OBJECTIVE To analyze the risk factors associated with serum digoxin concentration （SDC） exceeding the warning threshold and to construct a risk prediction model. METHODS Clinical data were retrospectively collected from hospitalized patients who received regular oral digoxin and completed therapeutic drug monitoring at Guangzhou First People’s Hospital and Nansha Branch of Guangzhou First People’s Hospital between September 2020 and March 2025. Patients with SDC＞2.0 ng/mL were classified as exceeding the warning threshold group， while those with SDC≤2.0 ng/mL were classified as the non-exceeding the warning threshold group. Based on univariate factor analysis， multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for SDC exceeding the warning threshold. A prediction model was developed and a nomogram was plotted accordingly. The discriminative ability of the model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve analysis， and the calibration curve were plotted to assess the calibration of the model. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was employed to evaluate the goodness of fit of the model， and clinical utility was evaluated by decision curve analysis （DCA）. RESULTS A total of 254 patients were included， among whom 49 patients （19.29%） had SDC exceeding the warning threshold. Univariate factor analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that increased daily dose per kilogram of body weight， advanced age， concomitant coronary heart disease， elevated serum creatinine levels， concomitant use of amiodarone， and concomitant use of deslanoside wer e independent risk factors for SDC exceeding the warning threshold （ P ＜0.05）. The area under the ROC curve of the model was 0.869 （95% confidence interval： 0.818-0.920）， with a sensitivity of 0.796 and a specificity of 0.842. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed good calibration （ P ＝0.570）. The calibration curve was closely aligned with the ideal curve， with a mean absolute error of 0.012. The model provided a higher net benefit across a threshold probability range of 6% to 82%. CONCLUSIONS The increased daily dose per kilogram of body weight， advanced age， concomitant coronary heart disease， elevated serum creatinine levels， concomitant use of amiodarone， and concomitant use of deslanoside are independent risk factors for SDC exceeding the warning threshold. The nomogram prediction model developed based on the aforementioned factors can be used to predict the risk of SDC exceeding the warning threshold.

ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Pibai Yucuo Formula （枇柏愈痤方， PYF） in treating acne from the perspective of skin barrier damage. MethodsThirty-two mice were randomly divided into blank group， model group， minocycline group， and PYF group， with 8 mice in each group. Except for the blank group， mice were induced by intradermal injection of Cutibacterium acnes （C.acnes） combined with topical application of artificial sebum to establish acne model. The blank group and model group received intragastric administration of 0.2 ml of distilled water， while the PYF group received intragastric administration of 22.75 g/（kg·d）of PYF， and the minocycline group received 0.013 g/（kg·d）of minocycline suspension， all once daily for 5 consecutive days. On day 0 and day 6 of the experiment， the body weight of mice in each group was recorded， and the absolute value of the body weight difference during the experiment was calculated. Skin conditions were assessed with multifunctional skin imaging system on the 2nd， 4th and 6th day of the experiment. Skin barrier function indicators including transepidermal water loss （TEWL）， and the water content of the stratum corneum and epidermis on day 0， 2， 4 and 6 of the experiment. Optical coherence tomography （OCT） was used to observe stratum corneum and skin thickness on the 1st， 3rd and 5th day of the experiment. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to observe histopathological changes， while ELISA was used to detect interleukin-17A （IL-17A） levels， and immunofluorescence staining was used to assess skin barrier-related proteins filaggrin （FLG） and loricrin （LOR） levels of skin lesions on day 6 of the experiment. ResultsCompared to the blank group， the model group showed a decrease in body weight on day 6， and an increase in the absolute value of the difference in body weight before and after the experiment （P＜0.05）. On day 4 and 6， TEWL values increased， while water content in the skin stratum corneum and epidermis decreased （P＜0.05）， accompanied by elevated IL-17A level and reduced immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins （P＜0.05）. The model group mice showed papules or pustules at the skin modeling site with progressively worsening desquamation under multifunctional skin imaging system. OCT revealed focal epidermal protrusions， blurred epidermal-dermal boundaries， and disorganized structural layers. HE staining showed significant epidermal hyperkeratosis and incomplete keratinization in the skin， with keratin plug formation in hair follicles and glandular lumens， thickened stratum corneum， hyperplasia of the stratum spinosum， as well as dense dermal inflammatory cell infiltration， and capillary dilation. Compared to the model group， both the minocycline group and the PYF group showed a reduced difference in body weight before and after experiment （P＜0.05）. On day 4 and 6， the TEWL value decreased， and water content of the skin stratum corneum increased （P＜0.05）； on day 6， the IL-17A level in the skin lesions decreased and immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins increased （P＜0.05）. On day 4 and 6， the severity of the skin lesions and range of redness and swelling were lighter than those in the model group， with reverted epidermal thickness， smoother surface and clearer epidermis-dermis boundary. HE staining showed that the degree of skin keratinization was reduced， and the inflammatory infiltration and vascular dilation in the dermis were improved compared to the model group. The PYF group showed better results than the minocycline group in reducing TEWL value on day 4 （P＜0.05）. ConclusionPYF may improve inflammation and skin barrier damage by downregulating IL-17A levels in lesion tissue and increasing skin barrier-related proteins， which could be one of the potential mechanism of action on acne.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of Jin's three-needle therapy combined with game therapy on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: Sixty children with ASD were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 30 cases in each. The children in the observation group received Jin's three-needle therapy combined with game therapy. The acupoints used in Jin's three-needle therapy included Zhisanzhen, Niesanzhen, Sishenzhen and Naosanzhen, and matches acupoints with syndromes. The acupoints included Shenting (GV24), Naohu (GV17) and bilateral Benshen (GB13), Naokong (GB19), Xinshu (BL15), Zusanli (ST36), etc. The needles were retained for 1 h for scalp acupuncture and not retained for body acupuncture. Game therapy included social interaction, music and dance, language stimulation, etc. The children in the control group were treated with the same game therapy in the observation group. Treatments were administered once daily, five times a week, with a three-month course considered as one treatment cycle, and a total of two cycles were provided. The scores of childhood autism rating scale (CARS), autism behavior scale (ABC) and 0-6-year-old Children's neuropsychological development assessment scale (children's psychological scale) were compared between the two groups before treatment and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. RESULTS: After 3 and 6 months of treatment, the CARS and ABC scores of both groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.01). After 6 months of treatment, the CARS and ABC scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). After 3 and 6 months of treatment, the scores of gross motor, fine motor, adaptive ability, language, and social behaviors in both groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.01). After 3 months of treatment, the observation group showed a greater improvement in gross motor, fine motor, adaptive ability, and social behaviors compared to the control group (P<0.05). After 6 months of treatment, the observation group showed a greater improvement in gross motor, fine motor, adaptive ability, language, and social behaviors compared to the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION Jin's three-needle therapy combined with game therapy is an effective method for the treatment of ASD, which shows more obvious advantages than simple game therapy in promoting the improvement of children's ability and reducing related behavior.
Humans ; Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology* ; Male ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Female ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Play Therapy ; Combined Modality Therapy

To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Qin-Zhu-Liang-Xue decoction (QZLX) in atopic dermatitis (AD) and glucocorticoid resistance, we conducted a single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this concoction. Network pharmacology analysis was performed and validated through clinical studies. The efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action of QZLX and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) α recombinant protein were assessed in AD mice induced by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). Correlation analysis was performed to determine the clinical relevance of GRα. The trial demonstrated that patients who received QZLX showed considerable improvements in their Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores compared with those who received mizolastine at week 4. Network pharmacological analysis identified GRα as a key target for QZLX in AD treatment. QZLX administration increased the serum GRα expression in AD patients, alleviated AD symptoms in mice, decreased inflammatory cytokine expression, and increased GRα expression without affecting liver or kidney function. In addition, GRα recombinant protein improved AD-like skin lesions in DNFB-induced mice. A negative correlation was observed between GRα expression and clinical parameters, including SCORAD, DLQI, and serum IgE levels. QZLX alleviates AD symptoms through the upregulation of GRα and thus presents a novel therapeutic strategy for the prevention of glucocorticoid resistance in AD management.
Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Humans ; Mice ; Network Pharmacology ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Receptors, Glucocorticoid/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Single-Blind Method ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

