ObjectiveA qualitative analysis method was established for the composition of Astragali Radix（AR） before and after rice stir-frying. On the basis of systematic characterization of the chemical compositions in AR and stir-fried AR with rice（ARR）， the structures of their major compounds were deduced and identified， and the differential compositions between them were analyzed. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS） was used to detect the samples of AR and ARR in positive and negative ion modes， respectively. The compounds were analyzed and identified through self-constructed databases， literature， and reference standards， etc. And the data were analyzed by chemometrics， in order to screen for the differential components between AR and ARR. ResultsA total of 123 compounds were identified in AR and ARR， including 41 flavonoids， 19 terpenoids， 26 organic acids， 8 amino acids， 5 nucleotides， 5 carbohydrates and 19 other compounds. Among them， there were 95 common components in both， 18 unique components in AR， and 10 unique components in ARR. Principal component analysis（PCA） and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA） results both showed that there were significant differences in the chemical constituents of AR before and after rice stir-frying， and a total of 26 constituents with differences in the content were screened out， including L-canavanine， L-pyroglutamic acid， L-phenylalanine， cis-caffeic acid， and malonylastragaloside Ⅰ. Among them， 19 constituents of ARR were down-regulated and 7 constituents were up-regulated by comparing with AR. ConclusionThis study clarifies that the chemical composition of AR and ARR is mainly composed of flavonoids， terpenoids， and organic acids， and analyzes the components with significant differences in content between the two in combination with chemometrics， and the differential components are dominated by amino acids， organic acids and terpenoids， which can provide reference for the subsequent quality control and material basis research.

AIM: To investigate the potential inhibitory effect of pterostilbene on the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EndMT)induced by high glucose conditions in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMECs).METHODS: The optimal concentration of pterostilbene for treating HRMECs was determined using the CCK-8 assay, with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L concentrations selected for subsequent experiments. Four experimental groups were established: control group, high glucose group, high glucose combined with 12.5 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group, and high glucose combined with 25 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group. The expression levels of HDAC7 and EndMT-associated markers were detected via Western blot analysis. Cell migration ability was assessed using Transwell migration assays and scratch wound healing tests, while vasculogenic capability was evaluated through tube formation assays.RESULTS: The CCK-8 assay revealed that pterostilbene at a concentration of 22.07 μmol/L inhibited 50% of cell viability in HRMECs. Western blot analysis demonstrated that compared with the control group, the expression levels of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail were significantly upregulated in HRMECs cultured in high glucose(all P<0.01), while the expressions of VE-cadherin and CD31 were significantly reduced(all P<0.01). Compared to the high glucose group, the treatment with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly reduced the expression of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail under high glucose conditions(all P<0.01). Notably, 25 μmol/L pterostilbene enhanced the expression of VE-cadherin and CD31(all P<0.01). Scratch wound healing tests revealed that HRMECs treated with high glucose exhibited a significantly increased cell migration rate compared to the control group(P<0.05), while the application of 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly suppressed HRMECs migration under high glucose conditions(P<0.01). Transwell migration assays demonstrated that the cell migration rate in the high glucose group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.01), with cell migration rate markedly reduced following treatment with both of 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene(all P<0.01). The tube formation assay revealed that the ability of HRMECs to form tubular structures was significantly enhanced under high glucose conditions(P<0.01), and both 12.5 and 25 μmol/L of pterostilbene effectively inhibited this effect(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Pterostilbene can inhibit HDAC7 expression, suppress EndMT-mediated migration of HRMECs, and impair tube formation under high-glucose conditions.

