Despite of the widespread use of hydrogen and methane breath test, the variability in testing protocols, gas measurement techniques, and interpretation criteria continues to challenge the reproducibility and comparability across centers, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association hence presents the first Asian monograph guiding application and interpretation of breath test. The monograph was formulated according to the framework of indications, preparatory process, performance, and interpretation of results, as well as future direction for research.

Background/Aims: Belching can occur either independently or concurrently with reflux symptoms. This study aims to explore the relationship between belching and reflux and explore the underlying mechanisms involved. Methods: Firstly, patients with isolated belching symptoms or concurrent belching and reflux symptoms were retrospectively enrolled. High-resolution esophageal impedance manometry (HRIM) and 24-hour pH impedance monitoring were used to assess belching types and temporal relationship between belching and reflux. Secondly, subjects with belching disorder were prospectively recruited. Postprandial HRIM monitoring was used to clarify the relationship and underlying mechanisms between belching and reflux. Results: In the initial phase, 139 subjects were enrolled. Regardless of patients' symptom spectrum (with or without gastroesophageal reflux symptoms), the proportion of preceding-reflux belching was significantly higher in those with objective evidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, compared to those without (both P < 0.05), which indicated that belching could trigger reflux events and led to more severe reflux burden. To clarify the potential mechanisms involved, 44 belching subjects were prospectively enrolled in the second phase of this study. HRIM analysis demonstrated that maximum intragastric pressure, gastric–lower esophageal sphincter pressure gradient and gastric–esophageal pressure gradient were significantly higher in preceding-reflux belching than those in independent belching. Conclusions This study demonstrated that belching might trigger reflux by increasing intragastric pressure, elevating the gastric-sphincter pressure gradient, which enables gastric contents to pass through the esophagogastric junction.These findings have crucial clinical significance, suggesting that reducing the occurrence of belching might be a potential treatment for refractory reflux.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Huangqin Qingre Chubi capsules （HQC） in patients with rheumatoid arthritis （RA） and the syndrome of dampness-heat obstruction and investigate the mechanism by which HQC restore clinical and laboratory parameters in RA patients through regulation of the long non-coding RNA （LncRNA） endogenous Bornavirus-like nucleoprotein 3 pseudogene （EBLN3P）/miR-369-3p/nuclear factor I X（NFIX）-Janus kinase（JAK）/signal transducer and activator of transcription （STAT） signaling pathway，thereby providing new experimental evidence and potential therapeutic targets for the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） treatment of RA. MethodsA randomized controlled trial design was adopted，with 100 RA patients meeting the criteria assigned into an observation group （n=50） and a control group （n=50）. In addition，50 healthy controls were enrolled. The control group received leflunomide plus meloxicam，while the observation group additionally received HQC. Efficacy was assessed after 4 weeks of treatment. Observation indicators including Western medicine indicators （DAS28，CPRI-RA，SF-36，VAS，PGA，PhGA，and SAS/SDS），TCM syndrome scores （TCMSS-RADHP，TCMSS-RASDP），and laboratory indicators （ESR，CRP，RF，anti-CCP antibody，VEGF，bFGF，MMP-2/9，p-JAK2/STAT3，and LncRNA EBLN3P/miR-369-3p/NFIX expression） were measured to comprehensively explore the therapeutic mechanism of HQC. ResultsThe study included 45 healthy controls （34 males and 11 females） and 87 RA patients （22 males and 65 females）. The median age，median disease duration，and median BMI of patients were 56 years old，10 years，and 21.51 kg·m^-2，respectively. Compared with healthy controls，the RA group exhibited a typical state of immune-inflammatory activation as manifested by elevated levels of ESR，anti-CCP antibodies，CRP，and RF （P<0.01），raised clinical symptom scores （DAS28，VAS，PGA，PhGA，CPRI-RA，and TCM symptoms） （P<0.05，P<0.01），and reduced SF-36 domain scores （P<0.01）. Molecular detection revealed abnormal expression of LncRNA EBLN3P and miR-369-3p，upregulated expression of key proteins in the JAK/STAT pathway （JAK2/p-JAK2 and STAT3/p-STAT3） and angiogenesis markers （VEGF，bFGF，and MMP-2/9），and downregulated expression of NFIX （P<0.05，P<0.01） in the RA group. Spearman correlation analysis further demonstrated associations of key molecules in the LncRNA EBLN3P/miR-369-3p/NFIX-JAK/STAT pathway with immune-inflammatory markers and clinical symptom scores （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Regarding treatment response，both groups showed reductions in ESR，anti-CCP，CRP，and RF levels compared with baseline （P<0.01） and restored scores of DAS28，CPRI-RA，VAS，PGA，PhGA，TCM symptoms，SAS，SDS，and all SF-36 domains （P<0.01）. The observation group outperformed the control group in restoring the scores of SAS，SDS，PGA，TCMSS-SDP，and SF-36 domains （PF，BP，GH，VT，and SF） （P<0.05）. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that post-treatment expression levels of LncRNA EBLN3P，miR-369-3p，NFIX，JAK2，p-JAK2，STAT3，p-STAT3，VEGF，bFGF，MMP-2，and MMP-9 were recovered compared with pre-treatment levels （P<0.01）. Notably，the observation group demonstrated superior regulatory effects on p-JAK2，STAT3，p-STAT3，and MMP-9 compared with the control group （P<0.05）. Apriori association rule analysis revealed that HQC treatment was significantly correlated with reduced TCMSS-RADHP，ESR，SF，DAS28，SAS，and SDS scores，as well as increased VT，GH，and RP scores （confidence >80%，support >50%）. Regarding safety，two patients in the observation group experienced mild gastrointestinal discomfort，and one patient in the control group developed a rash. All the symptoms resolved after symptomatic treatment. ConclusionHQC target and regulate the LncRNA EBLN3P/miR-369-3p/NFIX-JAK/STAT axis to inhibit angiogenesis and inflammatory responses，reduce immune inflammatory markers，alleviate clinical symptoms，and improve the quality of life in RA patients，exerting synergistic effects on symptoms and quality of life.

ObjectiveTo understand the development stages and use of policy tools of general practitioner policies in China since it was first proposed, to summarize the experience and explore the shortcomings, so as to provide references for the adjustment and optimization of China’s general practitioner policies. MethodsContent analysis and mathematical statistics analysis were used to conduct a quantitative research on 111 policy documents with 422 policy items involving general practitioners at the national level from 1997 to 2023, through a three-dimensional analysis framework integrating policy tools, human capital process and policy development stages. ResultsCapacity‑building policy tools were most frequently used in general practitioner policies, and the policy tools gradually shifted from mandate to inducement. The general practitioner policies paid less attention to the career selection link, but paid full attention to every segment of human capital links, with a comprehensive application of policy tools observed in the integrated development stage, despite the existence of unbalanced internal distribution. ConclusionIt is suggested to promote the use of incentive policy tools and to explore multiple approaches based on incentive theory; pay attention to the career selection link for guiding the employment of general practitioners; take the appropriateness between the policy tools and human capital process into comprehensive consideration, striking a dynamic balance of the internal structure of general practitioner policies.

ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of policy texts related to the physician periodic assessment system in China, providing references for the improvement of the system. MethodsContent analysis was employed, examining 116 policy documents from three dimensions: policy process, policy themes, and policy tools. ResultsA total of 298 codes were obtained. The number of policies related to the periodic assessment of physicians showed an overall trend of increasing first and then decreasing, with the peak annual issuance period between 2011 and 2021, and the average number of policy texts showing a downward trend. Policy documents were summarized into 3 levels: physician periodic assessment work, individual behavior, and institutional systems, encompassing a total of 8 categories of themes. The proportion of supply-oriented, environmental-oriented, and demand-oriented policy tools were 4.03%, 60.40%, and 35.57%, respectively. Moreover, environmental-oriented tools continued to dominate over time, followed by demand-oriented tools, with supply-oriented tools being the least. ConclusionThe policy themes are relatively broad and difficult to implement, focusing on establishing regulations while neglecting resource provision, and failing to continuously improve the construction of the system. It is recommended to clearly define the scope of the periodic assessment management, improve supporting systems, increase resource supply, and continuously promote the execution of assessments and policy revisions.

