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

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the modulation mechanism of Suanzaoren Decoction (SZRD) on basolateral amygdala (BLA) neuronal activity to alleviate chronic restraint stress (CRS)-related behavioral deficits. METHODS: The male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to 4 groups using the complete randomization method, including control (CON, n=19), CRS (n=19), SZRD (n=21), and fluoxetine (Flu, n=22) groups. Mice were restrained for 6 h per day, over a 21-d period to establish CRS models. The CON group remained in their cages without food or water during the 6-h matching period. SZRD and Flu groups received intragastric administration of SZRD (4.68 g/kg) and Flu (20 mg/kg) daily, respectively, 30 min before restraint for 21 consecutive days. The therapeutic effects of SZRD were evaluated using behavioral tests including the tail suspension test, elevated plus maze test, and forced swimming test. The cellular Fletcher B. Judson murine osteosarcoma proto-oncogene (c-Fos) expression in the BLA was measured using immunofluorescence, while action potential (AP) firing and synaptic transmission in BLA pyramidal neurons were evaluated using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. RESULTS: SZRD administration significantly increased time spent in the open arms and open-arm entries while reducing immobility time (P<0.05 or P<0.01). It downregulated CRS-induced c-Fos expression and AP firing of pyramidal neurons in the BLA (P<0.01). Additionally, SZRD selectively attenuated excitatory (P<0.01), but not inhibitory, synaptic transmission onto BLA pyramidal neurons. CONCLUSION SZRD alleviated CRS-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice by modulating the excitability and synaptic transmission of BLA pyramidal neurons.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Depression/complications* ; Pyramidal Cells/pathology* ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Basolateral Nuclear Complex/pathology* ; Restraint, Physical ; Anxiety/complications* ; Behavior, Animal/drug effects* ; Stress, Psychological/physiopathology* ; Mice ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/metabolism* ; Action Potentials/drug effects* ; Synaptic Transmission/drug effects*

The coil adverse events in the U.S.Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience(MAUDE)database from January 2021 to June 2024 were analyzed retrospectively.The risks of coils during the clinical application and their causes were explored with hospital survey and expert demonstration in Shandong Province.Some improving measures were put forward for the safe use of coils,including implementing the main responsibility of the registrant,enhancing the professional skills of the using institutions and strengthening the supervision of the supervisory authorities.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(6):83-87]

Objective To investigate the value of serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(Lp-PLA2)for predicting high-risk coronary plaques in elderly males.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 46 elderly males aged ≥60 years undergoing health check-ups and coro-nary computed tomography angiography in our hospital between May and July 2024.Their general clinical data were collected.Artificial intelligence software was used to analyze coronary calcium scores and plaque characteristics.The participants were divided into a high-risk plaque group(n=15)and a non-high-risk plaque group(n=31).The differences were compared between the two groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors for high-risk coronary plaques.ROC curve was plotted to determine the predictive value of serum Lp-PLA2 for high-risk plaques,and its AUC value was calculated.Results The high-risk plaque group had significantly larger proportions of smoking history and hyperlipidemia,and higher level of homocysteine and Lp-PLA2 than the non-high-risk plaque group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Multiva-riate logistic regression analysis indicated that Lp-PLA2 was an independent risk factor for high-risk coronary plaques(HR=1.030,95％CI:1.008-1.053,P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis revealed that the AUC value of Lp-PLA2 in predicting high-risk coronary plaques was 0.833(95％CI:0.694-0.927,P＜0.01),with a sensitivity of 93.3％,a specificity of 71.0％,a positive predictive value of 62.5％,and a negative predictive value of 100％.Conclusion Serum Lp-PLA2 is of signif-icant value in predicting high-risk coronary plaques in elderly men.

