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

Systemic lupus erythematosus （SLE） may lead to secondary gynecological and obstetric disorders such as decreased ovarian reserve function， menstrual abnormalities， and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Based on "bi （痹） of both body and viscera" theory， this paper proposed that the core mechanism of SLE secondary gynecological and obstetric diseases lies in the mutual transformation between "body bi" and "viscera bi"， which together affect the uterus. Physiologically， uterus forms an internal-external network with the body and viscera through the meridians and blood vessels. Pathologically， when the healthy qi is deficient， nourishment of the body and viscera is impaired； when toxins and stasis accumulate， pathogenic factors disturb the uterus through the chong （冲） and ren （任） meri-dians. The resulting obstruction in the uterus can， in turn， manifest externally and aggravate damage to the body and viscera. Therefore， the pathogenesis of SLE secondary gynecological and obstetric diseases follows a dynamic trajectory of "body bi first， body bi affecting viscera， and then bi of both body and viscera". In treatment， the principle of harmonizing and balancing the healthy qi is emphasized. The main approach is to regulate the viscera， stabilize the body， and nourish the uterus， with the coordination of nourishing the viscera through the body， thereby achieving simultaneous treatment of both body and viscera. This highlights the guiding significance of the "bi of both body and viscera" theory in preventing and treating SLE secondary gynecological and obstetric diseases.

Objective To investigate the role of miR-27a-3p in sevoflurane-induced neurocognitive dysfunction.Methods Bioinformatics prediction and validation:Predicted the target genes of miR-27a-3p using bioinformatics databases,and verified the interaction between miR-27a-3p and target genes using dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and Western blot.Cell experiments:Cells were divided into two groups,the miR-27a-3p interference control(Sevo+NC)group was transfected with miR-27a-3p interference control plasmid,and the miR-27a-3p interference treatment(Sevo+anti-miR-27a-3p)group was transfected with miR-27a-3p interference plasmid.Before transfection,the plasmids were treated with 4％sevoflurane for 6 h.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of tau and phosphorylaed tau(p-tau)in SY5Y cells of each group.Animal experiments:Mice were randomly divided into control group(no treatment),sevoflurane group(treated with 4％sevoflurane only),miR-27a-3p interference control group(Sevo+NC,injected with miR-27a-3p interference control plasmid after 4％sevoflurane treatment)and miR-27a-3p interference treatment group(Sevo+anti-miR-27-3p,injected with miR-27a-3p interference plasmid after 4％sevoflurane treatment).The neurocognitive abilities of mice were tested using the water maze experiment,and the level of tau phosphorylation in the hippocampal tissue of mice was detected by immunofluorescence.Results Bioinformatics prediction and validation:Bioinformatics prediction suggested that presenilin 1(PSEN1)might be a target gene of miR-27 a-3p.Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and Western blot showed that miR-27 a-3p interacted with PSEN1.Cell experiments:The levels of p-tau in Sevo+NC group and Sevo+anti-miR27-3p group were 0.69±0.08 and 0.21±0.05,respectively.Animal experiments:The escape latency times of the control group,sevoflurane group,Sevo+NC group and Sevo+anti-miR-27-3p group were(27.54±3.67),(52.38±6.12),(55.16±5.79)and(38.46±4.78)s,respectively;the results of the novel object exploration index were 0.78±0.11,0.31±0.07,0.33±0.06,and 0.57±0.08,respectively.Immunofluorescence detection showed a significant decrease in p-tau levels in the hippocampal tissue of mice(P＜0.05).Conclusion miR-27 a-3p regulates the p-tau protein by targeting the PSEN1 gene,and interfering with miR-27 a-3p can alleviate sevoflurane-induced neurocognitive dysfunction in mice.

GNPS-based mass spectrum-molecular networks is an effective strategy for rapidly identifying known natural products and discovering novel structures. The chemical diversity of azaphilones from the fermentation extracts of Talaromyces sp. HK1-18 was studied by molecular network technique. Three linear tricyclic azaphilones, sequoiamonacins A-C (2a, 2b, 1), were isolated by silica gel column chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography from the extracts of the fungal strain of HK1-18, and their structures were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Guided by the mass spectra of sequoiamonacins A-C (2a, 2b, 1), the cluster of sequoiamonacinoid analogues was discovered from the full molecular networking of HK1-18. By analyzing the MS/MS fragments of each parent ion in this cluster, 7 azaphilones (3-9) included 6 new ones (4-9) were predicted successfully. Then the MS/MS cracking regularity of this type of azaphilones was revealed. Compound 1 showed anti-inflammatory activity, which can inhibit the production of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse macrophage RAW264.7, with an inhibitory rate of 29% at the concentration of 12.5 μg·mL^-1.