Background/Aims: Reflux symptoms frequently present in patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia (FD). This investigation sought to elucidate the contribution of gastroesophageal reflux in the overlap relationship. Methods: Consecutive patients presenting with reflux symptoms and/or FD symptoms were prospectively included. Comprehensive assessments, including symptoms evaluation, endoscopy, esophageal functional examinations (high-resolution manometry and reflux monitoring), and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment efficacy evaluation, were conducted in these patients. Results: The study enrolled 315 patients, 43.2% of which had concurrent FD symptoms and overlapping reflux symptoms. Notably, a mere 28.7% of patients in the overlap symptoms group had objective gastroesophageal reflux disease evidences (the grade of esophagitis≥ B or the acid exposure time ≥ 4.2%). Functional heartburn was demonstrated to be the main cause of overlapping reflux symptoms(55.1%). Reflux parameters analysis revealed that the reflux burden in the overlap symptoms group paralleled that of the FD symptoms group, with both registering lower levels than the reflux symptoms group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, PPI response rates were notably diminished in the overlap symptoms group (P < 0.001), even for those with objective gastroesophageal reflux disease evidences. Conclusions The study illuminated that overlapping reflux symptoms in FD was common. Strikingly, these symptoms primarily diverged from reflux etiology and exhibited suboptimal responses to PPI intervention. These findings challenge prevailing paradigms and accentuate the imperative for nuanced therapeutic approaches tailored to the distinctive characteristics of overlapping reflux symptoms in the context of FD.

Background/Aims: Reflux symptoms frequently present in patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia (FD). This investigation sought to elucidate the contribution of gastroesophageal reflux in the overlap relationship. Methods: Consecutive patients presenting with reflux symptoms and/or FD symptoms were prospectively included. Comprehensive assessments, including symptoms evaluation, endoscopy, esophageal functional examinations (high-resolution manometry and reflux monitoring), and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment efficacy evaluation, were conducted in these patients. Results: The study enrolled 315 patients, 43.2% of which had concurrent FD symptoms and overlapping reflux symptoms. Notably, a mere 28.7% of patients in the overlap symptoms group had objective gastroesophageal reflux disease evidences (the grade of esophagitis≥ B or the acid exposure time ≥ 4.2%). Functional heartburn was demonstrated to be the main cause of overlapping reflux symptoms(55.1%). Reflux parameters analysis revealed that the reflux burden in the overlap symptoms group paralleled that of the FD symptoms group, with both registering lower levels than the reflux symptoms group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, PPI response rates were notably diminished in the overlap symptoms group (P < 0.001), even for those with objective gastroesophageal reflux disease evidences. Conclusions The study illuminated that overlapping reflux symptoms in FD was common. Strikingly, these symptoms primarily diverged from reflux etiology and exhibited suboptimal responses to PPI intervention. These findings challenge prevailing paradigms and accentuate the imperative for nuanced therapeutic approaches tailored to the distinctive characteristics of overlapping reflux symptoms in the context of FD.

Background/Aims: Reflux symptoms frequently present in patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia (FD). This investigation sought to elucidate the contribution of gastroesophageal reflux in the overlap relationship. Methods: Consecutive patients presenting with reflux symptoms and/or FD symptoms were prospectively included. Comprehensive assessments, including symptoms evaluation, endoscopy, esophageal functional examinations (high-resolution manometry and reflux monitoring), and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment efficacy evaluation, were conducted in these patients. Results: The study enrolled 315 patients, 43.2% of which had concurrent FD symptoms and overlapping reflux symptoms. Notably, a mere 28.7% of patients in the overlap symptoms group had objective gastroesophageal reflux disease evidences (the grade of esophagitis≥ B or the acid exposure time ≥ 4.2%). Functional heartburn was demonstrated to be the main cause of overlapping reflux symptoms(55.1%). Reflux parameters analysis revealed that the reflux burden in the overlap symptoms group paralleled that of the FD symptoms group, with both registering lower levels than the reflux symptoms group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, PPI response rates were notably diminished in the overlap symptoms group (P < 0.001), even for those with objective gastroesophageal reflux disease evidences. Conclusions The study illuminated that overlapping reflux symptoms in FD was common. Strikingly, these symptoms primarily diverged from reflux etiology and exhibited suboptimal responses to PPI intervention. These findings challenge prevailing paradigms and accentuate the imperative for nuanced therapeutic approaches tailored to the distinctive characteristics of overlapping reflux symptoms in the context of FD.

