To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications （DMC）， refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles， and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine， hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine， was held in Beijing， 2024. Experts in TCM， Western medicine， and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis， diagnostic and treatment challenges， and mechanism research related to DMC， ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development， research prioritization， and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM， strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of tibial nerve transection with epineurial suture and division of the common plantar digital nerve branches in the treatment of congenital macrodactyly in children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 9 children with congenital macrodactyly who met the selection criteria and were admitted between January 2018 and December 2024. The cohort included 4 boys and 5 girls, aged 1-6 years (median, 3 years). Syndactyly of the second and third toes was present in 2 patients. Hypertrophy distribution was as follows: 1 case of single-ray involvement, 4 of double-ray, 1 of triple-ray, 1 of quadruple-ray, and 2 of quintuple-ray. Preoperatively, 7 cases exhibited limitations in both active and passive flexion and extension of the affected toes; in 2 cases, active movement was restricted while passive motion remained intact. All 9 children were unable to wear standard-sized footwear for the unaffected foot. Six presented with a limp, and 3 had difficulty walking. All 9 cases were moderate to severe progressive macrodactyly, and the growth rate of the affected foot was significantly faster than that of the healthy side. Six cases had undergone prior surgical interventions at other institutions, but disease progression continued postoperatively. All 9 patients underwent tibial nerve transection with epineurial suture and selective division of the common plantar digital nerve branches. At last follow-up, the foot growth rate was calculated (compared with that immediately after operation), and the changes of plantar pain sensation in the affected foot were detected before operation, immediately after operation, and at last follow-up, and the surgical efficacy was evaluated based on improvements in shoe fit and gait function. RESULTS: All 9 children were followed up 6-36 months, with an average of 18 months. All the incisions healed by first intention, and no infection or plantar ulceration occurred. At last follow-up, the growth rate of the affected foot was 0.10 (0.04, 0.14) cm/month, which was significantly slower than that of the healthy foot [0.14 (0.08, 0.18) cm/month] ( Z=3.951, P<0.001). Preoperatively, plantar pain sensation was absent in all cases; it was restored immediately after operation. At last follow-up, 6 patients had absent pain sensation, 2 had partial preservation (involving certain toes and central plantar regions), and 1 patient (with 3-year follow-up) exhibited regained sensation in multiple plantar areas. Gait improved in most cases, in which 8 children achieved normal ambulation, while 1 continued to limp due to leg-length discrepancy. Surgical efficacy were rated as excellent in 1 case, good in 7, and fair in 1. CONCLUSION Tibial nerve transection with epineurial suture combined with selective division of the common plantar digital nerve branches effectively reduces the growth rate of congenital macrodactyly in children, has minimal impact on plantar sensory function, and does not result in plantar ulcers or impaired ambulation.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Infant ; Tibial Nerve/surgery* ; Toes/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Suture Techniques ; Fingers/surgery* ; Foot/innervation* ; Limb Deformities, Congenital

Objective:To explore the genetic etiology of a child with Cowden syndrome 1 (CS1).Methods:A child who had visited the Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital on August 26, 2022 was selected as the study subject. Clinical information of the child was collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the child and his family members and subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing.Results:The child, a 13-year-old boy, had manifested with severe mental retardation, hyperactivity, autistic behavior, sparse and prominent teeth, macrocephaly, and skin freckles on the penis. His mother had presented with multiple papules, hamartomatous polyps, thyroid adenoma and macrocephaly. WES results revealed that the child has harbored a nonsense c. 781C>T (p.Q261*) variant of the PTEN gene, which was inherited from his mother. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the c.781C>T variant was classified as likely pathogenic (PVS1+ PM2_Supporting). Conclusion:The c. 781C>T variant of the PTEN gene probably underlay the pathogenesis in the child and his mother. Above finding has facilitated genetic counseling for this family.

