1.Construction of Risk Prediction Model for Frequent Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Under Disease-syndrome Combination
Jing ZHOU ; Gang TENG ; Nianzhi ZHANG ; Yuanyuan WANG ; Qianqian ZHANG ; He HUANG ; Ling LIU ; Mei DONG ; Juan JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):143-151
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.
2.Curcumin-loaded exosomes from hypoxia-treated mesenchymal stem cells alleviate microglial inflammatory response in a combined therapy approach
Xiaobin HUANG ; Qianqian LI ; Peng ZHANG ; Yanhua ZHOU ; Anran FAN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):104-112
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of hypoxia-treated mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) exosomes (Exo) and their loading with curcumin on microglial inflammatory responses, and to explore the enhancing effect of hypoxia treatment on the function of MSCs Exo. MethodsThe supernatants of human umbilical cord (hUC)-MSCs cultured under normal and hypoxic conditions were collected, and Exo were isolated using ultracentrifugation. After identification by transmission electron microscopy and Western blot, curcumin was loaded using the co-incubation method. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microglial inflammation model was treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), curcumin, normoxia Exo, hypoxia Exo, normoxic Exo loaded with curcumin, and hypoxic Exo loaded with curcumin, respectively. The expression of the M1-type marker inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in BV2 cells was detected by immunofluorescence (IF). Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to measure the expression and secretion levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 in the cells and their culture supernatants. ResultsNormoxia Exo, hypoxia Exo, normoxic Exo loaded with curcumin, and hypoxic Exo loaded with curcumin exhibited a "saucer-like" shape with a diameter ranging from 30~150 nm, and the expression of exosomal markers CD9, CD81, and TSG101 were positive. After treating the BV2 cell inflammation model, IF results showed that, compared with the normoxia Exo group, treatment with hypoxic Exo significantly reduced the expression of iNOS. Moreover, when compared with the curcumin group and the normoxic Exo loaded with curcumin group, the expression level of iNOS significantly decreased after treatment with hypoxic Exo loaded with curcumin. The results of Western blot and ELISA indicated that, in comparison with the normoxia Exo group, treatment with hypoxic Exo significantly reduced the expression and secretion of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Additionally, when compared with the curcumin group and the normoxic Exo loaded with curcumin group, both the expression and secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 significantly decreased after treatment with hypoxic Exo loaded with curcumin. ConclusionHypoxia preconditioning can enhance the ability of hUC-MSCs-Exo in the inhibition of microglial polarization and inflammatory factors’ secretion. Additionally, using Hypoxia-MSCs-Exo as a drug-delivery carrier of curcumin can improve its solubility and stability, facilitating its absorption by cells and exerting the therapeutic effect of combination therapy.
3.FGF21 overexpression upregulates SIRT1/GPX4 to inhibit ferroptosis and relieve CCl4 mouse acute liver injury
Xutao LING ; Qianqian HUANG ; Lun ZHANG ; Fang XIE ; Nan BAI ; Yingxia WANG ; Haoran HUA ; Haoze WANG ; Wenjing DAI ; Kexin LI ; Jianqing WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1053-1060
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of liver-targeted fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) overexpression against CCl₄-induced acute liver injury (ALI) and its association with silent information regulator 1/glutathione peroxidase 4 (SIRT1/GPX4) expression and ferroptosis-related markers. MethodsFemale ICR mice (8 weeks old) were randomly divided into Control, CCl₄, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-FGF21, and AAV-FGF21 + CCl4 groups. Liver-targeted FGF21 overexpression was achieved via tail vein injection of AAV8-FGF21 virus with green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeling. ALI was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ (0.3 mL/kg), with sample collection at 12 hours. Body weight and liver weight were recorded to calculate the liver weight/body weight. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using a biochemical analyzer. FGF21 expression in liver tissues was detected by immunofluorescence. Hepatic histopathology was evaluated by HE staining. RT-qPCR was performed to assess mRNA expression of ferroptosis and iron metabolism-related genes (ACSL4, PTGS2, HJV, FPN, GPX4), FGF21, and SIRT1. Protein expression of FGF21, SIRT1, and GPX4 were determined by Western blot. Iron content, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver homogenate were quantified using assay kits. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the FGF21 mRNA and protein expression elevated in CCl4 group; serum ALT/AST levels and liver weight/body weigh increased. The HE staining results showed that the liver cell membranes were ruptured. The mRNA levels of ACSL4 and PTGS2, the iron content and MDA levels all increased (P<0.01). The mRNA levels of SIRT1, GPX4, HJV, and FPN, the GSH level and SOD activity all decreased (P<0.05), and the protein levels of SIRT1 and GPX4 both decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the CCl4 group, the serum levels of ALT and AST in the AAV-FGF21 + CCl4 group were decreased (P<0.01), and the liver/body ratio of mice decreased (P<0.01). The results of HE staining showed that the degree of liver injury was alleviated. The mRNA levels of ACSL4 and PTGS2, iron content and MDA level all decreased (P<0.01), while the mRNA levels of SIRT1, GPX4, HJV, FPN, GSH level and SOD activity all increased (P<0.05). The protein levels of SIRT1 and GPX4 both increased (P<0.05). ConclusionFGF21 overexpression is associated with enhanced SIRT1/GPX4 expression and suppression of ferroptosis features, thereby contributing to the alleviation of CCl4-induced ALI.
4.Expression levels and clinical significance of Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 in peripheral blood of children with refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Qianqian HE ; Han HUANG ; Lihong LIANG ; Linlin WU ; Dongge LIANG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(4):393-397
Objective To investigate the expression levels and clinical significance of Galectin-3,interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-9 in peripheral blood of children with refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(RMPP).Methods A total of 132 hospitalized children diagnosed with RMPP were selected as the RMPP group,and another 128 children with general MPP(GMPP)in the same period were selected as the GMPP group.The clinical data of C-reactive protein(CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and procalcitonin(PCT)in pediatric patients were collected.The expression levels of Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The correlation between Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 levels in peripheral blood of RMPP children and clinical factors were analyzed by Pearson or Spearman methods.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze risk factors of GMPP progression to RMPP.The predictive value of peripheral blood Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 levels to RMPP was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results The heat course,CRP,TNF-α,PCT,Galectin-3,IL-1β,IL-9 and the proportion of extrapulmonary complications were higher in the RMPP group than those in the GMPP group(P<0.01).The correlation analysis results showed that Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 levels were positively correlated with heat course,extrapulmonary complications,CRP,TNF-α and PCT(P<0.01).Logistic regression analysis showed that the increased levels of Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 were independent risk factors for GMPP progression to RMPP(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of peripheral blood Galectin-3,IL-1β,IL-9 and their combined prediction of GMPP progression to RMPP were 0.852,0.813,0.812 and 0.949,respectively,and the combined prediction showed the highest efficacy(P<0.01).Conclusion The levels of Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 in the peripheral blood of children with RMPP are abnormally elevated,and their combined detection can be used as an important indicator for evaluating the progression of GMPP to RMPP.
5.Application of failure mode and effect analysis in safety management of intra-hospital blood transport
Modern Hospital 2025;25(5):705-708
Objective To investigate evidence-based strategies for reducing blood transportation time in intra-hospital safety management.Methods A comparative study was conducted,including 371 cases of in-hospital blood transportation from April to June 2023(control group),and 379 cases from April to June 2024(observation group)at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University.A multidisciplinary team implemented the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis(FMEA)method to analyze the failure modes in the blood transportation process within the hospital,calculate the Risk Priority Number(RPN),analyze the causes of critical failure modes,and develop improvement measures.The efficiency of blood transportation and incidence of trans-fusion-related adverse reactions were evaluated before and after FMEA implementation.Results No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of transfusion-related adverse reactions before and after FMEA implementation.Howev-er,the average in-hospital blood transportation time decreased significantly from 18.36 minutes before intervention to 8.28 mi-nutes post-intervention(P<0.05).Conclusion By using FMEA to analyze influencing factors and implementing improvement strategies,such as optimizing manpower allocation,planning transportation routes,and strengthening information monitoring,the safe and timely delivery of blood products within the aging hospital campus was effectively ensured.
