OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of safflower polysaccharide （SPS） on ischemic stroke （IS） in rats by regulating the growth arrest-specific protein 6 （Gas6）/Axl receptor tyrosine kinase （Axl） signaling pathway. METHODS The modified suture-occluded method was employed to establish a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO） for IS. The rats were then randomly divided into the model （Model） group， SPS low- and high-dose （SPS-L， SPS-H， 50 and 100 mg/kg） groups， and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine （SPS-H+Nim， SPS 100 mg/kg+Nim 15 mg/kg） group， with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 rats were selected as the sham operation （Sham） group. Rats in each group were administered corresponding doses of medication or an equal volume of normal saline intragastrically， with continuous intervention for 14 days. The neurological function of rats in each group was evaluated 24 hours after drug administration. The morphological changes in hippocampal tissue were observed. The contents of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， IL-1β， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in serum， the percentage of cerebral infarction area， the neuronal apoptosis rate， as well as the contents of malondialdehyde （MDA）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） in hippocampal tissue， and the relative protein expression levels of Gas6， phosphorylated Axl （p-Axl）， Axl， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2 associated X protein （Bax） were measured. RESULTS Compared with Model group， the neurological function of rats in SPS-L group， SPS-H group and SPS-H+Nim group improved significantly， while serum contents of IL-6， TNF-α， and IL-1β， the percentage of cerebral infarction area， the apoptotic rate of neurons as well as MDA content and relative protein expression of p-Axl and Bax were decreased significantly （ P ＜0.05 or P ＜0.01）. The contents of SOD and BDNF， as well as the relative protein expression of Gas6， Axl， and Bcl-2 in hippocampal tissue， were significantly increased （ P ＜0.05 or P ＜0.01）， and the ischemic injury in hippocampal tissue imp roved to varying degrees. CONCLUSIONS SPS can reduce neuroinflammation， oxidative stress， and neuronal apoptosis in IS rats， alleviate nerve injury， and improve neurological function， which may be achieved by activating the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway.

Chinese medicinal materials serve as the material foundation of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） culture. The sustainable development of Chinese medicinal material resources is a focal point in the modernization of TCM. With the increasing scarcity of Chinese medicinal material resources， the expansion of new Chinese medicinal material resources has become a crucial means for the sustainable utilization of these resources. New Chinese medicinal material resources refer to natural resources that have been newly discovered or developed， possessing potential medicinal value or healthcare functions， which fall outside the traditional application scope of herbal medicines. These resources have not yet been widely recognized or applied within the framework of traditional TCM theory. They specifically include artificial substitutes for endangered medicinal materials， new medicinal parts of medicinal plants， medicinal materials with expanded clinical applications， and foreign medicinal resources. The rational compatability and formulation of new Chinese medicinal material resources are essential pathways for integrating them into the TCM system. Due to the weak foundational research on new Chinese medicinal material resources in China， the characteristics of these resources that align with the TCM theory are not yet fully understood， posing numerous constraints on formulating prescriptions based on the traditional compatibility principles of TCM. This paper integrates the traditional formulation theory of TCM with modern data integration methods， proposing four formulation models for new TCM resources： synergistic compatibility， substitutive compatibility， symptom-based compatibility， and efficacy semantic compatibility. These models provide new insights for the application of new Chinese medicinal material resources， not only facilitating their rational use in clinical practice but also offering theoretical support for the development and compatibility research of these resources.