Objective:To analyze mortality risk factors in patients with severe pneumonia and investigate their varying influences across different time periods.Methods:A total of 134 patients with severe pneumonia admitted to the Emergency Department of Xiang’an Hospital, Xiamen University, between June 2019 and February 2020 were enrolled. All patients were treated in the EICU and followed up for four years. Based on outcomes, they were categorized into a death group ( n=77) and a survival group ( n=57). COX regression analysis was employed to identify mortality risk factors at different time points, while logistic regression analysis was used to assess risk factors influencing mortality during hospitalization, ICU stay, 1-month, and 1-year follow-up periods. Results:Mortality rates were 11.9% ( n=16) during ICU admission, 20.8% ( n=28) during hospitalization, 16.4% ( n=22) within 1 month, and 31.3% ( n=42) within 1 year. By the end of the follow-up, 57.4% ( n=77) of patients had died. Ten mortality risk factors were identified, with the number increasing over time. During ICU admission and hospitalization, significant risk factors included total bilirubin levels, APACHE-II score, invasive ventilation, ARDS, and vasopressor use in the ICU. One-month mortality risk additionally involved bacterial infection. One-year mortality risk further incorporated advanced age and chronic heart failure. By the end of follow-up, acute kidney injury (AKI) during ICU admission also emerged as a contributing factor, while higher body weight was identified as a protective factor. Conclusions:The number of mortality risk factors in severe pneumonia patients increases progressively over time. Early-stage factors during hospitalization and ICU admission exert a stronger impact on short-term mortality, whereas bacterial infection, advanced age, and chronic heart failure become increasingly significant in later stages. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of risk factors and underscore the importance of tailored monitoring and intervention strategies at different disease phases.

OBJECTIVE To understand the changing trends of use of antibiotics and etiological submission rates in medical institutions of Wuhan and find out the key points of management.METHODS The survey data of Wuhan were collected from the cross-sectional survey databases for nosocomial infections in China of 2016,2018,2020 and 2022,and the data were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS From 2016 to 2022,a total of 141 284 hospital-ized patients from 117 medical institutions were enrolled in the survey,and the utilization rate of antibiotics was 32.36％;the utilization rate of antibiotics was 32.87％in 2016,31.74％in 2018,28.75％in 2020,34.56％in 2022,showing an upward trend(x2=13.941,P＜0.001).The utilization rates of antibiotics were relatively high in respiratory medicine department and comprehensive ICU,which showed upward trends(x2=16.377,P＜0.001;x2=5.581,P=0.018);the utilization rate of antibiotics showed a downward trend in non-neonates pediatrics de-partment(x2=11.886,P＜0.001).The rates of prophylactic use of antibiotics for type Ⅰ incision surgery were 31.54％,23.53％,28.44％and 13.24％,respectively,showing downward trends(x2=230.333,P＜0.001).The etiological submission rates were 59.98％,55.77％,65.69％and 59.16％,respectively,which were basically same(P=0.072);the etiological submission rates of the medical institutions with less than 300 beds and 300 to 599 beds showed upward trends,while the etiological submission rates of the medical institutions with 600 to 899 beds and no less than 900 beds showed downward trends(x2=42.019,P＜0.001;x2=4.599,P=0.032).The etiological submission rate was 44.87％in 2018 before the treatment with antibiotics,47.80％in 2020,44.45％in 2022,which were basically same(P=0.431);the etiological submission rate of the medical institutions with no less than 900 beds showed a downward trend(x2=14.464,P＜0.001).CONCLUSIONS The use of antibiotics of the hospi-talized patients is generally normalized in the medical institutions of Wuhan,the utilization rate shows an upward trend,the etiological submission rate is basically same,and the rate of prophylactic use of antibiotics for type Ⅰincision surgery shows a downward trend.It is necessary to attach great importance to the etiological submission of large scale metical institutions before the treatment with antibiotics and the use of antibiotic of some key departments.

