Objective To investigate the association between gout-related gene polymorphisms and clinical phenotypic heterogeneity among gout patients in the Foshan region,thereby providing a scientific basis for stratified clinical management.Methods A total of 125 gout patients diagnosed at the Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2022 and May 2025 were enrolled in this study.The collected data included demo-graphic characteristics,frequency of gout attacks,presence of tophi,levels of uric acid,creatinine,C-reactive protein(CRP),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),gout-related genes(ABCG2,SLC2A9,SLC22A12,MTHFR),and joint ultrasound findings.Group comparisons and rank correlation analyses were conducted to explore potential associations between gene polymorphisms and clinical heterogeneity.Results The male-to-female ratio was 11∶1;the mean age was(35.28±2.67)years;the mean disease duration was(6.03±0.68)years;and the mean frequency of acute attacks in the past 12 months was 4(2.0,7.25).Genotype distributions were as follows:ABCG2:wild-type(C/C),23.8%;heterozygous(C/A),53.2%;homozygous(A/A),23%.SLC2A9:wild-type(A/A),24.6%;heterozygous(A/G),50%;homozygous(G/G),25.4%.SLC22A12:wild-type(A/A),4.8%;heterozygous(A/C),31.7%;homozygous(C/C),63.5%.MTHFR:wild-type(C/C),68.3%;heterozygous(C/T),28.6%;homozygous(T/T),3.2%.Rank correlation analysis revealed that SLC2A9 polymorphisms were significantly correlated with tophi formation(ρ=0.193,P=0.031)and crystal deposition on ultrasound(ρ=0.202,P=0.025).SLC22A12 polymorphisms were associated with hypertension(ρ=0.269,P=0.003)and diabetes(ρ=0.200,P=0.026).MTHFR polymorphisms showed a correlation with diabetes(ρ=0.224,P=0.012).Conclusions Polymorphisms in SLC2A9,SLC22A12,and MTHFR are significantly linked to clinical phenotypic heterogeneity among gout patients.Genetic testing could facilitate the early identification of individuals at high risk for complications and support the development of stratified and individualized treatment approaches.

Objective To investigate the ameliorative effect of Qihuakeli,a Hani formula,on glycolipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus by in vivo and in vitro experiments.Methods Rat liver mesenchymal stromal cells(BRL-3A)were inoculated in six-well plates and divided into blank,palmitic acid,fenofibrate,and Qihuakeli serum-containing 5.4,10.8,and 21.6 g/kg groups.Except for the blank group,the remaining groups were intervened with 0.2 mmol/L palmitic acid(PA)for 24 hour,and then added with drug-containing serum,and then continued to incubate for 24 hour.The proliferation rate of BRL-3A cells in each group was determined.Total cholesterol(T-CHO),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)concentrations in the supernatant of each cell group were measured,cell culture medium was aspirated and discarded,triglyceride(TG)concentration in the cell lysate.The lipid content of the cells was determined by measuring and staining with red oil.Meanwhile,45 rats were taken and divided into blank group,model group,fenofibrate group(0.225 g/kg),Qihuakeli compound 5.4 g/kg group,and Qihuakeli compound 10.8 g/kg group,the blank group was given normal feed and the rest of the groups were given high-fat feed for 42 day.Beginning on the 43rd day,each group,except the blank group,was injected with a single intraperitoneal injection of Starting from the 43rd day,except the blank group,each group was given a one-time intraperitoneal injection of 0.25%streptozotocin(STZ)solution,and at the same time,the corresponding drugs were given by gavage for 14 day.The rats'weight gain and liver index were measured.Serum fasting blood glucose(FBG)and fasting insulin(FINS)were detected,and the insulin resistance index(ISI)was calculated.Serum free fatty acid(FFA)levels and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in liver tissue were also detected.HE staining was used to detect pathological changes in the pancreas.Pathological changes were observed in the tissues,and islet α and β cell expression was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared to the PA group,the accumulation rate of BRL-3A cells was significantly higher(P<0.01)in the 10.8 and 21.6 g/kg Qihuakeli-containing serum groups.The levels of T-CHO,LDL-C and TG in the 5.4 and 21.6 g/kg serum groups were significantly lower(P<0.05),and HDL-C levels significantly increased(P<0.05).Oil red staining results showed that lipids in the cytoplasm of the 5.4,10.8 and 21.6 g/kg.Qihuacel-containing groups significantly reduced.Compared to the model group,the body weight of the 10.8 g/kg group containing Qihuakeli granules increased significantly(P<0.05).The liver index of the 5.4 g/kg group containing Qihuakeli decreased significantly(P<0.05).The serum indices of FBG,FINS,FFA and insulin resistance of the 5 g/kg group containing Qihuakeli decreased significantly(P<0.05).In the 5.4,10.8 g/kg groups,all serum FBG,FINS,FFA and insulin resistance indices significantly reduced in the 5.4 and 10.8 g/kg Qihuakeli groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01).TNF-α levels were significantly reduced(P<0.01).HE staining showed that a small number of lymphocytes were scattered in the pancreatic ducts and perivascular area of the rats in the Qihuakeli 5.4 and 10.8 g/kg groups,the local vasodilatation was observed,the number of pancreatic islet cells and the area of islet cells significantly increased.Immunohistochemical study was further used.The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the area of pancreatic islet α-cells significantly reduced and the area of pancreatic islet β-cells significantly increased in Qihuakeli 5.4 and 10.8 g/kg groups.Conclusion Qihuakeli compound improved glucose-lipid metabolism in T2DM,probably by improving the function of pancreatic islet cells,increasing the sensitivity of insulin to blood glucose,improving insulin resistance,decreasing the secretion of insulin and glucagon,and thus lowering the level of fasting blood glucose.Meanwhile,by decreasing the content of TNF-α,inhibiting lipolysis in the body,and promoting the uptake of FFA by adipocytes,and further lowering the FFA.Thus,it regulates the levels of TG,T-CHO,HDL-C and LDL-C,improves the abnormalities of glucose and lipid metabolism,and alleviates T2DM.

