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

This study aims to explore the effects of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction(BYD) on the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase(cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes(STING) signaling pathway in the mouse model of autoimmune thyroiditis(AIT) and the mechanism of BYD in alleviating the immune injury. Forty-eight NOD.H-2~(h4) mice were assigned into normal, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose BYD, and selenium yeast tablets groups(n=8). Mice of 8 weeks old were treated with 0.05% sodium iodide solution for 8 weeks for the modeling of AIT and then administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 8 weeks before sampling. High performance liquid chromatography was employed to measure the astragaloside Ⅳ content in BYD. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the mouse thyroid tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPO-Ab), thyroglobulin antibody(TgAb), and interferon-γ(IFN-γ). Flow cytometry was employed to detect the distribution of T cell subsets in the spleen. The immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of cGAS, STING, TANK-binding kinase 1(TBK1), and interferon regulatory factor 3(IRF3). Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of markers related to the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in the thyroid tissue. The results showed that the content of astragaloside Ⅳ in BYD was(7.06±0.08) mg·mL~(-1). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed disrupted structures of thyroid follicular epithelial cells, massive infiltration of lymphocytes, and elevated levels of TgAb and TPO-Ab. Compared with the model group, the four treatment groups showed intact epithelial cells, reduced lymphocyte infiltration, and lowered levels of TgAb and TPO-Ab. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed increases in the proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells, a decrease in the proportion of Th2 cells, and an increase in the IFN-γ level. Compared with the model group, the four treatment groups presented decreased proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells and lowered levels of IFN-γ, and the medium-dose BYD group showed an increase in the proportion of Th2 cells. Compared with the normal group, the modeling up-regulated the mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, TBK1, and IRF3 and the protein levels of cGAS, p-STING, p-TBK1, and p-IRF3. Compared with the model group, the four treatment groups showed reduced levels of cGAS, STING, TBK1, and IRF3-positive products, down-regulated mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, and TBK1, and down-regulated protein levels of cGAS and p-STING. The high-dose BYD group showed down-regulations in the mRNA level of IRF3 and the protein levels of p-TBK1 and p-IRF3. The above results indicate that BYD can repair the imbalance of T cell subsets, alleviate immune injury, and reduce thyroid lymphocyte infiltration in AIT mice by inhibiting the cGAS-STING signaling pathway.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Thyroiditis, Autoimmune/metabolism* ; Mice ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred NOD ; Humans ; Female ; Nucleotidyltransferases/metabolism* ; Male ; Disease Models, Animal

Spine fracture and dislocation are common traumatic spinal conditions that often require surgical intervention due to compromised spinal stability. Surgical approaches include anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior spinal procedures. According to the specific surgical requirements, patients may be placed in the prone position or repositioned between prone and supine positions during surgery. Intraoperative repositioning has become an essential step in patient positioning. However, during repositioning, patients with spinal fracture and dislocation are at increased risk for complications such as hemodynamic instability, nerve injury, and pressure injuries to the skin and soft tissue. Notably, due to the instability of the spinal cord, even minor manipulations can further exacerbate the damage, potentially leading to severe outcomes like paraplegia. Although the current clinical guidelines provide instructive recommendations for standard position, there remains no specific protocols for intraoperative repositioning in patients with spine fracture and dislocation. With a concern for the lack of clinical studies on positioning techniques, risk prevention, and operational norms for special patients, no applicable guidelines or standards are available. A consensus was required to provide clinical reference, meet the requirements of surgical treatment, and minimize the safety risks of patients caused by improper placement of positions. Professional Committee of Operating Room Nursing of Shaanxi Nursing Association organized experts in nursing management and operating room nursing from major hospitals across China to formulate Expert consensus on intraoperative repositioning for patients with spinal fracture and dislocation ( version 2025). The consensus provides 11 recommendations covering pre-repositioning preparation, intraoperative maneuvers, and post-repositioning observation, aiming to provide references for clinical standardization of the intraoperative repositioning process and protection of patients′ safety.

Objective:To compare the diagnostic efficacy of 18F-fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI)-42 PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT for bone metastasis in patients with malignant tumors. Methods:From January 2022 to October 2023, the data of 238 patients (160 males, 78 females; age: 58(50, 66) years) with various malignant tumors who underwent both 18F-FAPI-42 and 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging at Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University were retrospectively reviewed. An abnormal focal radioactive uptake in bones on the PET images was considered as positive lesion for bone metastasis. The efficacy of 2imaging methods and the supplementary role of CT in the diagnosis of bone metastasis were evaluated by McNemar test. Results:Of 238 patients, 95 were with bone metastases and 143 were without bone metastases, including 436 lesions with bone metastases and 358 lesions without bone metastases. Based on the visual analysis, 18F-FAPI-42 PET showed a higher diagnostic sensitivity than 18F-FDG PET (98.4%(429/436) vs 86.5%(377/436); χ2=41.95, P<0.001), while 18F-FDG PET had a higher diagnostic specificity than 18F-FAPI-42 PET (83.2%(298/358) vs 70.4%(252/358); χ2=22.50, P<0.001), and the accuracies of both methods were similar (85.8%(681/794) vs 85.0%(675/794); χ2=0.16, P=0.685). However, when the positive lesions seen in PET were analyzed combined with the image features on CT by the same scanner, the diagnostic specificity of 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT was significantly improved compared to that of 18F-FAPI-42 PET alone (91.3%(327/358) vs 70.4%(252/358); χ2=73.01, P<0.001), and was similar to 18F-FDG PET/CT (93.0%(333/358); χ2=0.78, P=0.377). Meanwhile, this combined analysis brought a higher sensitivity and accuracy of 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT than 18F-FDG PET/CT in diagnosing bone metastases (sensitivity: 98.4%(429/436) vs 86.5%(377/436); χ2=41.95, P<0.001; accuracy: 95.2%(756/794) vs 89.4%(710/794); χ2=21.54, P<0.001). Conclusions:The diagnostic sensitivity of 18F-FAPI-42 PET for bone metastasis is superior to 18F-FDG PET, but the specificity is lower. However, when CT features is combined for analysis, the diagnostic specificity of 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT is significantly improved, which thus can be used to diagnose bone metastasis accurately and is superior to 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Objective To retrospectively analyze the association between metabolic factors and high-risk colorectal adenoma(CRA).Methods The medical records of patients aged 18-75 years who underwent their initial colonoscopy at Karamay Central Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from Jul 2000 to Mar 2017 were collected.The comparison between normal colonoscopy(NC)and high-risk CRA patients was conducted using an unpaired t-test,while chi-square test was used for categorical variables.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression and Logistic regression were utilized to analyze the association between metabolic factors and high-risk CRA.Results A total of 1 798 patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled and divided into normal colonoscopy(NC)findings group(n=972)and high-risk CRA group(n=826).The high-risk CRA group exhibited significantly lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)in comparison to the NC group,while uric acid and fibrosis 4(FIB-4)index levels were significantly higher than those observed in the NC group(all P<0.05).Based on LASSO regression analysis,we identified 12 variables that potentially influence the occurrence of high-risk CRA,including age,gender,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),hypertension,coronary artery disease,hyperglycemia,hypercholesterolemia,low levels of HDL-C,elevated alanine aminotransferase,and elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase.Multivariate analysis revealed that individuals aged over 50 years,male gender,cigarette and alcohol consumption,low HDL-C levels,history of NAFLD and hypertension were identified as independent risk factors associated with high-risk CRA(P<0.05).In addition,without or with adjusting for age,sex,smoking,and drinking history,patients with a high TG/HDL-C ratio(the ratio≥2.68)had a significantly higher risk of high-risk CRA than those with a low TG/HDL-C ratio(the ratio<2.68)[odds ratios(ORs)were1.430 and 1.235 respectively,all P<0.05)].Without or with adjusting variables,the ORs for NAFLD patients with FIB-4 index>2.67 were 1.849(P=0.466)and 1.435(P=0.707),respectively.Conclusion A significant association exists between metabolic factors and high-risk CRA.Independent risk factors for high-risk CRA include older age(≥50 years),male,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,low levels of HDL-C,and a history of NAFLD and hypertension.Individuals exhibiting a TG/HDL-C ratio exceeding 2.68 manifest a significantly heightened susceptibility to the development of high-risk CRA.Therefore,elderly males with one or more aforementioned metabolic abnormalities should be considered a priority population for colorectal screening.

