Neonatal diabetes mellitus （NDM） is a rare monogenic disorder primarily caused by insufficient insulin secretion resulting from mutations in the KCNJ11 and ABCC8 genes. Sulfonylureas， represented by glibenclamide， have become the standard therapy for this type of NDM by precisely closing the mutated ATP-sensitive potassium channels in pancreatic β cells， thereby restoring insulin secretion. Clinical studies confirm that sulfonylureas enable over 90% of patients to successfully transition from insulin to oral treatment， achieving long-term stable glycemic control and improving neurological outcomes to a certain extent. In terms of safety， severe hypoglycemia induced by sulfonylureas is relatively rare and gastrointestinal reactions are mild； moreover， sulfonylureas show good long-term tolerability， and have no adverse effects on child growth and development. In the future， by further refining the full-chain management pathway of “rapid genetic diagnosis-early intervention-specialized dosage forms-long-term follow-up”， the clinical application of sulfonylureas is expected to provide NDM patients with an optimized treatment regimen and maximize their health benefits.

Definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) has become a cornerstone in the treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer; however, local control remains suboptimal, and persistent lesions or locoregional recurrences after treatment are not uncommon. For patients without distant metastases but with local failure, whether surgical intervention can still offer curative potential remains a major clinical dilemma. Salvage esophagectomy (SE) offers potential long-term survival for selected patients, but this procedure is performed in the context of severe fibrosis, impaired local blood supply, and obscured anatomical planes following chemoradiotherapy, resulting in significantly higher perioperative risk compared to primary esophagectomy. Consequently, controversies exist regarding patient selection, preoperative restaging, choice of surgical approach, extent of lymphadenectomy, gastrointestinal reconstruction, and perioperative management. In recent years, with the refinement of restaging modalities such as PET/CT, the accumulation of experience in high-volume centers, and emerging evidence from clinical studies, the clinical role of SE has gradually shifted from a "high-risk salvage measure" to a "selective curative strategy aimed at achieving long-term survival in carefully selected patients". Nevertheless, standardized guidelines for patient selection, technical approaches, and perioperative management are still lacking. Based on current evidence and clinical experience, experts organized by the Integrated Esophageal Cancer Committee of Chinese Anti-Cancer Association systematically reviewed key issues regarding SE, including its definition, indications, preoperative evaluation, choice of surgical approach, lymphadenectomy, gastrointestinal reconstruction, and perioperative management, and formulated a Chinese expert consensus. This consensus aims to provide guidance for standardized assessment, appropriate referral, individualized surgical decision-making, and optimized perioperative management of patients with locoregional failure after dCRT. Ultimately, this will increase the likelihood of R0 resection, reduce the risk of severe complications, and promote the safer, more judicious, and standardized implementation of SE in high-risk scenarios.

Background: and Purpose Limited evidence exists on the effectiveness of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute posterior circulation tandem lesion (PCTL). This study aimed to explore the role of extracranial vertebral artery (VA) stenting in patients with PCTL stroke undergoing EVT. Methods: Individual patient data were pooled from the BASILAR (EVT for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion Study) and PERSIST (Posterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke) registries. Patients with PCTLs who underwent EVT were included in the present cohort and divided into the stenting and nonstenting groups based on the placement of extracranial VA stents. The primary efficacy outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 90 days and 1 year. Safety outcomes included 24-hour symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and all-cause mortality at 90 days and 1 year post-surgery. Results: A combined dataset of 1,320 patients with posterior circulation artery occlusion, including 263 (19.9%) with tandem lesions, of whom 217 (median age, 65 years; 82.9% male) met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. The stenting group had 84 (38.7%) patients, while the non-stenting group had 133 (61.3%). After adjustment for the potential confounders, extracranial VA stenting was associated with favorable shifts in mRS scores at both 90 days (adjusted common odds ratio [OR], 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23–4.28; P<0.01) and 1 year (adjusted OR [aOR], 2.04; 95% CI [1.05–3.97]; P=0.04), along with lower rate of mortality at both 90 days (aOR, 0.45; 95% CI [0.21–0.93]; P=0.01) and 1 year (aOR, 0.36; 95% CI [0.16–0.79]; P=0.01), with no significant difference in sICH incidence (aOR, 0.35; 95% CI [0.06–1.98]; P=0.24). Conclusion Extracranial VA stenting during EVT may improve functional outcomes and reduce mortality in patients with PCTL strokes.