Objective:To investigate the expression of signal recognition particle 14(SRP14)in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and its clinical significance.Methods:The data of SRP14 expression in HCC were obtained from bioinformatics study,and from investigation with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting in clinical samples.The Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine the associations between SRP14 mRNA expression and the overall survival,progression-free survival,and disease-specific survival of HCC patients.The effect of SRP14 on the proliferation and migration of HCC cells were determined by EdU staining,MTS,Transwell and wound-healing assays.The potential mechanism for SRP14 regulating HCC was explored through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)and Gene Ontology(GO)enrichment analysis as well as qRT-PCR.Results:According to the data from GSE14520,TNMplot database and clinical samples,compared with paired tumor-adjacent tissues,non-paired tumor-adjacent tissues and normal tissues,the mRNA expression of SPR14 in HCC tissues was upregulated(all P<0.05).In clinical samples,compared with paired tumor-adjacent tissues,the protein expression of SPR14 in HCC tissues was increased(P<0.05).The increased mRNA expression of SRP14 was associated with good overall survival,progression-free survival,and disease-specific survival in HCC patients.SRP14 inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCC cells in vitro.According to the KEGG and GO enrichment analysis,in non-specific HCC,the genes co-expressed with SRP14 may predominantly regulate protein synthesis,processing,and transport,while in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease related HCC,the genes co-expressed with SRP14 could control multiple signaling pathways such as MAPK,cAMP,PI3K-Akt,and Wnt.Mechanistically,SRP14 up-regulated the mRNA expression of tumor suppressor gene GPRC5A in HCC cells(P<0.05).Conclusion:SRP14 may regulate HCC progression and influence patient prognosis.

Objective:To describe the current status and trends in the outcomes and care practices of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks′ gestation age from the Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) from 2019 to 2021.Methods:This cross-sectional study used data from the CHNN cohort of very preterm infants. All 963 extremely preterm infants with gestational age between 22-25 weeks who were admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of the CHNN from 2019 to 2021 were included. Infants admitted after 24 hours of life or transferred to non-CHNN hospitals were excluded. Perinatal care practices, survival rates, incidences of major morbidities, and NICU treatments were described according to different gestational age groups and admission years. Comparison among gestational age groups was conducted using χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Trends by year were evaluated by Cochran-Armitage and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for trend. Results:Of the 963 extremely preterm infants enrolled, 588 extremely preterm infants (61.1%) were male. The gestational age was 25.0 (24.4, 25.6) weeks, with 29 extremely preterm infants (3.0%), 88 extremely preterm infants (9.1%), 264 extremely preterm infants (27.4%), and 582 extremely preterm infants (60.4%) at 22, 23, 24, and 25 weeks of gestation age, respectively. The birth weight was 770 (680, 840) g. From 2019 to 2021, the number of extremely preterm infants increased each year (285, 312, and 366 extremely preterm infants, respectively). Antenatal steroids and magnesium sulfate were administered to 67.7% (615/908) and 51.1% (453/886) mothers of extremely preterm infants. In the delivery room, 20.8% (200/963) and 69.5% (669/963) extremely preterm infants received noninvasive positive end-expiratory pressure support and endotracheal intubation. Delayed cord clamping and cord milking were performed in 19.0% (149/784) and 30.4% (241/794) extremely preterm infants. From 2019 to 2021, there were significant increases in the usage of antenatal steroids, antenatal magnesium sulfate, and delivery room noninvasive positive-end expiratory pressure support (all P<0.05). Overall, 349 extremely preterm infants (36.2%) did not receive complete care, 392 extremely preterm infants (40.7%) received complete care and survived to discharge, and 222 extremely preterm infants (23.1%) received complete care but died in hospital. The survival rates for extremely preterm infants at 22, 23, 24 and 25 weeks of gestation age were 10.3% (3/29), 23.9% (21/88), 33.0% (87/264) and 48.3% (281/582), respectively. From 2019 to 2021, there were no statistically significant trends in complete care, survival, and mortality rates (all P>0.05). Only 11.5% (45/392) extremely preterm infants survived without major morbidities. Moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (67.3% (264/392)) and severe retinopathy of prematurity (61.5% (241/392)) were the most common morbidities among survivors. The incidences of severe intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis were 15.3% (60/392), 5.9% (23/392) and 19.1% (75/392), respectively. Overall, 83.7% (328/392) survivors received invasive ventilation during hospitalization, with a duration of 22 (10, 42) days. The hospital stay for survivors was 97 (86, 116) days. Conclusions:With the increasing number of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks′ gestation admitted to CHNN NICU, the survival rate remained low, especially the rate of survival without major morbidities. Further quality improvement initiatives are needed to facilitate the implementation of evidence-based care practices.

