1.Predictive value of different comorbidity indices for hospitalization due to acute exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with comorbidities
Qinglin CHEN ; Ruoyan ZHANG ; Xiaofang LIU ; Xiujuan YAO ; Yanyun HE ; Ran LI ; Xichun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(7):823-833
Objective:To evaluate the predictive efficacy of different comorbidity indices for hospitalization due to acute exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with comorbidities (CO-COPD).Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 259 stable COPD patients with comorbidities from Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, between October 2021 and September 2023, all with ≥1-year follow-up. Patients were categorized into hospitalized ( n=75) and non-hospitalized ( n=184) groups based on acute exacerbation events. Clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and comorbidity indices, including Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), COPD-specific Comorbidity Test (COTE), and comorbidities in chronic obstructive lung disease index (COMCOLD) were compared between two goups. Risk facors of hospitalization due to acute exacerbations were analyzed by Cox regression. Modified indices were developed by incorporating additional respiratory comorbidities (asthma, bronchiectasis, lung cancer) weighted by hazard ratios (HRs) from Cox reguression. The predictive performance of different comorbidity indices for hospitalization was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results:Hospitalized patients exhibited lower BMI, FEV 1% predicted, and FEV 1/FVC (all P<0.05), alongside higher modified British Medical Research Coucil (mMRC) scores and COPD assessment test (CAT) scores, eosinophil counts, and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, (GOLD)severity ( t=3.73, Z=-3.43, Z=-2.43, Z=-11.10, Z=-11.32, Z=-1.80, χ2=17.62, all P<0.05); and also higher use rates of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and systemic oral corticosteroid (OCS) ( χ2=5.48, 7.15, all P<0.05). The comorbidities of asthma, bronchiectasis, lung cancer, hypertension, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, anxiety and depression in hospitalized group were significantly higher ( χ2=22.49, 18.30, 15.63, 5.10, 4.68, 7.46, 5.16, all P<0.05), along with the increased CCI and COTE index ( P<0.05). Comorbid asthma, bronchiectasis, and lung cancer were independent risk factors for hospitalization ( HR=1.841, 2.924, and 2.076, respectively; all P<0.05). Original CCI and COTE showed moderate predictive value ( AUC=0.609 and 0.655), while modified CCI, COTE, and COMCOLD demonstrated improved performance ( AUC=0.730, 0.760, and 0.713, respectively). At optimal cutoffs (modified CCI>3.5, COTE>4.5, COMCOLD>6.5), sensitivities were 61.3%, 76.0%, and 58.7%, with specificities of 70.1%, 61.4%, and 72.3%. Age-stratified analysis revealed enhanced predictive utility of modified indices across age groups. Conclusions:CCI, COTE, and COMCOLD provide modest predictive value for hospitalization in CO-COPD. Modified indices incorporating respiratory comorbidities significantly improve risk stratification, offering clinical utility for identifying high-risk patients in primary care settings.
2.Effect and mechanism of endoclip papilloplasty in reducing the incidence of cholelithiasis.
Yao LI ; Xiaofang LU ; Yingchun WANG ; Hong CHANG ; Yaopeng ZHANG ; Wenzheng LIU ; Wei ZHENG ; Xiue YAN ; Yonghui HUANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(20):2596-2603
BACKGROUND:
Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is widely used to treat common bile duct stones (CBDS); however, long-term studies have revealed the increasing incidence of recurrent CBDS after EST. Loss of sphincter of Oddi function after EST was the main cause of recurrent CBDS. Reparation of the sphincter of Oddi is therefore crucial. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and safety of endoclip papilloplasty (ECPP) for repairing the sphincter of Oddi and elucidate its mechanism.
METHODS:
Eight healthy Bama minipigs were randomly divided into the EST group and the ECPP group at a 1:1 ratio, and bile samples were collected before endoscopy and 6 months later. All minipigs underwent transabdominal biliary ultrasonography for the diagnosis of cholelithiasis 6 months after endoscopy. The biliary microbiota composition and alpha and beta diversity were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Differential metabolites were analyzed by bile acid metabolomics to explore the predictive indicators of cholelithiasis.
