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 observe the clinical efficacy and safety of naratinib maleate tablets combined with capecitabine tablets in the treatment of advanced breast cancer patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)positive.Methods The advanced breast cancer patients with HER2 positive were randomly divided into control group and treatment group.The control group was given 1 250 mg·m-2 capecitabine tablets,bid,orally administered,and stopped for 1 week after 2 weeks of treatment.On the basis of treatment in the control group,the treatment group was treated with a combination of naratinib maleate tablets 240 mg,qd,orally.Both groups of patients continued to take medication until the disease progressed or the patient could not tolerate it,with one course of treatment every three weeks.The clinical efficacy,tumor marker levels,survival status,and the safety was evaluated.Results Treatment group were enrolled 55 cases,1 case dropped out,and 54 cases were finally included in the statistical analysis.Control group were enrolled 55 cases,2 cases dropped out,and 53 cases were finally included in the statistical analysis.After treatment,the disease control rates of treatment and control groups were 64.81％(35 cases/54 cases)and 35.85％(19 cases/53 cases);the objective response rates were 37.04％(20 cases/54 cases)and 18.87％(10 cases/53 cases);the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).After treatment,the levels of carcinoembryonic antigen in the treatment and control groups were(14.88±1.96)and(17.25±2.01)ng·mL-1;the levels of carbohydrate antigen 15-3 were(28.42±4.27)and(32.56±4.85)U·mL-1;the levels of tissue peptide specific antigen were(101.76±10.64)and(106.23±11.16)U·L-1;the overall one-year survival rates were 31.48％and 15.09％;the progression free survival time was 7.00 and 6.00 months;the total survival time was 9.00 and 8.00 months,respectively.The differences of above indexes were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).The adverse drug reactions of two groups were mainly diarrhea,leukopenia,hand foot syndrome,nausea and abdominal pain.The incidences of diarrhea in the treatment and control groups were 79.63％and 60.38％with significant difference(P＜0.05);and there were no significant differences in the incidence of other adverse drug reactions between two groups(all P＞0.05).Conclusion The clinical efficacy of naratinib maleate tablets combined with capecitabine tablets in the treatment of the advanced breast cancer is better than that of capecitabine alone;the former can better reduce the levels of tumor markers,prolong the survival time,and improve the short-term survival rate.

Objective:To observe the effect of auricular pressure beans(APN)combined with Compound Tung-Leaf Burn Oil(CTBO)on perioperative anxiety and pain in patients undergoing circumcision.Methods:This study included 100 patients undergo-ing circumcision with the disposable circumcision anastomosis stapler in our hospital from August 2023 to November 2023,of whom 50 received routine circumcision nursing care(the control group)and other 50 APN combined with compound CTBO in addition(the ob-servation group).We compared between the two groups the anxiety scores before any intervention,30 minutes before and 24 hours and 10 days after operation,the pain scores 24 hours postoperatively and at the first change of wound dressing,the frequency of 3-day post-operative sleep awakenings,the incidence of complications,and the satisfaction of the patients.Results:Totally,94 patients com-pleted the study,46 in the observation and 48 in the control group.The anxiety scores exhibited no statistically significant difference between the two groups of patients before any intervention(P>0.05),but were markedly lower in the observation than in the control group at 30 minutes before and 24 hours and 10 days after surgery(P<0.05),and so were the pain scores24 hours after surgery and at the first change of wound dressing(P<0.05),and the frequency of 3-day postoperative sleep awakenings(P<0.05).The satis-faction rate of the patients was remarkably higher(P<0.05)while the incidence of complications significantly lower in the observation group than in the control(P<0.05).Conclusion:Auricular pressure beans combined with Compound Tung-Leaf Burn Oil can ef-fectively alleviate perioperative anxiety,reduce postoperative pain and improve satisfaction of the patients undergoing circumcision.