Objective:To explore the application value of computed tomography angiography(CTA)combined with neuron-specific enolase(NSE)and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)in the disease assessment of progressive cerebral infarction.Methods:A total of 110 patients with suspected progressive cerebral infarction admitted to Shanghai Changzheng Hospital from May 2022 to May 2023 were selected as the study subjects,all of them were tested by CTA.According to the deterioration status,63 cases with progressive cerebral infarction were divided into in the study group(progressive cerebral infarction),and then they were further divided into mild degree(19 cases),moderate degree(25 cases)and severe degree(16 cases)according to the condition of neurological deficit of the score of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS).Other 47 patients with non-progressive cerebral infarction were divided into the control group.The degree of vascular stenosis,the changes of NSE and IGF-1 levels of each group were analyzed,as well as the changes of NSE and IGF-1 levels of neurological deficit with different degrees.The relationship between CTA,NSE and IGF-1 was further explored,and the assessment value of the combined examination of CTA,NSE and IGF-1 on progressive cerebral infarction also was explored.Results:Compared with the control group,the degree of vascular stenosis and NSE levels of the study group increased,while IGF-1 levels of that decreased,and the differences of them between two groups were statistical significance(t=20.893,24.156,40.209,P＜0.05),respectively.Compared with mild patients,IGF-1 levels decreased and NSE levels increased in moderate and severe patients,and the differences were statistical significance(t=4.689,9.103,18.464,23.672,P＜0.05),respectively.Compared with moderate patients,NSE levels increased and IGF-1 levels decreased in severe patients,and the differences were statistical significance(t=5.408,8.118,P＜0.05),respectively.NSE level was positively correlated with the degree of vascular stenosis(r=0.651,P＜0.05),while IGF-1 level was negatively correlated with it(r=-0.617,P＜0.05).Vascular stenosis and NSE were positively correlated with progressive cerebral infarction(r=0.672,P＜0.05),while IGF-1 level was negatively correlated with it(r=-0.629,P＜0.05),respectively.The area under curve(AUC)values of receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves of CTA,NSE,IGF-1 and the combination of them were respectively 0.688(95%CI:0.594-0.786),0.710(95%CI:0.609-0.811),0.676(95%CI:0.578-0.775)and 0.822(95%CI:0.734-0.910),and the value of the combination of the three indicators was higher in assessing progressive cerebral infarction.Conclusion:The NSE level is higher in patients with progressive cerebral infarction,and the IGF-1 level is lower.The combination of NSE,IGF-1 and CTA can help to enhance the clinical assessment for progressive cerebral infarction,which can provide beneficial basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Objective To analyze the relationships of the expression of retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA) and nuclear receptor interaction protein 1(NRIP1) in colorectal cancer tissues with the features of clinical pathology and prognosis. Methods A total of 106 specimens from colorectal cancer tissues of patients during surgery were included in colorectal cancer group (n=106), and corresponding paracancer tissue specimens were included in paracancer group (n=106). The expressions of RXRA and NRIP1 in colorectal cancer tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to investigate th4e effects of RXRA and NRIP1 expressions on the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer. Results The positive expression rates of RXRA and NRIP1 in colorectal cancer group were 66.04%, 69.81%, which were significantly higher than 33.96% and 30.19% in the para-cancer group (P < 0.05). The positive expression rates of RXRA and NRIP1 in patients with pathological stage Ⅲ, low differentiation, serous infiltration and lymph node metastasis were higher than those in patients with pathological stage Ⅱ, medium and high differentiation, no serous infiltration and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The 3-year overall survival rates of patients with pathological stage Ⅱ, low differentiation, no serous infiltration, no lymph node metastasis, negative RXRA and NRIP1 were higher than those of patients with pathological stage Ⅲ, medium and high differentiation, serous infiltration, lymph node metastasis, positive RXRA and NRIP1 (P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed serous membrane infiltration (HR=2.687; 95%CI, 1.531 to 3.156), positive RXRA (HR=3.743; 95%CI, 2.217 to 5.992), positive NRIP1 (HR=2.641; 95%CI, 1.124 to 4.757) were influencing factors for prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer (P < 0.05). Conclusion RXRA and NRIP1 are highly expressed in colorectal cancer, which are closely related to pathological stage, differentiation degree and metastasis, which can be used as biomarkers to assist in evaluating the prognosis of patients.