RESULTS:
Three minipigs were diagnosed with cholelithiasis in the EST group, while none in the ECPP group showed cholelithiasis. The biliary Firmicutes/Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio was increased after EST and decreased after ECPP. The Chao1 and observed species index significantly decreased 6 months after EST ( P = 0.017 and 0.018, respectively); however, the biliary α-diversity was similar before and 6 months after ECPP. The β-diversity significantly differed in the EST group before and 6 months after EST, as well as in the ECPP group before and 6 months after ECPP (analysis of similarities [ANOSIM]: R = 0.917, P = 0.040; R = 0.740, P = 0.035; respectively). Glycolithocholic acid (GLCA) and taurolithocholic acid (TLCA) accumulated in bile 6 months after EST.
CONCLUSIONS
ECPP has less impact on the biliary microenvironment than EST and prevents duodenobiliary reflux by repairing the sphincter of Oddi. The bile levels of GLCA and TLCA may be used to predict the risk of cholelithiasis.
Animals
;
Swine, Miniature
;
Swine
;
Cholelithiasis/prevention & control*
;
Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic/methods*
;
Sphincter of Oddi/surgery*
;
Female
;
Male
3.Application of progressive upper limb exercise rehabilitation in patients with permanent pacemaker implantation
Jia FENG ; Linlin ZHENG ; Cuimei SHAO ; Suwei ZHENG ; Xiaofang YAO ; Dan PENG ; Jianping SONG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(19):2340-2347
Objective To investigate the intervention effects of a progressive upper limb exercise rehabilitation program based on the multi-process action control theory on upper limb function,rehabilitation compliance,and quality of life in patients with permanent pacemaker implantation(PPI).Methods A total of 130 patients scheduled for PPI from March to August 2024 were selected using a convenience sampling method.Among them,65 patients admitted from June to August were assigned to the experimental group,and 65 patients admitted from March to May formed the control group.The experimental group received the progressive upper limb exercise program in addition to routine care,while the control group received routine care only.The intervention lasted for 3 months.The differences were compared between the 2 groups in terms of primary outcome measures,including the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI)and grip strength.The secondary outcome measures were the Quality of Life Instrument for Chinese Patients with Pacemaker(QLICPP),hospital stay and incidence of complications.Results A total of 122 patients(62 in the experimental group and 60 in the control group)completed this study.Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant interaction effects between time and group for the total SPADI score and its pain and disability dimensions,as well as for the physical function,psychological function,and total score of QLICPP(P<0.001).Simple effects analysis indicated that the experimental group had better grip strength than the control group at l month postoperatively,and lower SPADI scores and total score than the control group at 1 and 3 months postoperatively.At 1 month postoperatively,the total QLICPP score and each dimension of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the incidence of complications and length of hospital stay(P>0.05).Conclusion The progressive upper limb exercise rehabilitation program developed in this study effectively addressed the issue of low rehabilitation compliance in PPI patients,improved their upper limb function and quality of life,and it was safe.It provides a feasible and effective new pathway for the rehabilitation of PPI patients.
4.The impact of different bolus application methods on chest wall skin dose after radical mastectomy for breast cancer
Zuohuai HU ; Jiandong FU ; Xiaofang LI ; Xinyue YAO ; Bin ZHAO ; Shu YAN ; Sisi HE
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(14):2138-2142
Objective To investigate the impact of different application methods of tissue compensators(bolus)on the skin dose delivered to the chest wall following radical mastectomy for breast cancer.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 60 female patients who underwent radical mastectomy and required chest wall radiotherapy at the hospital between January 2023 and March 2025.The Pinnacle3 9.10 radiotherapy planning system(TPS)was utilized to design two VMAT dual semi-arc radiotherapy plans for each patient,with a prescribed target dose of 50 Gy delivered in 2 Gy fractions over 25 sessions.In Plan 1,a Bolus was applied and optimized during the first 15 fractions,and subsequently removed for the remaining 10 fractions without re-optimization.The sub-field configuration and dose weighting from the initial optimization were retained,and only dose recalculations were performed.The final treatment plan combined both the Bolus-included and Bolus-excluded phases.In contrast,Plan 2 involved the application and optimization of Bolus during the first 15 fractions,followed by its removal and re-optimization of the plan for the last 10 fractions.The two optimized plans were then combined for the overall treatment delivery.Data from the two plan groups were analyzed using a paired sample t-test with SPSS 29.0 software.Results There was a statistically significant difference(P<0.05)in skin Dmean,V52.5,and V55;heart Dmean,V5,V30,and V40;affected lung Dmean,V5,and V20;PRVcord Dmean and Dmax;healthy breast Dmean,V5,and V10;affected humeral head Dmean and V30;as well as PTV Dmean,V50,V55,D2%,D98%,CI,and MU.Moreover,the dose distribution on the target layer and the DVH curves showed marked differences.However,no statistically significant difference was observed in PTV HI(P=0.125).Conclusion The combination of the two optimized plans,consisting of 15 fractions with bolus and 10 fractions without bolus,more accurately reflects the dose distri-bution within the planned target area and organs at risk,thereby providing enhanced protection for the patient's chest wall skin.
