Objective:To evaluate the predictive value of whole blood cell derived inflammatory marker (including systemic immunoinflammatory index (SII), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), neutrophil count/lymphocyte count (NLR), platelet count/lymphocyte count (PLR), and monocyte count/lymphocyte count (MLR)) and in combination with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) on the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure.Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study. Patients with chronic heart failure hospitalized in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University from January 2019 to August 2022 were enrolled. Patients were followed up and were divided into survival group and death group according to the follow-up results. Clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of each whole blood cell derived inflammatory marker for predicting all-cause death in patients with chronic heart failure. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was drawn, and log-rank test was used to compare the difference in survival of chronic heart failure patients with different levels of whole blood cell derived inflammatory markers. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the effects of whole blood cell derived inflammatory markers and NT-proBNP on the all-cause death of patients with chronic heart failure. ROC curve was used to analyze the predictive value of whole blood cell derived inflammatory markers combined with NT-proBNP on the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure.Results:A total of 324 patients with heart failure aged (64.76±13.78) years were enrolled, with 212 males (65.43%). 297 patients (91.67%) completed follow-up, 27 patients (8.33%) were lost to follow-up. The follow-up time was 24.0 (18.0, 41.8) months. There were 258 patients in the survival group and 66 patients in the death group. The optimal cut-off values of SII, SIRI, NLR, PLR and MLR determined by ROC curve were 739.83, 1.65, 3.14, 151.95 and 0.37, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that patients with chronic heart failure with high levels of SII (≥739.83), SIRI (≥1.65), NLR (≥3.14), PLR (≥151.95) and MLR (≥0.37) had higher incidence of all-cause death than patients with low levels of inflammatory markers (all P<0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that age ( HR=1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, P=0.002), NT-proBNP ( HR=2.93, 95% CI 1.64-5.23, P<0.001), SII≥739.83 ( HR=3.27, 95% CI 1.18-9.02, P=0.022) and PLR≥151.95 ( HR=2.67, 95% CI 1.02-6.96, P=0.045) were independent predictors of all-cause death in patients with chronic heart failure. ROC curve analysis showed that the predictive value of SII and PLR combined with NT-proBNP ( AUC=0.850) for the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure was better than that of SII ( AUC=0.779)、PLR ( AUC=0.782)、NT-proBNP ( AUC=0.727) and CRP ( AUC=0.668) alone (all P<0.001). Conclusions:Whole blood cell derived inflammatory markers——SII, PLR, and NT-pro BNP were independently associated with all-cause death in patients with chronic heart failure. SII and PLR can independently predict the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure, combination of SII and PLR with NT-pro BNP has better predictive value for the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure.

Objective:To investigate factors influencing frequent episodes (≥ 4 episodes within 1 year) in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in China.Methods:A national multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients under the age of 18 years diagnosed with moderate-to-severe AD were enrolled at dermatology clinics in 18 medical institutions across 12 provinces and municipalities in China between June 12 and August 8, 2023. At the time of the visit, their guardians completed a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, clinical features of AD, personal and family history, factors associated with frequent episodes of moderate-to-severe AD, compliance with treatment, and disease awareness. Statistical analyses included t tests, one-way analysis of variance, rank-sum tests, and chi-square tests, with multiple-response analysis applied for multiple-choice questions. Results:A total of 965 valid questionnaires were collected, and 965 children with moderate-to-severe AD were included. Among them, there were 531 males and 434 females, 678 (70.3%) were aged 2 - < 12 years, 837 (86.7%) were from urban areas, the age at onset was 2.47 ± 3.03 years, and the median frequency of AD episodes in the past year was 4 times. These children were divided into 2 groups based on the median episode frequency: < 4-episode group (439 cases, 45.5%) and ≥ 4-episode group (526 cases, 54.5%). Compared with the < 4-episode group, children in the ≥ 4-episode group showed younger ages at onset (2.22 ± 2.98 years vs. 2.76 ± 3.06 years, P = 0.006) and higher proportions of patients with comorbid allergic diseases in both the children themselves (82.9% [436/526] vs. 69.7% [306/439], χ2 = 23.42, P < 0.001) and their relatives (66.0% [347/526] vs. 57.4% [252/439], χ2 = 7.46, P = 0.006). Children in the ≥ 4- episode group also had higher monthly usage of moisturizers (150 [30, 300] g vs. 60 [6, 200] g) and daily frequency of moisturizer use, greater disease awareness, but more severe fear of medication use (all P < 0.05). The region and the human development index level were both significantly associated with the episode frequency (both P < 0.001), with the highest proportion of children from South China in the ≥ 4- episode group (36.3%, 191/526). Children in the ≥ 4-episode group also had a longer duration of topical glucocorticoid use than those in the < 4-episode group ( Z = -2.21, P = 0.027). External triggers associated with AD episodes mainly included heat exposure (50.36%, 486/965), hot water bathing (40.73%, 393/965), seafood (23.52%, 227/965), and dust mites (33.37%, 322/965) . Conclusion:In children with moderate-to-severe AD in China, factors influencing frequent episodes may include residence in southern or economically developed regions, earlier age at onset, having a personal or family history of allergic diseases, and fear of medication use.

