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

Postoperative infection of internal fixation of closed fractures the lower limbs in adults represents a devastating complication, characterized by diagnostic challenges, prolonged treatment duration and high disability rates. Current management of these infections faces multiple challenges, such as difficulties in early accurate diagnosis, and various controversies about the treatment plan, leading to poor overall diagnosis and treatment results. To address these issues, based on evidence-based medicine and principles with emphasis on scientific rigor, clinical applicability and innovation, the Trauma Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Trauma Orthopedics and Polytrauma Group of the Resuscitation and Emergency Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association have collaboratively organized a panel of relevant experts to develop the Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults ( version 2025). The guideline proposed 10 recommendations, aiming to provide a foundation for standardized diagnosis and treatment of postoperative infection in adults with closed lower limb fractures.

Objective:To analyze the clinical features of children with infection-related eosinophilic lung diseases (ELD) caused by common respiratory pathogens.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinical features, auxiliary examinations, treatments, and prognoses of 134 children with infection-related ELD caused by common respiratory pathogens at Yuying Children′s Hospital from January 2014 to June 2024 were collected. Participants were divided into the mild and severe groups based on whether the proportion of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) exceeded 0.25. Chi-square test or Fisher exact test was used to analyze the differences between the two groups, and Logistic regression was performed to examine the correlation between BALF eosinophilia and the clinical outcomes.Results:Among the 134 children, 73 were males and 61 were females, with an age of 6.9 (4.6, 8.8) years on admission. A total of 154 pathogen detections were recorded, including 116 cases (75.3%) of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, 8 cases (5.2%) of influenza A virus, 6 cases (3.9%) of Streptococcus pneumoniae, and 6 cases (3.9%) of Chlamydia pneumoniae, among others. The percentage of eosinophils in the BALF of all children was 0.10 (0.07, 0.15). There were 117 cases in the mild group and 17 cases in the severe group. Compared with the mild group, significantly greater proportion of children in the severe group presented dyspnea (10/17 vs. 17.1% (20/117)), wheezing (7/17 vs. 8.5% (10/117)), respiratory failure (8/17 vs. 7.7% (9/117)), single lobe ≥2/3 consolidation (7/17 vs. 12.8% (15/117)), atelectasis (7/17 vs. 12.0% (14/117)), pleural effusion (7/17 vs. 16.2% (19/117)), plastic bronchiolitis (4/17 vs. 4.3% (5/117)), and systemic corticosteroid prescription (14/17 vs. 51.3% (60/117)) (all P<0.05). Univariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that severe eosinophilia in BALF was significantly associated with an elevated risk of respiratory failure ( OR=10.67, 95% CI 3.31-34.38, P<0.001), single lobe ≥2/3 consolidation ( OR=4.76, 95% CI 1.57-14.41, P=0.006), atelectasis ( OR=5.15, 95% CI 1.69-15.72, P=0.004), pleural effusion ( OR=3.61, 95% CI 1.22-10.67, P=0.020), and plastic bronchitis ( OR=6.89, 95% CI 1.64-28.94, P=0.008). Among the 126 children who were followed up, 106 cases (84.1%) were cured, 20 cases (15.9%) improved, and no relapses or deaths occurred. Conclusions:Mycoplasma pneumoniae and influenza A virus are common pathogens in children with infection-related ELD and the percentage of eosinophils in BALF is mildly increased, and the severe cases exhibit more severe clinical features and more significant pulmonary abnormalities, such as lobar consolidation and lung atelectasis. The prognosis is generally favorable.

Listeria brainstem encephalitis with myelitis is extremely rare in clinical practice.Since the clinical manifestations are non-specific,MRI is helpful for diagnosis.Positive cerebrospinal fluid culture is considered the gold standard for diagnosis.This article reports a case of an immunocompetent individual with listeria brainstem encephalitis with myelitis,aiming to enhance the awareness of this condition.
Humans ; Brain Stem/pathology* ; Diagnostic Errors ; Encephalitis/complications* ; Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated/diagnosis* ; Listeriosis/complications* ; Myelitis/complications*

Isoflavones which mainly distributed in leguminous plants have plenty of health benefits.Isoflavone synthase(IFS)is a membrane-associated cytochrome P450 enzyme(CYP450)which carries out the unique aryl-ring migration and hydroxylation.So far,few crystal structures of plant P450s have been obtained.We determined the crystal structure of IFS from Medicago truncatula at 1.9 ? by MAD method using a selenomethionine substituted crystal and conducted molecular docking and mutagenesis study.The structure of IFS complexed with imidazole exhibits the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif which cor-responds to helix Ⅰ of other P450s.Compared with structures of common P450s,IFS/imidazole structure contains an extra domain,i.e.,the γ-domain.The structure reveals a homodimer in which the γ-domain of one molecule interacts with the β-domain of another.The plane of heme group makes an angle of ap-proximately 40° with the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif.Molecular docking combined with mutagenesis study suggested that Trp-128 and Asp-300 might play important roles in substrate binding and recogni-tion.Phe-301,Ser-303 and Gly-305 from the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif may play important roles in the aryl-ring migration.These novel structural features reveal insights into the unique reaction mechanism of IFS and provide a basis for engineering IFS in leguminous crops for health purpose.