Objective To understand the current status and influencing factors of microbial contamination of dental unit waterlines(DUWLs)of secondary and lower medical institutions in Wuhan,and provide scientific basis for for-mulating prevention and control measures.Methods A stratified convenience sampling method was adopted to con-duct questionnaire survey on 248 dental medical institutions in 15 districts of Wuhan City,DUWLs from 44 medical institutions were sampled and detected according to hospital levels.Results Among disinfection and maintenance management measures for source water and waterlines,the highest implementation rate was the installation rate of anti-suction dental handpiece(73.39％,182/248),but only 16.48％(30/182)of institutions regularly conducted the detection on anti-suction function;The lowest was the daily disinfection rate of water storage tanks(17.53％,17/97).A total of 132 water specimens were collected from 44 medical institutions,with a qualified rate of microbi-al detection of 56.06％.The qualified rates for secondary,primary,and unclassified medical institutions were 77.78％,50.00％,and 50.72％,respectively,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).The qualified rates of microbial detection for source water,handpiece water,and three-way syringe water were 59.09％,50.00％,and 59.09％,respectively,with no statistically significant difference(P＞0.05).Univariate analysis re-sults showed that medical institutions that regularly conducted chemical disinfection on DUWLs,understood DU-WLs waterline cleaning and disinfection standards,regularly performed microbial monitoring on diagnosis and treat-ment water,qualified source water,and flushed waterlines for 3 minutes before and after daily consultations had a higher qualified rate of microbial detection in DUWLs diagnosis and treatment water,and the differences were all statistically significant(all P＜0.05).Conclusion The contamination status of DUWLs in secondary and lower medical institutions in Wuhan is relatively serious.It is recommended to focus on strengthening the training of rele-vant regulations,installing inlet filters,regularly detecting the anti-suction function of dental handpieces,imple-menting chemical disinfection and microbial monitoring on waterlines,standardizing the implementation of flushing before and after diagnosis and treatment,and strengthening the disinfection and use management of independent wa-ter storage tanks to control contamination.

Bronchial asthma is a common chronic heterogeneous airway disease that is pathologically characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and chronic inflammation.The pathogenesis of this disease is complex.Essentially,it is an airway inflammatory response driven by abnormal activation of the immune system.Its occurrence and development involve the participation of various immune cells and immune factors,including B lymphocytes,T lymphocytes,mast cells,macrophages and dendritic cells,as well as key cytokines such as interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,IL-13,and interferon(IFN)-γ.And key cytokines such as interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,IL-13 and interferon-γ.The complex interactions between these immune cells and mediators cause a series of pathological changes such as increased airway mucus secretion,smooth muscle contraction and airway remodeling,ultimately leading to the appearance of clinical symptoms,such as chest tightness,shortness of breath,wheezing and coughing.This article conducts systematically reviews current understanding of the immunological pathogenesis of bronchial asthma,thereby providing theoretical references for drug development and clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Objective:To develop the Home-based Self-management Efficacy Questionnaire for Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients and test its reliability and validity.Methods:Guided by the individual and family self-management theory and self-management efficacy theory, a preliminary questionnaire was developed through literature analysis, semi-structured interviews, and expert inquiries. From September to November 2022, convenience sampling was used to select stable COPD patients of the Respiratory Department of Tongji University Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital as participants for investigation for project analysis and exploratory factor analysis of the questionnaire. From December 2022 to January 2023, a survey was conducted on stable COPD patients who visited the Respiratory Department of Tongji University Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital and Yancheng Third People's Hospital to conduct confirmatory factor analysis and reliability testing on the questionnaire.Results:A total of 220 and 290 questionnaires were distributed respectively, and 214 and 280 valid questionnaires were collected, with effective response rates of 97.27% (214/220) and 96.55% (280/290), respectively. The Home-based Self-management Efficacy Questionnaire for COPD Patients included six dimensions and 28 items. The questionnaire's total Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.910, and the half-confidence coefficient was 0.806. The content validity index at the questionnaire level was 0.928, and the content validity index at the item level was 0.800 to 1.000. The exploratory factor analysis showed that a total of six common factors were extracted, with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 63.943%. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model fitted well and the questionnaire factor structure was stable.Conclusions:The the Home-based Self-management Efficacy Questionnaire for Stable COPD has been developed with good reliability and validity, providing a reference for medical and nursing staff to evaluate the home self-management efficacy of stable COPD patients.

Bronchial asthma is a common chronic heterogeneous airway disease that is pathologically characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and chronic inflammation.The pathogenesis of this disease is complex.Essentially,it is an airway inflammatory response driven by abnormal activation of the immune system.Its occurrence and development involve the participation of various immune cells and immune factors,including B lymphocytes,T lymphocytes,mast cells,macrophages and dendritic cells,as well as key cytokines such as interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,IL-13,and interferon(IFN)-γ.And key cytokines such as interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,IL-13 and interferon-γ.The complex interactions between these immune cells and mediators cause a series of pathological changes such as increased airway mucus secretion,smooth muscle contraction and airway remodeling,ultimately leading to the appearance of clinical symptoms,such as chest tightness,shortness of breath,wheezing and coughing.This article conducts systematically reviews current understanding of the immunological pathogenesis of bronchial asthma,thereby providing theoretical references for drug development and clinical diagnosis and treatment.