Objective:To investigate a surgical method and clinical effect on reconstruction of infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers of the elderly patients with free perforator flap of peroneal artery.Methods:From March 2016 to June 2022, 13 elderly patients with infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers were reconstructed with free perforator flaps of peroneal artery. The patients were 65-70 years with an average age of 66.5 years. Cause of infection: 10 ulceration and soft tissue defects were caused by diabetes and 3 by injury. Seven infective ulceration and soft tissue defects were in dorsal index fingers, 3 in dorsal middle fingers and 3 in dorsal ring fingers with the size of soft tissue defects at 2.0 cm×4.5 cm-2.0 cm×5.5 cm with an exposure of tendon and phalange. The donor site of the flaps was of contralateral calf and the flaps were 2.5 cm×5.0 cm-2.5 cm×6.0 cm in size. All donor sites were sutured directly. All patients were included in the postoperative follow-up at outpatient clinic to observe the appearance and sensation of the flap as well as finger movement.Results:All flaps survived and all wounds achieved stage I healing, without recurrence of infection. Twelve patients had the postoperative follow-up for 12 to 27 months, with an average of 21.6 months. There were satisfactory appearance of flaps and the function of fingers. Sensation of flaps recovered to S 2 in 5 patients and S 3 in 7 patients. The recovery of hand function was evaluated according to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, with 8 hands in excellent and 4 in good. Conclusion:The free perforator flap of peroneal artery has advantages of constant vascular anatomy, reliable blood supply, moderate thickness and direct closure of donor site. It is a useful clinical method in reconstruction of infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers of the elderly patients.

Objective:To investigate factors influencing frequent episodes (≥ 4 episodes within 1 year) in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in China.Methods:A national multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients under the age of 18 years diagnosed with moderate-to-severe AD were enrolled at dermatology clinics in 18 medical institutions across 12 provinces and municipalities in China between June 12 and August 8, 2023. At the time of the visit, their guardians completed a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, clinical features of AD, personal and family history, factors associated with frequent episodes of moderate-to-severe AD, compliance with treatment, and disease awareness. Statistical analyses included t tests, one-way analysis of variance, rank-sum tests, and chi-square tests, with multiple-response analysis applied for multiple-choice questions. Results:A total of 965 valid questionnaires were collected, and 965 children with moderate-to-severe AD were included. Among them, there were 531 males and 434 females, 678 (70.3%) were aged 2 - < 12 years, 837 (86.7%) were from urban areas, the age at onset was 2.47 ± 3.03 years, and the median frequency of AD episodes in the past year was 4 times. These children were divided into 2 groups based on the median episode frequency: < 4-episode group (439 cases, 45.5%) and ≥ 4-episode group (526 cases, 54.5%). Compared with the < 4-episode group, children in the ≥ 4-episode group showed younger ages at onset (2.22 ± 2.98 years vs. 2.76 ± 3.06 years, P = 0.006) and higher proportions of patients with comorbid allergic diseases in both the children themselves (82.9% [436/526] vs. 69.7% [306/439], χ2 = 23.42, P < 0.001) and their relatives (66.0% [347/526] vs. 57.4% [252/439], χ2 = 7.46, P = 0.006). Children in the ≥ 4- episode group also had higher monthly usage of moisturizers (150 [30, 300] g vs. 60 [6, 200] g) and daily frequency of moisturizer use, greater disease awareness, but more severe fear of medication use (all P < 0.05). The region and the human development index level were both significantly associated with the episode frequency (both P < 0.001), with the highest proportion of children from South China in the ≥ 4- episode group (36.3%, 191/526). Children in the ≥ 4-episode group also had a longer duration of topical glucocorticoid use than those in the < 4-episode group ( Z = -2.21, P = 0.027). External triggers associated with AD episodes mainly included heat exposure (50.36%, 486/965), hot water bathing (40.73%, 393/965), seafood (23.52%, 227/965), and dust mites (33.37%, 322/965) . Conclusion:In children with moderate-to-severe AD in China, factors influencing frequent episodes may include residence in southern or economically developed regions, earlier age at onset, having a personal or family history of allergic diseases, and fear of medication use.