6.Application of failure mode and effect analysis in safety management of intra-hospital blood transport
Modern Hospital 2025;25(5):705-708
Objective To investigate evidence-based strategies for reducing blood transportation time in intra-hospital safety management.Methods A comparative study was conducted,including 371 cases of in-hospital blood transportation from April to June 2023(control group),and 379 cases from April to June 2024(observation group)at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University.A multidisciplinary team implemented the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis(FMEA)method to analyze the failure modes in the blood transportation process within the hospital,calculate the Risk Priority Number(RPN),analyze the causes of critical failure modes,and develop improvement measures.The efficiency of blood transportation and incidence of trans-fusion-related adverse reactions were evaluated before and after FMEA implementation.Results No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of transfusion-related adverse reactions before and after FMEA implementation.Howev-er,the average in-hospital blood transportation time decreased significantly from 18.36 minutes before intervention to 8.28 mi-nutes post-intervention(P<0.05).Conclusion By using FMEA to analyze influencing factors and implementing improvement strategies,such as optimizing manpower allocation,planning transportation routes,and strengthening information monitoring,the safe and timely delivery of blood products within the aging hospital campus was effectively ensured.
7.Expression levels and clinical significance of Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 in peripheral blood of children with refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Qianqian HE ; Han HUANG ; Lihong LIANG ; Linlin WU ; Dongge LIANG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(4):393-397
Objective To investigate the expression levels and clinical significance of Galectin-3,interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-9 in peripheral blood of children with refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(RMPP).Methods A total of 132 hospitalized children diagnosed with RMPP were selected as the RMPP group,and another 128 children with general MPP(GMPP)in the same period were selected as the GMPP group.The clinical data of C-reactive protein(CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and procalcitonin(PCT)in pediatric patients were collected.The expression levels of Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The correlation between Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 levels in peripheral blood of RMPP children and clinical factors were analyzed by Pearson or Spearman methods.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze risk factors of GMPP progression to RMPP.The predictive value of peripheral blood Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 levels to RMPP was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results The heat course,CRP,TNF-α,PCT,Galectin-3,IL-1β,IL-9 and the proportion of extrapulmonary complications were higher in the RMPP group than those in the GMPP group(P<0.01).The correlation analysis results showed that Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 levels were positively correlated with heat course,extrapulmonary complications,CRP,TNF-α and PCT(P<0.01).Logistic regression analysis showed that the increased levels of Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 were independent risk factors for GMPP progression to RMPP(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of peripheral blood Galectin-3,IL-1β,IL-9 and their combined prediction of GMPP progression to RMPP were 0.852,0.813,0.812 and 0.949,respectively,and the combined prediction showed the highest efficacy(P<0.01).Conclusion The levels of Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 in the peripheral blood of children with RMPP are abnormally elevated,and their combined detection can be used as an important indicator for evaluating the progression of GMPP to RMPP.
