Objective: To investigate the correlation between color parameters (L^*, a^*, b^*, Eab^*) and the contents of reducing sugars, total polysaccharides, total oligosaccharides, as well as four saccharides (fructose, glucose, sucrose, and kestose) during the nine cycles of steaming and sun-drying processing of Polygonatum kingianum, and to preliminarily explore the optimal processing duration.
Methods: The color changes were objectively evaluated using a colorimeter. The anthrone-sulfuric acid method was employed to determine total polysaccharides and oligosaccharides. The 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) colorimetric method was used to measure total reducing sugar content. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with charged aerosol detection (HPLC-CAD) was applied for quantitative analysis of fructose, glucose, sucrose, and kestose. Multivariate statistical analysis was conducted to assess samples from different processing stages.
Results: Significant variations in color and component contents were observed across processing stages. The herbal pieces progressively darkened with increased processing cycles: brightness (L^*) and total color difference (Eab^*) initially decreased then stabilized, while a^* (red-green) and b^* (yellow-blue) values first increased then declined. Total polysaccharides and oligosaccharides showed overall decreasing trends, whereas reducing sugars initially increased before stabilizing. Fructose and glucose levels rose continuously, while sucrose and kestose decreased progressively, becoming undetectable after five cycles.
Conclusion: The chromatic alteration and saccharide composition of P. kingianum showed significant correlation with processing duration. Both total color difference (Eab^*) and reducing sugar content stabilized after four processing cycles (12 hours), suggesting that four cycles of steaming and sun-drying may represent the optimal processing duration.

Background/Aims: The pathophysiology of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (RGERD), which differs from proton pump inhibitor dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease (DGERD), remains incompletely elucidated. This study aims to compare esophageal motility patterns, transdiaphragmatic pressure gradients (TPG), and reflux profiles between RGERD and DGERD patients, and to delineate dynamic pressure gradient-esophagogastric junction (EGJ) interactions in these patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, 274 patients who underwent 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring and high-resolution manometry, along with an assessment of proton pump inhibitor responsiveness, were classified as RGERD (32.5%), DGERD (54.4%), or non-GERD (13.1%). Clinical characteristics, TPG, esophageal motility, and reflux metrics were compared between RGERD and DGERD patients. Subgroup analysis excluding hiatal hernia (HH) was conducted to investigate the pathophysiology of RGERD. Results: The RGERD group exhibited a significantly higher proportion of chest pain compared to the DGERD group. Regarding reflux profiles, RGERD patients without HH (RGERDHH- group) experienced increased weakly acidic reflux (P < 0.001) and prolonged bolus exposure (P = 0.006) compared to their counterparts (DGERDHH- group). Mechanistically, the RGERDHH- group showed reduced lower esophageal sphincter basal pressure (P = 0.010) and EGJ contractile integral (P = 0.005). Notably, following a wet-swallow, the RGERDHH- group experienced the significant elevation in gastric pressure and TPG. Correlation analyses revealed weakly acidic reflux and bolus exposure were positively correlated with gastric pressure variation, and inversely correlated with lower esophageal sphincter basal pressure. Conclusions Transient gastric pressure elevation and compromised EGJ barrier function drive weakly acidic reflux and esophageal bolus exposure. This pressure gradient-barrier mismatch underpins the refractoriness of RGERD.

Diabetic microvascular complications （DMC） are major chronic complications of diabetes，primarily including diabetic kidney disease （DKD），diabetic retinopathy （DR），diabetic cardiomyopathy （DCM），and diabetic peripheral neuropathy （DPN）. These complications significantly impact patients' quality of life and prognosis. Modern medicine primarily focuses on symptomatic control in the treatment of DMC，with limited ability to reverse the disease progression. Endoplasmic reticulum stress （ERS），as a central event under hyperglycemic toxicity，is not only a key cause of pancreatic β-cell dysfunction （reduced insulin synthesis and secretion） but also a core driver of damage in various target organs of DMC. It activates three signaling pathways of the unfolded protein response （UPR）-inositol-requiring enzyme 1 （IRE1），activating transcription factor 6 （ATF6），and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase （PERK），intertwining processes such as autophagy，apoptosis，oxidative stress，and calcium homeostasis imbalance. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） offers multi-target and multi-pathway therapeutic advantages and can curb the pathological progression of DMC by regulating ERS. This article systematically reviews the relationships of ERS with pancreatic β-cell function，insulin synthesis，and insulin secretion，and elucidates the core signaling pathways through which ERS mediates DMC. Furthermore，it categorizes and summarizes experimental evidence and mechanisms of single medicinal herbs and their extracts，TCM compound formulas，and modern TCM preparations in regulating ERS for the treatment of various DMC subtypes. Finally，this article proposes ERS as a molecular bridge for integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine in DMC treatment. Future research should leverage emerging technologies such as network pharmacology，multi-omics analysis，and nano-formulations to establish a synergistic network combining modern hypoglycemic drugs and TCM regulation of ERS. This approach is expected to achieve dual efficacy，enhance drug targeting and bioavailability，deepen the understanding of scientific connotation of TCM，and pave new avenues for the prevention and treatment of DMC.