Objective To retrospectively analyze the association between metabolic factors and high-risk colorectal adenoma(CRA).Methods The medical records of patients aged 18-75 years who underwent their initial colonoscopy at Karamay Central Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from Jul 2000 to Mar 2017 were collected.The comparison between normal colonoscopy(NC)and high-risk CRA patients was conducted using an unpaired t-test,while chi-square test was used for categorical variables.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression and Logistic regression were utilized to analyze the association between metabolic factors and high-risk CRA.Results A total of 1 798 patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled and divided into normal colonoscopy(NC)findings group(n=972)and high-risk CRA group(n=826).The high-risk CRA group exhibited significantly lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)in comparison to the NC group,while uric acid and fibrosis 4(FIB-4)index levels were significantly higher than those observed in the NC group(all P<0.05).Based on LASSO regression analysis,we identified 12 variables that potentially influence the occurrence of high-risk CRA,including age,gender,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),hypertension,coronary artery disease,hyperglycemia,hypercholesterolemia,low levels of HDL-C,elevated alanine aminotransferase,and elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase.Multivariate analysis revealed that individuals aged over 50 years,male gender,cigarette and alcohol consumption,low HDL-C levels,history of NAFLD and hypertension were identified as independent risk factors associated with high-risk CRA(P<0.05).In addition,without or with adjusting for age,sex,smoking,and drinking history,patients with a high TG/HDL-C ratio(the ratio≥2.68)had a significantly higher risk of high-risk CRA than those with a low TG/HDL-C ratio(the ratio<2.68)[odds ratios(ORs)were1.430 and 1.235 respectively,all P<0.05)].Without or with adjusting variables,the ORs for NAFLD patients with FIB-4 index>2.67 were 1.849(P=0.466)and 1.435(P=0.707),respectively.Conclusion A significant association exists between metabolic factors and high-risk CRA.Independent risk factors for high-risk CRA include older age(≥50 years),male,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,low levels of HDL-C,and a history of NAFLD and hypertension.Individuals exhibiting a TG/HDL-C ratio exceeding 2.68 manifest a significantly heightened susceptibility to the development of high-risk CRA.Therefore,elderly males with one or more aforementioned metabolic abnormalities should be considered a priority population for colorectal screening.

Spine fracture and dislocation are common traumatic spinal conditions that often require surgical intervention due to compromised spinal stability. Surgical approaches include anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior spinal procedures. According to the specific surgical requirements, patients may be placed in the prone position or repositioned between prone and supine positions during surgery. Intraoperative repositioning has become an essential step in patient positioning. However, during repositioning, patients with spinal fracture and dislocation are at increased risk for complications such as hemodynamic instability, nerve injury, and pressure injuries to the skin and soft tissue. Notably, due to the instability of the spinal cord, even minor manipulations can further exacerbate the damage, potentially leading to severe outcomes like paraplegia. Although the current clinical guidelines provide instructive recommendations for standard position, there remains no specific protocols for intraoperative repositioning in patients with spine fracture and dislocation. With a concern for the lack of clinical studies on positioning techniques, risk prevention, and operational norms for special patients, no applicable guidelines or standards are available. A consensus was required to provide clinical reference, meet the requirements of surgical treatment, and minimize the safety risks of patients caused by improper placement of positions. Professional Committee of Operating Room Nursing of Shaanxi Nursing Association organized experts in nursing management and operating room nursing from major hospitals across China to formulate Expert consensus on intraoperative repositioning for patients with spinal fracture and dislocation ( version 2025). The consensus provides 11 recommendations covering pre-repositioning preparation, intraoperative maneuvers, and post-repositioning observation, aiming to provide references for clinical standardization of the intraoperative repositioning process and protection of patients′ safety.