Nitrofurazone(NFZ)is an antibiotic that is used as a veterinary drug in aquaculture.NFZ abuse can lead to a series of environmental and health issues,making it crucial to establish a rapid and highly sensitive method for NFZ detection.In this study,platinum nanoparticle(PtNPs)-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework(ZIF-8)was used as a precursor,and PtNPs functionalized nitrogen doped porous carbon(NC)was obtained through pyrolysis.Pt@NC was combined with multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWCNTs)and cast onto a glassy carbon electrode(GCE)surface to construct an electroch-emical sensor.Electrochemical tests revealed that Pt@NC/WCNT/GCE exhibited an electrochemical active area of 0.066 cm2 and a heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant(k0)of 2.03×10-3 cm/s,which were higher than other materials.Compared with the electrodes modified by other materials,the NFZ generated the highest peak current of irreversible reduction peak on the Pt@NC/WCNT/GCE electrode.In comparison with Pt@ZIF-8/WCNT/GCE,after pyrolysis and carbonization treatment,the reduction current of NFZ increased by 2.19 times,and the reduction peak potential shifted positively by 19 mV simultaneously.When compared with NC/WCNT/GCE,the PtNPs in the composite material enhanced the NFZ current by 4.25 times.Additionally,the experimental conditions for detecting NFZ using the sensor were optimized,including the carbonization temperature of Pt@ZIF-8,ratio of Pt@NC to CNT,loading amount of the modified material,and electrolyte pH.Under the optimized conditions,the sensor demonstrated a linear detection range for NFZ of 0.20-240 μmol/L,a sensitivity of 9.995 μA/((μmol/L)?cm2)and a limit of detection(LOD)of 0.06 μmol/L.The sensor exhibited excellent anti-interference capability,good reproducibility,and stability,with spiked recoveries for NFZ in water samples ranging from 94.6%to 105.6%.This study provided a novel electrochemical sensing approach for NFZ detection.

ObjectiveThe nucleolar protein PES1 (Pescadillo homolog 1) plays critical roles in ribosome biogenesis and cell cycle regulation, yet its involvement in cellular senescence remains poorly understood. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the functional consequences of PES1 suppression in cellular senescence and elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying its regulatory role. MethodsInitially, we assessed PES1 expression patterns in two distinct senescence models: replicative senescent mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and doxorubicin-induced senescent human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Subsequently, PES1 expression was specifically downregulated using siRNA-mediated knockdown in these cell lines as well as additional relevant cell types. Cellular proliferation and senescence were assessed by EdU incorporation and SA-β-gal staining assays, respectively. The expression of senescence-associated proteins (p53, p21, and Rb) and SASP factors (IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8) were analyzed by Western blot or qPCR. Furthermore, Northern blot and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate pre-rRNA processing and nucleolar morphology. ResultsPES1 expression was significantly downregulated in senescent MEFs and HepG2 cells. PES1 knockdown resulted in decreased EdU-positive cells and increased SA‑β‑gal-positive cells, indicating proliferation inhibition and senescence induction. Mechanistically, PES1 suppression activated the p53-p21 pathway without affecting Rb expression, while upregulating IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8 production. Notably, PES1 depletion impaired pre-rRNA maturation and induced nucleolar stress, as evidenced by aberrant nucleolar morphology. ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that PES1 deficiency triggers nucleolar stress and promotes p53-dependent (but Rb-independent) cellular senescence, highlighting its crucial role in maintaining nucleolar homeostasis and regulating senescence-associated pathways.

Objective:To discusses the feasibility and clinical efficacy of the chimeric musculocutaneous flap pedicled with a superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) in treatment of Grade Ⅳ pressure sore around ischial tuberosity.Methods:A retrospective case study was conducted on 8 patients with Grade Ⅳ pressure sores around ischial tuberosity and treated in the Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from May 2019 to June 2023. The patients included 5 males and 3 females, aged 66.8 (40-78) years. All patients had paraplegia for 2 months to 10 years (mean, 59.2 months) and were complicated with hypoproteinemia. Two of the patients were also with sepsis. History of the Grade Ⅳ pressure sore was up to 1 month to 3.5 years (mean, 19.3 months). The sores were located on the right hip in 5 patients and left hip in 3 patients. The tissue defects of the pressure sore measured at 5 cm×5 cm to 6 cm×9 cm in size and all extended to the ischial tuberosity. Chimeric musculocutaneous flaps pedicled with a SGAP were used in the treatment of defect. The flap size ranged from 4 cm×8 cm to 7 cm×15 cm, and the muscular flap were at 8 cm×4 cm×2 cm to 14 cm×7 cm×5 cm in size. The muscular flaps were used to fill the cavities formed by the ulcer, while the flaps were used to cover the wounds. Donor and recipient site were sutured directly. The postoperative follow-ups were conducted at outpatient clinic and via telephone and WeChat interviews, and focused on evaluations of flap survival, complications, flap appearance and the recurrence of ulcer.Results:All the 8 flaps survived. All patients were included in the 3 to 16 months of postoperative follow-up, with 11.8 months in average. One flap had a partial edge split due to excessive pressure during negative pressure drainage, and healed after debridement and re-suture. Otherwise, the rest of 7 patients had primary healing at both the donor and recipient sites. All flaps had good appearance without ulceration, infection or recurrence of pressure sore.Conclusion:The chimeric musculocutaneous flap pedicled with SGAP offers a reliable blood supply, flexible rotation and sufficient tissue volume. It can be used to effectively reconstruct Grade Ⅳ pressure sore around ischial tuberosity with a reliable clinical effect.