Diabetic microvascular complications （DMC） are major chronic complications of diabetes，primarily including diabetic kidney disease （DKD），diabetic retinopathy （DR），diabetic cardiomyopathy （DCM），and diabetic peripheral neuropathy （DPN）. These complications significantly impact patients' quality of life and prognosis. Modern medicine primarily focuses on symptomatic control in the treatment of DMC，with limited ability to reverse the disease progression. Endoplasmic reticulum stress （ERS），as a central event under hyperglycemic toxicity，is not only a key cause of pancreatic β-cell dysfunction （reduced insulin synthesis and secretion） but also a core driver of damage in various target organs of DMC. It activates three signaling pathways of the unfolded protein response （UPR）-inositol-requiring enzyme 1 （IRE1），activating transcription factor 6 （ATF6），and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase （PERK），intertwining processes such as autophagy，apoptosis，oxidative stress，and calcium homeostasis imbalance. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） offers multi-target and multi-pathway therapeutic advantages and can curb the pathological progression of DMC by regulating ERS. This article systematically reviews the relationships of ERS with pancreatic β-cell function，insulin synthesis，and insulin secretion，and elucidates the core signaling pathways through which ERS mediates DMC. Furthermore，it categorizes and summarizes experimental evidence and mechanisms of single medicinal herbs and their extracts，TCM compound formulas，and modern TCM preparations in regulating ERS for the treatment of various DMC subtypes. Finally，this article proposes ERS as a molecular bridge for integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine in DMC treatment. Future research should leverage emerging technologies such as network pharmacology，multi-omics analysis，and nano-formulations to establish a synergistic network combining modern hypoglycemic drugs and TCM regulation of ERS. This approach is expected to achieve dual efficacy，enhance drug targeting and bioavailability，deepen the understanding of scientific connotation of TCM，and pave new avenues for the prevention and treatment of DMC.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of ketogenic diet in the treatment of SCN2A gene-related developmental epileptic encephalopathy.Methods The clinical data of a child with developmental epileptic encephalopathy associated with SCN2A gene mutation,whose main manifestations were developmental retardancy and epileptic spasm,and treated with ketogenic diet was retrospectively analyzed.Results Epileptic spasm onset at 5 months old.The EEG showed hypsarrhythmia and the epileptic spasm was monitored.Genetic examination revealed a new heterozygous missense mutation of c.5317 G＞A(p.Ala1773Thr)in SCN2A gene.The child was not effective after treatment with a variety of anti-seizure drugs,and was effective after treatment with ketogenic diet.The follow-up for 11 months showed that the seizure of the child was completely controlled and cognitive progress was made.Conclusion The ketogenic diet can be used to treat SCN2A gene-related developmental epileptic encephalopathy,and it can also achieve better results for younger patients.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of changes in pain-anxiety-depression-fatigue symptom clusters and their possible associated factors in adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL)during early chemotherapy.Methods A prospective longitudinal study was conducted from Nov 2019 to Oct 2021,enrolling newly diagnosed adolescent ALL patients from 5 tertiary or pediatric specialty hospitals in Shanghai,Zhejiang Province,Sichuan Province,Anhui Province and Guangdong Province.Patient-reported pain,anxiety,depression,and fatigue were collected at five time points within the first nine weeks of chemotherapy using the PROMIS Pediatric-25 instrument.Latent profile analysis(LPA)and latent transition analysis(LTA)were applied to explore the latent classes of symptom clusters,their transition probabilities over time,and possible risk or protective factors associated with class membership.Results A total of 134 ALL cases were enrolled,and symptom clusters at all the 5 time points(T1-T5)were consistently classified into three groups of mild,moderate and severe symptoms.The severe symptoms group accounted for the largest proportion at each time point(54.5%,59.7%,66.4%,49.3%,and 47.0%,respectively),while the mild and moderate symptoms groups showed an initial decline followed by an increase.Among participants,40.2%maintained the same symptom status,and 77.4%experienced at least one episode of severe symptom status during the trajectory.Religious affiliation(T5)and family monthly income>5 000 Yuan(T2,T4 and T5)served as protective factors against severe symptoms.Higher baseline fatigue(T1)was associated with membership in the severe symptoms group at subsequent time points.Conclusion Pain-anxiety-depression-fatigue symptoms in adolescents with ALL during early chemotherapy can be categorized into mild,moderate and severe symptoms with dynamic transitions over time.Higher baseline fatigue was associated with increased risk of severe symptoms,whereas higher family income and religious affiliation appeared protective effects.