Objective:To compare the diagnostic efficacy of 18F-fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI)-42 PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT for bone metastasis in patients with malignant tumors. Methods:From January 2022 to October 2023, the data of 238 patients (160 males, 78 females; age: 58(50, 66) years) with various malignant tumors who underwent both 18F-FAPI-42 and 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging at Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University were retrospectively reviewed. An abnormal focal radioactive uptake in bones on the PET images was considered as positive lesion for bone metastasis. The efficacy of 2imaging methods and the supplementary role of CT in the diagnosis of bone metastasis were evaluated by McNemar test. Results:Of 238 patients, 95 were with bone metastases and 143 were without bone metastases, including 436 lesions with bone metastases and 358 lesions without bone metastases. Based on the visual analysis, 18F-FAPI-42 PET showed a higher diagnostic sensitivity than 18F-FDG PET (98.4%(429/436) vs 86.5%(377/436); χ2=41.95, P<0.001), while 18F-FDG PET had a higher diagnostic specificity than 18F-FAPI-42 PET (83.2%(298/358) vs 70.4%(252/358); χ2=22.50, P<0.001), and the accuracies of both methods were similar (85.8%(681/794) vs 85.0%(675/794); χ2=0.16, P=0.685). However, when the positive lesions seen in PET were analyzed combined with the image features on CT by the same scanner, the diagnostic specificity of 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT was significantly improved compared to that of 18F-FAPI-42 PET alone (91.3%(327/358) vs 70.4%(252/358); χ2=73.01, P<0.001), and was similar to 18F-FDG PET/CT (93.0%(333/358); χ2=0.78, P=0.377). Meanwhile, this combined analysis brought a higher sensitivity and accuracy of 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT than 18F-FDG PET/CT in diagnosing bone metastases (sensitivity: 98.4%(429/436) vs 86.5%(377/436); χ2=41.95, P<0.001; accuracy: 95.2%(756/794) vs 89.4%(710/794); χ2=21.54, P<0.001). Conclusions:The diagnostic sensitivity of 18F-FAPI-42 PET for bone metastasis is superior to 18F-FDG PET, but the specificity is lower. However, when CT features is combined for analysis, the diagnostic specificity of 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT is significantly improved, which thus can be used to diagnose bone metastasis accurately and is superior to 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Objective To explore the etiology and pathogenesis of dry eye by studying the distribution pattern of gender,age and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome type in dry eye patients and by analyzing their correlation.Methods A total of 244 patients with dry eye who met the inclusion criteria were selected.The distribution of gender,age and TCM syndrome types was statistically analyzed,and then the correlation of TCM syndrome types with gender and age of dry eye patients was explored.Results(1)Of the 244 dry eye patients,96(39.34%)were male and 148(60.66%)were female,the incidence of the female being higher than that of the male.There were 124(50.82%)patients younger than 45 years old,81(33.20%)patients aged 45-60 years old,and 39(15.98%)patients older than 60 years old.The proportion of the patients younger than 45 years old was higher than that of other age groups.(2)Among the 244 patients with dry eyes,89 cases(36.47%)were differentiated as liver and kidney deficiency syndrome,75 cases(30.74%)were differentiated as qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome,69 cases(28.28%)were differentiated as spleen and kidney deficiency,and 11 cases(4.51%)were differentiated as yin deficiency and damp-heat syndrome.And the occurrence frequency of the above four syndrome types was in descending order.(3)In the dry eye patients of various age groups,patients aged＜45 years old predominantly suffered from qistagnation and blood stasis syndrome,accounting for 41.94%(52/124);patients aged 45-60 years old and those aged＞60 years old predominantly suffered from liver and kidney deficiency syndrome,accounting for 46.91%(38/81)and 53.85%(21/39),respectively.The distribution of TCM syndrome types varied in the patients with different age groups,and the difference was statistically significant(χ2 = 22.128,P＜0.01).(4)In male dry eye patients,qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome was predominant,accounting for 39.58%(38/96);among female dry eye patients,liver and kidney deficiency syndrome and spleen and kidney deficiency syndrome were prevalent,accounting for 41.89%(62/148)and 31.08%(46/148),respectively.The distribution of TCM syndrome types varied in the patients with different genders,and the difference was statistically significant(χ2 = 82.610,P＜0.01).Conclusion The TCM syndromes of patients with dry eyes are frequently differentiated as liver and kidney deficiency syndrome,followed by the qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome.The prevalence of dry eyes is related to the gender and age,and gender and age are correlated with the TCM syndrome types to certain extent.

Aim To explore the impacts of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) on the phenotypes, endocy-tosis and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/ Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK)/P38 mitogen-ac-tivated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in indoxyl sulfate (IS) -induced dendritic cells (DCs). Methods After treatment with 30, 300 and 600 (xmol · L