AIM: To investigate the potential inhibitory effect of pterostilbene on the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EndMT)induced by high glucose conditions in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMECs).METHODS: The optimal concentration of pterostilbene for treating HRMECs was determined using the CCK-8 assay, with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L concentrations selected for subsequent experiments. Four experimental groups were established: control group, high glucose group, high glucose combined with 12.5 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group, and high glucose combined with 25 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group. The expression levels of HDAC7 and EndMT-associated markers were detected via Western blot analysis. Cell migration ability was assessed using Transwell migration assays and scratch wound healing tests, while vasculogenic capability was evaluated through tube formation assays.RESULTS: The CCK-8 assay revealed that pterostilbene at a concentration of 22.07 μmol/L inhibited 50% of cell viability in HRMECs. Western blot analysis demonstrated that compared with the control group, the expression levels of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail were significantly upregulated in HRMECs cultured in high glucose(all P<0.01), while the expressions of VE-cadherin and CD31 were significantly reduced(all P<0.01). Compared to the high glucose group, the treatment with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly reduced the expression of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail under high glucose conditions(all P<0.01). Notably, 25 μmol/L pterostilbene enhanced the expression of VE-cadherin and CD31(all P<0.01). Scratch wound healing tests revealed that HRMECs treated with high glucose exhibited a significantly increased cell migration rate compared to the control group(P<0.05), while the application of 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly suppressed HRMECs migration under high glucose conditions(P<0.01). Transwell migration assays demonstrated that the cell migration rate in the high glucose group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.01), with cell migration rate markedly reduced following treatment with both of 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene(all P<0.01). The tube formation assay revealed that the ability of HRMECs to form tubular structures was significantly enhanced under high glucose conditions(P<0.01), and both 12.5 and 25 μmol/L of pterostilbene effectively inhibited this effect(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Pterostilbene can inhibit HDAC7 expression, suppress EndMT-mediated migration of HRMECs, and impair tube formation under high-glucose conditions.

OBJECTIVE To provide suggestions for improving the path and system construction of patient engagement in drug regulation in China. METHODS By reviewing initiatives and experiences from the United States （U. S.）， European Union （EU）， and Japan in promoting patient engagement， this study summarizes the roles and contributions of patients in the entire drug regulatory process internationally. Combining China’s current progress and challenges in patient engagement， specific proposals are formulated to refine regulatory pathways and institutional systems. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS With growing global emphasis on patient engagement as a regulatory strategy， countries or regions such as the U.S.， EU， and Japan have established clear policies， designated oversight agencies， and developed diversified pathways for patient engagement. Patients contribute to regulatory processes through advisory meetings， direct decision-making roles， and leveraging lived experiences and expertise to optimize drug evaluation and monitoring. In contrast， China’s patient engagement remains primarily limited to clinical value- oriented drug development， lacking formal policy guidance. It is recommended that China， based on its existing policy system， further strengthen the construction of a safeguard system for patient engagement， improve the capacity building and pathway models for patient participation in pharmaceutical regulation， and promote the continuous development of patient engagement in pharmaceutical regulation in our country.

Objective To validate the efficacy of the prediction model for difficulty of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) through an independent cohort. Methods A total of 617 patients with achalasia who underwent POEM at the Endoscopy Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from January 2021 to December 2023 were included. The general data of patients were collected, and the predictive value of the prediction model for POEM difficulty in the validation cohort was estimated. The stratified analysis was undergone according to the difficulty risk scores. Results In 617 consecutive patients, technical difficulty was observed in 90 cases (14.6%). The predictive model demonstrated moderate discriminatory capacity with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.711 (95%CI 0.643-0.780). Patients were stratified into three risk categories according to the difficulty risk scores: low-risk (＜0.1), medium-risk (0.1-0.25), and high-risk (≥0.25). The corresponding technical difficulty rates were 7.3%, 16.9%, and 51.6%, respectively. Conclusion The prediction model for POEM difficulty built by our center shows good stability and discrimination, and has good clinical application value.

AIM: To observe the clinical outcomes of Phorcides analytic engine-assisted topography-guided personalized laser assisted in situ keratomileusis(LASIK)for the treatment of myopia and astigmatism in virgin eyes with the refractive astigmatism significantly deviating from corneal topography.METHODS: Retrospective clinical study. A total of 32 cases(42 eyes)with myopia and astigmatism that received corneal topography-guided personalized LASIK in the Ophthalmology Refractive Surgery Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from December 2019 to March 2021 were selected. The uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA), best corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA), refractive state and aberrations before and at 6 mo after surgery were recorded.RESULTS: There were 15 males and 17 females, with an age of 23.00(18.00, 29.25)years old; preoperative sphere was -5.75(-6.25, -4.00)D, and cylinder was -0.75(-1.38, -0.25)D. At 6 mo postoperatively, the UDVA exceeded the preoperative CDVA in 19 eyes(45%). The spherical equivalent(SEQ)of all eyes(100%)was -0.50 to +0.50 D at 6 mo postoperatively, and the postoperative SEQ of 23 eyes(55%)was -0.13 to +0.13 D. There were 33 eyes(79%)had a postoperative astigmatism ≤ 0.25 D, the target-induced astigmatism(TIA)was 0.94±0.96 D, and the surgically induced astigmatism(SIA)was 0.94±0.86 D, with no statistical significance between TIA and SIA(P>0.05). The astigmatism axial deviation ranged from -5° to +5° in 33 eyes(79%)at 6 mo postoperatively. Compared to pre-operation, the total higher-order aberrations and spherical aberrations within the central 6 mm diameter of the anterior corneal surface increased at 6 mo postoperatively(Z=-3.778, P<0.001; Z=-4.929, P<0.001); the postoperative coma aberrations had no change(Z=-1.763, P=0.078); the postoperative trefoil aberrations decreased(Z=-2.490, P=0.013). Compared to pre-operation, the Strehl ratio of the anterior corneal surface increased significantly at 6 mo after surgeries(t=-5.401, P=0.013).CONCLUSION: Using the Phorcides analytic engine to assist topography-guided personalized LASIK for the treatment of myopia and astigmatism in virgin eyes with the refractive astigmatism significantly deviating from topography-measured astigmatism can achieve good therapeutic effects. Postoperative UDVA exceeded preoperative CDVA in nearly half of the eyes, and the quality of postoperative corneal imaging was improved.

