores of nurses and their satisfaction scores with HFMEA.Results:Compared with the conventional management group, the patients in the HFMEA mode management group had a significantly higher rate of passing airbag pressure monitoring [94.99% (2 994/3 152) vs. 69.97% (1 626/2 324), P < 0.01], shorter duration of endotracheal intubation and length of CSICU stay [duration of endotracheal intubation (hours): 6 (7, 12) vs. 6 (8, 13), length of CSICU stay (hours): 40 (45, 65) vs. 41 (46, 85), both P < 0.05], but the incidences of VAP between the two groups were similar. The theoretical assessment scores and practical skill scores of nurses were significantly higher (theoretical assessment score: 44.47±2.72 vs. 37.59±6.56, practical skill score: 44.56±2.66 vs. 40.03±4.32, total score: 89.03±3.07 vs. 77.63±9.56, all P < 0.05) in the HFMEA mode management group. And the satisfaction scores with airbag pressure management were also significantly higher in the HFMEA mode management group (7.72±1.11 vs. 6.44±1.32, P < 0.05). Conclusions:The application of the HFMEA can improve the airbag pressure measures and standardize the monitoring procedures in patients with artificial airways, and reduce the risk of clinical nursing. It is safe and effective for patients with invasive mechanical ventilation in the CSICU.

Objective:To investigate the Correlation between ADC combined with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and delayed encephalopathy after carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP), It provides scientific basis for early prediction of DEACMP.Methods:According to the design principle of case-control study, the data of acute carbon monoxide poisoning (ACOP) patients admitted to Shandong Provincial Hospital from December 2017 to December 2021 were retrospectively selected. Among them, patients with DEACMP were selected as the case group, without DEACMP were used as the control group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of ADC combined with CRP as a combined predictor for disease.Results:A total of 89 patients with ACOP were included, including 33 patients with DEACMP and 56 patients without DEACMP. There were no significant differences in gender, age, smoking, drinking, and underlying diseases (hypertension, coronary heart disease) between groups ( P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that white blood cell count (WBC) ( OR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.19-2.26, P=0.003), CRP ( OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.03-1.45, P=0.019) and ADC value of central semiovale white matter ( OR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.98-1.00, P=0.010) were associated with DEACMP in patients with ACOP. The ROC curve results showed that the area under the ROC of ADC combined with CRP in the center of semiovale was 0.765 (95% CI: 0.656-0.845), the specificity was 87.9%, the sensitivity was 23.2%, and the cut-off value was 3.5°. Conclusions:WBC, CRP and ADC value of central semiovale are independent factors for DEACMP. ADC value of central semiovale combined with CRP has more clinical value in the early diagnosis of DEACMP. For ACOP patients with DEACMP triggering factors, the diagnosis and treatment awareness of early screening of brain magnetic resonance imaging should be strengthened to avoid DEACMP.

Objective:To determine the epidemiology of hyperkalemia and influencing factors in a general population in Pinggu district of Beijing city.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional survey. The subjects were from the epidemiological survey population of chronic diseases in Pinggu district of Beijing city from March to May 2014. All participants completed a questionnaire, anthropological measurement, and venous blood samples collection to detect serum creatinine and potassium and so on. First void morning urine was collected to detect the albumin-creatinine ratio. Hyperkalemia and hypokalemia were defined as serum potassium level>5.0 mmol/L and≤3.5 mmol/L, respectively. Logistic regression analysis method was used to analyze the influencing factors of hyperkalemia.Results:Of the 10 252 people in this study, the prevalence of hyperkalemia was 6.17%(95% CI 5.70%-6.67%), the prevalence of hypokalemia was 0.61%(95% CI 0.47%-0.79%), and the prevalence of participants with serum potassium>5.5 mmol/L was 0.53%(95% CI 0.40%-0.69%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that males ( OR=1.269, 95% CI 1.074-1.498, P=0.005), diabetes ( OR=1.226, 95% CI 1.008-1.490, P=0.041), increased total cholesterol ( OR=1.219, 95% CI 1.119-1.329, P<0.001), and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate ( OR=0.971, 95% CI 0.965-0.977, P<0.001) were significantly correlated with the increased risk of hyperkalemia. Usage of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and diuretics were not found to be significantly associated with the risk of hyperkalemia ( OR=1.018, 95% CI 0.751-1.380, P=0.908; OR=0.638, 95% CI 0.229-1.781, P=0.391). Conclusions:The prevalence of HK in the general population is 6.17%. The male, decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate, diabetes, and increased total cholesterol are influencing factors of hyperkalemia.

