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 prepare advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF)/chitosan thermosensitive hydrogel (hereinafter referred to as composite hydrogel) and explore the effects of composite hydrogel on full-thickness skin defect wound healing in diabetic rats.Methods:This study was an experimental study. The composite hydrogel with porous mesh structure and thermosensitive characteristics was successfully prepared, containing A-PRF with mass concentrations of 10, 15, 20, 50, and 100 g/L. Diabetic model was successfully established in male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 6-8 weeks by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin, and 4 full-thickness skin defect wounds were established on the back of each rat (finally the model was successfully established in 36 rats). Three wounds of each rat were divided into blank group (no drug intervention), positive control group (dropping recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage stimulating factor gel), and chitosan hydrogel group (dropping chitosan hydrogel solution). Thirty rats were collected, and the remaining one wound of each rat (totally 30 wounds) was divided into 10, 15, 20, 50, and 100 g/L composite hydrogel groups, with 6 wounds in each group, which were dropped with composite hydrogel solution containing 10, 15, 20, 50, and 100 g/L A-PRF, respectively. Taking the remaining six rats, the remaining one wound from each rat was dropped with composite hydrogel solution containing 100 g/L A-PRF. On 14 d after injury, 6 rats with one wound dropped with composite hydrogel containing 100 g/L A-PRF were selected for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe the inflammation, hemorrhage, or necrosis of the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney. On 10 d after injury, 6 rats with one wound dropped with composite hydrogel containing 15 g/L A-PRF were selected to observe the blood perfusion of wounds in the four groups (with sample size of 6). On 7 and 14 d after injury, the wound healing rates in the eight groups were calculated. On 14 d after injury, the wound tissue in the eight groups was taken for HE and Masson staining to observe the formation of new epithelium and collagen formation, respectively; the positive expressions of CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the percentages of positive areas were calculated; the protein expressions of CD31 and VEGFA were detected by Western blotting; the mRNA expressions of CD31 and VEGFA were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method (with all sample sizes of 4).Results:On 14 d after injury, no obvious inflammation, hemorrhage, or necrosis was observed in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney in the 6 rats. On 10 d after injury, the blood perfusion volume of wound in 15 g/L composite hydrogel group was significantly more than that in blank group, positive control group, and chitosan hydrogel group, respectively (with P values all <0.05). On 7 and 14 d after injury, the wound healing rates of blank group were (26.0±8.9)% and (75.0±1.8)%, which were significantly lower than those of positive control group, chitosan hydrogel group, and 10, 15, 20, 50, and 100 g/L composite hydrogel groups, respectively ((45.8±3.2)%, (49.8±3.7)%, (51.2±2.9)%, (68.5±2.4)%, (68.8±1.5)%, (72.7±2.1)%, (75.0±3.7)% and (79.1±1.9)%, (77.2±1.7)%, (82.3±1.3)%, (89.6±1.9)%, (89.8±1.3)%, (87.3±1.1)%, (87.9±1.3)%), P<0.05; the wound healing rates of positive control group, chitosan hydrogel group, and 10 g/L composite hydrogel group were significantly lower than those of 15, 20, 50, and 100 g/L composite hydrogel groups ( P<0.05). On 14 d after injury, the wound epithelialization degrees of 15, 20, 50, and 100 g/L composite hydrogel groups were higher than those of the other 4 groups, the new microvascular situation was better, and the collagen was more abundant and arranged more neatly. On 14 d after injury, the percentages of CD31 and VEGFA positive areas in wounds in positive control group and the percentage of VEGFA positive area in wounds in chitosan hydrogel group were significantly higher than those in blank group ( P<0.05), the percentage of VEGFA positive area in wounds in 10 g/L composite hydrogel group was significantly higher than that in blank group, chitosan hydrogel group, and positive control group (with P values all <0.05), and the percentages of CD31 and VEGFA positive areas in wounds in 15, 20, 50, and 100 g/L composite hydrogel groups were significantly higher than those in blank group, positive control group, chitosan hydrogel group, and 10 g/L composite hydrogel group ( P<0.05). On 14 d after injury, the protein and mRNA expressions of CD31 and VEGFA in wound tissue in chitosan hydrogel group, positive control group, and 10 g/L composite hydrogel group were significantly higher than those in blank group ( P<0.05); the protein expression of VEGFA in wound tissue in 10 g/L composite hydrogel group was significantly higher than that in positive control group ( P<0.05), and the mRNA expressions of CD31 and VEGFA in wound tissue in 10 g/L composite hydrogel group were significantly higher than those in positive control group and chitosan hydrogel group ( P<0.05); the protein and mRNA expressions of CD31 and VEGFA in wound tissue in 15, 20, 50, and 100 g/L composite hydrogel groups were significantly higher than those in blank group, positive control group, chitosan hydrogel group, and 10 g/L composite hydrogel group ( P<0.05); the mRNA expressions of CD31 and VEGFA in wound tissue in chitosan hydrogel group were significantly lower than those in positive control group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The composite hydrogel has high biological safety, can improve wound blood perfusion, effectively promote the formation of blood vessels and collagen in wound tissue, thus promoting the wound healing of full-thickness skin defects in diabetic rats. 15 g/L is the optimal mass concentration of A-PRF in composite hydrogel.

Objective To investigate the application value of conventional ultrasound typing and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in non-mass breast like lesions (NMLs). Methods A total of 50 patients (50 lesions) who were pathologically confirmed to have breast NMLs in Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital. The corresponding relationship between conventional ultrasound typing of NMLs and BI-RADS classification was analyzed, and CEUS was performed on breast NMLs to compare the diagnostic value of combined BI-RADS and CEUS. Results The NMLs conventional ultrasound classified Ⅰa and Ⅱa lesions corresponded to BI-RADS classification 4a; Ⅲ and Ⅳ lesions corresponded to BI-RADS classification 4b; Ⅰb and Ⅱb lesions corresponded to BI-RADS classification 4c. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the expansion of lesion range and the presence of "crab foot sign" in benign and malignant lesions after the enhancement (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that enlarged lesion area, "crab foot sign, " peak intensity, and area under the curve were associated with malignant breast NMLs. The diagnostic value of CEUS combined with BI-RADS was higher than that of conventional ultrasound BI-RADS. Conclusion NMLs conventional ultrasonographic classificationsⅠa andⅡa have the lowest malignant risk, whereas classifications Ⅰb and Ⅱb have the highest value. The expansion of lesion range and the presence of "crab foot sign" after enhancement are helpful for rapid differentiation of benign and malignant NMLs.

Objective To determine the influence of abiraterone acetate (AA) on neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and the prognostic predicting value of the serum NED markers in mCRPC patients treated with AA.Methods We conducted an analysis in 115 chemotherapy-naive mCRPC patients who were treated with chemotherapy in Renji hospital from 2013 to 2017.The median age was 70,ranged from 65 to 76 years old.The median CgA,NSE and PSA levels were 101.1 ng/ml (78.5-150.0 ng/ml),13.4 ng/ml (10.5-17.6 ng/ml) and 38.8 ng/ml (11.2-123.2 ng/ml),respectively.Among them,48 cases were classified as the group without AA treatment.The other 67 cases were classified as group after AA failure.In group without AA treatment,the median CgA,NSE and PSA levels were 109.1 ng/ml(80-151.5 ng/ml);13.8 ng/ml(10.8-18.2 ng/ml) and 39.2 ng/ml (8.6-200 ng/ml),respectively.In group after AA failure,the median CgA,NSE and PSA levels were 105.4 ng/ml(78.8-175.5 ng/ml),13.8 ng/ml(10.8-17.6 ng/ml) and 39.0 ng/ml(8.4-219.8 ng/ml),respectively.In the group with serial evaluation of NED markers during AA treatment,the median serum CgA,NSE levels at baseline were 115.9 ng/ml(90.1-201.5 ng/ml),13.3 ng/ml (10.4-18.1 ng/ml),respectively.The endpoints were PSA PFS(progression-free survival) and radiographic PFS (rPFS).Results In 34 patients with serial evaluation,serum NED markers level in 19 patients increased after the failure of AA treatment.Median serum CgA and NSE levels were 115.9 ng/ml(90.1-201.5 ng/ml)and 13.25 ng/ml (10.37-18.14 ng/ml) at baseline.Median serum CgA and NSE levels were 129.6ng/ml (75.5-230.5 ng/ml) and 14.7 ng/ml (11.8-19.1 ng/ml) after 6 months treatment,respectively.The median serum CgA and NSE levels were 130.4 ng/ml (95.7-205.7 ng/ml) and 15.2 ng/ml(12.4-18.7 ng/ml) at the time of failure of AA treatment,respectively.There was no significant difference of NED markers between baseline and failure of AA treatment (P =0.243).In logistic univariate analysis,AA treatment and its duration were not independent factors influencing NED(P =0.30;P =0.52).Compared with the NED markers elevation group in the first 6 months of AA treatment and baseline supranormal NED markers group,the NED markers decline group(PSA PFS(17.1 vs.10.4 months,P ＜ 0.001) and rPFS (17.0 vs.10.4 months,P =0.003)) and baseline normal NED markers group(PSA PFS(14.1 vs.9.5 months,P =0.001) and rPFS(16.4 vs.10.5 months,P ＜ 0.001)) has a longer median PSA PFS and rPFS respectively.In multivariate Cox analysis,baseline NED markers level and NED markers variation during the first 6 months of AA treatment remained significant predictors of rPFS(P ＜ 0.05),and PSA-PFS (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions We found there was heterogeneity in changes of NED markers in different mCRPC patients during AA treatment,and AA might not significantly lead to progression of NED of mCRPC in general.Serial CgA and NSE evaluation might help clinicians guide clinical treatment of mCRPC patients.Serum NED markers elevation during the first 6 months of AA treatment and elevated baseline NED markers levels indicated poor prognosis in mCRPC treated with AA.

