ObjectiveTo construct a risk prediction model for frequent acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） under disease-syndrome combination， thus providing decision support for precise clinical intervention. MethodsA total of 2 029 patients with acute exacerbations of COPD admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to August 2024 were retrospectively included. These patients were classified into groups of frequent acute exacerbations （≥2 times/year） and infrequent acute exacerbations （<2 times/year） according to the hospitalization times per year. Risk factors were screened by LASSO regression combined with logistic regression， and a nomogram model was constructed. The model performance was assessed based on the area under the curve （AUC）， calibration curves， and decision curve analysis （DCA）. ResultsThe differences in baseline characteristics between the frequent acute exacerbations group （1 196 cases） and infrequent acute exacerbations group （833 cases） were not statistically significant. LASSO regression combined with multivariate logistic regression screened the following independent risk factors： body mass index （BMI）， hospitalization days， number of smoking years， place of residence， use of noninvasive ventilators， oxygen-demanding therapy， liver cirrhosis， use of systemic glucocorticosteroids， and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome （phlegm and stasis obstructing the lung）. The nomogram model showed good discrimination and calibration in both the training set （AUC=0.748） and validation set （AUC=0.774）. ConclusionThe risk prediction model for frequent acute exacerbations of COPD， integrating traditional Chinese medicine syndrome， constructed in this study has high accuracy. It can provide a scientific basis for early clinical identification of high-risk patients and individualized intervention.

ObjectiveTo investigate the uric acid-lowering effects and mechanisms of acacetin on hyperuricemia （HUA） in mice. MethodsOteracil potassium and adenine were used to establish the mouse model of HUA. Male Kunming mice （n=48） were randomized into six groups： control， model， low-dose （12.5 mg·kg^-1） acacetin， medium-dose （25 mg·kg^-1） acacetin， high-dose （50 mg·kg^-1） acacetin， and allopurinol （10 mg·kg^-1）. Each group received continuous gavage administration for 21 days. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure the levels of uric acid （UA）， creatinine （Cr）， urea nitrogen （BUN）， alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST）. Additionally， the activity of xanthine oxidase （XOD） in the liver and the levels of tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， interleukin （IL）-1β， and IL-18 in the serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Pathological changes in the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Western blot was employed to determine the levels of glucose transporter 9 （GLUT9）， urate transporter 1 （URAT1）， phospho-NF-κB p65 （p-NF-κB p65）， and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 （NLRP3） in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group showed elevated levels of UA， Cr， BUN， ALT， and AST， increased activity of XOD in the liver（P<0.01）， raised levels of TNF-α， IL-1β and IL-18 in the serum（P<0.01）， and significantly up-regulated expression of GLUT9， URAT1， p-NF-κB p65， and NLRP3 in the renal tissue（P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， acacetin reduced the UA level in a dose-dependent manner， significantly improved liver and kidney functions， decreased the XOD activity in the liver， ameliorated the pathological changes in the renal tissue， down-regulated the expression of GLUT9， URAT1， p-NF-κB p65 and NLRP3 in the renal tissue（P<0.01）， and lowered the levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-18 in the serum（P<0.01）. ConclusionAcacetin can ameliorate HUA by decreasing uric acid production， increasing uric acid excretion， and inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Therefore， acacetin may be a potential drug for the treatment of HUA.

Objective To introduce the causes of accidents and the diagnosis and treatment of two patients with radiation-induced skin injury admitted to our hospital in 2023, and to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of subsequent radiation-induced skin injury. Methods The clinical treatment process of two patients with acute skin injury caused by external radiation exposure were summarized and analyzed. Results The exposure history of the two patients was reconstructed, the flaw detection scenario was simulated, the biological dose and hand skin exposure dose were estimated, and the infrared thermal imaging device was used for dynamic monitoring. A comprehensive analysis was conducted based on clinical manifestations and other data. The diagnosis of “Xie” was excessive exposure combined with acute radiation-induced skin injury on both hands (Grade IV for the right hand palm, index finger, and middle finger and Grade II for the left hand little finger). The diagnosis of “Hao” was acute radiation-induced skin injury on both hands (Grade I). The two patients received different clinical treatment measures: “Xie” was treated with both local and systemic therapies, while “Hao” was mainly treated with systemic therapy. Conclusion After systematic and effective treatment, the radiation-induced skin injuries healed in both patients.