Objective:To investigate the surgical technique and clinical outcomes of the tri-lobed chain medial plantar perforator flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in palmar hand.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 6 patients (4 males and 2 females; aged 21-63 years with mean age of 39.2 years) who had soft tissue defects in palmar hands and were reconstructed with tri-lobed chain medial plantar perforator flaps in the Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University between July 2024 and April 2025. All defects were located on palmar aspect of the injured hands. Following admission, debridement, fracture reduction and fixation and tendon repairs were carried out in primary surgery for 5 patients who had traumatic injuries with digital or metacarpal fractures and tendon ruptures, and stage-II surgery for soft tissue reconstruction was conducted at 7-9 days later. The patient with scar contracture received preoperative evaluation then followed by a scar excision and release surgery, prior to a reconstructive surgery for soft tissue defects. Four patients presented with multi-site defects, of whom, 1 patient had proximal phalangeal defects of index and middle fingers and a defect of metacarpophalangeal joint of ring finger, 1 patient had a defect of metacarpophalangeal joint of index finger and defects of proximal phalanges of middle and ring fingers, 1 patient had defects of proximal phalanges of index, middle and little fingers, and 1 patient had defects of proximal phalanges of middle, ring and little fingers. Of the patients with finger defects, the sizes of defect ranged from 2.0 cm ×1.8 cm to 6.0 cm×2.8 cm and the defects were reconstructed with individually harvested tri-lobed chain medial plantar perforator flaps. Two patients had soft tissue defects in palmar hands and they were measured at 6.0 cm×5.5 cm and 6.0 cm×7.0 cm in size. The palmar defects were reconstructed using combined tri-lobed chain flaps with the sizes of individual lobulated flap ranging from 2.1 cm×1.9 cm to 6.0 cm×2.9 cm. All foot donor sites were primarily closed with interrupted sutures. Postoperative management included routine anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and antispasmodic treatment. Patients were discharged at 8-10 days after surgery and the postoperative follow-ups were conducted at outpatient clinic to monitor flap survival, contour, hand function, donor site healing, scar formation and foot function.Results:All flaps survived with primary healing of donor sites. Over the 1 to 9 (mean 6.1) months of postoperative follow-up, all flaps survived well with colour and thickness matching with the surrounding hand skin. At 6 months after surgery, two-point discrimination (TPD) of flaps achieved to 8-11 (mean 8.6) mm. According to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, 4 patients achieved function recovery of fingers in excellent and 2 in good. Donor sites exhibited linear scars without painful scarring or paraesthesia, with normal ankle function and gaits.Conclusion:Tri-lobed medial plantar perforator flaps can be used to reconstruct soft tissue defects in palmar hand with primary and direct closure of the flap donor sites. They can simultaneously reconstruct multiple or a large defects, and provide satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. It is a feasible surgical option.

The coil adverse events in the U.S.Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience(MAUDE)database from January 2021 to June 2024 were analyzed retrospectively.The risks of coils during the clinical application and their causes were explored with hospital survey and expert demonstration in Shandong Province.Some improving measures were put forward for the safe use of coils,including implementing the main responsibility of the registrant,enhancing the professional skills of the using institutions and strengthening the supervision of the supervisory authorities.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(6):83-87]

Objective To investigate the value of serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(Lp-PLA2)for predicting high-risk coronary plaques in elderly males.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 46 elderly males aged ≥60 years undergoing health check-ups and coro-nary computed tomography angiography in our hospital between May and July 2024.Their general clinical data were collected.Artificial intelligence software was used to analyze coronary calcium scores and plaque characteristics.The participants were divided into a high-risk plaque group(n=15)and a non-high-risk plaque group(n=31).The differences were compared between the two groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors for high-risk coronary plaques.ROC curve was plotted to determine the predictive value of serum Lp-PLA2 for high-risk plaques,and its AUC value was calculated.Results The high-risk plaque group had significantly larger proportions of smoking history and hyperlipidemia,and higher level of homocysteine and Lp-PLA2 than the non-high-risk plaque group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Multiva-riate logistic regression analysis indicated that Lp-PLA2 was an independent risk factor for high-risk coronary plaques(HR=1.030,95％CI:1.008-1.053,P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis revealed that the AUC value of Lp-PLA2 in predicting high-risk coronary plaques was 0.833(95％CI:0.694-0.927,P＜0.01),with a sensitivity of 93.3％,a specificity of 71.0％,a positive predictive value of 62.5％,and a negative predictive value of 100％.Conclusion Serum Lp-PLA2 is of signif-icant value in predicting high-risk coronary plaques in elderly men.