Objective To detect the content of rheumatoid factor(RF)after RF-CIC dissociation using serum circulating immune complexes(CIC)dissociation technology and evaluate its diagnostic and clinical value in rheumatic arthritis(RA).Methods 55 RA patients diagnosed and treated in the 903rd Hospital of the People's Liberation Army from January 2024 to December 2024 were selected as the RA disease group,and 20 healthy individuals were selected as the control group.In addition,57 non RA pa-tients with symptoms resembling RA[patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE),gout,ankylosing spondylitis(AS),osteo-arthritis,etc)]as the non RA disease group.Using CIC dissociation technology,RF content after RF-CIC dissociation was detect-ed in the serum of all three groups of study subjects,and C-reactive protein(CRP)and RF levels in all subjects were detected using a biochemical analyzer.Analyzed and compared the differences in the positive rate and levels of RF-CIC among three groups object of study.In addition,analyze and compare the correlation between RF-CIC and inflammatory index CRP.Results The positive rates of RF-CIC in the serum of RA disease group,non RA disease group,and control group were 87.27%(48/55),10.53%(6/57)and 0.0%(0/20),respectively,and the differences between the three groups was statistically significant(χ2=84.520,P<0.05).Further subgroup analysis showed that the RF-CIC positivity rate in the RF negative subgroup of RA disease patients[61.11%(11/18)]higher than that in the non RA disease group[1.92%(1/52)]and the control group[0%(0/20)],and the differ-ences were statistically significant(χ2=44.493,21.671,all P<0.05).The RF-CIC positivity rate was higher in RF positive pa-tients than in RF negative patients in the RA disease group(100%vs 61.11%),and the difference was statistically significant(χ2=16.487,P<0.05).The RF-CIC content in the serum of RF positive patients in the RA disease group was higher than that of RF negative patients[16.35(10.53,26.49)vs 3.57(2.53,3.89)],and the difference was statistically significant(Z=-4.243,P<0.05).Correlation analysis showed that the levels of CRP and RF in the serum of RA patients were positively correlated with the levels of RF-CIC(r=0.490,0.970,all P<0.05).Conclusion RF-CIC demonstrates high positivity even in RF-negative RA patients,and their levels correlate with CRP.RF-CIC shows potential as a serological indicator for early diagnosis and disease activity assess-ment in RA.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Wuwei Wentong Chubi Capsules in patients with rheumatoid arthritis of cold and dampness obstruction syndrome under real world based on clinical medical record information system.Methods Medical history,symptoms and medication information of hospitalized patients with rheumatoid arthritis of cold and dampness obstruction syndrome in the Department of Rheumatology,First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine were collected from January 2020 to March 2024.According to whether to use Wuwei Wentong Chubi Capsules,patients were divided into treatment group(304 cases)and control group(378 cases).A database was established after improving the information and indicators of two groups of patients.TCM syndrome scores,disease activity scores and laboratory indicators of both groups were compared.Results Compared with before treatment,TCM syndrome score(severe joint pain,morning stiffness,swelling,worsening pain when encountering cold,poor joint flexion and extension,eating less and eating more,lack of breath and lazy speech,weak mouth and thirst,heavy head and body fatigue,loose stools and fatigue)in the treatment group significantly decreased after treatment(P<0.05),the disease activity score,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),rheumatoid factor(RF),complement(C3,C4),immunoglobulin(Ig)G,IgM,anti cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody(anti CCP antibody),thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH),anti thyroglobulin antibody(TGAb),and anti thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAb)were significantly reduced(P<0.05),and free triiodothyronine(FT3)and free tetraiodothyronine(FT4)increased(P<0.05);after treatment,TCM syndrome score(severe joint pain,morning stiffness,swelling,fatigue and weakness)in the control group significantly decreased,and the disease activity score,ESR,hs-CRP,RF,the levels of anti CCP antibodies,TGAb,and TPOAb were significantly reduced(P<0.05);compared with the control group after treatment,TCM syndrome scores in the treatment group showed more significant improvement(P<0.05)in terms of joint morning stiffness,swelling,poor flexion and extension,exacerbation of cold exposure,eating less and eating more,lack of breath and speech,weak and dry mouth,heavy head and body fatigue and fatigue.Disease activity score,ESR,hs-CRP,RF,the levels of anti CCP antibodies,C3,IgG,TSH and TPOAb decreased more significantly,while FT3 and FT4 increased more significantly(P<0.05);both groups had normal blood routine and liver and kidney function before and after treatment,with no significant difference(P>0.05).According to the analysis of association rules,after using Wuwei Wentong Chubi Capsules,there was a significant improvement in ESR,hs-CRP,RF,C3,IgG,TSH,FT4 and TPOAb indicators,with a degree of improvement greater than 1,indicating a strong association.Conclusion Wuwei Wentong Chubi Capsules can effectively improve the cold and dampness obstruction syndrome and spleen deficiency dampness excess syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis cold dampness obstruction syndrome,reduce disease activity index and immune inflammatory indicators,and have a certain regulatory effect on thyroid immune dysfunction and the clinical application has good safety.