Objective To investigate the ameliorative effect of Qihuakeli,a Hani formula,on glycolipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus by in vivo and in vitro experiments.Methods Rat liver mesenchymal stromal cells(BRL-3A)were inoculated in six-well plates and divided into blank,palmitic acid,fenofibrate,and Qihuakeli serum-containing 5.4,10.8,and 21.6 g/kg groups.Except for the blank group,the remaining groups were intervened with 0.2 mmol/L palmitic acid(PA)for 24 hour,and then added with drug-containing serum,and then continued to incubate for 24 hour.The proliferation rate of BRL-3A cells in each group was determined.Total cholesterol(T-CHO),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)concentrations in the supernatant of each cell group were measured,cell culture medium was aspirated and discarded,triglyceride(TG)concentration in the cell lysate.The lipid content of the cells was determined by measuring and staining with red oil.Meanwhile,45 rats were taken and divided into blank group,model group,fenofibrate group(0.225 g/kg),Qihuakeli compound 5.4 g/kg group,and Qihuakeli compound 10.8 g/kg group,the blank group was given normal feed and the rest of the groups were given high-fat feed for 42 day.Beginning on the 43rd day,each group,except the blank group,was injected with a single intraperitoneal injection of Starting from the 43rd day,except the blank group,each group was given a one-time intraperitoneal injection of 0.25%streptozotocin(STZ)solution,and at the same time,the corresponding drugs were given by gavage for 14 day.The rats'weight gain and liver index were measured.Serum fasting blood glucose(FBG)and fasting insulin(FINS)were detected,and the insulin resistance index(ISI)was calculated.Serum free fatty acid(FFA)levels and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in liver tissue were also detected.HE staining was used to detect pathological changes in the pancreas.Pathological changes were observed in the tissues,and islet α and β cell expression was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared to the PA group,the accumulation rate of BRL-3A cells was significantly higher(P<0.01)in the 10.8 and 21.6 g/kg Qihuakeli-containing serum groups.The levels of T-CHO,LDL-C and TG in the 5.4 and 21.6 g/kg serum groups were significantly lower(P<0.05),and HDL-C levels significantly increased(P<0.05).Oil red staining results showed that lipids in the cytoplasm of the 5.4,10.8 and 21.6 g/kg.Qihuacel-containing groups significantly reduced.Compared to the model group,the body weight of the 10.8 g/kg group containing Qihuakeli granules increased significantly(P<0.05).The liver index of the 5.4 g/kg group containing Qihuakeli decreased significantly(P<0.05).The serum indices of FBG,FINS,FFA and insulin resistance of the 5 g/kg group containing Qihuakeli decreased significantly(P<0.05).In the 5.4,10.8 g/kg groups,all serum FBG,FINS,FFA and insulin resistance indices significantly reduced in the 5.4 and 10.8 g/kg Qihuakeli groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01).TNF-α levels were significantly reduced(P<0.01).HE staining showed that a small number of lymphocytes were scattered in the pancreatic ducts and perivascular area of the rats in the Qihuakeli 5.4 and 10.8 g/kg groups,the local vasodilatation was observed,the number of pancreatic islet cells and the area of islet cells significantly increased.Immunohistochemical study was further used.The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the area of pancreatic islet α-cells significantly reduced and the area of pancreatic islet β-cells significantly increased in Qihuakeli 5.4 and 10.8 g/kg groups.Conclusion Qihuakeli compound improved glucose-lipid metabolism in T2DM,probably by improving the function of pancreatic islet cells,increasing the sensitivity of insulin to blood glucose,improving insulin resistance,decreasing the secretion of insulin and glucagon,and thus lowering the level of fasting blood glucose.Meanwhile,by decreasing the content of TNF-α,inhibiting lipolysis in the body,and promoting the uptake of FFA by adipocytes,and further lowering the FFA.Thus,it regulates the levels of TG,T-CHO,HDL-C and LDL-C,improves the abnormalities of glucose and lipid metabolism,and alleviates T2DM.