Chinese medicinal materials serve as the material foundation of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） culture. The sustainable development of Chinese medicinal material resources is a focal point in the modernization of TCM. With the increasing scarcity of Chinese medicinal material resources， the expansion of new Chinese medicinal material resources has become a crucial means for the sustainable utilization of these resources. New Chinese medicinal material resources refer to natural resources that have been newly discovered or developed， possessing potential medicinal value or healthcare functions， which fall outside the traditional application scope of herbal medicines. These resources have not yet been widely recognized or applied within the framework of traditional TCM theory. They specifically include artificial substitutes for endangered medicinal materials， new medicinal parts of medicinal plants， medicinal materials with expanded clinical applications， and foreign medicinal resources. The rational compatability and formulation of new Chinese medicinal material resources are essential pathways for integrating them into the TCM system. Due to the weak foundational research on new Chinese medicinal material resources in China， the characteristics of these resources that align with the TCM theory are not yet fully understood， posing numerous constraints on formulating prescriptions based on the traditional compatibility principles of TCM. This paper integrates the traditional formulation theory of TCM with modern data integration methods， proposing four formulation models for new TCM resources： synergistic compatibility， substitutive compatibility， symptom-based compatibility， and efficacy semantic compatibility. These models provide new insights for the application of new Chinese medicinal material resources， not only facilitating their rational use in clinical practice but also offering theoretical support for the development and compatibility research of these resources.

Objective To explore the application value of combining the ultrasound breast imaging reporting and data system(BI-RADS)classification with serum fibroblast growth factor receptor 1(FGFR1)and growth differentiation factor 3(GDF3)in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast masses.Methods A total of 159 patients with breast masses were selected and divided into the benign mass group(n=83)and the malignant mass group(n=76)based on postoperative pathological diagnosis.All patients underwent ultrasound examination,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was applied to detect serum levels of FGFR1 and GDF3.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of ultrasound BI-RADS classification and serum FGFR1 and GDF3 levels for benign and malignant breast masses.Kappa test was applied to analyze the consistency between various diagnostic methods and pathological diagnosis.Results The serum levels of FGFR1 and GDF3,the proportions of irregular morphology,unclear boundaries,spiculation,microcalcifications,blood flow grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ and posterior echo attenuation,RI and PI were higher in the malignant tumor group than those in the benign tumor group(P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of FGFR1,GDF3 and ultrasound BI-RADS classification in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast masses separately and in combination was 0.802(95%CI:0.732-0.871),0.817(95%CI:0.751-0.884),0.848(95%CI:0.784-0.912)and 0.956(95%CI:0.918-0.993),respectively.The combined diagnosis was more effective than that of the individual diagnosis of each indicator.The consistency between the individual and combined diagnosis of benign and malignant breast masses and pathological diagnosis showed that the Kappa values were 0.517,0.514,0.688 and 0.912,respectively,with the highest consistency observed in the combined diagnosis(P＜0.05).Conclusion Ultrasound BI-RADS classification combined with serum FGFR1 and GDF3 has high application value in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast masses.

Objective To evaluate the impact of integrated medical and nursing care teaching ward rounds on the theo-retical knowledge learning and clinical operational skill training of primary-level medical staff.Methods A total of 90 clinical healthcare workers(39 physicians and 51 nurses)from our hospital between May and December2024 were randomly assigned to either a control group or an intervention group.The control group participated in traditional three-tier nursing teaching ward rounds,while the intervention group underwent integrated medical and nursing care teaching ward rounds.The two groups were compared in terms of improvements in theoretical knowledge,ward round operational skills,and core clinical competencies.Re-sults Both groups demonstrated improvements in theoretical knowledge and ward round operational skills after the intervention,with the intervention group showing significantly greater gains(P＜0.05).Additionally,scores related to physical fitness,emo-tional well-being,and cognitive function improved in both groups,with significantly higher improvements in the intervention group(P＜0.05).The Clinical Nursing Skills(CINS)scores—including judgment,early warning,anticipatory thinking,and overall clinical competence—also improved significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group(P＜0.05).Conclu-sion Integrated medical and nursing care teaching ward rounds significantly enhance theoretical knowledge,operational profi-ciency,and core clinical competencies among primary healthcare providers.This model fosters higher professional engagement and helps cultivate qualified primary-level medical personnel who are better equipped to meet real-world clinical demands.