Objective: To analyze the association of eating dining locations and their association with nutritional status among Chinese children aged 6-17 years,so as to provide reference for guiding children s reasonable diet. Methods: Stratified random cluster sampling was used to select children aged 6 to 17 years from 28 cities and rural areas of 14 provinces in East, North, Central, South, Southwest, Northwest, Northeast of China, and a total of 52 535 children were included in the study from 2019 to 2021. Information including dining locations, demographic characteristics, dietary intakes and physical activity were collected through a questionnaire survey. Fasting body height and weight were measured in the morning. Unordered multiclass Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between dining locations and nutritional status in children. Results: Regarding children s dining locations, 66.3% ate breakfast at home,25.8% ate breakfast at school,7.9% ate breakfast outside (small dining tables, restaurants, stalls, etc.); 67.7% ate dinner at home,29.0% ate dinner at school,3.3% ate dinner outside; and 63.6% ate lunch at school,30.8% ate lunch at home,5.7% ate lunch outside. The prevalence rates of overweight/obesity and undernutrition were 28.6% and 9.3%, respectively. The adjusted multiclass Logistic regression analysis (controlling for age, region, parental education, household income, total energy intake, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) demonstrated that, compared to eating at home, school based breakfast and dinner consumption was associated with significantly lower overweight/obesity risks for both genders (boys: breakfast OR =0.70, 95% CI =0.65-0.75; dinner OR =0.80, 95% CI = 0.74- 0.86; girls: breakfast OR = 0.89 , 95% CI = 0.82-0.96; dinner OR =0.88, 95% CI =0.81-0.95), whereas eating lunch away from home significantly increased overweight/obesity risks (boys: OR =1.32, 95% CI =1.17-1.48; girls: OR =1.43, 95% CI =1.26- 1.62 ), with all associations being statistically significant ( P <0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, boys who ate breakfast away from home showed a significantly reduced risk of undernutrition ( OR =0.80,95% CI =0.66-0.97), while those consuming lunch away from home had an increased risk ( OR =1.26, 95% CI =1.01-1.57) ( P <0.05). Conclusions The choice of dining locations for children is becoming more diverse, and a relatively high proportion of children eat meals outside the home and at school. Eating out have a higher risk of malnutrition for children. School feeding may be beneficial to children s physical health.

AIM: To assess the consistency of the new anterior segment analyzer, MS-39, the Sirius and Pentacam in measuring corneal white-to-white(WTW)and central anterior chamber depth(ACD), and to compare their differences in guiding implantable collamer lens(ICL)size selection.METHODS: Retrospective case study. A total of 210 consecutive patients(420 eyes)who treated at the Ophthalmology Refractive Surgery Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between September 2019 and September 2020 were enrolled. Three anterior segment analysis systems, MS-39, Sirius, and Pentacam, were utilized to assess the WTW and ACD, with comparative analysis of the results. The sizing of the ICL V4c was simulated using the method recommended by the STAAR company. Data correlation and consistency were evaluated.RESULTS: The WTW measurement results obtained from MS-39, Sirius, and Pentacam were 11.39±0.35, 11.42±0.36, and 11.46±0.35 mm, respectively. Notably, the WTW measurement value from MS-39 was significantly lower than that from Pentacam(P=0.002), while no statistically significant differences were observed between MS-39 and Sirius, or between Sirius and Pentacam(all P>0.05). The WTW measurements from the three devices exhibited a strong positive correlation, with correlation coefficients(r)of 0.942 between MS-39 and Sirius, 0.925 between MS-39 and Pentacam, and 0.882 between Sirius and Pentacam(all P<0.0001). The ACD measurements values from the MS-39, Sirius and Pentacam were 3.28±0.22, 3.28±0.24, and 3.21±0.23 mm, respectively. While, no statistically significant difference was found between MS-39 and Sirius(P>0.05), both measurements were significantly higher than that of Pentacam(both P<0.0001). The ACD measurements also demonstrated a strong positive correlation, with r values of 0.959 between MS-39 and Sirius, 0.947 between MS-39 and Pentacam, and 0.932 between Sirius and Pentacam(all P<0.0001). In terms of ICL size selection based on the measurements from the three devices, the 12.6 mm size was the most frequently selected, while the 13.7 mm size was the least common, the distribution of size selections across the devices was similar.CONCLUSION: MS-39 demonstrated strong positive correlation with both Sirius and Pentacam for WTW and ACD measurements, indicating that the results can be considered clinically interchangeable. Furthermore, the outcomes derived from MS-39 for ICL size selection were closely aligned with those from Sirius and Pentacam, suggesting its clinical feasibility.

