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 analyze the distribution of allergen components of dust mite in children with airway allergic diseases.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. The clinical data of children with dust mite-induced allergic asthma (AA) complicated with allergic rhinitis (AR) or allergic rhinitis who were treated in Department of Allergy,Beijing Children′s Hospital from January 2019 to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The spedific IgE (sIgE) levels to Der p1,Der p2,Der p5,Der p7,Der p10,Der p21,Der p23 and Der f1,Der f2 were detected by protein chip method. The distribution of dust mite sensitized components and the sIgE levels in children with different airway allergic diseases and different ages were compared.Results:Among 138 children with airway allergic diseases,there were 97 boys and 41 girls,age (6.86±2.61) years old,and there were 106 cases of AA combined AR (AAAR group) and 32 cases of AR alone (AR group). The sensitization rates of Der p2 was the highest (75.4%,104/138),followed by Der f2 (74.6%,103/138),Der f1 (73.9%,102/138),Der p1 (71.7%,99/138),Der p21 (19.6%,27/138),Der p5 (16.7%,23/138),Der p23 (14.5%,20/138),Der p7 (11.6%,16/138) and Der p10 (2.9%,4/138). The co-sensitization rate of Der p1,Der p2,Der f1 and Der f2 was the highest (31.2%,43/138). There was no significant difference in sensitization rate of dust mites components between AAAR group and AR group(all P>0.05). AAAR group had higher levels of sIgE to Der p23 than AR group [0.1 (0,0.1) IU/ml vs. 0 (0,0.1) IU/ml,Z=-2.819, P=0.005]. There were no significant differences in the positive rate of dust mite components and sIgE levels between children aged≤6 and>6 years old with airway allergic diseases(all P>0.05). Conclusions:Der p1,Der p2,Der f1 and Der f2 are the major components of dust mites sensitizing airway allergic diseases in children. Der p1,Der p2,Der f1 and Der f2 are the main co-sensitizing components in children with dust mite-induced airway allergic diseases. Compared with AR,the sIgE level to Der p23 in children with AAAR is higher.

BACKGROUND:The biomechanical analysis of scoliosis cases is limited,with only independent analysis focusing on the spine or lower limbs,thus lacking a comprehensive evaluation of the multidimensional body.As a result,it becomes challenging to reflect the movement relationship between the trunk and lower limbs during daily activities,which hinders comprehensive clinical treatment guidance. OBJECTIVE:To explore the relationship between different segments of the spine and the kinematics/kinetics of the lower limbs during gait activities by measuring spinal kinematics in scoliosis patients,to provide a comprehensive and multi-level assessment of the biomechanical differences between scoliosis patients and the normal population,consequently offering evidence-based guidance for the prevention and treatment of scoliosis. METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2020 to June 2021 at the Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Fuzhou University City.A total of 28 scoliosis patients and 28 normal individuals in the same age group were included.Three-dimensional motion capture system was used to capture gait kinematic data at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz.Two force plates(AMTI 400600,sampling frequency 1 500 Hz)were embedded in a 10-meter-long 2.4-meter-wide level ground walkway(with an effective data collection length of 4 m)to collect kinetic data.The differences in spatial-temporal parameters,kinematics,and kinetics of gait between the two groups were compared.Immediately after inclusion,all subjects underwent full spinal X-ray measurements to compare the differences between the scoliosis and normal groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Patients with scoliosis exhibited reduced relative rotational range of motion between the shoulder and trunk,as well as between the thorax and pelvis,compared to the normal group(P<0.05).However,the rotational range of motion in the pelvis was larger in patients with scoliosis compared to the normal group(P<0.05).(2)Patients with scoliosis showed decreased range of motion in the hip and knee joints,as well as reduced peak torque in hip joint flexion and extension,and lower peak values of ground reaction forces in the concave and convex directions,in comparison to the normal group(P<0.05).(3)Patients with scoliosis demonstrated greater asymmetry indices in knee joint range of motion,relative rotational range of motion between the shoulder and trunk,and between the thorax and pelvis,when compared to the normal group(P<0.05).(4)These findings illustrate a rigid movement pattern among the shoulder,thorax,and pelvis in patients with scoliosis during level walking.There is a reduction in range of motion in the hip and knee joints,as well as decreased peak torque values in hip joint flexion and extension,and ground reaction forces in the concave and convex directions.These characteristics can serve as foundational elements for assessing rehabilitation and developing treatment plans.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective To investigate the relationship between prolactin and mild cognitive impairment(MCI)in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 319 postmenopausal women with T2DM who were hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology,Drum Tower Hospital,Affiliated Hospital of Medical School,Nanjing University were enrolled in this study from August 2016 to October 2023.All the patients were divided into two groups according whether they had MCI:T2DM group(n=161)and MCI group(n=158).Differences in clinical characteristics were compared between the two groups.Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between sex hormones and cognitive domains,and Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the influencing factors for MCI development.Results Serum prolactin levels were significantly lower in the MCI group than in the T2DM group[(5.5±2.1)vs(7.2±2.9)μg/L,P<0.05].Serum prolactin level was positively correlated with mini-mental state examination score,Montreal cognitive assessment score,immediate memory score,visuopatial constructional score,attention score and hippocampal volume(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with processing speed test(time)and executive function test(time)(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that serum prolactin level was an influencing factor for the risk of MCI in postmenopausal women with T2DM(OR 0.715,95%CI 0.605～0.845,P<0.01).Conclusions The decrease of serum prolactin level is associated with an increased risk of MCI in postmenopausal women with T2DM.

Objective To investigate the relationship between prolactin and mild cognitive impairment(MCI)in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 319 postmenopausal women with T2DM who were hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology,Drum Tower Hospital,Affiliated Hospital of Medical School,Nanjing University were enrolled in this study from August 2016 to October 2023.All the patients were divided into two groups according whether they had MCI:T2DM group(n=161)and MCI group(n=158).Differences in clinical characteristics were compared between the two groups.Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between sex hormones and cognitive domains,and Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the influencing factors for MCI development.Results Serum prolactin levels were significantly lower in the MCI group than in the T2DM group[(5.5±2.1)vs(7.2±2.9)μg/L,P<0.05].Serum prolactin level was positively correlated with mini-mental state examination score,Montreal cognitive assessment score,immediate memory score,visuopatial constructional score,attention score and hippocampal volume(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with processing speed test(time)and executive function test(time)(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that serum prolactin level was an influencing factor for the risk of MCI in postmenopausal women with T2DM(OR 0.715,95%CI 0.605～0.845,P<0.01).Conclusions The decrease of serum prolactin level is associated with an increased risk of MCI in postmenopausal women with T2DM.

Objective:To analyze the distribution of allergen components of dust mite in children with airway allergic diseases.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. The clinical data of children with dust mite-induced allergic asthma (AA) complicated with allergic rhinitis (AR) or allergic rhinitis who were treated in Department of Allergy,Beijing Children′s Hospital from January 2019 to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The spedific IgE (sIgE) levels to Der p1,Der p2,Der p5,Der p7,Der p10,Der p21,Der p23 and Der f1,Der f2 were detected by protein chip method. The distribution of dust mite sensitized components and the sIgE levels in children with different airway allergic diseases and different ages were compared.Results:Among 138 children with airway allergic diseases,there were 97 boys and 41 girls,age (6.86±2.61) years old,and there were 106 cases of AA combined AR (AAAR group) and 32 cases of AR alone (AR group). The sensitization rates of Der p2 was the highest (75.4%,104/138),followed by Der f2 (74.6%,103/138),Der f1 (73.9%,102/138),Der p1 (71.7%,99/138),Der p21 (19.6%,27/138),Der p5 (16.7%,23/138),Der p23 (14.5%,20/138),Der p7 (11.6%,16/138) and Der p10 (2.9%,4/138). The co-sensitization rate of Der p1,Der p2,Der f1 and Der f2 was the highest (31.2%,43/138). There was no significant difference in sensitization rate of dust mites components between AAAR group and AR group(all P>0.05). AAAR group had higher levels of sIgE to Der p23 than AR group [0.1 (0,0.1) IU/ml vs. 0 (0,0.1) IU/ml,Z=-2.819, P=0.005]. There were no significant differences in the positive rate of dust mite components and sIgE levels between children aged≤6 and>6 years old with airway allergic diseases(all P>0.05). Conclusions:Der p1,Der p2,Der f1 and Der f2 are the major components of dust mites sensitizing airway allergic diseases in children. Der p1,Der p2,Der f1 and Der f2 are the main co-sensitizing components in children with dust mite-induced airway allergic diseases. Compared with AR,the sIgE level to Der p23 in children with AAAR is higher.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Uric acid (UA) is the final product of purine metabolism in human body,and its metabolic disorder will induce hyperuricemia (HUA).The occurrence and development of HUA are associated with a variety of pathological mechanisms such as oxidative stress injury,activation of inflammatory cytokines,and activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.These mechanisms directly or indirectly affect the bioavailability of endogenous nitric oxide (NO).The decrease in NO bioavailability is common in the diseases with high concentration of UA as an independent risk factor.In this review,we summarize the mechanisms by which high concentrations of UA affect the endogenous NO bioavailability,with a focus on the mechanisms of high-concentration UA in decreasing the synthesis and/or increasing the consumption of NO.This review aims to provide references for alleviating the multisystem symptoms and improving the prognosis of HUA,and lay a theoretical foundation for in-depth study of the correlations between HUA and other metabolic diseases.
Humans ; Nitric Oxide ; Uric Acid ; Hyperuricemia ; Biological Availability ; Cytokines

Objective: To investigate the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of disorders of sex development (DSD) caused by Y chromosome copy number variant (CNV). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 3 patients diagnosed with DSD caused by Y chromosome CNV admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January, 2018 to September, 2022. Clinical data were collected. Clinical study and genetic test were performed by karyotyping, whole exome sequencing (WES), low coverage whole genome copy number variant sequencing (CNV-seq), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and gonadal biopsy. Results: The 3 children, aged 12, 9, 9 years, the social gender were all female, presented with short stature, gonadal dysplasia and normal female external genital. No other phenotypic abnormality was found except for case 1 with scoliosis. The karyotype of all cases were identified as 46, XY. No pathogenic vraiants were found by WES. CNV-seq determined that case 1 was 47, XYY,+Y(2.12) and case 2 was 46, XY,+Y(1.6). FISH concluded that the long arm of Y chromosome was broken and recombined near Yq11.2, and then produced a pseudodicentric chromosome idic(Y). The karyotype was reinterpreted as mos 47, X, idic(Y)(q11.23)×2(10)/46, X, idic(Y)(q11.23)(50) in case 1. The karyotype was redefined as 45, XO(6)/46, X, idic(Y)(q11.22)(23)/46, X, del(Y)(q11.22)(1) in case 2. 46, XY, -Y(mos) was found by CNV-seq in case 3, and the karyotype of 45, XO/46, XY was speculated. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of children with DSD caused by Y chromosome CNV are short stature and gonadal dysgenesis. If there is an increase of Y chromosome CNV detected by CNV-seq, FISH is recommended to classify the structural variation of Y chromosome.
Humans ; Female ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Retrospective Studies ; Chromosomes, Human, Y ; Turner Syndrome