OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism by which Qiaobai cold compress solution （QBCS） improves acne vulgaris （AV） based on transcriptomics and animal experiments. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into a blank control group （ n ＝6） and a modeling group （ n ＝30）. AV models were established in the modeling group by topical application of oleic acid to the inner surface of both ears， combined with subcutaneous injection of Cutibacterium acnes suspension into the auricle. Successfully modeled rats were further divided into the model group， positive control group （Tretinoin cream， 0.045 g/kg）， and QBCS low-， medium-， high-dose groups [3.55， 7.11， 14.22 g/kg （calculated by the amount of crude drug） ] ， with 6 rats in each group. Rats in each d rug group were treated with the corresponding drugs once daily for 14 consecutive days. After the final administration， changes in the appearance of the ears and histopathological changes in the ear tissues were observed， and serum levels of inflammatory factors， including tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6） and IL-1β， were measured. Auricular tissues from the blank control group， model group and QBCS medium-dose group were collected for transcriptome sequencing. Differential expressed genes （DEGs） were screened and subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis， followed by validation using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay. RESULTS Compared with the model group， rats in all QBCS groups showed alleviated auricular acne symptoms， with reduced epidermal thickening， sebaceous gland hyperplasia， and inflammatory cell infiltration. Serum levels of TNF-α （except for the QBCS low-dose group）， IL-6 （except for the QBCS low-dose group） and IL-1β were significantly decreased （ P ＜0.05）. A total of 590 DEGs were identified （blank control group vs. model group）， and 596 DEGs were identified （model group vs. QBCS medium-dose group）. Above DEGs （blank control group vs. model group） were mainly enriched in Toll-like receptor （TLR） and nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） signaling pathways， etc. Validation experiments showed that， compared with model group， low-， medium- and high-dose of QBCS reduced， to varying degrees， the mRNA expression of TNF-α， TLR2， interferon-γ and CXC chemokine ligand 8 in the auricular tissues of AV rats， increased the mRNA expression of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma and tumor protein 53， and inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 protein as well as the expressions of TLR2 and myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88（MyD88） （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS QBCS can alleviate auricular inflammation and skin lesions in AV rats. This effect may be related to inhibition of the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway， thereby suppressing the expression of downstream inflammatory factors such as TNF-α.

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness and safety of Dingchan Granule （定颤颗粒） for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation with syndrome of qi stagnation and blood stasis. MethodsUsing a randomised， double-blind， placebo controlled study method， 90 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation with qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome were divided into 45 cases each in the treatment group and the control group. Both groups were given conventional western medicine treatment， and the treatment group was additionally treated with Dingchan Granule， while the control group was treated with Dingchan Granule placebo， both of which were taken orally for 8 g each time twice a day. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. We compared the clinical effectiveness， the improvement of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） symptoms and the recovery rate of atrial fibrillation between the two groups. We compared the number and duration of atrial fibrillation episodes， TCM symptoms score， atrial fibrillation symptom classification， 24-hour average ventricular rate， Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index （PSQI）， anxiety index， depression index before and after treatment， and evaluated the safety of the two groups. ResultsThe total clinical effectiveness rate in the treatment group was 82.22% （37/45）， which was better than 60.00% （27/45） in the control group （P＜0.05）. The total effective rate of TCM syndrome effectiveness in the treatment group was 88.89% （40/45）， which was better than 66.67% （30/45） in the control group （P＜0.05）； and the rate of atrial fibrillation regression in the treatment group was 26.67% （12/45）， better than 6.67% （3/45） in the control group （P＜0.05）. The number and duration of atrial fibrillation episodes in both groups were significantly decreased （P＜0.01）， and the number and duration of atrial fibrillation episodes in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group （P＜0.01）. The TCM syndrome scores of both groups after treatment were significantly lower than before treatment （P＜0.01）， and the scores of the treatment group was lower than those of the control group （P＜0.05）. The severity of atrial fibrillation symptoms and the grading of atrial fibrillation symptoms in both groups after treatment were improved （P＜0.01）， and the degree of symptom improvement in the treatment group was better than that in the control group （P＜0.01）. The 24-hour average ventricular rate of both groups after treatment was significantly lower （P＜0.01）. The PSQI， anxiety index and depression index of the treatment group were all lower than before treatment （P＜0.01）， while the PSQI and anxiety index of the control group were both lower than before treatment （P＜0.01 or P＜0.05）， the PSQI， anxiety index and depression index of the treatment group being lower than those of the control group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. No adverse events occurred in both groups， and no abnormalities were observed in blood， urine， stool routine， liver and kidney function， and coagulation function indexes. ConclusionDingchan Granule for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation with qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome can alleviate clinical symptom， improve TCM symptom scores， increase atrial fibrillation recovery rate， stabilise the average ventricular rate， and significantly improve the quality of sleep， alleviate the anxiety and depression， with a good safety profile.

