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

As the brain's resident immune cells, microglia perform crucial functions such as phagocytosis, neuronal network maintenance, and injury restoration by adopting various phenotypes. Dynamic imaging of these phenotypes is essential for accessing brain diseases and therapeutic responses. Although numerous probes are available for imaging pro-inflammatory microglia, no PET tracers have been developed specifically to visualize anti-inflammatory microglia. In this study, we present an ¹⁸F-labeled PET tracer (QTFT) that targets the P2Y₁₂, a receptor highly expressed on anti-inflammatory microglia. [¹⁸F]QTFT exhibited high binding affinity to the P2Y₁₂ (14.43 nmol/L) and superior blood-brain barrier permeability compared to other candidates. Micro-PET imaging in IL-4-induced neuroinflammation models showed higher [¹⁸F]QTFT uptake in lesions compared to the contralateral normal brain tissues. Importantly, this specific uptake could be blocked by QTFT or a P2Y₁₂ antagonist. Furthermore, [¹⁸F]QTFT visualized brain lesions in mouse models of epilepsy, glioma, and aging by targeting the aberrantly expressed P2Y₁₂ in anti-inflammatory microglia. In a pilot clinical study, [¹⁸F]QTFT successfully located epileptic foci, showing enhanced radioactive signals in a patient with epilepsy. Collectively, these studies suggest that [¹⁸F]QTFT could serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for imaging various brain disorders by targeting P2Y₁₂ overexpressed in anti-inflammatory microglia.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the effects and potential mechanisms by which synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) influences the distribution of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the trans-Golgi network (TGN), endolysosomal system, and cell membranes and to reveal the effects of SV2A on APP amyloid degradation. METHODS: Colocalization analysis of APP with specific tagged proteins in the TGN, ensolysosomal system, and cell membrane was performed to explore the effects of SV2A on the intracellular transport of APP. APP, β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expressions, and APP cleavage products levels were investigated to observe the effects of SV2A on APP amyloidogenic processing. RESULTS: APP localization was reduced in the TGN, early endosomes, late endosomes, and lysosomes, whereas it was increased in the recycling endosomes and cell membrane of SV2A-overexpressed neurons. Moreover, Arl5b (ADP-ribosylation factor 5b), a protein responsible for transporting APP from the TGN to early endosomes, was upregulated by SV2A. SV2A overexpression also decreased APP transport from the cell membrane to early endosomes by downregulating APP endocytosis. In addition, products of APP amyloid degradation, including sAPPβ, Aβ _1-42, and Aβ _1-40, were decreased in SV2A-overexpressed cells. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that SV2A promotes APP transport from the TGN to early endosomes by upregulating Arl5b and promoting APP transport from early endosomes to recycling endosomes-cell membrane pathway, which slows APP amyloid degradation.
Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/genetics* ; Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics* ; Animals ; Protein Transport ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics* ; Humans ; Mice ; Endosomes/metabolism* ; trans-Golgi Network/metabolism*

Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block is widely used in perioperative pain management of hip fracture patients,which not only provides better analgesia,but also reduces the use of opioids,while tradi-tional techniques such as femoral nerve block and iliofascial space block often result in motor block,which is not conducive to the early rehabilitation of patients.The newly proposed pericapsular nerve block and iliopsoas plane block of the hip can preserve motor function while providing satisfactory analgesia,further in-depth re-search has found that it has great significance in the diagnosis and treatment process of patients with hip frac-tures.This article reviews the innervation of the hip joint,the methods of operation and clinical application of ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve block and iliopsoas plane block of the hip joint,in order to provide refer-ence for clinical practice.

