OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM). METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Retrospective Studies

This study investigates whether compounds in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge can bind to the Toll like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation protein 2 (TLR4/MD2) protein complex and exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. Virtual screening of reported chemical components of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge against TLR4/MD2 was conducted in this study. The selected compound, neoprzewaquinone A (Neo A), was tested for its impact on the binding of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to receptors on the cell membrane, its affinity for the protein, its influence on the dimerization of TLR4 and MD2 in LPS-induced cells, and its effects on the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 protein and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in cells. Results indicate that Neo A in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge exhibited the highest virtual binding affinity with TLR4/MD2, with a value of -12.8 kcal·mol^-1. Neo A significantly inhibited the binding of LPS to receptors on the cell membrane (P < 0.01). Moreover, Neo A demonstrated affinity for rhTLR4/MD2, rhTLR4, and rhMD2, with K_D values of 267, 534, and 228 nmol·L^-1, respectively. Amino acid residues like TYR131 and PHE121 in TLR4/MD2 might play a role in the alkyl and π-alkyl hydrophobic interactions with Neo A. Neo A also significantly inhibited the dimerization of TLR4 and MD2 in LPS-mediated cells (P < 0.01) and markedly suppressed the phosphorylation of NF-κBp65 protein (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Neo A significantly or markedly inhibited the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in LPS-induced cells (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In conclusion, Neo A exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by binding TLR4/MD2 then disrupting the binding of LPS to TLR4/MD2. It may serve as a TLR4/MD2 inhibitor with the potential to treat inflammation-related diseases targeting TLR4/MD2.

Objective:To investigate the effects of oral probiotics on intestinal microbiota and cognitive dysfunction in breast cancer chemotherapy patients. Methods:Thirty breast cancer patients who received anthracycline chemotherapy between December 2021 and June 2022 in the Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into the observation and control groups (15 cases per group). During chemotherapy, the observation group was additionally given oral probiotics. The fecal microbiota compositions before and after chemotherapy were detected using 16S rDNA sequencing. The changes in patients' subjective and objective cognitive function levels were evaluated by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive (FACT-Cog), respectively. Results:The microbiota diversity, as indicated by the Chao, Ace, Shannon and Simpson indices, showed no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). As compared with the control group, the relative abundance of the genus Actinomyces in the feces was significantly higher than in the observation group (P<0.05). By contrast, the relative abundance of the genera Acetoanaerobium, Lachnospiracea_incertae_sedis, and unclassified_Frankineae bacteria was significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.05). The total scores of the objective and subjective cognitive function as well as the scores of each dimension in both groups were markedly decreased after chemotherapy (P<0.05). The scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group after chemotherapy (P<0.05). During chemotherapy, the presence of the gastrointestinal adverse reactions (constipation, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal distension) in the observation group were significantly lower than in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion:Oral probiotics could improve the cognitive impairment and reduce the presence of the gastrointestinal side effects in the breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, which may be caused by modulating the intestinal microbiota.

Molecular imprinting is a biomimetic technique that simulates the specific recognition of biological macromolecules such as antibody. Based on molecular imprinting and high-specificity affinity analysis,the biomimetic imprinting affinity analysis (BIA) possesses many advantages such as high sensitivity,strong tolerance,good specificity and low cost,and thus,it has shown excellent prospects in food safety detection,pharmaceutical analysis and environmental pollution monitoring. In this review,the construction methods of recognition interfaces for BIA were summarized,including bulk polymerization,electro-polymerization and surface molecular imprinting. The application of molecularly imprinted polymers in different analysis methods,such as radiolabeled affinity analysis,enzyme-labeled affinity analysis,fluorescence-labeled affinity analysis,chemiluminescence affinity analysis and electrochemical immunosensor was mainly discussed. Furthermore,the challenges and future development trends of BIA in practical application were elucidated. This review might provide new reference ideas and technical supports for the further development of BIA technique.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of Bushen Tiaojing Decoction,a prescription derived from Daying Decoction which recorded in Jing Yue Quan Shu(The Complete Works of ZHANG Jing-Yue)and with herbs added,combined with human recombinant interferon-α-2b for the treatment of endometriosis(EMs)and to observe its effects on humoral immunity,serum carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125)and anti-endometrial antibody(EMAb)levels of EMs patients.Methods A total of 86 cases of EMs patients with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were randomly divided into observation group and control group,with 43 cases in each group.The control group was treated with human recombinant interferon-α-2b alone,and the observation group was treated with Bushen Tiaojing Decoction combined with human recombinant interferon-α-2b.The course of treatment covered one month.The changes of humoral immune factors of immunoglobulin A(IgA),complement 3(C3)and complement 4(C4),endometrial ectopic mass diameter,and the levels of pathology-relevant factors of CA1 25 and EMAb in the two groups before and after treatment were observed.Moreover,the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)After one month of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 97.67％(42/43),and that of the control group was 81.40％(35/43).The intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the efficacy of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the serum IgA level of the two groups was significantly higher than that before treatment(P＜0.05),and the serum C3 and C4 levels were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05).The increase of serum IgA level and the decrease of serum C3 and C4 levels in the observation group were significantly superior to those in the control group(P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the serum CA125 and EMAb levels and the diameter of endometrial ectopic mass in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of serum CA125 and EMAb levels and the diameter of endometriosis mass in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(4)The total incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was 6.98％(3/43)and that in the control group was 11.63％(5/43),and the difference between the two groups was not significant(P＞0.05).Conclusion Bushen Tiaojing Decoction combined with human recombinant interferon-α-2b has a significant clinical effect for the treatment of EMs patients with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.The combined therapy is effective on improving the levels of humoral immune factors,serum CA125 and EMAb,and reducing endometrial ectopic mass,with high safety.

Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P＜0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59％(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49％(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35％(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.

Objective:To investigate the clinical significance of genetic and molecular changes in primary myeloid sarcoma(MS).Methods:Fourteen patients with primary MS were selected in Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences,The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang from September 2010 to December 2021.AML1-ETO fusion,PML-RARα fusion and CBFβ breakage were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH),and the mutations of NPM1,CEBPA,FLT3,RUNX1,ASXL1,KIT and TP53 genes were detected by new generation sequencing(NGS).Results:Among 14 patients,the MS occurred in bone,breast,epididymis,lung,chest wall,cervix,small intestine,ovary,lymph nodes and central nervous system.The tumor cells expressed MPO(13 cases),CD34(7 cases),CD43(8 cases),CD68(7 cases),CD99(8 cases)and CD117(6 cases).Cytogenetic abnormalities were observed in 4 cases,including 3 cases of AML1-ETO fusion and 1 case of CBF β breakage,while no PML-RAR α fusion was detected.There were no significant differences in overall survival(OS)and leukemia-free survival(LFS)between patients with and without AML1-ETO fusion/CBFβ breakage(both P＞0.05).Among the 14 patients,the number of NPM1,CEBPA,FLT3-ITD,RUNX1,ASXL1,KIT and TP53 gene mutations was 5,3,5,3,2,2,1.respectively,of which 7 cases had at least one mutation in FLT3-ITD,RUNX1,ASXL1 and TP53 gene.The OS and LFS of patients with FLT3-ITD,RUNX1,ASXL1 or TP53 mutation were shorter than those without mutations(both P＜0.01).Conclusion:The genetic and molecular abnormalities of primary MS can be detected by FISH and NGS techniques.FLT3-ITD,RUNX1,ASXL1 or TP53 mutation indicates a worse prognosis,but further clinical studies are needed to confirm it.

Objective To investigate the incidence rate,clinical characteristics,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China.Methods Led by Shenzhen Children's Hospital,the Shenzhen Neonatal Data Collaboration Network organized 21 institutions to collect 36 cases of neonatal stroke from January 2020 to December 2022.The incidence,clinical characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen were analyzed.Results The incidence rate of neonatal stroke in 21 hospitals from 2020 to 2022 was 1/15 137,1/6 060,and 1/7 704,respectively.Ischemic stroke accounted for 75％(27/36);boys accounted for 64％(23/36).Among the 36 neonates,31(86％)had disease onset within 3 days after birth,and 19(53％)had convulsion as the initial presentation.Cerebral MRI showed that 22 neonates(61％)had left cerebral infarction and 13(36％)had basal ganglia infarction.Magnetic resonance angiography was performed for 12 neonates,among whom 9(75％)had involvement of the middle cerebral artery.Electroencephalography was performed for 29 neonates,with sharp waves in 21 neonates(72％)and seizures in 10 neonates(34％).Symptomatic/supportive treatment varied across different hospitals.Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment was performed for 12 neonates(33％,12/36),with a mean score of(32±4)points.The prognosis of 27 neonates was followed up to around 12 months of age,with 44％(12/27)of the neonates having a good prognosis.Conclusions Ischemic stroke is the main type of neonatal stroke,often with convulsions as the initial presentation,involvement of the middle cerebral artery,sharp waves on electroencephalography,and a relatively low neurodevelopment score.Symptomatic/supportive treatment is the main treatment method,and some neonates tend to have a poor prognosis.

Objective To investigate the risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)in twin preterm infants with a gestational age of<34 weeks,and to provide a basis for early identification of BPD in twin preterm infants in clinical practice.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the twin preterm infants with a gestational age of<34 weeks who were admitted to 22 hospitals nationwide from January 2018 to December 2020.According to their conditions,they were divided into group A(both twins had BPD),group B(only one twin had BPD),and group C(neither twin had BPD).The risk factors for BPD in twin preterm infants were analyzed.Further analysis was conducted on group B to investigate the postnatal risk factors for BPD within twins.Results A total of 904 pairs of twins with a gestational age of<34 weeks were included in this study.The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with group C,birth weight discordance of>25%between the twins was an independent risk factor for BPD in one of the twins(OR=3.370,95%CI:1.500-7.568,P<0.05),and high gestational age at birth was a protective factor against BPD(P<0.05).The conditional logistic regression analysis of group B showed that small-for-gestational-age(SGA)birth was an independent risk factor for BPD in individual twins(OR=5.017,95%CI:1.040-24.190,P<0.05).Conclusions The development of BPD in twin preterm infants is associated with gestational age,birth weight discordance between the twins,and SGA birth.

As artificial intelligence technology rapidly advances, its deployment within the medical sector presents substantial ethical challenges. Consequently, it becomes crucial to create a standardized, transparent, and secure framework for processing medical data. This includes setting the ethical boundaries for medical artificial intelligence and safeguarding both patient rights and data integrity. This consensus governs every facet of medical data handling through artificial intelligence, encompassing data gathering, processing, storage, transmission, utilization, and sharing. Its purpose is to ensure the management of medical data adheres to ethical standards and legal requirements, while safeguarding patient privacy and data security. Concurrently, the principles of compliance with the law, patient privacy respect, patient interest protection, and safety and reliability are underscored. Key issues such as informed consent, data usage, intellectual property protection, conflict of interest, and benefit sharing are examined in depth. The enactment of this expert consensus is intended to foster the profound integration and sustainable advancement of artificial intelligence within the medical domain, while simultaneously ensuring that artificial intelligence adheres strictly to the relevant ethical norms and legal frameworks during the processing of medical data.
Artificial Intelligence/legislation & jurisprudence* ; Humans ; Consensus ; Computer Security/standards* ; Confidentiality/ethics* ; Informed Consent/ethics*