5.The impact of different bolus application methods on chest wall skin dose after radical mastectomy for breast cancer
Zuohuai HU ; Jiandong FU ; Xiaofang LI ; Xinyue YAO ; Bin ZHAO ; Shu YAN ; Sisi HE
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(14):2138-2142
Objective To investigate the impact of different application methods of tissue compensators(bolus)on the skin dose delivered to the chest wall following radical mastectomy for breast cancer.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 60 female patients who underwent radical mastectomy and required chest wall radiotherapy at the hospital between January 2023 and March 2025.The Pinnacle3 9.10 radiotherapy planning system(TPS)was utilized to design two VMAT dual semi-arc radiotherapy plans for each patient,with a prescribed target dose of 50 Gy delivered in 2 Gy fractions over 25 sessions.In Plan 1,a Bolus was applied and optimized during the first 15 fractions,and subsequently removed for the remaining 10 fractions without re-optimization.The sub-field configuration and dose weighting from the initial optimization were retained,and only dose recalculations were performed.The final treatment plan combined both the Bolus-included and Bolus-excluded phases.In contrast,Plan 2 involved the application and optimization of Bolus during the first 15 fractions,followed by its removal and re-optimization of the plan for the last 10 fractions.The two optimized plans were then combined for the overall treatment delivery.Data from the two plan groups were analyzed using a paired sample t-test with SPSS 29.0 software.Results There was a statistically significant difference(P<0.05)in skin Dmean,V52.5,and V55;heart Dmean,V5,V30,and V40;affected lung Dmean,V5,and V20;PRVcord Dmean and Dmax;healthy breast Dmean,V5,and V10;affected humeral head Dmean and V30;as well as PTV Dmean,V50,V55,D2%,D98%,CI,and MU.Moreover,the dose distribution on the target layer and the DVH curves showed marked differences.However,no statistically significant difference was observed in PTV HI(P=0.125).Conclusion The combination of the two optimized plans,consisting of 15 fractions with bolus and 10 fractions without bolus,more accurately reflects the dose distri-bution within the planned target area and organs at risk,thereby providing enhanced protection for the patient's chest wall skin.
6.Application of progressive upper limb exercise rehabilitation in patients with permanent pacemaker implantation
Jia FENG ; Linlin ZHENG ; Cuimei SHAO ; Suwei ZHENG ; Xiaofang YAO ; Dan PENG ; Jianping SONG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(19):2340-2347
Objective To investigate the intervention effects of a progressive upper limb exercise rehabilitation program based on the multi-process action control theory on upper limb function,rehabilitation compliance,and quality of life in patients with permanent pacemaker implantation(PPI).Methods A total of 130 patients scheduled for PPI from March to August 2024 were selected using a convenience sampling method.Among them,65 patients admitted from June to August were assigned to the experimental group,and 65 patients admitted from March to May formed the control group.The experimental group received the progressive upper limb exercise program in addition to routine care,while the control group received routine care only.The intervention lasted for 3 months.The differences were compared between the 2 groups in terms of primary outcome measures,including the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI)and grip strength.The secondary outcome measures were the Quality of Life Instrument for Chinese Patients with Pacemaker(QLICPP),hospital stay and incidence of complications.Results A total of 122 patients(62 in the experimental group and 60 in the control group)completed this study.Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant interaction effects between time and group for the total SPADI score and its pain and disability dimensions,as well as for the physical function,psychological function,and total score of QLICPP(P<0.001).Simple effects analysis indicated that the experimental group had better grip strength than the control group at l month postoperatively,and lower SPADI scores and total score than the control group at 1 and 3 months postoperatively.At 1 month postoperatively,the total QLICPP score and each dimension of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the incidence of complications and length of hospital stay(P>0.05).Conclusion The progressive upper limb exercise rehabilitation program developed in this study effectively addressed the issue of low rehabilitation compliance in PPI patients,improved their upper limb function and quality of life,and it was safe.It provides a feasible and effective new pathway for the rehabilitation of PPI patients.