Background: and Purpose Limited evidence exists on the effectiveness of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute posterior circulation tandem lesion (PCTL). This study aimed to explore the role of extracranial vertebral artery (VA) stenting in patients with PCTL stroke undergoing EVT. Methods: Individual patient data were pooled from the BASILAR (EVT for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion Study) and PERSIST (Posterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke) registries. Patients with PCTLs who underwent EVT were included in the present cohort and divided into the stenting and nonstenting groups based on the placement of extracranial VA stents. The primary efficacy outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 90 days and 1 year. Safety outcomes included 24-hour symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and all-cause mortality at 90 days and 1 year post-surgery. Results: A combined dataset of 1,320 patients with posterior circulation artery occlusion, including 263 (19.9%) with tandem lesions, of whom 217 (median age, 65 years; 82.9% male) met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. The stenting group had 84 (38.7%) patients, while the non-stenting group had 133 (61.3%). After adjustment for the potential confounders, extracranial VA stenting was associated with favorable shifts in mRS scores at both 90 days (adjusted common odds ratio [OR], 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23–4.28; P<0.01) and 1 year (adjusted OR [aOR], 2.04; 95% CI [1.05–3.97]; P=0.04), along with lower rate of mortality at both 90 days (aOR, 0.45; 95% CI [0.21–0.93]; P=0.01) and 1 year (aOR, 0.36; 95% CI [0.16–0.79]; P=0.01), with no significant difference in sICH incidence (aOR, 0.35; 95% CI [0.06–1.98]; P=0.24). Conclusion Extracranial VA stenting during EVT may improve functional outcomes and reduce mortality in patients with PCTL strokes.