Background: Genetic defects in the human thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor (TSHR) gene can cause congenital hypothyroidism (CH). However, the biological functions and comprehensive genotype–phenotype relationships for most TSHR variants associated with CH remain unexplored. We aimed to identify TSHR variants in Chinese patients with CH, analyze the functions of the variants, and explore the relationships between TSHR genotypes and clinical phenotypes. Methods: In total, 367 patients with CH were recruited for TSHR variant screening using whole-exome sequencing. The effects of the variants were evaluated by in-silico programs such as SIFT and polyphen2. Furthermore, these variants were transfected into 293T cells to detect their Gs/cyclic AMP and Gq/11 signaling activity. Results: Among the 367 patients with CH, 17 TSHR variants, including three novel variants, were identified in 45 patients, and 18 patients carried biallelic TSHR variants. In vitro experiments showed that 10 variants were associated with Gs/cyclic AMP and Gq/11 signaling pathway impairment to varying degrees. Patients with TSHR biallelic variants had lower serum TSH levels and higher free triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels at diagnosis than those with DUOX2 biallelic variants. Conclusions We found a high frequency of TSHR variants in Chinese patients with CH (12.3%), and 4.9% of cases were caused by TSHR biallelic variants. Ten variants were identified as loss-of-function variants. The data suggest that the clinical phenotype of CH patients caused by TSHR biallelic variants is relatively mild. Our study expands the TSHR variant spectrum and provides further evidence for the elucidation of the genetic etiology of CH.

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.

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.

AIM To establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of gallic acid,protocatechuic acid,morroniside,loganin,sweroside,paeoniflorin,hypericin,astragalin,salvianolic acid B,salvianolic acid A,epimedin C and icariin in Bushen Huoxue Sanjie Capsules.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 30℃thermostatic Agilent 5 TC-C18 column(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.1%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 240 nm.RESULTS Twelve constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r≥0.999 8),whose average recoveries were 97.11%-101.14%with the RSDs of 0.60%-2.65%.CONCLUSION This simple,accurate and reproducible method can be used for the quality control of Bushen Huoxue Sanjie Capsules.

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of scientific papers in the field of global liver diseases published by Chinese scholars that were retracted for diverse reasons from the Retraction Watch database, so as to provide a reference to publishing-related papers. Methods: The Retraction Watch database was retrieved for retracted papers in the field of global liver disease published by Chinese scholars from March 1, 2008 to January 28, 2021. The regional distribution, source journals, reasons for retraction, publication and retraction times, and others were analyzed. Results: A total of 101 retracted papers that were distributed across 21 provinces/cities were retrieved. Zhejiang area (n = 17) had the most retracted papers, followed by Shanghai (n = 14), and Beijing (n = 11). The vast majority were research papers (n = 95). The journal PLoS One had the highest number of retracted papers. In terms of time distribution, 2019 (n = 36) had the most retracted papers. 23 papers, accounting for 8.3% of all retractions, were retracted owing to journal or publisher concerns. Liver cancer (34%), liver transplantation (16%), hepatitis (14%), and others were the main areas of retracted papers. Conclusion: Chinese scholars have a large number of retracted articles in the field of global liver diseases. A journal or publisher chooses to retract a manuscript after investigating and discovering more flawed problems, which, however, require further support, revision, and supervision from the editorial and academic circles.
Humans ; Biomedical Research ; China ; Liver Diseases ; Scientific Misconduct

Objective:To analyze the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and the graded expression, subcutaneous depth, and diameter of elbow veins (cephalic vein, median vein, basilic vein) in patients with metabolic syndrome, to provide a method and theoretical basis for precise puncture of peripheral veins in obese patients.Methods:From January to October 2021, a total of 767 patients with metabolic syndrome with gastric volume reduction were selected as the study subjects by retrospective cohort study from the first Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. According to the quartile Q1, M and Q3 of BMI level, they were divided into four groups: group A, group B, group C and group D. The subcutaneous depth and diameter of the cephalic vein, median vein and basilic vein were measured by B-ultrasound, and the three veins were evaluated and graded according to the grading criteria of superficial veins.The correlation between BMI and the subcutaneous depth and diameter of the three elbow veins was analyzed, and collected data such as puncture method and puncture times. Results:There was no significant correlation between BMI and subcutaneous depth and vessel diameter of the basilic vein ( r = 0.041 and 0.046, both P>0.05), the level of BMI was positively correlated with the subcutaneous depth and diameter of cephalic vein ( r = 0.275 and 0.117, both P<0.05) and median vein ( r = 0.236 and 0.148, both P<0.05), and a linear regression relationship was found ( OR values were 1.013-1.031, all P<0.05). 187 cases had direct puncture conditions under direct vision, and the success rate of one puncture was 86.63%(162/187).Venipuncture was completed under the guidance of B-mode ultrasound for 25 cases with failure under direct vision and 580 cases without direct puncture conditions under direct vision, the success rate of one puncture was 98.51% (596/605). Conclusions:With the increase of BMI level in patients with metabolic syndrome, the depth and diameter of both cephalic vein and median vein increase, venous exposure is difficult to express. The visual vein puncture guided by B-ultrasound is more accurate and catheterization is more reliable.