AIM: To investigate the global research status, hotspots, and trends of exosome studies in ophthalmology, providing a theoretical foundation and constructive references for future research, and promoting in-depth development in this field.METHODS: Relevant literature on exosomes in ophthalmology published up to May 20, 2024, was retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Web of Science Core Collection, and PubMed databases. Visual analyses of publication countries, institutions, authors, high-frequency keywords, burst keywords, and timelines were performed using CiteSpace 6.3.R1 and VOSviewer software.RESULTS: A total of 37 Chinese articles and 548 English articles were included. The top five countries in terms of publication volume were the United States(130 articles), China(80 articles), South Korea(24 articles), the United Kingdom(20 articles), and Japan(19 articles). The leading foreign institutions were the University of California System, Duke University, and Harvard University, while the top domestic institutions were Qingdao University, the Department of Ophthalmology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, and the School of Physical Education and Sports Science at Beijing Normal University. Analysis of Chinese and English high-frequency and burst keywords indicated that global research hotspots on exosomes in ophthalmology primarily focus on dry eye, extracellular vesicles, mesenchymal stem cells and their derived exosomes, ocular surface diseases, ocular surface inflammation, biomarkers, retinal protection, immune eye diseases, uveitis, degenerative eye diseases, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, neovascularization, thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, and glaucoma, while English high-frequency words mainly were dry eye, dry eye disease, delivery, regenerative medicine, uveal melanoma, protein, and transplantation. Research has evolved from initial basic biological studies to exploring the pathogenesis of ocular diseases and advancing toward novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.CONCLUSION: Over the past 5 a, research on exosomes in ophthalmology has grown rapidly. Exosomes, as novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets, have become central to studies on the pathogenesis and clinical applications of ophthalmic diseases. Their roles in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these diseases represent promising directions for future research.

Objective:To observe the effects of moxibustion at Shenshu(BL23)and Zusanli(ST36)on Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)-myeloid differentiation factor 88(Myd88)signaling pathway-mediated inflammatory factors in the synovial tissue of ankle joints of rats with rheumatoid arthritis(RA),and to explore the molecular and biological mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.Methods:A total of 24 male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,and a moxibustion group,with 8 rats in each group.The RA model was established with exposure to wind,cold,and damp environmental factors,along with Freund's complete adjuvant.After three days of modeling,mild moxibustion was applied to bilateral Shenshu(BL23)and Zusanli(ST36)in the moxibustion group using moxa sticks of 0.9 cm in diameter for 30 min each time,once a day for 14 d.Structural changes in the synovial tissue and cells were then observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy,while immunohistochemistry analysis was used to detect tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-17,IL-1β,and IL-6 levels.Moreover,the protein expression levels of Myd88,TLR4,and transient potential receptor vanilloid type 1(TRPV1)in the synovial tissue were detected using Western blotting,while their mRNA expression levels were detected using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Finally,the levels of IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-17A,and TNF-α in rat serum were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:Compared to the normal group,the model group exhibited notable pathological synovial tissue damage,along with significantly higher IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α levels(P<0.01)and a slightly higher IL-17 content(P>0.05).Furthermore,the Myd88,TLR4,and TRPV1 protein and mRNA expression levels and serum IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-17A,and TNF-α levels were all significantly higher in the model group than in the normal group(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the moxibustion group exhibited a lower degree of synovial tissue pathological damage,along with significantly lower IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α levels(P<0.05 or P<0.01)and a lower IL-17 content without statistical significance(P>0.05).Moreover,the Myd88,TLR4,and TRPV1 protein and mRNA expression levels,and serum IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-17A,and TNF-α levels were all significantly lower in the moxibustion group than in the model group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Conclusion:Mild moxibustion at Shenshu(BL23)and Zusanli(ST36)can effectively inhibit TLR4-MyD88 signaling pathway-mediated inflammatory factor expression in the synovial tissue of ankle joints of RA rats.Furthermore,the effect of moxibustion on synovial tissue inflammation in RA rats may be attributed to TRPV1 channel activation.