OBJECTIVE To explore the protective mechanism of amifostine on acute radiation injury mice. METHODS Thirty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal control group， model group and amifostine group （150 mg/kg）， with 10 mice in each group. Thirty minutes before irradiation， the mice in the amifostine group were intraperitoneally injected with amifostine； normal control group and model group were given constant volume of normal saline intraperitoneally； then acute radiation injury was induced by 4 Gy X-ray radiation in both model group and amifostine group. The white blood cell count （WBC）， platelet count and red blood cell （RBC） count in mice were detected 2 hours before irradiation and on days 1， 4， 7， 10 and 14 after irradiation； the changes in the proportion of WBC （neutrophils， lymphocytes and monocytes） on the 7th day after irradiation were analyzed. The 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the structure of gut microbiota in mice feces on the 7th day after irradiation， then its correlation with WBC was analyzed. RESULTS The counts of WBC on the 1st， 4th， 7th and 10th day after irradiation， platelet count on the 10th day after irradiation and RBC count on the 1st day after irradiation in the amifostine group were significantly higher than those in model group （P＜0.05）. Compared with normal control group，β diversity of gut microbiome showed significant change， relative abundance of Firmicutes increased and that of Bacteroidetes decreased in model group. Amifostine could reverse the change in β diversity of gut microbiome， and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. The model group consisted of four distinct species， namely Allobaculum， Erysipelotrichia， Erysipelotrichales and Erysipelotrichaceae， which were significantly negatively correlated with the proportion of peripheral blood lymphocytes （P＜0.01）； amifostine group consisted of two distinct species， namely Lactobacillus murinus and L. crispatus， which were significantly negatively correlated with the proportion of neutrophils （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Amifostine significantly improves irradiation-induced injury by regulating dysbiosis of LY201816） gut microbiota.

Cancer， one of the deadliest diseases caused by cells escaping homeostasis， abnormal proliferation， and abnormal differentiation， is fast becoming one of the most burdensome diseases of this century. With decades of human research and cognitive changes in cancer， cancer treatment is also developing rapidly， but there is still a lack of effective treatment and countermeasures. Especially， the search for safe， efficient， and non-toxic drugs has become a long-term goal in the field of cancer. Saponins extracted and separated from traditional Chinese medicine can improve cancer through various pathways and have almost no toxic side effects. Therefore， the research on the anti-cancer effect of saponins is heating up. It is found that saponins play anti-tumor roles by inhibiting proliferation， metastasis， and angiogenesis of cancer cells， promoting apoptosis of cancer cells， inducing autophagy of tumor cells， and regulating miRNA expression and immune functions. Chinese herbal medicine saponins can regulate secretory glycoprotein /β-catenin （Wnt/β-catenin）， adenylate activated protein kinase （AMPK）， nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB）， mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）， Janus kinase/activator of signal transduction and transcription 3 （JAK/ STAT3）， hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α）， Toll-like receptor （TLR）， and other related signaling pathways to get involved in the proliferation， metastasis， angiogenesis， apoptosis， autophagy， and other processes of cancer cells， thus interfering with the progression of cancer. Therefore， the focus of this review is to update the discovery and evaluation of Chinese herbal medicine saponins with anti-cancer properties， clarify their mechanism of action， including the progress of related signaling pathways， and deepen the understanding of the anti-cancer function of Chinese herbal medicine saponins， so as to provide a new perspective and direction for the prevention and treatment of tumors by traditional Chinese medicine and better promote the development and utilization of resources.