7.Predictive value of different comorbidity indices for hospitalization due to acute exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with comorbidities
Qinglin CHEN ; Ruoyan ZHANG ; Xiaofang LIU ; Xiujuan YAO ; Yanyun HE ; Ran LI ; Xichun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(7):823-833
Objective:To evaluate the predictive efficacy of different comorbidity indices for hospitalization due to acute exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with comorbidities (CO-COPD).Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 259 stable COPD patients with comorbidities from Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, between October 2021 and September 2023, all with ≥1-year follow-up. Patients were categorized into hospitalized ( n=75) and non-hospitalized ( n=184) groups based on acute exacerbation events. Clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and comorbidity indices, including Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), COPD-specific Comorbidity Test (COTE), and comorbidities in chronic obstructive lung disease index (COMCOLD) were compared between two goups. Risk facors of hospitalization due to acute exacerbations were analyzed by Cox regression. Modified indices were developed by incorporating additional respiratory comorbidities (asthma, bronchiectasis, lung cancer) weighted by hazard ratios (HRs) from Cox reguression. The predictive performance of different comorbidity indices for hospitalization was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results:Hospitalized patients exhibited lower BMI, FEV 1% predicted, and FEV 1/FVC (all P<0.05), alongside higher modified British Medical Research Coucil (mMRC) scores and COPD assessment test (CAT) scores, eosinophil counts, and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, (GOLD)severity ( t=3.73, Z=-3.43, Z=-2.43, Z=-11.10, Z=-11.32, Z=-1.80, χ2=17.62, all P<0.05); and also higher use rates of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and systemic oral corticosteroid (OCS) ( χ2=5.48, 7.15, all P<0.05). The comorbidities of asthma, bronchiectasis, lung cancer, hypertension, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, anxiety and depression in hospitalized group were significantly higher ( χ2=22.49, 18.30, 15.63, 5.10, 4.68, 7.46, 5.16, all P<0.05), along with the increased CCI and COTE index ( P<0.05). Comorbid asthma, bronchiectasis, and lung cancer were independent risk factors for hospitalization ( HR=1.841, 2.924, and 2.076, respectively; all P<0.05). Original CCI and COTE showed moderate predictive value ( AUC=0.609 and 0.655), while modified CCI, COTE, and COMCOLD demonstrated improved performance ( AUC=0.730, 0.760, and 0.713, respectively). At optimal cutoffs (modified CCI>3.5, COTE>4.5, COMCOLD>6.5), sensitivities were 61.3%, 76.0%, and 58.7%, with specificities of 70.1%, 61.4%, and 72.3%. Age-stratified analysis revealed enhanced predictive utility of modified indices across age groups. Conclusions:CCI, COTE, and COMCOLD provide modest predictive value for hospitalization in CO-COPD. Modified indices incorporating respiratory comorbidities significantly improve risk stratification, offering clinical utility for identifying high-risk patients in primary care settings.