Aim To explore the improvement effect of Bazi Bushen capsule on thymic degeneration in SAMP6 mice and the possible mechanism.Methods Twenty 12 week old male SAMP6 mice were randomly divided into the model group(SAMP6)and the Bazi Busheng capsule treatment group(SAMP6+BZBS).Ten SAMR1 mice were assigned to a homologous control group(SAMR1).The SAMP6+BZBS group was oral-ly administered Bazi Bushen capsule suspension(2.8 g·kg-1)daily,while the other two groups were orally administered an equal amount of distilled water.After nine weeks of administration,the morphology of the thymus in each group was observed and the thymus in-dex was calculated;HE staining was used to observe the structural changes of thymus tissue;SA-β-gal stai-ning was used to detect thymic aging;flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of thymic CD3+T cells in each group;Western blot was used to detect the levels of p16,Bax,Bcl-2,and cleaved caspase-3 proteins in thymus;immunofluorescence was applied to detect the proportion of cortical thymic epithelial cells in each group;ELISA was employed to detect IL-7 lev-els in thymus.Results Compared with the SAMP6 group,the thymic index of the SAMP6+BZBS group significantly increased(P＜0.05);the disordered thy-mic structure was significantly improved;the positive proportion of SA-β-gal staining significantly decreased(P＜0.01);the proportion of CD3+T cells apparently increased(P＜0.05);the level of p16 protein signifi-cantly decreased(P＜0.05);the level of Bcl-2 pro-tein significantly increased(P＜0.05),while the lev-el of cleaved caspase-3 protein markedly decreased(P＜0.05);the proportion of cortical thymic epithelial cells evidently increased;the level of IL-7 significantly increased(P＜0.01).Conclusions Bazi Bushen capsule can delay thymic degeneration,inhibit cell ap-optosis in thymus and promote thymic cell development in SAMP6 mice,which may be related to increasing the proportion of cortical thymic epithelial cells and promoting IL-7 secretion.

Radiotherapy (RT) can potentially induce systemic immune responses by initiating immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells. However, RT-induced antitumor immunologic responses are sporadic and insufficient against cancer metastases. Herein, we construct multifunctional self-sufficient nanoparticles (MARS) with dual-enzyme activity (GOx and peroxidase-like) to trigger radical storms and activate the cascade-amplified systemic immune responses to suppress both local tumors and metastatic relapse. In addition to limiting the Warburg effect to actualize starvation therapy, MARS catalyzes glucose to produce hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), which is then used in the Cu⁺-mediated Fenton-like reaction and RT sensitization. RT and chemodynamic therapy produce reactive oxygen species in the form of radical storms, which have a robust ICD impact on mobilizing the immune system. Thus, when MARS is combined with RT, potent systemic antitumor immunity can be generated by activating antigen-presenting cells, promoting dendritic cells maturation, increasing the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and reprogramming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, the synergistic therapy of RT and MARS effectively suppresses local tumor growth, increases mouse longevity, and results in a 90% reduction in lung metastasis and postoperative recurrence. Overall, we provide a viable approach to treating cancer by inducing radical storms and activating cascade-amplified systemic immunity.

Objective:To establish a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination of voliconazole (VRC), posaconazole (PCZ), and linazolam (LNZ) in human serum.Methods:This study is a methodological validation by LC-MS/MS. The blood concentration results of VRC, PCZ, and LNZ in our hospital′s anti-infection patients were collected. Voriconazole, Posaconazole, and Linezolid were accurately weighed and prepared. Linezolid-[2H3] was used as the internal standard. After gradient elution on the ACE PFP column, the residuals were analyzed by LC-MS/MS in the positive electrospray ionization mode and multiple reaction monitor (MRM) mode. The method′s linearity, precision, lower limit of detection, and recovery rate were validated according to standard guidelines.Results:The linear correlation coefficient ( r) of the standard curve was above 0.99 ( r>0.99). The linear range of VRC and PCZ were 0.10 mg/L~10.00 mg/L, and the lower limit of detection were 0.01 mg/L. The linear range of LNZ was 0.50 mg/L~50.00 mg/L, and the lower limit of detection was 0.05 mg/L. The recoveries of VRC, PCZ and LNZ were 90.96%-103.18%, 91.84%-99.17%, and 97.04%-100.41%, respectively. Intra-and inter-batch precision (% CV) for VRC were less than 8.30%. Intra-and inter-batch precision (% CV) for PCZ was less than 9.78%. Intra-and inter-batch precision (% CV) for LNZ was less than 7.14%. Drug concentrations in 155 cases of VRC, 44 cases of PCZ, and 59 cases of LNZ were detected. Conclusion:We have established an LC-MS/MS method for the rapid, accurate, highly specific determination of VRC, PCZ, and LNZ concentrations in human serum. This method is suitable for analyzing large clinical sample sets.