Objective To investigate the association between gout-related gene polymorphisms and clinical phenotypic heterogeneity among gout patients in the Foshan region,thereby providing a scientific basis for stratified clinical management.Methods A total of 125 gout patients diagnosed at the Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2022 and May 2025 were enrolled in this study.The collected data included demo-graphic characteristics,frequency of gout attacks,presence of tophi,levels of uric acid,creatinine,C-reactive protein(CRP),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),gout-related genes(ABCG2,SLC2A9,SLC22A12,MTHFR),and joint ultrasound findings.Group comparisons and rank correlation analyses were conducted to explore potential associations between gene polymorphisms and clinical heterogeneity.Results The male-to-female ratio was 11∶1;the mean age was(35.28±2.67)years;the mean disease duration was(6.03±0.68)years;and the mean frequency of acute attacks in the past 12 months was 4(2.0,7.25).Genotype distributions were as follows:ABCG2:wild-type(C/C),23.8%;heterozygous(C/A),53.2%;homozygous(A/A),23%.SLC2A9:wild-type(A/A),24.6%;heterozygous(A/G),50%;homozygous(G/G),25.4%.SLC22A12:wild-type(A/A),4.8%;heterozygous(A/C),31.7%;homozygous(C/C),63.5%.MTHFR:wild-type(C/C),68.3%;heterozygous(C/T),28.6%;homozygous(T/T),3.2%.Rank correlation analysis revealed that SLC2A9 polymorphisms were significantly correlated with tophi formation(ρ=0.193,P=0.031)and crystal deposition on ultrasound(ρ=0.202,P=0.025).SLC22A12 polymorphisms were associated with hypertension(ρ=0.269,P=0.003)and diabetes(ρ=0.200,P=0.026).MTHFR polymorphisms showed a correlation with diabetes(ρ=0.224,P=0.012).Conclusions Polymorphisms in SLC2A9,SLC22A12,and MTHFR are significantly linked to clinical phenotypic heterogeneity among gout patients.Genetic testing could facilitate the early identification of individuals at high risk for complications and support the development of stratified and individualized treatment approaches.

Objective To investigate the role of miR-194-3p in regulating functional changes in osteoblasts in a simulated microgravity environment and to provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the mechanical response mechanisms of osteoblasts in extreme mechanical environments.Methods The effects of microgravity on osteoblasts were simulated by using a rotary cell culture system.MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were transfected with an miR-194-3p inhibitor and changes in proliferation,differentiation,apoptosis,and mineralization were assessed using MTT assay,RT-PCR,Western blot,double fluorescence staining,and alizarin red staining.Results Elevated expression of miR-194-3p under simulated microgravity conditions led to the suppression of osteoblast proliferation,differentiation,and mineralization to a certain extent,while promoting osteoblast apoptosis.However,transfection with the miR-194-3p inhibitor significantly downregulated miR-194-3p expression and partially reversed the reduced osteoblast proliferation,decreased expression of osteogenic differentiation markers such as ALP,OCN,and COL-I genes and proteins,decreased bone mineralization nodules,and increased osteoblast apoptosis induced by microgravity exposure.These findings indicated that miR-194-3p effectively ameliorates abnormal osteoblast function under microgravity conditions.Conclusions MiR-194-3p acts as a negative regulatory factor in the mechanical responses of osteoblasts under simulated microgravity.

