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.

The incomplete degradation of tumour cells by macrophages (Mϕ) is a contributing factor to tumour progression and metastasis, and the degradation function of Mϕ is mediated through phagosomes and lysosomes. In our preliminary experiments, we found that overactivation of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) reduced the ability of Mϕ to degrade engulfed tumour cells. Above this, we screened out liquiritin from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, which can significantly inhibit NOX2 activity and inhibit tumours, to elucidate that suppressing NOX2 can enhance the ability of Mϕ to degrade tumour cells. We found that the tumour environment could activate the NOX2 activity in Mϕ phagosomes, causing Mϕ to produce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus prohibiting the formation of phagolysosomes before degradation. Conversely, inhibiting NOX2 in Mϕ by liquiritin can reduce ROS and promote phagosome-lysosome fusion, therefore improving the enzymatic degradation of tumour cells after phagocytosis, and subsequently promote T cell activity by presenting antigens. We further confirmed that liquiritin down-regulated the expression of the NOX2 specific membrane component protein gp91 phox, blocking its binding to the NOX2 cytoplasmic component proteins p67 phox and p47 phox, thereby inhibiting the activity of NOX2. This study elucidates the specific mechanism by which Mϕ cannot degrade tumour cells after phagocytosis, and indicates that liquiritin can promote the ability of Mϕ to degrade tumour cells by suppressing NOX2.

The incomplete degradation of tumour cells by macrophages(Mφ)is a contributing factor to tumour progression and metastasis,and the degradation function of Mφ is mediated through phagosomes and lysosomes.In our preliminary experiments,we found that overactivation of NADPH oxidase 2(NOX2)reduced the ability of Mφ to degrade engulfed tumour cells.Above this,we screened out liquiritin from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch,which can significantly inhibit NOX2 activity and inhibit tumours,to elucidate that suppressing NOX2 can enhance the ability of Mφ to degrade tumour cells.We found that the tumour environment could activate the NOX2 activity in Mφ phagosomes,causing Mφ to produce excessive reactive oxygen species(ROS),thus prohibiting the formation of phagolysosomes before degradation.Conversely,inhibiting NOX2 in Mφ by liquiritin can reduce ROS and promote phagosome-lysosome fusion,therefore improving the enzymatic degradation of tumour cells after phagocytosis,and subse-quently promote T cell activity by presenting antigens.We further confirmed that liquiritin down-regulated the expression of the NOX2 specific membrane component protein gp91 phox,blocking its binding to the NOX2 cytoplasmic component proteins p67 phox and p47 phox,thereby inhibiting the activity of NOX2.This study elucidates the specific mechanism by which Mφ cannot degrade tumour cells after phagocytosis,and indicates that liquiritin can promote the ability of Mφ to degrade tumour cells by suppressing NOX2.

Objective:To investigate the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in a rat model of Tourette syndrome(TS)using transcriptomic technology and to screen key signaling pathways and potential traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)candidates for intervention.Methods:A TS rat model was established using iminodipropionitrile(IDPN).RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in the brain tissues of TS rats.Bioinformatics analysis was applied to construct interaction networks,and network pharmacology was further employed to screen potential TCM compounds.Results:After 7 days of IDPN modeling,the model group exhibited motor and stereotypical behavioral changes,with behavioral scores greater than 3 points.Hema toxylin-eosin(HE)staining revealed irregular neuronal nuclear morphology,uneven chromatin distribution,nuclear pyknosis,and increased glial cell density.KEGG enrichment analysis identified key pathways:calcium signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,p53 signaling pathway,ECM-receptor interaction,and TGF-β signaling pathway.miR-125a-3p,miR-106-3p,and miR-760-3p were identified as pivotal miRNAs.Potential TCM candidates included Ajuga decumbens,Acanthopanax bark,Codonopsis pilosula,Stephania japonica,Os Draconis,Notopterygium root,Siraitia grosvenorii,Zanthoxylum nitidum root,Morinda officinalis,and Corydalis yanhusuo.Conclusion:The miRNAs miR-106-3p,miR-125a-3p,and miR-760-3p may mediate TS pathogenesis by altering critical signaling networks,including the calcium signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,and ECM-receptor interaction pathways,leading to neuroimmune inflammation and dopaminergic system dysregulation.TCM compounds such as Corydalis yanhusuo and Ajuga decumbens may exert therapeutic effects through multi-component synergistic regulation of these miRNAs and downstream pathways.

From July 23, 2018, to December 31, 2019, a total of 299 219 children in Shandong Province received the fifth dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis combined vaccine (DTaP). Among these recipients, the distribution by age was as follows: 20 children under 2 years old (0.01%), 273 996 children aged 2 years (91.57%), 20 242 children aged 3 years (6.76%), 3 932 children aged 4 years (1.31%), 963 children aged 5 years (0.32%), and 66 children aged 6 years and above (0.02%). In total, 1 972 cases of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) were reported after the administration of the fifth dose of DTaP, resulting in an incidence rate of 659.05 per 100 000 doses. Among these, 1 718 cases were classified as common vaccine reactions, with an incidence rate of 574.16 per 100 000 doses, while 247 cases were identified as rare reactions, yielding an incidence rate of 82.55 per 100 000 doses. The incidence of AEFIs, as well as the rates of common and rare reactions, exhibited a significant increasing trend with the number of doses administered (all P<0.001). Among the rare reactions, there were 10 cases classified as severe, resulting in a reported incidence of 3.34 per 100 000 doses.

From July 23, 2018, to December 31, 2019, a total of 299 219 children in Shandong Province received the fifth dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis combined vaccine (DTaP). Among these recipients, the distribution by age was as follows: 20 children under 2 years old (0.01%), 273 996 children aged 2 years (91.57%), 20 242 children aged 3 years (6.76%), 3 932 children aged 4 years (1.31%), 963 children aged 5 years (0.32%), and 66 children aged 6 years and above (0.02%). In total, 1 972 cases of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) were reported after the administration of the fifth dose of DTaP, resulting in an incidence rate of 659.05 per 100 000 doses. Among these, 1 718 cases were classified as common vaccine reactions, with an incidence rate of 574.16 per 100 000 doses, while 247 cases were identified as rare reactions, yielding an incidence rate of 82.55 per 100 000 doses. The incidence of AEFIs, as well as the rates of common and rare reactions, exhibited a significant increasing trend with the number of doses administered (all P<0.001). Among the rare reactions, there were 10 cases classified as severe, resulting in a reported incidence of 3.34 per 100 000 doses.

Objective:To investigate the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in a rat model of Tourette syndrome(TS)using transcriptomic technology and to screen key signaling pathways and potential traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)candidates for intervention.Methods:A TS rat model was established using iminodipropionitrile(IDPN).RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in the brain tissues of TS rats.Bioinformatics analysis was applied to construct interaction networks,and network pharmacology was further employed to screen potential TCM compounds.Results:After 7 days of IDPN modeling,the model group exhibited motor and stereotypical behavioral changes,with behavioral scores greater than 3 points.Hema toxylin-eosin(HE)staining revealed irregular neuronal nuclear morphology,uneven chromatin distribution,nuclear pyknosis,and increased glial cell density.KEGG enrichment analysis identified key pathways:calcium signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,p53 signaling pathway,ECM-receptor interaction,and TGF-β signaling pathway.miR-125a-3p,miR-106-3p,and miR-760-3p were identified as pivotal miRNAs.Potential TCM candidates included Ajuga decumbens,Acanthopanax bark,Codonopsis pilosula,Stephania japonica,Os Draconis,Notopterygium root,Siraitia grosvenorii,Zanthoxylum nitidum root,Morinda officinalis,and Corydalis yanhusuo.Conclusion:The miRNAs miR-106-3p,miR-125a-3p,and miR-760-3p may mediate TS pathogenesis by altering critical signaling networks,including the calcium signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,and ECM-receptor interaction pathways,leading to neuroimmune inflammation and dopaminergic system dysregulation.TCM compounds such as Corydalis yanhusuo and Ajuga decumbens may exert therapeutic effects through multi-component synergistic regulation of these miRNAs and downstream pathways.

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 compare the efficacy and safety of vedolizumab(VDZ)and infliximab(IFX)for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis(UC)patients through a multicenter retrospective cohort study.Methods All patients with moderate to severe UC who were naive to biologic agents and treated with IFX or VDZ for at least 14 weeks at 3 hospitals in Southwest China between January 2021 and January 2023 were retrospectively enrolled.The efficacy evaluation indicators,including steroid-free clinical remission rates,clinical remission rates and endoscopic remission rates at weeks 14 and 52 were compared between the 2 groups.The occurrence of adverse events during treatment were recorded.Taking whether mucosal healing could be achieved after 14 and 52 weeks of treatment as the dependent variable,firstly,univariate analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors affecting mucosal healing at weeks 14 and 52,and then multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the independent risk factors of mucosal healing at the 2 time points.Results A total of 151 patients with moderate to severe UC were included,after propensity score matching(PSM),each group included 57 patients.There were no significant differences in the steroid-free clinical remission rate and clinical remission rate between the 2 groups at weeks 14 and 52(P＞0.05).The endoscopic remission rate at week 14 was significantly higher in the VDZ group than the IFX group[40.4％(23/57)vs 22.8％(13/57),P=0.044],but no such difference was observed at week 52[64.5％(20/31)vs 59.5％(22/37),P=0.669].Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that left-sided disease(E2)[vs pancolitis(E3)](OR=0.46,95％CI:0.21～0.98,P=0.045)was independent risk factor for mucosal healing at week 14 and a disease duration ≥36 months(OR=0.25,95％CI:0.09～0.66,P=0.005)was independent risk factor for mucosal healing at week 52.No statistical difference was observed in the incidence of adverse events between the 2 groups(1.8％vs 7.0％,P=0.360).Conclusion VDZ and IFX have similar efficacy and safety,and both can be used as first-line options for patients with moderate to severe UC.