Isoflavones which mainly distributed in leguminous plants have plenty of health benefits.Isoflavone synthase(IFS)is a membrane-associated cytochrome P450 enzyme(CYP450)which carries out the unique aryl-ring migration and hydroxylation.So far,few crystal structures of plant P450s have been obtained.We determined the crystal structure of IFS from Medicago truncatula at 1.9 ? by MAD method using a selenomethionine substituted crystal and conducted molecular docking and mutagenesis study.The structure of IFS complexed with imidazole exhibits the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif which cor-responds to helix Ⅰ of other P450s.Compared with structures of common P450s,IFS/imidazole structure contains an extra domain,i.e.,the γ-domain.The structure reveals a homodimer in which the γ-domain of one molecule interacts with the β-domain of another.The plane of heme group makes an angle of ap-proximately 40° with the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif.Molecular docking combined with mutagenesis study suggested that Trp-128 and Asp-300 might play important roles in substrate binding and recogni-tion.Phe-301,Ser-303 and Gly-305 from the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif may play important roles in the aryl-ring migration.These novel structural features reveal insights into the unique reaction mechanism of IFS and provide a basis for engineering IFS in leguminous crops for health purpose.

Postoperative infection of internal fixation of closed fractures the lower limbs in adults represents a devastating complication, characterized by diagnostic challenges, prolonged treatment duration and high disability rates. Current management of these infections faces multiple challenges, such as difficulties in early accurate diagnosis, and various controversies about the treatment plan, leading to poor overall diagnosis and treatment results. To address these issues, based on evidence-based medicine and principles with emphasis on scientific rigor, clinical applicability and innovation, the Trauma Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Trauma Orthopedics and Polytrauma Group of the Resuscitation and Emergency Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association have collaboratively organized a panel of relevant experts to develop the Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults ( version 2025). The guideline proposed 10 recommendations, aiming to provide a foundation for standardized diagnosis and treatment of postoperative infection in adults with closed lower limb fractures.

Objective:To analyze the clinical features of children with infection-related eosinophilic lung diseases (ELD) caused by common respiratory pathogens.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinical features, auxiliary examinations, treatments, and prognoses of 134 children with infection-related ELD caused by common respiratory pathogens at Yuying Children′s Hospital from January 2014 to June 2024 were collected. Participants were divided into the mild and severe groups based on whether the proportion of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) exceeded 0.25. Chi-square test or Fisher exact test was used to analyze the differences between the two groups, and Logistic regression was performed to examine the correlation between BALF eosinophilia and the clinical outcomes.Results:Among the 134 children, 73 were males and 61 were females, with an age of 6.9 (4.6, 8.8) years on admission. A total of 154 pathogen detections were recorded, including 116 cases (75.3%) of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, 8 cases (5.2%) of influenza A virus, 6 cases (3.9%) of Streptococcus pneumoniae, and 6 cases (3.9%) of Chlamydia pneumoniae, among others. The percentage of eosinophils in the BALF of all children was 0.10 (0.07, 0.15). There were 117 cases in the mild group and 17 cases in the severe group. Compared with the mild group, significantly greater proportion of children in the severe group presented dyspnea (10/17 vs. 17.1% (20/117)), wheezing (7/17 vs. 8.5% (10/117)), respiratory failure (8/17 vs. 7.7% (9/117)), single lobe ≥2/3 consolidation (7/17 vs. 12.8% (15/117)), atelectasis (7/17 vs. 12.0% (14/117)), pleural effusion (7/17 vs. 16.2% (19/117)), plastic bronchiolitis (4/17 vs. 4.3% (5/117)), and systemic corticosteroid prescription (14/17 vs. 51.3% (60/117)) (all P<0.05). Univariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that severe eosinophilia in BALF was significantly associated with an elevated risk of respiratory failure ( OR=10.67, 95% CI 3.31-34.38, P<0.001), single lobe ≥2/3 consolidation ( OR=4.76, 95% CI 1.57-14.41, P=0.006), atelectasis ( OR=5.15, 95% CI 1.69-15.72, P=0.004), pleural effusion ( OR=3.61, 95% CI 1.22-10.67, P=0.020), and plastic bronchitis ( OR=6.89, 95% CI 1.64-28.94, P=0.008). Among the 126 children who were followed up, 106 cases (84.1%) were cured, 20 cases (15.9%) improved, and no relapses or deaths occurred. Conclusions:Mycoplasma pneumoniae and influenza A virus are common pathogens in children with infection-related ELD and the percentage of eosinophils in BALF is mildly increased, and the severe cases exhibit more severe clinical features and more significant pulmonary abnormalities, such as lobar consolidation and lung atelectasis. The prognosis is generally favorable.

This study explored the growth-promoting effect and mechanism of the endophytic bacterium Kocuria rosea on Rehmannia glutinosa, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the development of green bacterial fertilizer. R. glutinosa 'Jinjiu' was treated with K. rosea, and the shoot parameters including leaf length, leaf width, plant width, and stem diameter were measured every 15 days. After 120 days, the shoots and roots were harvested. The root indicators(root number, root length, root diameter, root fresh weight, root dry weight, root volume, and root vitality) and secondary metabolites(catalpol, rehmannioside A, rehmannioside D, verbascoside, and leonuride) were determined. The R. glutinosa growth-promoting mechanism of K. rosea was discussed from the effect of K. rosea on the nutrient element content in R. glutinosa and rhizosphere soil and the genome information of this plant. After application of K. rosea, the maximum increases in leaf length, leaf width, plant width, and stem diameter were 35.67%(60 d), 25.39%(45 d), 40.17%(60 d), and 113.85%(45 d), respectively. The root number, root length, root diameter, root volume, root fresh weight, root dry weight, and root viability increased by 41.71%, 45.10%, 48.61%, 94.34%, 101.55%, 147.61%, and 42.08%, respectively. In addition, the content of rehmannioside A and verbascoside in the root of R. glutinosa increased by 76.67% and 69.54%, respectively. K. rosea promoted the transformation of nitrogen(N), phosphorus(P), and potassium(K) in the rhizosphere soil into the available state. Compared with that in the control, the content of available N(54.60 mg·kg~(-1)), available P(1.83 μmol·g~(-1)), and available K(83.75 mg·kg~(-1)) in the treatment with K. rosea increased by 138.78%, 44.89%, and 14.34%, respectively. The content of N, P, and K in the treatment group increased by 293.22%, 202.63%, and 23.80% in the roots and by 23.60%, 107.23%, and 134.53% in the leaves of R. glutinosa, respectively. K. rosea carried the genes related to colonization(rbsB, efp, bcsA, and gmhC), N, P, and K metabolism(narG, narH, narI, nasA, nasB, GDH2, pyk, aceB, ackA, CS, ppa, ppk, ppk2, pstS, pstA, pstB, and pstC), and indole-3-acetic acid and zeatin synthesis(iaaH and miaA). Further studies showed that K. rosea could colonize the roots of R. glutinosa and secrete indole-3-acetic acid(3.85 μg·mL~(-1)) and zeatin(0.10 μg·mL~(-1)). In summary, K. rosea promotes the growth of R.ehmannia glutinosa by enhancing the nutrient uptake, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of plant growth-promoting microbial products.
Rehmannia/metabolism* ; Endophytes/metabolism* ; Plant Roots/growth & development* ; Micrococcaceae/genetics* ; Data Mining ; Plant Leaves/metabolism* ; Genomics ; Rhizosphere

Patients with severe trauma require an extremely timely treatment and transfusion plays an irreplaceable role in the emergency treatment of such patients. An increasing number of evidence-based medicinal evidences and clinical practices suggest that patients with severe traumatic bleeding benefit from early transfusion of low-titer group O whole blood or hemostatic resuscitation with red blood cells, plasma and platelet of a balanced ratio. However, the current domestic mode of blood supply cannot fully meet the requirements of timely and effective blood transfusion for emergency treatment of patients with severe trauma in clinical practice. In order to solve the key problems in blood supply and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma, Branch of Clinical Transfusion Medicine of Chinese Medical Association, Group for Trauma Emergency Care and Multiple Injuries of Trauma Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Young Scholar Group of Disaster Medicine Branch of Chinese Medical Association organized domestic experts of blood transfusion medicine and trauma treatment to jointly formulate Chinese expert consensus on blood support mode and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma patients ( version 2024). Based on the evidence-based medical evidence and Delphi method of expert consultation and voting, 10 recommendations were put forward from two aspects of blood support mode and transfusion strategies, aiming to provide a reference for transfusion resuscitation in the emergency treatment of severe trauma and further improve the success rate of treatment of patients with severe trauma.