Objective To explore the predictive value of fat attenuation index(FAI)and fibrous plaque index(FPI)for the prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome(ACS).Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 334 ACS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)in the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Military Medical University and Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from March 2021 to July 2023.All patients received coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)to measure FAI and FPI.According to the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)with 1 year of follow-up,they were divided into MACE group(n=108)and non-MACE group(n=226).The baseline data,CCTA data and results of laboratory tests were collected and compared between the 2 groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship of FAI and FPI with the prognosis of ACS patients,and ROC curve was drawn to evaluate its predictive efficiency.Results Among the 334 ACS patients,108(32.34%)experienced MACE.When compared with the non-MACE group,the MACE group exhibited significantly larger proportions of diabetes(72.22%vs 31.86%)and left main coronary artery disease(18.52%vs 7.08%),but lower success rate of operation(79.63%vs 93.81%,P<0.05).Radiologic results showed that the proportion of severe stenosis(20.37%vs 10.62%),FAI(-80.12±6.41 HU vs-72.34±7.09 HU)and FPI(0.58±0.41 vs 0.26±0.12)were obviously increased in the MACE group than the non-MACE group(P<0.05).Laboratory tests indicated that there were statistical differences between the 2 groups in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C,1.20±0.15 vs 1.09±0.16 mmol/L),miR-126(0.91±0.12 vs 0.96±0.15)and SST2(38.45±5.67 vs 34.30±4.89 ng/mL,P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that FAI(OR=1.200,95%CI:1.136～1.268),FPI(OR=63.157,95%CI:14.126～282.374),moderate stenosis(OR=1.332,95%CI:1.024～1.859),severe stenosis(OR=1.480,95%CI:1.074～2.039),miR-126(OR=0.007,95%CI:0.001～0.077),and sST2(OR=1.192,95%CI:1.113～1.277)were independent predictors of MACE(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis displayed that stenosis degree(AUC=0.622,95%CI:0.561～0.683,P=0.001),FAI(AUC=0.790,95%CI:0.741～0.839,P=0.001)and FPI(AUC=0.700,95%CI:0.638～0.761,P=0.001),miR-126(AUC=0.646,95%CI:0.584～0.707,P=0.001),sST2(AUC=0.700,95%CI:0.638～0.761,P=0.001)had certain predictive values for ACS prognosis.Conclusion Coronary FAI and FPI can be used as independent prognostic indicators of ACS patients,and their numerical changes are closely related to plaque stability and inflammatory state.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolide)(PLGA)is a key excipient in long-acting sustained-release preparations,and its degradation properties directly affect the drug release behavior.In this study,PLGA microspheres were prepared by microfluidic techniques,and the morphology changes of the microspheres were observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).In alkaline environment,due to the accelerated hydrolysis of ester bonds,the surface of the microspheres was rapidly dissolved and eroded,and the degradation rate was significantly higher than that in acidic environment.High temperature accelerated the degradation of PLGA microspheres.Under neutral and alkaline conditions,the microspheres showed aggregation and adhesion.Under acidic conditions,the microspheres gradually decomposed into irregular fragments.The high ionic strength further promoted the surface corrosion of the microspheres,especially under extreme pH conditions.Simultaneously,PLGA microspheres encapsulating coumarin were prepared to simulate the microsphere formulation.The release rate of coumarin after degradation of the microspheres under different conditions was observed by measuring the absorbance with ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry.The results were consistent with those of the blank microspheres.This study revealed that the degradation of PLGA microspheres was significantly pH-dependent,temperature sensitive and ion strength responsive.These findings not only helped to understand and optimize the long-term stability and controlled release performance of drug-carrying microspheres,but also provided a theoretical basis for further improvement of PLGA-based drug carrier design.

Objective:To investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in promoting neurological functional recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.Methods:In vivo: Fifteen 8-week-old SPF-grade Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned (via a random number method) to three groups ( n=5 per group): sham-operated (Sham) group, SCI group, and SCI+NT-3 group. A spinal cord compression model was established using a clip method. NT-3 (20 μg/kg) was continuously infused into the subarachnoid space via a microinfusion pump for 7 days. The Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scale was used to assess locomotor function post-SCI, with scores below 21 indicating successful model establishment. Western blotting was performed to analyze the expression levels of NT-3, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B), oligodendrocyte transcription factor 1 (Olig1), and myelin basic protein (MBP) at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days post-injury. In vitro: Oligodendrocytes were isolated from neonatal rat brain tissues, cultured (5×10 4/cm 2), and divided into four groups: oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) group, OGD+NT-3 group, OGD+NT-3+ubiquitination inhibitor (UCHL1) group, and OGD+NT-3+ubiquitination agonist (MG132) group. Western blotting was conducted to detect the expression levels of TrkC, Ub-TrkC, and LC3B in each experimental group. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized to observe LC3B aggregation in oligodendrocytes. Morphological alterations in cells were examined through microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, followed by pairwise comparisons using the least significant difference method. Results:Compared with the SCI group, the SCI+NT-3 group exhibited significant improvement in BBB scores, reduced autophagy levels, increased Olig1 and MBP expression, and elevated TRAF6 ubiquitin ligase expression (all P<0.05). At 5 h post-OGD, immunofluorescence revealed reduced LC3B aggregation and near-normal oligodendrocyte morphology in the OGD+NT-3 group. Compared to the OGD, OGD+NT-3, and OGD+NT-3+UCHL1 groups, the OGD+NT-3+MG132 group demonstrated increased Ub-TrkC expression and markedly reduced autophagy levels at 5-7 h (all P<0.05). The OGD+NT-3+UCHL1 group exhibited lower Ub-TrkC expression and elevated autophagy levels compared to the OGD+NT-3 group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:NT-3 inhibits oligodendrocyte autophagy through TrkC receptor ubiquitination, thereby maintaining oligodendrocyte survival and promoting neurological recovery after SCI in rats.