Background and Objectives: Osteoblasts are derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and playimportant role in bone remodeling. While our previous studies have investigated the cell subtypes and heterogeneity in osteoblasts and BMMSCs separately, cell-to-cell communications between osteoblasts and BMMSCs in vivo in humans have not been characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular communication between human primary osteoblasts and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Methods: and Results: To investigate the cell-to-cell communications between osteoblasts and BMMSCs and identifynew cell subtypes, we performed a systematic integration analysis with our single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) transcriptomes data from BMMSCs and osteoblasts. We successfully identified a novel preosteoblasts subtype which highly expressed ATF3, CCL2, CXCL2 and IRF1. Biological functional annotations of the transcriptomes suggested that the novel preosteoblasts subtype may inhibit osteoblasts differentiation, maintain cells to a less differentiated status and recruit osteoclasts. Ligand-receptor interaction analysis showed strong interaction between mature osteoblasts and BMMSCs. Meanwhile, we found FZD1 was highly expressed in BMMSCs of osteogenic differentiation direction. WIF1 and SFRP4, which were highly expressed in mature osteoblasts were reported to inhibit osteogenic differentiation. We speculated that WIF1 and sFRP4 expressed in mature osteoblasts inhibited the binding of FZD1 to Wnt ligand in BMMSCs, thereby further inhibiting osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs. Conclusions Our study provided a more systematic and comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity of osteogenic cells. At the single cell level, this study provided insights into the cell-to-cell communications between BMMSCs and osteoblasts and mature osteoblasts may mediate negative feedback regulation of osteogenesis process.

AIM: To investigate the effectiveness of panretinal photocoagulation(PRP)combined with intravitreal conbercept(IVC)for patients with different stages of proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR).METHODS: Retrospective study. The medical records for 100 patients(100 eyes)with PDR treated with PRP combined with IVC from January 2018 to June 2020 were reviewed, including 34 eyes with early PDR(group A), 43 with high-risk PDR(group B), and 23 with fibrovascular PDR(group C). The baseline information, best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT), the rate of vitrectomy and retinal detachment of the patients in the three groups at 1, 3, 6mo and the last follow-up after combination treatment were observed.RESULTS: The patients were followed up for 14.60±11.64mo(6-52mo), with a mean age of 54.22 ±9.32 years. We found 15 eyes(15.0%)who underwent vitrectomy after the combination treatment. The vitrectomy rates of the three groups were 2.9% in group A, 13.9% in group B, and 34.7% in group C. We found no instances of retinal detachment after the treatments. Most patients demonstrated improved BCVA and CMT values with the treatments.CONCLUSION: PRP combined with IVC is safe and effective in patients with different PDR stages.