Objective:To investigate a surgical method and clinical effect on reconstruction of infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers of the elderly patients with free perforator flap of peroneal artery.Methods:From March 2016 to June 2022, 13 elderly patients with infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers were reconstructed with free perforator flaps of peroneal artery. The patients were 65-70 years with an average age of 66.5 years. Cause of infection: 10 ulceration and soft tissue defects were caused by diabetes and 3 by injury. Seven infective ulceration and soft tissue defects were in dorsal index fingers, 3 in dorsal middle fingers and 3 in dorsal ring fingers with the size of soft tissue defects at 2.0 cm×4.5 cm-2.0 cm×5.5 cm with an exposure of tendon and phalange. The donor site of the flaps was of contralateral calf and the flaps were 2.5 cm×5.0 cm-2.5 cm×6.0 cm in size. All donor sites were sutured directly. All patients were included in the postoperative follow-up at outpatient clinic to observe the appearance and sensation of the flap as well as finger movement.Results:All flaps survived and all wounds achieved stage I healing, without recurrence of infection. Twelve patients had the postoperative follow-up for 12 to 27 months, with an average of 21.6 months. There were satisfactory appearance of flaps and the function of fingers. Sensation of flaps recovered to S 2 in 5 patients and S 3 in 7 patients. The recovery of hand function was evaluated according to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, with 8 hands in excellent and 4 in good. Conclusion:The free perforator flap of peroneal artery has advantages of constant vascular anatomy, reliable blood supply, moderate thickness and direct closure of donor site. It is a useful clinical method in reconstruction of infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers of the elderly patients.

Objective:To evaluate the predictive value of whole blood cell derived inflammatory marker (including systemic immunoinflammatory index (SII), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), neutrophil count/lymphocyte count (NLR), platelet count/lymphocyte count (PLR), and monocyte count/lymphocyte count (MLR)) and in combination with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) on the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure.Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study. Patients with chronic heart failure hospitalized in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University from January 2019 to August 2022 were enrolled. Patients were followed up and were divided into survival group and death group according to the follow-up results. Clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of each whole blood cell derived inflammatory marker for predicting all-cause death in patients with chronic heart failure. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was drawn, and log-rank test was used to compare the difference in survival of chronic heart failure patients with different levels of whole blood cell derived inflammatory markers. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the effects of whole blood cell derived inflammatory markers and NT-proBNP on the all-cause death of patients with chronic heart failure. ROC curve was used to analyze the predictive value of whole blood cell derived inflammatory markers combined with NT-proBNP on the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure.Results:A total of 324 patients with heart failure aged (64.76±13.78) years were enrolled, with 212 males (65.43%). 297 patients (91.67%) completed follow-up, 27 patients (8.33%) were lost to follow-up. The follow-up time was 24.0 (18.0, 41.8) months. There were 258 patients in the survival group and 66 patients in the death group. The optimal cut-off values of SII, SIRI, NLR, PLR and MLR determined by ROC curve were 739.83, 1.65, 3.14, 151.95 and 0.37, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that patients with chronic heart failure with high levels of SII (≥739.83), SIRI (≥1.65), NLR (≥3.14), PLR (≥151.95) and MLR (≥0.37) had higher incidence of all-cause death than patients with low levels of inflammatory markers (all P<0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that age ( HR=1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, P=0.002), NT-proBNP ( HR=2.93, 95% CI 1.64-5.23, P<0.001), SII≥739.83 ( HR=3.27, 95% CI 1.18-9.02, P=0.022) and PLR≥151.95 ( HR=2.67, 95% CI 1.02-6.96, P=0.045) were independent predictors of all-cause death in patients with chronic heart failure. ROC curve analysis showed that the predictive value of SII and PLR combined with NT-proBNP ( AUC=0.850) for the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure was better than that of SII ( AUC=0.779)、PLR ( AUC=0.782)、NT-proBNP ( AUC=0.727) and CRP ( AUC=0.668) alone (all P<0.001). Conclusions:Whole blood cell derived inflammatory markers——SII, PLR, and NT-pro BNP were independently associated with all-cause death in patients with chronic heart failure. SII and PLR can independently predict the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure, combination of SII and PLR with NT-pro BNP has better predictive value for the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure.