Objective:To analyze the therapeutic effect of medial gastrocnemius muscle flap transfer combined with induced membrane technique in repairing anterior medial Gustilo-Anderson type ⅢB injury of the middle and upper tibia accompanied by bone defect.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze 21 patients with anterior medial Gustilo-Anderson type ⅢB injury of middle and upper tibia accompanied by bone defectanterior medial tibial fractures admitted to Xijing Hospital，Air Force Military Medical University from April 2017 to January 2019. There were 15 males and 6 females，with the age of （38.6 ± 7.6）years （range，18-66 years）. After admission，all patients had bone defect repair and fixation and soft tissue defect repair using membrane induction technique in the first stage. The area of soft tissue defect ranged from 8.0 cm × 6.0 cm to 16.0 cm × 12.0 cm. The length of tibial defect was （5.5 ± 1.8） cm （ranged，3.5-11.0 cm）. The size of metastasis of medial gastrocnemius flap ranged from 12.0 cm × 8.0 cm to 22.0 cm × 13.0 cm. The survival rate of muscle flap was observed. One week after the wound was stabilized，skin grafting on the surface of muscle flap was performed at second stage. The graft survival was observed. The induced membrane technique was used to reconstruct bone defects at third stage. The infection index，lower extremity functional scale （LEFS） and Mazur ankle function score were compared before and at the last follow-up. The fracture healing and related complications were observed，and the lower limb function was evaluated by Johner-Wruhs scoring system at the last follow-up.Results:All patients were followed up for 11-26 months ［（18.4 ± 5.1） months］. The muscle flap transferred survived in all patients at first stage. The skin graft survived at second stage，and the wound healing time was 1-4 weeks ［（3.1 ± 0.5）weeks］. After the surgery at third stage，the healing time of bone fracture was （8.2 ± 0.7）months （range，6-10 months）. A significantly lowered level of infection was observed at the last follow-up compared to that before operation （ P < 0.01）. The LEFS and Mazur ankle function scores of the affected limb were （52.2 ±8.9）points and （75.2 ± 13.1）points at the last follow-up，significantly higher than those before operation ［（36.0 ± 5.6）points，（53.7 ± 14.6）points］ （ P < 0.01）. The soft tissue defect was repaired satisfactorily，and the broken ends of bone defects were healed at the last follow-up. Delayed bone union occurred in 3 patients，but no infection，osteomyelitis，foot drop or other complications occurred. According to Johner- Wruhs score，18 patients were rated as excellent，2 patients as good，1 patient as fair and 0 patient as poor，with the excellent and good rate of 95%. Conclusion:For patients with anterior medial Gustilo-Anderson type ⅢB injury of the middle and upper tibia accompanied by bone defect，transfer of medial gastrocnemius head muscle flap combined with induced membrane technique can effectively repair the injured limb，reduce infection and restore partial function of the lower limb，indicating that the procedure is an effective treatment strategy with satisfactory clinical results.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT) on respiratory muscle training in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.Methods:A quasi-experimental trial was performed. Patients were allocated to the control group or intervention group according to their time of admission. Patients who were admitted to hospital from January 2019 to April 2019 were assigned to the control group and patients admitted from May 2019 to October 2019 were allocated to the intervention group. The control group ( n=84) received routine perioperative care, and the intervention group ( n=82) received ACBT in addition to routine perioperative care. Patients in both groups were trained 3 to 5 times a day throughout their stay in the hospital. The primary outcome measure was maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), peak of expiratory flow (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC). Other outcomes included the postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC), days of postoperative hospital stay. Results:The MIP, PEF, FVC value of the control group 3 days after extubation were (64.77±9.80) cmH 2O (1 cmH 2O=0.098 kPa), (139.52±23.74) L/min, (1.07±0.20) L, the intervention group were (69.89±10.92) cmH 2O, (150.37±28.65) L/min, (1.15±0.22)L, the differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( t values were -3.177,-2.657,-2.409, P <0.05). The MIP, PEF, FVC value of the control group 5 days after extubation were (71.13±8.64) cmH 2O, (270.48±44.36) L/min, (2.02±0.29) L, the intervention group were (74.72±12.48) cmH 2O, (287.07±58.61) L/min, (2.21±0.35) L, the differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( t values were -2.161,-2.060,-3.605, P <0.05). The days of postoperative hospital stay of control group and intervention group were (8.15±0.98) and (7.80±1.23) d, there were significant differences ( t value was 2.021, P <0.05). Conclusions:ACBT is an effective and economical pulmonary rehabilitation method, it has effect on Respiratory Muscle Training in Patients Undergoing CABG surgery.