Objective: A growing body of research suggests the presence of alexithymia (a form of social cognitive impairment) in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ), which may be related to their psychopathological symptoms. Patients with SCZ exhibit high rates of obesity. Interestingly, studies of the general population have found that alexithymia acts a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of obesity. However, little is known regarding the relationship between obesity, alexithymia, and clinical symptoms in SCZ patients. The study was aim to explore the relationship between obesity, alexithymia, and clinical symptoms in SCZ patients. Methods: Demographic and clinical data were collected from 507 patients with chronic SCZ. Their symptoms were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and alexithymia was assessed with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). Results: Compare with nonobese SCZ patients, obese SCZ patients scored higher on PANSS positive symptoms, TAS total score, difficulty identifying feelings, and difficulty describing feelings (all p<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a significant association between difficulty identifying feelings and positive symptoms in SCZ patients. Further correlation analysis showed that this association was only present in obese SCZ patients (p<0.05). Conclusion Obesity may moderate the association between alexithymia and positive symptoms in chronic SCZ patients.

Objective:To compare the difference of chemical compositions of single decoction and mixed decoction of Gypsum Fibrosum - Anemarrhenae Rhizoma medicinal pair with different proportion.Methods:The Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) and Ion Chromatography (IC) fingerprints of each sample were collected, and the independent sample t-test on the ratio of "peak area/weight" value of common peaks which was from the single decoction and mixed decoction samples was performed through SPSS 26.0.Results:In the UPLC fingerprint, there was significant difference in the "peak area/weight" values of peak 1, peak 2, peak 3, peak 6 and peak 13 between mixed decoction and single decoction with different compatibility ratios (1:1, 3:2, 2:1, 5:2, 3:1)( P<0.05), while peak 5 and peak 11 were without significant difference ( P>0.05). When the compatibility ratio of Gypsum Fibrosum and Anemarrhenae Rhizoma was 1:1, 3:2, 5:2, 3:1, there was significant difference in the "peak area/weight" values of peak 7 (neomangiferin) ( P<0.05). In the IC fingerprint, there was significant difference in the "peak area/weight" values of peak 1 between mixed decoction and single decoction with different compatibility ratios (1:1, 3:2, 2:1, 5:2, 3:1) ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in peak 5 (calcium ion) ( P>0.05). Conclusion:There are differences in the chemical component content of Gypsum Fibrosum-Anemarrhenae Rhizoma medicinal pair for single decoction and mixed decoction.

Objective:To study the role of SUMOylation in the process of therapeutic hypothermia on neural stem cells (NSCs) in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.Methods:SUMOylation is an essential post-translational modification involving small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs). Primary-cultured NSCs from mice were assigned into four groups: control group, hypoxia group, hypothermia group and hypoxia+hypothermia group. Western Blot was used to detect the protein levels of SUMO2/3, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator factor 1α (PGC-1α) and octamer binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4). The diameters of NSCs were compared. ELISA was used to detect lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level. Apoptosis was examined using flow cytometry. Immunofluorescence method was used to measure the differentiation of NSCs into neuronal cells.Results:Compared with the control group, the levels of SUMO2/3, HIF-1αand PGC-1α in NSCs of the hypoxia group increased 33%, 126% and 140%, respectively ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of SUMO2/3 and PGC-1α in NSCs of the hypothermia group increased 52% and 536%, respectively ( P<0.05). Compared with the hypoxia group, the levels of SUMO2/3, HIF-1α, PGC-1α and Oct4 in the hypoxia+hypothermia group increased 44%, 40%, 230% and 59%, respectively ( P<0.05). The diameters of NSCs in hypoxia group, hypothermia group and hypoxia+hypothermia group were smaller than control group, and hypoxia+hypothermia group smaller than hypoxia group ( P<0.05). No significant differences existed in LDH levels between hypothermia group and control group ( P>0.05). LDH level in hypoxia+hypothermia group were significantly lower than hypoxia group ( P<0.05). No significant differences existed in the cell death rates between hypothermia group and control group ( P>0.05). The cell death rate in hypoxia+hypothermia group was significantly lower than hypoxia group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expressions of Nestin in both hypoxia group and hypothermia group were increased, but neuron specific enolase (NSE) were decreased ( P<0.05). Compared with hypoxia group and hypothermia group, the level of Nestin in hypoxia+hypothermia group was further increased, while NSE was further decreased ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Therapeutic hypothermia may increase the tolerance of NSCs to hypoxia by enhancing SUMO modification of proteins, providing theoretical basis for the treatment of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy with therapeutic hypothermia.