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of cosmetic reconstruction for partial defect of distal segment of digits.Methods:Form January 2018 to January 2021, the Department of Hand Surgery of Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry(The 521 Hospital of Weapon Industry) admitted 129 patients with partial defect of distal segment of thumb or fingers with phalange or tendon exposure. The patients were 111 males and 18 females with an average age of 34(17-59) years old. The sizes of nailbed defect were 0.4 cm×1.1 cm-1.8 cm×2.0 cm, the length of phalange defect was 0.4-1.8 cm, and the sizes of the soft tissue defect were 1.6 cm×1.8 cm-3.2 cm×4.8 cm. Great toe tissue flaps were used to reconstruct the partial defect of distal segment of thumb or fingers after debridement. Wounds of fibular flap of great toe in 77 cases were directly sutured in 17 patients. The donor sites in rest 60 great toes were narrowed first and then repaired with skin grafts in 10 cases, with artificial dermis in 28 cases and with transverse V-Y advancement flaps of ipsilateral great toes for 22 cases. Forty-nine of 52 donor site wounds for hallux toenail flap were repaired with artificial dermis and 3 with free peroneal artery perforator flaps. The method was outpatient follow-up. Postoperative follow-up lasted until July 2022. The check-items for follow-up included: occurrence of necrosis, appearance, shape and texture of the flap, appearance of the reconstructed nails, TPD of the reconstructed digit pulps, tolerance to cold on the scars of flaps, flexion and extension of the reconstructed digits. The healing time of phalanges of the reconstructed digits was evaluated by X-rays. The appearance, sensation, the tolerance to cold of great toe and the movement of donor foot were also assessed.Results:Postoperative follow-up lasted for 18 to 24 months, with an average of 21 months. A total of 128 flaps survived. Necrosis occurred in 1 fibular hallux flap, the necrosis was cured with a reverse digital proper artery island flap. Thereafter, all flaps healed well. The appearance, shape, texture and nails of reconstructed digits were close to the contralateral digits. The reconstructed thumb and finger were evaluated according to Zook, 127 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good.TPD of the pulps of the reconstructed digits was 4-10 mm. The mean score of the Vancouver scar scale(VSS) was 0.6 for scars of the reconstructed digits. The mean score of the Visual analog scale(VAS) was 0.3 for the tolerance to cold. Flexion and extension function recovered well in all the reconstructed digits. According to the Evaluation Criteria of Upper limb Function Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the function of hand was excellent in 127 cases and 1 in each of good and fair. X-rays of all digits showed the phalange healing of the reconstructed digits, with an average healing time of 2 months after surgery, without phalange resorption, infection, nonunion nor stress fracture. There was no difference between the length of the donor great toe and the contralateral toe, except the donor site of the great toe nail root. There was no significant visual difference between the appearance of the donor great toe and the contralateral toe. TPD of the pulps of donor great toe was 4-8 mm. The mean score of the VSS was 1.4 for scars in the donor great toe. The mean score of the VAS was 0.7 for the tolerance to cold of the donor great toe. There was no stress fracture at donor site, and the functions of donor foot were not affected when walking, running, jumping and tiptoeing in all patients.Conclusion:It is an ideal method for reconstructing a partial defect of distal segment of digit by great toe flap. It can not only reconstruct the partial defect of distal segment of the digit, but also results in a good appearance and satisfactory functions of the reconstructed digit. Damage to the donor site is minimum. The length of the donor great toe is unchanged, and it has little impact on sensation and appearance of the donor great toe. Meanwhile, there is no adverse effect on walking, running and jumping with the donor foot.

Mast cells, autoantibodies, inflammatory cells, coagulation cascade, complement system and nervous system are all involved in the complex pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) , while mast cells play a pivotal role in it. With deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of CSU, cutting-edge therapeutic methods are gradually being used in clinical practice. Nowadays, pharmacotherapyeutic studies are more focused on accurately modulating the pathological state of mast cells. This review summarizes recent advances in the pathogenesis of and medicines for CSU.