Objective To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the combination therapy of ribociclib plus fulvestrant compared to fulvestrant monotherapy as a second-line treatment for postmenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive(HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative(HER2-)advanced metastatic breast cancer from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system.Methods A partitioned survival model was constructed based on MONALEESA-3 study data,with the model cycle of 4 weeks and the time range of 15 years.Total cost,quality-adjusted life years(QALYs)and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio(ICER)were compared between ribociclib combined with fulvestrant and fulvestrant monotherapy as a second-line treatment for postmenopausal patients with HR+/HER2-advanced metastatic breast cancer.The robustness of the models was validated through one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis.Results Compared with the fulvestrant monotherapy regimen,the ICER for the ribociclib combined with fulvestrant regimen was 187,958.06 yuan/QALY,which was below the willingness-to-pay(WTP)threshold of three times China's per capita gross domestic product(GDP)in 2024(287,247 yuan/QALY).The one-way sensitivity analysis revealed that the ICER was primarily influenced by the proportion of patients receiving subsequent treatments with the combination therapy or fulvestrant monotherapy,and the utility value of progression-free survival.The probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that at a WTP threshold of three times China's per capita GDP in China in 2024(287,247 yuan/QALY),the probability of the ribociclib combination therapy being cost-effective was 100%.Conclusion In the context of the Chinese healthcare system,the combination therapy of ribociclib and fulvestrant is more cost-effective than fulvestrant monotherapy for the second-line treatment of postmenopausal patients with HR+/HER2-advanced metastatic breast cancer.

In 2024, significant advancements have been achieved in the field of pediatric rheumatic and immunological diseases, spanning key conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and autoinflammatory diseases (AIDs). These developments encompass the indepth elucidation of disease pathogenesis, the expanded application of biomarkers, continuous updates to clinical practice guidelines, and the development of novel targeted therapies. These advances have markedly enhanced the precision and effectiveness of clinical diagnosis and treatment while laying a solid foundation for improving long-term patient outcomes. This article highlights the key research breakthroughs and significant progress in pediatric rheumatic and immunological diseases in 2024, aiming to advance clinical understanding, promote early recognition, and enable accurate diagnosis to optimize outcomes for affected children.

Rheumatic and auto-immune diseases in children are a group of long-lasting, on-and-off, and inflammatory diseases that affect multiple systems, causing various symptoms. In severe cases, these diseases can result in disability or even death. In the past, it was thought that these diseases could only be managed or cured without stopping medication. But now, with a better understanding of the diseases, improved treatment plans, and emergence of new drugs, it's possible to stop medications and maintenance the disease in stable condition or even cure it completely. This article described why it's essential to diagnose and treat pediatric rheumatic and auto-immune diseases early, and explained how the concept of "disease modification" (DM) has been used in this field. DM aims to change the course of the disease by intervening early, using targeted therapy, treat-to-target (T2T), and managing chronic conditions carefully. This new approach shifts from just managing the disease for life to aiming for no more flare-ups, no more chronic issues, and no more involvement of multiple systems/organs. With advancements in precision medicine and cutting-edge technologies, children with these diseases may eventually be cured, and keeping a healthy future.

Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics of pediatric Takayasu arteritis(TA) to improve its early recognition.Methods:We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from Takayasu arteritis (TA) patients admitted to the Department of Rheumatology at Beijing Children′s Hospital between October 2016 and February 2025, including demographic data, clinical manifestations, inflammatory indicators, etiological examinations, vascular imaging findings, and Numano classification. The clinical characteristics, auxiliary examination results, clinical manifestations of different Numano types, and the comparison between Numano type Ⅳ and type Ⅴ were analyzed. T-test or Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test was used for comparison between groups. Results:A total of 90 children with TA were included. The male-to-female ratio was 1∶4. The age of onset was (9.6±3.4)years, and the age of diagnosis was (10.0±3.4)years. The median course from onset to diagnosis was 2(1, 6)months. Non-specific systemic symptoms were most common, including fever, fatigue, and poor appetite. Neurological symptoms occurred in 17 patients, with headache being the most frequent. Cardiopulmonary symptoms including chest tightness, palpitations, and lower limb edema were observed in 16 cases, mainly. Hypertension was present in 44 patients (48.9%), vascular bruits in 36 (40.0%), blood pressure asymmetry in 22 (24.4%), and absent/diminished pulses in 20 (22.2%). Elevated CRP and ESR were noted in 63(70.0%) and 69(76.7%) patients, respectively. The left common carotid artery (61 cases, 67.8%) was the most frequently involved vessel, followed by the abdominal aorta (55 cases, 61.1%) and left subclavian artery (50 cases, 55.6%). Vessel wall thickening (59 cases, 65.6%) was the predominant lesion, while luminal stenosis (30 cases, 33.3%) was also common.In the Numano classification, type Ⅴ (42 cases, 46.7%) was the most common, followed by type Ⅳ (18 cases, 20.0%). Both type Ⅳ and type Ⅴ primarily presented with hypertension, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of hypertension, coronary artery involvement, or hypertensive heart disease.Conclusion:The clinical manifestations of Takayasu arteritis in children are highly heterogeneous.For patients with unexplained fever, elevated inflammatory markers, hypertension without obvious cause, vascular bruits, or asymmetric limb blood pressures, vascular imaging should be performed to screen for TA.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment, response to treatment, prognosis, and the importance of early recognition and treatment of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA).Methods:A retrospective summary of the clinical data of 5 children diagnosed with SLE complicated by TMA at Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University, from November 2024 to January 2025.Results:Among the 5 children (1 boy and 4 girls, male-to-female ratio of 1∶4), the age of onset ranged from 11 years and 9 months to 14 years and 9 months. All cases had acute onset, rapid disease progression, severe illness, and involvement of multiple organs and systems. The disease activity of SLE was moderately to severely active when TMA was diagnosed. During the course of TMA, all 5 children exhibited varying degrees of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction, and proteinuria. Elevated sC5b-9 levels were observed in all 5 children, with 3 showing severely reduced ADAMTS13 activity and 2 with elevated ADAMTS13 inhibitors. Two children had elevated sC5b-9, severely reduced ADAMTS13 activity, and elevated ADAMTS13 inhibitors simultaneously. Four children had newly diagnosed SLE with TMA and achieved stable condition within 2-3 weeks after aggressive treatment, including methylprednisolone pulse therapy, immunosuppressive agents, biologics, plasma infusion, plasma exchange, or dialysis. One child, who had been diagnosed with SLE for 8 years and had irregular oral medication for half a year, suddenly developed TMA with refractory hemolytic anemia and severe thrombocytopenia. This child responded poorly to methylprednisolone pulse therapy, cyclosporine, and eculizumab but showed improvement with plasma exchange. However, the condition was prone to relapse when the interval between plasma exchanges was prolonged. The child eventually responded well to low-dose rituximab and was discharged after 6 weeks of combined treatment. Four children were diagnosed with TMA within 1 week of admission and achieved stable condition after 3 months of follow-up, with no anemia or thrombocytopenia, negative proteinuria, normal complement C3 and C4 levels, and an SLE disease activity score of 0. One child, who had been treated with high-dose glucocorticoid, multiple immunosuppressive agents, and biologics at another hospital, was transferred and diagnosed with TMA 2 weeks after admission. The condition gradually stabilized after treatment with methylprednisolone pulse therapy, immunosuppressive agents, biologics, and plasma exchange. However, at 3-month follow-up, the child still had alopecia and proteinuria, with an SLE disease activity score of 6, indicating mild disease activity.Conclusion:For children with moderate to severe active SLE, especially those with acute onset, rapid disease progression, and prominent manifestations of anemia, thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction, and poor response to high-dose methylprednisolone pulse therapy, the risk of TMA should be vigilantly monitored. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial.