Randomization and masking
The eligible individuals were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio. Block randomization was employed to stratify participants according to the research center. Using the ‘PROC PLAN’ procedure statement in SAS 9.4, given the number of seeds and setting a block length to 4, a random coding table of 92 individuals was generated. All randomization groups were numbered, subdivided, and retained by a third party (Lei Shang) who was not involved in data collection. The generation of random codes was undertaken by an external programmer not involved in the RCT. When eligible individuals from one center had been enrolled, the researchers communicated with the third party to inquire about the numbers and the corresponding treatment plans. This RCT was an open-label study. We needed to adjust the medication based on the treatment response of patients during the RCT. Therefore, researchers and patients could not be blinded to the study protocol: only the laboratory staff and data analysts were blinded to the study protocol.