Objective To explore the environmental factors affecting the growth of Lonicera japonica Thunb.;To predict the suitable areas of L.japonica in China under current and future climate conditions.Methods Totally 2 553 pieces of L.japonica distribution information and 19 environmental factors were collected.MaxEnt model was used to screen the main environmental factors affecting the growth of L.japonica.Combined with ArcGIS 10.8 software,this article simulated the suitable area of L.japonica in our country under current and future climate conditions.Results The main environmental factors affecting the distribution of L.japonica were the lowest temperature in the coldest month,the average daily temperature range,the precipitation in the wettest quarter and the annual temperature range.Under the current climate conditions,the suitable area of L.japonica in China was about 318.29×104 km2,which was mainly distributed in central and southern China.Under the future climate scenario,the total suitable area would decrease.Conclusion This study predicted distribution of L.japonica resources and ecological suitability areas can provide theoretical basis for its wild cultivation,rational cultivation,and resource protection.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of hypoxia inducible factor-1 α/aquaporin-4(HIF-1α/AQP4)pathway in high altitude cerebral edema(HACE)after blood-brain barrier injury in rats.Methods Adult male SD rats(n=40)were randomly divided into two groups:control group(Ctrl,n=20)and high altitude cerebral edema group(HACE,n=20).The rats in the control group were reared in Xining(altitude 2261 m)for 4 days,and the rats in HACE group were reared in low-pressure simulation chamber(altitude 5000 m)for 4 days.Brain water content was measured by the method of dry and wet weight.The intracranial structure,morphology and signal changes of small animals were observed through T2 weighted image of 7.0 T MRI.The morphological changes of neurons and the apoptosis of nerve cells in the CA1 region of hippocampal tissue were observed by the staining of Nissl and TUNEL.Immunohistochemical staining was performed to observe the extravasation of immunoglobulin G(IgG).The expressions of HIF-1α,AQP4,matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9),claudin-5,occludin and zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)in the tissue of hippocampal were detected by the method of Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining.Results The brain water content increased significantly in the HACE group(P＜0.05).The neurons in CA1 region of hippocampal tissue were atrophic and deformed,the arrangement of neurons was disordered in the HACE group.The number of neurons decreased significantly,the apoptosis of nerve cells increased significantly,and the IgG exudates obviously in the CA1 region of hippocampal tissue in the HACE group.The expressions of HIF-1α,AQP4 and MMP-9 proteins increased significantly,while claudin-5,occludin and ZO-1 proteins decreased significantly in the CA1 region of hippocampal tissue,which detected by the method of Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining(P＜0.05).Conclusion Acute high-altitude hypoxia can induce to blood-brain barrier disruption through the HIF-1α/AQP4 pathway,resulting in high-altitude cerebral edema.