8.Exploring aspirin discontinuation timing based on third-trimester risk reassessment in women with first-trimester high risk of pre-eclampsia
Xiaoyan HUANG ; Meiqin JIANG ; Qianqian LIN ; Wenjing MENG ; Qin XUE
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;60(9):709-715
Objective:To investigate whether continued low-dose aspirin (LDA) intervention affects the incidence of pre-eclampsia (PE) and adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with high-risk PE screening in the first trimester and reassessed as low risk at 28 weeks of gestation.Methods:This study was a prospective observational cohort study. From April 2022 to April 2024, a total of 106 pregnant women who underwent prenatal examination in the Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University were enrolled. They were assessed as high risk of PE by multiple indicators combined screening at 11-13 +6 weeks of gestation, received LDA intervention, and were reassessed as low risk of PE at 28 weeks of gestation. The patients were divided into withdrawal group (49 cases) and continuation group (57 cases). The incidence of PE and adverse pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results:(1) There were no statistically significant differences in general conditions and the incidence of pregnancy complications between the two groups (all P>0.05). During the PE risk screening at 11-13 +6 weeks of gestation, there were no statistically significant differences in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and ultrasound uterine artery pulsation index (UtPI) between the two groups (all P>0.05), but the placental growth factor (PlGF) level in the withdrawal group was significantly lower than that in the continuation group ( P=0.023). There was no significant difference in the proportion of pregnant women with high risk of PE before 32 weeks and 34 weeks of pregnancy between the two groups (all P>0.05). (2) There were 7 cases (14%, 7/49) of PE in the withdrawal group, including 1 case (2%, 1/49) of early-onset PE and 3 cases (6%, 3/49) of PE before 37 weeks of pregnancy. There were 11 cases (19%, 11/57) of PE in the continuation group, including 2 cases (4%, 2/57) of early-onset PE and 4 cases (7%, 4/57) of PE before 37 weeks of pregnancy. There were no significant differences in the incidence of PE (including early-onset PE and PE before 37 weeks of pregnancy), gestational hypertension, severe PE, chronic hypertension complicated with PE and chronic hypertension complicated with pregnancy between the two groups (all P>0.05). (3) There were no significant differences in cesarean section rate, preterm birth rate, placental abruption, postpartum hemorrhage, fetal growth restriction, fetal distress rate, neonatal birth weight, neonatal asphyxia, and 1-minute and 5-minute Apgar scores between the two groups (all P>0.05). No stillbirth occurred in the two groups. Conclusion:For pregnant women with high risk of PE screening in the first trimester and taking LDA intervention, there is no difference in the incidence of PE and adverse pregnancy outcomes whether to continue LDA or not after being reassessed as low risk at 28 weeks of gestation.
9.Syndrome evolution of acute-on-chronic liver failure and ideas for diagnosis and treatment
Qianqian ZHANG ; Yu HUANG ; Kewei SUN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1008-1015
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is an acute and critical illness with a high short-term mortality rate, and current therapies mainly focus on elimination of causes, organ support, and prevention of complications. Although liver transplantation is the most effective treatment modality, its clinical application is limited, and traditional Chinese medicine has shown significant advantages and characteristics in the treatment of ACLF. In traditional Chinese medicine, ACLF is classified into the same category as diseases such as “jaundice”, and unlike traditional jaundice which is mostly characterized by excess and heat syndromes, the syndrome of ACLF has gradually transformed from Yang jaundice to Yin jaundice due to the changing disease spectrum of ACLF. With reference to the pathogenesis of ACLF in Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine theories, this article discusses the essential pathogenesis of ACLF in traditional Chinese medicine, explores the evolution of ACLF syndromes, and reviews the research advances in the clinical efficacy and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine based on the three-factor differentiation-based treatment of damp-heat, blood stasis-heat, and spleen deficiency, as well as the safety of spleen-strengthening and Yang-warming drugs in the clinical treatment of ACLF, in order to provide ideas, methods, and evidence for the application of traditional Chinese medicine in ACLF.
10.Evaluation of uncertainty in the determination of 19 elements in human urine by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Mengxi WU ; Wenyao HUANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Qianqian XIANG ; Ying DENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(4):47-50
Objective To use direct dilution method to pretreat human urine, and to determine 19 elements in human urine using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and to evaluate the uncertainty of the entire experimental process. Methods The relevant mathematical models were established according to JJF 10591-2012 “Evaluation and Expression of Measurement Uncertainty” and CNAS-GL006 “Guidance for Evaluation of Uncertainty in Chemical Analysis”. Taking molybdenum as an example, the uncertainty sources in the determination of 19 elements in human urine by inductively coupled plasma method were analyzed and evaluated, including sample pretreatment, sample repeated measurement, standard solution preparation and standard curve fitting. Results The extended uncertainty of molybdenum in human urine is 2.12μg/L, and the measurement result of molybdenum is (44.8±2.12)μg/L. The measurement result of 19 elements in human urine ranges from less than the detection limit to 601μg/L, and the extended uncertainty range is 0.38~33.6μg/L.Conclusion It was found from the calculation that the uncertainty of the determination result was mainly affected by the uncertainty of the sample repeated measurement and the standard curve fitting. By adjusting the range of standard curve and increasing the number of parallel sample measurement, the uncertainty was reduced and the quality of detection was improved.


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