Japan is the first country that introduced the global health strategy in Asia,and has successfully for-mulated four global health related strategies.This study aims at introducing the background of Japan,s Global Health Strategies in the field of social economic, health development, and health diplomacy, and makes a description and comparison of the health strategies at different stages developed by the Japanese government,focusing mainly on the strategic goals,priority areas,assistance measures and organizational structures.The study summarizes the five char-acteristics of Japan,s global health strategies as:The strategic goals and priority areas are influenced by international and domestic environments;the Japan,s global health strategy is a continuous and dynamic process;The Japan,s glob-al health strategy formulation benefited significantly from international conferences;The strategies emphasized multi-stakeholder partnerships;Global health human resources are a prerequisite for the implementation of strategies.The article also put forward the reference for development and implementation of China,s global health strategy in future.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of docetaxel chemotherapy combined with androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.Methods One hundred and ninety-two cases of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer in Renji Hospital between January 2015 and July 2016 were analyzed retrospectively.Patients' age was 39 to 90,the median age was 71 years.The median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) at diagnosis was 90.6ng/ml (4.1-2 556.0 ng/ml).One hundred and eighty were with bone metastasis and 12 were with distant lymphatic metastasis.Sixty-one of them received docetaxel chemotherapy plus ADT for 3 weeks,131 received hormonal treatment alone.The median age of combination therapy group was 67 years (39-80 years),that of single treatment group was 75 years (50-93 years) (P ＜ 0.001).The median PSA baseline of the two groups were 91.6 ng/ml (35.5-157.5ng/ml) and 89.1 ng/ml (59.6-191.0 ng/ml) (P =0.324).Gleason score of combination therapy group showed that 3 cases (4.9％) was 6,23 cases (37.7％) 7,35 cases (57.4％) ≥8.That of single treatment group showed that 17 cases (13.0％) 6,51 cases (38.9％) 7,63 cases (48.1％) ≥8.There was no statistic difference between the two groups (P =0.122).But there was statistic difference in the rate of T3 or T4 clinical stage in primary lesion,that of combination therapy group was 50.7％ (37/61) and 34.4％ (21/61),and that of single treatment group was 60.3％ (79/131) and 21.4％ (28/131) (P =0.011).Imaging showed local lymph node metastasis in the two groups (80.3％ vs.67.9％,P =0.005).As to physical condition,the combination therapy group showed a lower ECOG score than the single treatment group (P ＜ 0.001).All the patients' survival condition,PSA response rate and adverse events were analyzed.Results One hundred and ninety-two patients were regularly followedup.The median follow-up time was 23.3 (14.4-33.4) months.Median progression free survival time of combination therapy group and single treatment group were respectively 24.4 (7.5-31.3) months vs.17.5(3.0-30.7) months (P ＜ 0.001).There were 1 and 16 cases died in the two groups due to disease progression.During the treatment,the rate of PSA level less than 0.2 ng/ml was 29.5％ (18/61) vs.13.7％ (18/131) in combination therapy group and single treatment group.Regarding the tolerance of combination therapy group,the incidence rate of grade 3-4 neutropenia was 27.9％ (17/61).Skin and mucous membrane damaged in 24.6％ (15/61) patients,transaminase rised in 13.1％ (8/61) patients,and peripheral nerve toxicity occurred in 9.8％ (6/61) patients.There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in relevant events caused by ADT,gynecomastia (14.8％ vs.16.3％) and erectile dysfunction (100％ vs.100％).Most of them could be relieved by symptomatic treatment.Conclusions For metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer,docetaxel combined with hormonal treatment showed longer progression free survival than ADT alone with adverse reactions acceptable.

Objective To investigate the feasibility of quantitatively evaluating angiogenesis in liver tumors by using flat detector computed tomography (FDCT) in the angiography suite.Methods The VX2 liver tumor model was established in 25 rabbits,and then FDCT examination was performed for each animal.After reconstructing the blood volume (BV) perfusion map,BV values of the hepatic tumor and parenchyma were measured respectively.All experimental rabbits were sacrificed after FDCT,and the corresponding tumor specimens were collected for measuring microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression level.The relationships of BV values with MVD and VEGF expression in liver tumors were analyzed.Results Of the 25 experimental rabbits,FDCT examination was successfully accomplished in 22(88.0％).Both the hepatic parenchyma and tumor lesions could be clearly visualized on BV perfusion map.The hepatic tumor was characterized by a hyperperfusion rim with a hypoperfusion center,known as rim-like enhancement pattern,on BV perfusion map.BV values bore a close relationship to both MVD grade and VEGF grade (P＜0.05 in both),while MVD grade had a parallel relationship with VEGF grade (r=0.504,P＜ 0.001).Conclusion It is feasible to use FDCT in the angiography suite to quantitatively assess the angiogenesis of liver tumors.It may be helpful for interventional treatment of liver tumors.

Objective· To assess the efficacy of abiraterone acetate (AA) plus prednisone treating metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients and analyze the prognostic factors for this treatment. Methods · The medical history of 112 patients with mCRPC treated in Renji Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, including 70 patients in the chemotherapy-na?ve setting and 42 in the post-chemotherapy setting, were retrospectively reviewed. Coprimary end points were prostate specific antigen progression-free survival (PSA PFS), radiographic PFS (rPFS) and overall survival (OS). Univariable and multivariable Cox analyses were performed to determine prognostic factors that were associated with PSA PFS, rPFS and OS. Results · At a median follow-up of 20.2 months, 59 (52.7%) patients had died. The median PSA PFS, rPFS and OS were 8.9 (7.8~10.0) months, 9.7 (9.0~10.4) months, and 22.2 (20.3~24.1) months, respectively. In multivariate analysis, previous chemotherapy, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio(≥3 vs<3),serum lactate dehydrogenase level(≥196 U/L vs<196 U/L)and ECOG PS(≤?1 vs 2)were independent predictors for PSA PFS and rPFS,and previous chemotherapy,ECOG PS(≤?1 vs 2)remained significant predictors for OS. Conclusion·These results further support the favourable profile of AA plus prednisone in patients with mCRPC in China.Previous chemotherapy,ECOG PS(≤?1 vs 2)remained significant predictors for OS.

Objective To investigate the prevention effect of intermittent pneumatic compression pump on DVT in patients undergoing knee joint replacement.Methods A total of 318 patients with knee joint replacement in our hospital were selected as study objects,and 108 cases with routine nursing were as control group,and 210 cases with intermittent pneumatic compression were as observation group.The changes of D-D,PLT and Hb,and DVT of two groups were compared.Results PLT and D-D after 6 d of the operation in the observation group was lower than that in the control group,the difference was statistically significant(P ＜0.05).Venous velocity of lower limb after 6 d of operation in the observation group was quicker than that in the control group,the detection rate of DVT was lower than that in the control group,DVT diameter was less than that in the control group,the differences were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Intermittent pneumatic compression pump can reduce PLT,D-D and the incidence of DVT after knee replacement.

Objective To investigate the prevention effect of intermittent pneumatic compression pump on DVT in patients undergoing knee joint replacement.Methods A total of 318 patients with knee joint replacement in our hospital were selected as study objects,and 108 cases with routine nursing were as control group,and 210 cases with intermittent pneumatic compression were as observation group.The changes of D-D,PLT and Hb,and DVT of two groups were compared.Results PLT and D-D after 6 d of the operation in the observation group was lower than that in the control group,the difference was statistically significant(P ＜0.05).Venous velocity of lower limb after 6 d of operation in the observation group was quicker than that in the control group,the detection rate of DVT was lower than that in the control group,DVT diameter was less than that in the control group,the differences were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Intermittent pneumatic compression pump can reduce PLT,D-D and the incidence of DVT after knee replacement.