This study assessed the role and mechanism of the recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin vaccine(rBCG)with c-di-AMP adjuvant in regulating metabolism and immunity in epididymal white adipose(eWAT)in mice.Male C57BL/6 mice were intravenously immunized with BCG and rBCG,and their body weights were monitored.eWAT was isolated from the mice,and the stromal vascular fractions(SVFs)cell number was counted with a hemocytometer.Sections of mouse adipose tissue were prepared,and the size,number,and morphology of eWAT adipocytes and crown-like structure(CLS)formation were compared under a microscope after HE staining.The transcription levels of lipid metabolism-associated factors,cytokines and aging-associated genes in each group were determined with qRT-PCR.The body weights of mice gradually increased after immunization with BCG and rBCG.The proportions of eWAT increased,and the SVFs cell number decreased,in rBCG immunized mice.HE staining indicated that BCG immunization promoted hyperplasia,whereas rBCG immunization promoted hypertrophy of eWAT adipocytes;moreover,both BCG and rBCG immunization induced CLS formation in eWAT.The qRT-PCR results indicated that rBCG immunization inhibited the expression of genes associated with lipolysis and energy expenditure in eWAT.BCG immunization had little effect on cytokine transcription,whereas rBCG significantly induced the transcription of IFN-γ and IL-1Ra,and inhibited that of IL-15 and IL-2,but did not induce the expression of aging-associated genes.Thus,rBCG immunization induced eWAT adipocyte hypertrophy,which was associated with the inhibition of eWAT lipolysis and the regulation of cytokine expression.

Objective To explore the relationship between community health follow-up management and the mental health of the long-term care insurance residents,and to provide a basis for the construction of an integrated community home care service mode for disabled elders.Methods The residents were selected through cluster sampling who participated in LTCI home care from Jan 1 to Dec 31,2021.After a year of participation,the subjects'mental health was assessed face-to-face by trained community doctors using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and the Self-Rating Depression Scale.By referring to residents'electronic health records combined with on-site questionnaire survey,community doctors collected the demographic information and health follow-up management provided by primary medical and health institutions.The multivariate logistic regression were conducted to evaluate the association between follow-up care and mental health outcomes.Results The study consisted of 399 LTCI-enrolled individuals,57.64%(n=230)received follow-up care by family physicians.The prevalence of anxiety and depression among participants was 19.80%(n=79)and 67.67%(n=270),respectively.Univariate analysis found that community health follow-up management could underscore the potential impact of follow-up care in mitigating anxiety(χ2=38.926,P<0.001)and depression(χ2=14.598,P<0.001)among LTCI enrollees.Multivariate analysis revealed that follow-up care was an independent protective factor against anxiety(adjusted OR=0.351,95%CI:0.176-0.701,P=0.003).However,follow-up care did not significantly impact depression prevalence.Additionally,LTCI grade and education level were also identified factors influencing the mental health of participants(P<0.05).Conclusion Community health service centers provide health follow-up management that plays a positive role in alleviating the anxiety symptoms of disabled residents under long-term care insurance home care.It is an effective way to improve the quality of LTCI home care services.

Objective:To explore the ultrasound changes,clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided compound betamethasone injection in the treatment of first metatarsophalangeal joint(MTP1)in acute gouty arthritis.Methods:This study was a prospective randomized controlled trial,71 patients diagnosed with MTP1 in acute gouty arthritis in Weifang People's Hospital from June 2022 to June 2024 were selected,they were divided into puncture treatment group of 36 cases and oral medication group of 35 cases according to the random number table method.The puncture treatment group was treated with ultrasound-guided compound betamethasone injection,and the oral medication group was treated with etocoxib combined with colchicine.Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),inflammatory indicators[erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reactive protein(CRP)],and semi-quantitative scores of musculoskeletal ultrasound of the two groups were compared,and the medication safety of the two groups was observed.Result:1,3 and 7 days after treatment,VAS score in the puncture treatment group decreased significantly compared with that in the oral medication group(P＜0.05).7 days after treatment,ESR and CRP in the puncture treatment group decreased more significantly,and semi-quantitative scores of musculoskeletal ultrasound showed that the improvement of joint effusion,synovial hyperplasia and blood flow signal was better than that in the oral medication group(P＜0.05).All 36 cases of puncture were successful at the first attempt without complications.Conclusion:Ultrasound-guided compound betamethasone injection in the treatment of MTP1 in acute gouty arthritis has a high success rate,it can rapidly reduce inflammation,relieve pain,restore joint function,and is safe to operate,it can be used as an effective treatment option.