To evaluate the value of forward-return way in endoscopic resection for the treatment of gastric fundus stromal tumor, patients with gastric fundus stromal tumor in muscularis propria diagnosed by endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography at the Department of Digestive Endoscopy of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University from June 2020 to June 2021 were prospectively enrolled in the study. All patients were treated with endoscopic full-thickness resection under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. The success of forward-return way, endoscopic procedure, operation performance, pathological classifications and complications were analyzed. A total of 12 patients were enrolled. All of them were confirmed as having stromal tumor by postoperative pathology, with 10 of very low risk and 2 of low risk. Forward-return way was successful in 9 patients and failed in 3 patients. Nine patients were successfully treated with endoscopic procedure eventually. No intraoperative bleeding occurred in any patient. In endoscopic resection, the scores of same direction of forward and backward, endoscopic field of view, and endoscopic body stability were all 2.00 points. Forward-return way has clinical application value for the endoscopic treatment of gastric fundus stromal tumor.

【Objective】 To investigate the predictive value of nutritional risk index (NRI), systemic immune inflammatory index (SⅡ) and triglyceride glucose (TyG) index on the condition and prognosis of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). 【Methods】 A total of 173 AP patients were divided into mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) group (n=79), moderate acute pancreatitis (MSAP) group (n=44), and severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) group (n=50) according to their severity. All the 50 SAP patients were divided into death group (19 cases) and survival group (31 cases) according to the death situation. The NRI, SⅡ and TyG indexes of each group were recorded and compared. The values of NRI, SⅡ and TyG index in predicting the occurrence and death of SAP were analyzed with ROC curve. Pearson correlation analysis of the correlation between NRI, SⅡ, and TyG index in SAP patients was made. 【Results】 NRI was significantly lower in SAP group (89.25±4.50) than in MSAP group (93.40±6.25) and MAP group (97.62±8.60), while SⅡand TyG index in SAP group (2 706.30±1 052.74, 7.84±1.21) were significantly higher than those in MSAP group (1 937.24±983.48, 6.52±1.05) and MAP group (1 280.58±717.36, 4.65±0.58) (P<0.001). NRI in death group (86.40±3.70) was significantly lower than that in survival group (91.46±5.28), while SⅡ and TyG index in death group (3 085.73±1 192.48, 9.05±1.37) were significantly higher than those in survival group (2 270.26±994.53, 6.70±1.10) (P<0.001). The ROC curve showed that the AUC of NRI, SⅡ and TyG index jointly predicting SAP occurrence and death was 0.850 (95% CI: 0.792-0.908) and 0.905 (95% CI: 0.843-0.966), respectively. Correlation analysis showed that NRI was negatively correlated with SⅡ and TyG index in SAP patients (r=-0.761, P<0.001, r=-0.813, P<0.001), while SⅡ was positively correlated with TyG index (r=0.842, P<0.001). 【Conclusion】 NRI, SⅡ and TyG index are related to the severity and death of AP patients, and the combination of the three indexes has good value in predicting the occurrence and prognosis of SAP.

Objective:To analyze changes in nutritional status and immune function of elderly men receiving regular physical examinations, and to investigate the effects of aging on the nutritional status and immune function among elderly men.Methods:A total of 209 elderly men aged 60-101(72.9±11.5)years and receiving regular physical check-ups were enrolled.All research subjects were subjected to nutritional risk screening(NRS2002)and monitoring of nutrition and immune-related indicators, including routine blood work, blood biochemistry, immunoglobulin and T lymphocyte subsets.Results:Body weight, body mass index, hemoglobin, total protein, albumin and serum iron of elderly men decreased with age( F=21.754, 6.257, 47.528, 12.285, 18.397, 18.667, all P<0.001), with those aged 80 and above showing more significant decline and a greater proportion with malnutrition( χ2=77.134, P<0.001). The B lymphocyte counts of elderly men aged 80 and above were significantly lower( P<0.05)while serum IgA and IgG levels were significantly higher( F=3.110, 3.866, P=0.047, 0.022)than those of the 70-79 year old group.In addition, the B lymphocyte count and B lymphocyte ratio in malnourished elderly men were significantly lower( t=2.512, 2.874, P=0.013, 0.005), and IgA was significantly increased( t=2.513, P=0.017), compared with those with normal nutrition. Conclusions:The risk of malnutrition and reduced immune function among elderly men aged 80 years and above is significantly increased, and assessment and screening of the risk of malnutrition in the elderly should be stressed.

Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infected with Delta variant, so as to provide further references for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:A real-world study was conducted to analyze the characteristics of 166 COVID-19 patients infected with Delta variant at Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University.Results:The study enrolled 5 asymptomatic cases, 123 non-severe cases (mild and moderate type), and 38 severe cases (severe and critical type). Among these patients, 69 (41.6%) were male and 97 (58.4%) were female, with a mean age of 47.0±23.5 years. Thirty-nine cases (23.5%) had received 1 or 2 doses of inactivated vaccine. The incidence of severe COVID-19 cases was 7.7% in 2-doses vaccinated patients, which was lower than that of 11.5% in 1-dose and 26.8% in unvaccinated patients. The proportion of severe cases in 2 dose-vaccinated patients was 7.7%, which was lower than that of 11.5% in 1-dose vaccinated patients and 26.8% in unvaccinated patients, but the difference was not significant ( P>0.05). The most common clinical symptom was fever (134 cases, 83.2%), and 39.1% of cases presented with high-grade fever (≥39 °C); other symptoms were cough, sputum, fatigue, and xerostomia. The proportion of fever in severe cases was significantly higher than that of non-severe cases (97.4% vs. 76.4%, P<0.01). Similarly, the proportion of severe cases with high peak temperature (≥39 ℃) () was also higher than that of non-severe cases (65.8% vs. 30.9%, P<0.01). The median minimal Cycle threshold (Ct) values of viral nucleic acid N gene and ORFlab gene were 20.3 and 21.5, respectively, and the minimum Ct values were 11.9 and 13.5, respectively. Within 48 h of admission, 9.0% of cases presented with decreased white blood cell counts, and 52.4% with decreased lymphocyte counts. The proportions of increased C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, interleukin 6, and interleukin 10 were 32.5%, 57.4%, 65.3%, and 35.7%, respectively. The proportions of elevated C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A and interleukin-6 in severe cases were significantly higher than those in non-severe cases ( P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that older age and higher peak temperature were associated with a higher likelihood of severe cases ( OR>3, 95% CI: 2-7, P<0.01). In terms of treatment, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was used in 97.6% of non-severe cases and 100% in severe cases. Other treatments included respiratory and nutritional support, immunotherapy (such as neutralizing antibodies and plasma of recovered patients). The median times from admission to progression to severe cases, of fever clearance, and of nucleic acid conversion were 5 days, 6 days and 19 days, respectively. No deaths were reported within 28 days. Conclusions:The symptoms of Delta variant infection in Guangzhou are characterized by a high proportion of fever, high peak temperature, long duration of fever, high viral load, a long time to nucleic acid conversion, and a high incidence of severe cases. The severe cases exhibit a higher percentage of elderly patients, a longer duration of fever and have a higher fever rate and a higher hyperthermia rate than non-severe cases. Age and hyperthermia are independent risk factors for progression to severe disease. The combination of TCM and Western medicine can control the progression of the disease effectively.

Objective: To discuss the use of butterfly costal cartilage as columella strut graft. Methods: On the costal cartilage that being cut, butterfly graft was designed length of 2.8 cm, upper and lower end thickness of 5 mm, middle part thickness of 1.5 mm. The lower end was designed with a groove about 1 cm in length, the width of the lower end of the butterfly graft was determined according to the degree of retraction at the caudal end of the septum, then insert to the nasal crest. The posterior end of two lamella grafts was sutured and fixed with the middle part of the nasal columnar strut graft. Results: From November 2016 to March 2018, about 150 patients underwent rhinoplasty with this method, follow-up was 3 to 12 months. Two cases had mild nasal tip deviation one month after surgery and were adjusted with auricular cartilage three months later. Three patients had mild postoperative hyporotation and adjustment three months postoperatively, residual had good shape. Conclusions The stability and controllability of the sphenoid columella strut graft are good, out of shape not easily, It is a worthy clinical method.