Objective To investigate the differences in the influencing factors for acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) and infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) between Eastern and Western countries, and to provide a theoretical basis for the prediction and prevention of ANP. Methods Databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for articles on the influencing factors for ANP and IPN published up to January 21, 2021, and a Meta-analysis was performed. Results A total of 59 studies were included, with 22 studies from Eastern countries and 37 studies from Western countries.The Meta-analysis showed that in Eastern countries, male sex (odds ratio[ OR ]=1.51, 95% confidence interval[ CI ]: 1.18-1.91, P < 0.01), C-reactive protein (CRP)(standardized mean difference[ SMD ]=1.39, 95% CI : 1.06-1.71, P < 0.01), D-dimer ( SMD =0.44, 95% CI : 0.07-0.81, P =0.02), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE-Ⅱ) score (mean difference[ MD ]=3.51, 95% CI : 1.38-5.64, P < 0.01), alcoholic etiology ( OR =3.57, 95% CI : 2.68-4.75, P < 0.01), and biliary etiology ( OR =0.60, 95% CI : 0.46-0.77, P < 0.01) were the influencing factors for ANP, and in Western countries, male sex ( OR =1.63, 95% CI : 1.30-2.05, P < 0.01), CRP ( SMD =2.09, 95% CI : 1.12-3.05, P < 0.01), APACHE-Ⅱ score ( MD =4.28, 95% CI : 2.73-5.83, P < 0.01), Ranson score ( MD =2.99, 95% CI : 2.50-3.47, P < 0.01), and organ failure ( OR =10.87, 95% CI : 2.62-45.04, P < 0.01) were the influencing factors for ANP.In Eastern countries, age ( MD =2.16, 95% CI : 0.43-3.89, P =0.01), body mass index (BMI)( MD =1.74, 95% CI : 1.23-2.25, P < 0.01), albumin level ( SMD =-0.43, 95% CI : -0.75 to-0.12, P < 0.01), CRP ( SMD =0.58, 95% CI : 0.04-1.11, P =0.03), procalcitonin ( SMD =0.80, 95% CI : 0.56-1.04, P < 0.01), D-dimer ( MD =0.23, 95% CI : 0.15-0.31, P < 0.01), APACHE-Ⅱ score ( MD =2.47, 95% CI : 0.73-4.22, P < 0.01), Ranson score ( MD =1.60, 95% CI : 1.46-1.73, P < 0.01), and extent of necrosis ≥30%( OR =2.52, 95% CI : 1.26-5.06, P < 0.01) were the influencing factors for IPN, while in Western countries, age ( MD =4.07, 95% CI : 1.82-6.31, P < 0.01), APACHE-Ⅱ score ( MD =3.28, 95% CI : 1.39-5.17, P < 0.01), Ranson score ( MD =2.18, 95% CI : 1.75-2.62, P < 0.01), SIRS score ( OR =3.88, 95% CI : 1.58-9.51, P < 0.01), alcoholic etiology ( OR =0.61, 95% CI : 0.42-0.87, P < 0.01), and organ failure ( OR =3.63, 95% CI : 1.11-11.92, P =0.03) were the influencing factors for IPN. Conclusion Current evidence shows that biliary etiology and alcoholic etiology are unique influencing factors for ANP in the Eastern population, while Ranson score is a unique influencing factor in the Western population.BMI and extent of necrosis ≥30% are unique influencing factors for IPN in the Eastern population, while alcoholic etiology is a unique influencing factor in the Western population.

OBJECTIVE To establish a method for simultaneous determination of two third-generation anti-epileptic medicines such as lacosamide and perampanel in human plasma and apply this method in clinical practice. METHODS Using clozapine as internal standard， the concentrations of lacosamide and perampanel of plasma samples in 10 epileptic patients were determined by LC-MS/MS after protein precipitation with acetonitrile and dilution with acetonitrile-water （20∶80，V/V）， and the plasma minimum concentrations were obtained by dilution of multiple. The determination was performed on Welch Ultimate XB-C18 column， with mobile phase A consisted of 10 mmol/L ammonium formate and mobile phase B consisted of methanol-acetonitrile-isopropanol （0.2% formic acid） mixed solution （7∶1.5∶1.5， V/V/V） for gradient elution at the flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The column temperature was set at 40 ℃ ， and the sample size was 5 μL. The electrospray ion source and multi-reaction monitoring mode were used for positive iron scanning. The ion pair used for quantitative analysis of lacosamide， perampanel and internal standard were m/z 251.2→ 144.1， m/z 350.2→219.2 and m/z 327.2→270.0， respectively. RESULTS The linear ranges of lacosamide and perampanel were 0.001 25-0.125 μg/mL（r＞0.99）， 0.037 5-3.75 ng/mL （r＞0.99）； the limits of quantification were 0.001 25 μg/mL and 0.037 5 ng/mL， respectively. The precision and accuracy within and between batches， extraction recovery rate， matrix effect， and stability all met relevant requirements. The minimum concentrations of lacosamide in No. 1-5 patients were 5.3-12.2 μg/mL， and the minimum concentrations of perampanel in No.6-10 patients were 208-510 ng/mL， respectively. CONCLUSIONS The established method is simple， rapid and suitable for the therapeutic drug monitoring of lacosamide and perampanel.