Objective To analyze the role and mechanism of Xiaoqinglong decoction in alleviating the pathological process of pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH),and to observe the effect of Xiaoqinglong decoction on endothelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in human pulmonary arterial endothelial cell(HPAEC)and the involvement of the Toll-like receptor/nuclear factor-κB/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(TLR/NF-κB/HIF-1α)pathway in this mechanism.Methods Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats and HPAEC were randomly divided into control group,model group,Xiaoqinglong decoction plus Earthworm group,Bosentan tablet group,dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO)group,and monophosphoryl lipid A(MPL)group.PAH rat models and HPAEC models were established by hypoxic exposure.The Xiaoqinglong decoction plus Earthworm group received intragastric administration Xiaoqinglong decoction plus Earthworm(5 g·kg-1·d-1)or cultured with 10%corresponding drug serum,the Bosentan group received Bosentan(100 mg·kg-1·d-1)by gavage or cultured with 10%corresponding drug serum,the MPL group received 1 μg MPL,and the DMSO group received an equivalent volume of the DMSO and corn oil mixed solvent as a negative control for the MPL group.The hemodynamic parameters,including mean pulmonary arterial pressure(mPAP),right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP),and the maximum rate of right ventricular pressure(+dp/dt max),were measured via right heart catheterization.After euthanasia,lung and heart tissues were collected to assess the right ventricular hypertrophy index(RVHI);hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the degree of right ventricular cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and to calculate the average intima-media thickness(IMT)in small pulmonary arteries;Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),CD68,TLR4,NF-κB,HIF-1α,vascular endothelial cadherin,and vimentin;cell counting kit-8(CCK-8),Transwell,and scratch assays were used to observe cell proliferation and migration;Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure the levels of interleukins(IL-8,IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),endothelin-1(ET-1),and nitric oxide(NO).Results Compared with the model group,the Xiaoqinglong decoction plus Earthworm group showed significant reductions in mPAP,RVSP,RVHI,and IMT in PAH rats[mPAP(mmHg,1 mmHg≈0.133 kPa):22.17±1.94 vs.42.00±4.90,RVSP(mmHg):34.67±3.20 vs.52.83±3.76,RVHI:0.402±0.057 vs.0.822±0.101,IMT:(37.85±2.49)%vs.(62.06±4.52)%,all P<0.05],and a significant increase in+dP/dT max(mmHg/s:2 730.83±137.89 vs.1 718.33±148.36,P<0.05).Western blotting and ELISA results showed that compared with the model group,the Xiaoqinglong decoction plus Earthworm group had significantly lower protein expression of PCNA and CD68 in lung tissue,and levels of inflammatory factors(IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α)in rat serum[lung tissue:PCNA protein expression(PCNA/GAPDH)was 1.56±0.08 vs.2.20±0.26,CD68 protein expression(CD68/GAPDH):1.46±0.09 vs.2.60±0.23;serum:IL-8(ng/L)was 39.67±6.28 vs.149.17±7.49,IL-6(ng/L):81.00±6.63 vs.211.00±25.31,TNF-α(ng/L):213.17±24.86 vs.799.50±43.51,all P<0.05].In vitro experiments,compared with the model group,Xiaoqinglong decoction plus Earthworm inhibited abnormal proliferation(A value:2.052±0.087 vs.2.242±0.057,P<0.05)and migration[number of migrating cells(per field):101.33±12.01 vs.226.67±17.56,P<0.05]of HPAEC,and reversed the EMT process,manifested as upregulation of vascular endothelial cadherin protein expression levels(vascular endothelial cadherin/GAPDH:0.39±0.06 vs.0.12±0.03,P<0.05)and downregulation of vimentin protein expression(vimentin/GAPDH:4.96±0.33 vs.7.89±0.44,P<0.05).Western blotting results indicated that compared with the model group,the protein expression levels of TLR4,the ratio of phosphorylated p65 to total p65,and HIF-1α in both lung tissue and HPAEC were significantly reduced in the Xiaoqinglong decoction plus Earthworm group[lung tissue:TLR4 protein expression(TLR4/GAPDH)was 3.13±0.20 vs.4.38±0.30,p-p65/p65 ratio:7.11±0.81 vs.12.73±1.80,HIF-1α protein expression(HIF-1α/GAPDH):2.37±0.32 vs.4.45±0.34;HPAEC:TLR4 protein expression(TLR4/GAPDH)was 1.42±0.03 vs.2.43±0.05,p-p65/p65 ratio:6.01±1.84 vs.11.28±1.06,HIF-1α protein expression(HIF-1α/GAPDH)was 3.24±0.17 vs.5.50±0.44,all P<0.05],accompanied by upregulated vascular endothelial cadherin protein expression(vascular endothelial cadherin/GAPDH:0.66±0.03 vs.0.49±0.03,P<0.05)and downregulated vimentin protein expression(vimentin/GAPDH:1.81±0.12 vs.2.47±0.10,P<0.05),indicating that Xiaoqinglong decoction plus Earthworm inhibits the EMT process in endothelial cells by suppressing the activation of the TLR/NF-κB/HIF-1α pathway.Experiments with a TLR agonist further confirmed that activation of the TLR pathway reverses the protective effects of Xiaoqinglong decoction plus Earthworm,as shown by the MPL group compared to the DMSO group having significantly increased protein expression of the p-p65/p65 ratio and HIF-1α[p-p65/p65 ratio:2.17±0.35 vs.1.08±0.14,HIF-1α/GAPDH:3.96±0.25 vs.1.03±0.10,both P<0.05],further decreased vascular endothelial cadherin protein expression(vascular endothelial cadherin/GAPDH:0.66±0.04 vs.0.99±0.02,P<0.05),further increased vimentin protein expression(vimentin/GAPDH:1.53±0.12 vs.0.93±0.07,P<0.05),along with enhanced cell migration capacity[number of migrating cells(per field):176.67±17.50 vs.107.00±11.14;cell migration rate in scratch assay:(34.32±2.82)%vs.(22.71±2.49)%,both P<0.05]and increased proliferation activity(48 hours A value:2.156±0.044 vs.1.810±0.088,P<0.05).Conclusions Xiaoqinglong decoction combined with Pheretima not only significantly reduces pulmonary artery pressure,improves cardiac function and mitigates pulmonary vascular fibrosis in PAH rats,but also alleviates pulmonary vascular remodeling by inhibiting inflammatory responses and EMT.It can further decrease the content of ET-1,increase the level of NO,and ameliorate vascular stenosis.This result further indicates that exterior-relieving medicines exert a significant dilating and supporting effect on the narrowed meridians and collaterals.