8.Clinical characteristics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and positive specific IgE
Qinglin CHEN ; Xiujuan YAO ; Xiaofang LIU ; Ran LI ; Yuhong WANG ; Xichun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2024;18(5):339-346
Objective:To investigate the clinical features of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and serum-positive specific IgE (SIgE).Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 105 stable COPD patients with allergic features and completed serum SIgE testing were included, and all of them were from Capital Medical University, Beijing Tong Ren Hospital from September 2022 to October 2023. Those with at least one positive result of SIgE testing were classified as positive SIgE COPD group, and those with negative SIgE were classified as negative SIgE COPD group. There were 32 cases (30.5%) in the positive SIgE COPD group and 73 cases (69.5%) in the negative SIgE COPD group. Differences in laboratory tests, pulmonary function, chronic obstructive pulmonary symptom scores, incidence of severe acute exacerbation events in the past year, and drug therapy were compared between the two groups. The risk factors for positive SIgE COPD were analyzed, and the best predictive value for the diagnosis of positive SIgE COPD was analyzed using the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC).Results:Compared with the negative SIgE COPD group, the percentage of positive SIgE COPD group with rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis with nasal polyps, eczema, and a history of drug or food allergy were higher (all P<0.05) and the percentage of those who had quit smoking were higher ( P<0.05); the percentage of IgE above normal thresholds, the level of IgE, the percentage of peripheral blood eosinophil (EOS%), the count of EOS, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were higher (all P<0.05), and the percentage of those who had severe and above severe Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of COPD (GOLD) pulmonary function classification were higher, while the percentage of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1% predicted), 25% maximal expiratory flow (MEF 25%) and MEF 75/25% were lower, and FEV 1/FVC was higher (all P<0.05). The positive SIgE COPD group had higher modified British medical research council (mMRC) scores and COPD assessment test (CAT) scores, and a higher incidence of severe acute exacerbation events over the past year (all P<0.05), and the use of short-acting β 2 receptor agonists (SABA) or short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA), inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), theophylline and oral hormone therapy were more frequent (all P<0.05). EOS% ( OR=1.252, 95% CI: 1.039-1.508) was a risk factor for SIgE positivity in COPD ( P<0.05), and having quit smoking ( OR=0.385, 95% CI: 0.197-0.751) was a protective factor ( P<0.05). The AUC value of the ROC curve of EOS%>2.5% for the diagnosis of SIgE positivity was 0.647 (95% CI: 0.543-0.752), with a sensitivity and specificity of 52.8% and 73.1%, respectively. Conclusions:Positive SIgE COPD has sever clinical symptoms, high risk of acute exacerbation and deficiencies in treatment. The elevate of EOS% is a risk factor for the development of positive SIgE in COPD patients; positive SIgE COPD meets the diagnostic criteria for allergic COPD phenotype, and EOS% over 2.5% is suggestive of the clinical detection of allergic COPD phenotype.
9.The progress and challenges of neoantigen-based cancer vaccines
Ming WU ; Xiaofang XING ; Gang YAO
Immunological Journal 2024;40(2):195-205
Personalized neoantigen vaccines,a cutting-edge technology in cancer immunotherapy,have garnered significant attention in recent years.Neoantigens are unique antigens produced by tumor-specific mutations,capable of being recognized by the immune system and eliciting a specific anti-tumor immune response.This review summarizes the current state of research on neoantigen vaccines,including the mechanisms of neoantigen generation and relatively screening methods,vaccine design and production,preclinical and clinical research progress,as well as the current challenges and future development trends.We present the potential of neoantigen vaccines in personalized treatment and their significant role in improving the survival rates and quality of life of cancer patients.Additionally,this review highlights the key issues in current research and proposes potential solutions,providing a reference for future studies.
10.Efficacy of interferon combined with Yanfukang Lotion in treating high-risk cervical human papillomavirus infection
Zhenwei WANG ; Yao MENG ; Yuhong QIU ; Ningjuan DUAN ; Jiayi DU ; Shuting DU ; Minqi FENG ; Xiali SUO ; Xiaofang YANG
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2024;31(12):1815-1820
Objective:This study aims to investigate the relationship between high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection and the composition of vaginal microecology. It will analyze the efficacy of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine intervention in treating HR-HPV infection, as well as the effects of this combined approach on vaginal microecology. Additionally, the study seeks to identify new methods to inhibit the malignant progression of cervical intraepithelial lesions.Methods:A prospective study was conducted involving 100 patients with HR-HPV infection who visited the Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine from April to June 2023. The participants were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 50 patients in each group using a random number table method. The control group received interferon treatment, while the observation group was treated with a combination of interferon and Yanfukang Lotion. High-throughput DNA sequencing of vaginal secretions was conducted to compare the differences in pre- and post-treatment vaginal microecological composition and the rate of HR-HPV clearance between the two groups. Results:In the observation group, both the diversity index and the abundance of vaginal microecology showed significant improvements compared with the control group, particularly in the abundance of dominant Lactobacillus species. These differences were statistically significant ( R = 0.124, 0.304, 0.030, all P < 0.05). The rates of HR-HPV clearance and overall effective rate (clearance + effective) in the observation group were 44% (22/50) and 68% (34/50), respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group [20% (10/50), 32% (16/50), χ2 = 12.98, both P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (χ2 = 1.76, P > 0.05). Conclusion:The combination of interferon and Yanfukang Lotion effectively treats HR-HPV infection by regulating the composition of vaginal microecology. This approach shows considerable efficacy and good safety, indicating its potential for further clinical application.

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