Objective To explore the effect of exposure to noise of 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)on children's cochlear function.Methods We prospectively recruited 72 children who underwent cranial MRI examination at our hospital from May to November 2018;3M earplugs and sponge mats were used for hearing protection during MRI scanning.Noise level(dBA)of each MRI sequence was detected with a nonmagnetic microphone and a sound level meter.Distortion product otoacoustic emissions(DPOAE)test at 2-7 kHz was performed 24 hours before and 30 minutes after the MRI examination.Paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze differences in DPOAE amplitude before and after the MRI examination.Results The average noise level of MRI measured in the study was(107.7±3.92)dBA.Compared with that before the MRI examination,the DPOAE amplitude(dB)changed little after the MRI examination;the range of amplitude differences in each age group was as follows:left ear(-0.24-1.10)and right ear(-0.24-0.74)in the 0-1 year-old group;left ear(-0.07-0.59)and right ear(-0.57-0.75)in the 2-5 year-old group;left ear(-0.36-0.44)and right ear(-0.30-0.57)in the 6-12 year-old group.No statistically significant difference was found(correction P＞0.05).Conclusion No potential impact of 3.0T MRI noise on children's cochlear function was observed under routine hearing protection.

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of recombinant human anti-severe acute respiratory syn-drome coronavirus 2(anti-SARS-CoV-2)monoclonal antibody injection(F61 injection)in the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)combined with renal damage.Methods Patients with COVID-19 and renal damage who visited the PLA General Hospital from January to February 2023 were selected.Subjects were randomly divided into two groups.Control group was treated with conventional anti-COVID-19 therapy,while trial group was treated with conventional anti-COVID-19 therapy combined with F61 injection.A 15-day follow-up was conducted after drug administration.Clinical symptoms,laboratory tests,electrocardiogram,and chest CT of pa-tients were performed to analyze the efficacy and safety of F61 injection.Results Twelve subjects(7 in trial group and 5 in control group)were included in study.Neither group had any clinical progression or death cases.The ave-rage time for negative conversion of nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 in control group and trial group were 3.2 days and 1.57 days(P=0.046),respectively.The scores of COVID-19 related target symptom in the trial group on the 3rd and 5th day after medication were both lower than those of the control group(both P＜0.05).According to the clinical staging and World Health Organization 10-point graded disease progression scale,both groups of subjects improved but didn't show statistical differences(P＞0.05).For safety,trial group didn't present any infusion-re-lated adverse event.Subjects in both groups demonstrated varying degrees of elevated blood glucose,elevated urine glucose,elevated urobilinogen,positive urine casts,and cardiac arrhythmia,but the differences were not statistica-lly significant(all P＞0.05).Conclusion F61 injection has initially demonstrated safety and clinical benefit in trea-ting patients with COVID-19 combined with renal damage.As the domestically produced drug,it has good clinical accessibility and may provide more options for clinical practice.

Objective:To explore the role and mechanism of neurotrophin-3(NT-3)in promoting neurological func-tion recovery after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.Methods:Twenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group(Sham),middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R)group,and MCAO/R+NT-3 group.The neurological function scores of rats in each group were evaluated using the modified Garcia score.Western Blot was used to detect the expression of NT-3 and LC3B in brain tissues of rats.Culture dishes with the same density of neurons were randomly divided into normal group(Normal),oxygen-glucose deprivation(OGD)group,OGD+NT-3 group,OGD+NT-3+PF-06273340(TrkC inhibitor)group,OGD+NT-3+ZSTK474(PI3K inhibitor)group,and OGD+NT-3+CCT128930(AKT inhibitor)group.Western Blot was used to detect the expression of TrkC,the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT,and LC3B in neurons.The morphological changes of neurons and the phenomenon of neuronal autophagy were observed using autophagy-specific fluorescent staining.Results:The animal experiment found that the expression of NT-3 increased in the brain tissue with ischemia-reperfusion injury(P＜0.05),and after the treatment with exogenous NT-3,the modified Garcia score increased(P＜0.05),and the level of autophagy weakened(P＜0.05).The cell experiment found that NT-3 can inhibit neuronal autophagy under ischemic hypoxia and maintain the neuronal morphology to the maximum extent.After using PF-06273340,the expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT de-creased(P＜0.05).After using ZSTK474 and CCT128930,the autophagy-inhibiting effect of NT-3 weakened(P＜0.05).Conclusion:NT-3 inhibits autophagy via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to maintain neuronal survival,thereby promoting the recovery of neurological function after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.