Due to advances in treatment methods, the survival rate and quality of life of cancer patients have been improved. Radiation-induced vascular injury (RIVI) is a common adverse reaction following radiotherapy, mainly manifested as capillary injury and atherosclerosis in the irradiated area. Radiotherapy induces RIVI in the cerebral vessels, carotid arteries, coronary arteries, and large arteries through mechanisms such as endothelial cell injury and senescence, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, angiogenesis, and vascular remodeling. In this review research progress in the pathological features, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, prevention and treatment strategies of RIVI was summarized, aiming to provide insights for future research on RIVI.

Radiation-induced rectal injury (RRI) refers to inflammatory intestinal complications of patients with pelvic cavity, abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal tumor during or after radiotherapy, presenting symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, anal distension, bloody stool, etc. In severe cases, rectovaginal fistula, intestinal obstruction, canceration can occur, adversely affecting the quality of life of patients. The clinical factors of RRI involve total radiotherapy dose, tumor volume, radiotherapy mode and patient-related risk factors. The diagnosis mainly depends on imaging examinations (such as CT, MRI and ultrasound), endoscopy and laboratory examination. The mechanism of RRI is related to intestinal epithelial cell destruction, stem cell injury, microvascular changes and microbial flora imbalance. At present, there is no gold standard for RRI treatment, and the main measures include surgical treatment, internal medicine treatment, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and fecal microbiota transplantation, etc. In this article, the latest progress in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of RRI was reviewed.

Radiation-induced esophageal injury (RIEI) is a frequent complication following radiotherapy for thoracic and head-neck malignancies, which may lead to severe sequelae including esophageal stricture and perforation, adversely affecting patients' quality of life and therapeutic outcomes. With advancements in radiotherapy techniques — particularly the adoption of unconventional fractionation regimens, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and combined molecular targeted / immunotherapy — the incidence of RIEI has been increasing. In this review, recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, risk factors, and management strategies for RIEI were comprehensively summarized. Current therapeutic approaches have evolved beyond conventional anti-inflammatory and nutritional support to include novel interventions such as targeted therapy, free radical scavengers, and microbiota modulation, etc. Future research should prioritize the development of optimized, individualized prevention and treatment protocols to mitigate RIEI risk and improve patient prognosis.

The global incidence of head and neck cancer (HNC) is rising, with over 60% of patients presenting at a locally advanced stage. Radiotherapy remains a cornerstone of HNC treatment, and advancements in modern techniques and concurrent chemotherapy have improved local control and survival rates of HNC patients. However, these benefits also bring challenges in the management of toxicities. Due to the proximity of salivary glands and tumors, especially the highly radiosensitive parotid and submandibular glands, this condition is among the most common adverse effects of radiotherapy. Radiation damages acinar cells and ducts, causing glandular atrophy, fibrosis, and reduced saliva secretion, thereby leading to xerostomia and related complications. The risk and severity of injury are associated with the radiation dose and volume affecting the glands. Prevention and management strategies emphasize precise radiotherapy planning, target optimization, and supportive care. Emerging multimodal imaging techniques offer potential for non-invasive prediction and early diagnosis and treatment of radiation-induced salivary gland injury. Future research in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and molecular biology aims to elucidate molecular mechanisms, such as signaling pathways and genomics, facilitating personalized strategies to mitigate radiotherapy-induced toxicities and enhance the quality of life of patients.

Osteoradionecrosis of the jaws (ORNJ) is among the most severe oral complications following radiotherapy for head and neck tumors. It is essentially a form of pathological necrosis of the jawbone induced by radiation therapy. ORNJ is defined as bone damage, primarily characterized by inflammation and necrosis, occurring in the jawbone within the irradiated area and accompanied by soft tissue injury, persisting for more than 3 months without spontaneous healing. Diagnosis requires exclusion of other potential etiologies, including primary tumor recurrence, medication-related osteonecrosis, and radiation-induced neoplasms of the jawbone, etc. In this review, recent advances in the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, classification and staging, dosimetric parameters, pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention of radiation-induced osteonecrosis of the jaws were summarized.