Based on asymmetric game theory,this study analyzes the strategic interactions between traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and pharmacists in medication management within Chinese medical institutions,examining the challenges pharmacists face in this context.Research reveals that pharmacist practice faces challenges such as diminished authority,difficulties in implementing professional recommendations,a perfunctory prescription review process,immature incentive mechanisms,and unclear boundaries in risk-sharing arrangements.These issues constrain the effectiveness of the rational drug use governance system.The study proposes the following countermeasures:First,legislate to define pharmacists'professional scope and strengthen their substantive involvement in prescription review.Second,optimize pre-review and information-sharing mechanisms to establish a synchronized decision-making model between physicians and pharmacists.Third,adjust performance incentives and service compensation systems to establish remuneration and promotion frameworks reflecting pharmaceutical value.Fourth,differentiate responsibility allocation to create a framework of equal rights and responsibilities.Fifth,establish prescription dispute resolution mechanisms with professional consultation and standardized procedural rules.

Rare diseases are a collective term for diseases with extremely low prevalence and incidence rates.Up to now,China has released two lists identifying a total of 207 rare diseases.Given that most rare diseases do not have drugs with corresponding indications,physicians frequently resort to using off-label drugs when treating patients with rare diseases.However,there is currently no systematic guideline or expert consensus for the use of off-label medications in China.To comprehensively collect existing evidence of off-label drug use for rare diseases,fully analyze and evaluate the rationality of off-label drug use for rare diseases,and standardize the management of off-label drug use for rare diseases,the Rare Disease Branch of Beijing Medical Association,Chinese Pharmaceutical Association,Beijing Pharmaceutical Association,and the School of Public Health,Peking University have jointly initiated the drafting of the Expert Consensus on Off-label Use of Drugs for Rare Diseases.This consensus refer to the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development,the Guidelines for Developing/Revising Clinical Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines in China(2022 Edition),the AGREE Ⅱ and the STAR tools.This protocol outlines the background and purpose of consensus,as well as the comprehensive framework for consensus development,encompassing panel formation,clinical issue identification,evidence retrieval,data extraction,and evidence-based recommendation formulation.

Objective To explore the impact of urban and rural resident basic medical insurance(URRBMI)integration policy on the health and health inequality of middle-aged and elderly people,and to provide an evidence-based basis for further improving the URRBMI system.Methods Based on data from the China health and retirement longitudinal study(CHARLS)from 2013 to 2018,the impact of the URRBMI integration policy on the self-rated health,disability,and depression of middle-aged and elderly people was investigated using the staggered differences-in-differences method.The health inequality status of middle-aged and elderly people and its change trend were analyzed by the concentration index,and the index was decomposed according to different years and different integration modes to explore the impact of URRBMI on health inequality of middle-aged and elderly people.Results A study was conducted on 7589 middle-aged and elderly individuals,which found that the URRBMI integration policy had a significant positive impact on the self-rated health of this population(OR=1.309,P<0.001).Additionally,the policy had a significant negative impact on the occurrence of depression(OR=0.696,P<0.001).However,it was found to increase the disability score of middle-aged and elderly individuals(β=0.354,P<0.001)and did not improve their disability status.In addition,health disparity exists among middle-aged and elderly people in China,and middle-aged and elderly people with health problems are mainly concentrated in groups with lower socioeconomic status,and health disparity has been increasing over time.Health insurance for urban and rural residents has a certain effect on alleviating health inequality,the contribution rate of disability inequality and depression inequality decreased from 1.21%and 1.20%in 2013 to-0.58%and 0.31%in 2018,respectively,and compared with the one-tier model,the split-tier system has a greater negative impact on the health status of low-income groups.Conclusion The URRBMI integration policy improved the self-rated health and depression status of middle-aged and elderly people,but had a limited effect on improving the disability status.The policy can reduce the health inequality of middle-aged and elderly people to some extent,but the health inequality varies widely within the population.It is recommended to strengthen the top-level design of URRBMI,to shift from a strategy that emphasizes medicine over prevention to one that emphasizes prevention and combines prevention and treatment,and to shift from formal equity based on the elimination of household boundaries to substantive equity based on the elimination of reimbursement policies and other barriers.

Objective To investigate the feasibility and safety of bedside transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)-guided atrial septostomy in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)support.Methods Eight patients(2 females and 6 males)who developed pulmonary edema during VA-ECMO treatment between January 2020 and October 2024 were enrolled.All patients underwent bedside TEE-guided atrial septal puncture,followed by gradual balloon dilation using an Inoue balloon(diameter:18-24 mm).The endpoint for dilation was defined as mean left atrial pressure＜15 mmHg.Post-procedure evaluation included assessment of the septal defect size,mean left atrial pressure,and improvement in bilateral pulmonary edema.Results The mean age of all 8 patients was(43.50±16.84)years old.Atrial septostomy was successfully performed in all patients.The mean balloon dilation diameter was(22.75±2.68)mm,resulting in a mean septal defect size of(6.31±0.37)mm.The mean left atrial pressure significantly decreased from(26.63±1.77)mmHg pre-procedure to(12.75±1.28)mmHg post-procedure(P＜0.001).All patients demonstrated marked improvement in bilateral pulmonary edema,and six patients also showed a significant reduction in the severity of mitral regurgitation following the procedure.No procedure-related complications were observed.Conclusions Bedside TEE-guided atrial septostomy is safe and effective for reducing left heart loading during ECMO support and improving pulmonary edema.