With reference to the Information and Documentation-Resource Description (GB/T 3792-2021) and Bibliographical Description for Ancient Chinese Books (GB/T 3792.7-2008) and other cataloging standards and rules, drawing on the practical experience of cataloging ancient TCM books, Bibliographical Cataloging for Ancient TCM Books was formulated. This standard specifies the entry items and their order of ancient TCM books, cataloging identifier, cataloging text, cataloging information source, and cataloging item details. The standard can provide standardized and unified guiding principles and methods for the work of ancient TCM books, and promote the sharing and utilization of ancient TCM books.

Objective To study the development of conus medullaris by quantitative three-dimensional ultrasound in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy,and to analyze the value of terminal caudal vertebral ossification center count in diagnosis of closed spina bifida.Methods A total of 108 normal fetuses in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy who were admitted to Baoding No.1 Central Hospital from January 2019 to March 2024 were selected and assigned to the normal group.The distance between the fetal conus medullaris and the first sacral vertebra,the distance between the end of the conus medullaris and the end of sacrum,and the number of corresponding vertebrae were measured by three-dimensional ultrasound at different gestational weeks.Meanwhile,54 fetuses who were confirmed to have closed spina bifida after delivery were enrolled into the abnormal group.The number of ossification centers on the median sagittal section of the caudal spine was counted and compared between the two groups.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to analyze the value of ossification center count of distal caudal vertebrae in diagnosis of closed spina bifida.Results With the increase of gestational weeks,the distance between the fetal conus medullaris and the first sacral vertebra and the distance between the end of the conus medullaris and the end of the sacral bone were gradually increased.The conus medullaris of normal fetuses was mainly located in L1.5,L2 and L2.5,accounting for 85.19%(92/108).The ossification center count of distal caudal vertebra was slightly increased with the increase of gestational weeks in the normal group.At 17-20 gestational weeks,85.71%(12/14)of the ossification center count of distal caudal vertebra was 5 to 7.At 21-28 gestational weeks,100.00%(45/45)of the ossification center count was 6 and more.At week 29 and above,100.00%(45/45)of the ossification center count was more than 7.In the abnormal group,96.30%(52/54)of the fetuses had the ossification center less than 6,and 85.71%(42/49)of the ossification center count was≤5 at 21-32 gestational weeks.There were significant differences in the ossification center count between the two groups at 17-20,21-24,25-28,29-32,and 33-36 gestational weeks(P<0.05).ROC curve showed that,at 17-20,21-24,25-28,29-32,and 33-36 gestational weeks,the area under the curve(AUC)in prediction of closed spina bifida was 0.804,0.744,0.776,0.819,and 0.722 when the ossification center count of distal caudal vertebra was 5.31,4.59,4.81,4.67,and 5.49 as the cut-off value,respectively.Conclusion The conus medullaris moves upward with the increase of gestational weeks in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.The ossification center count of the distal caudal vertebra is less than 6 in most fetuses with closed spina bifida,which is conducive to screening for closed spina bifida.

By analysing the similarity between defense qi and leukocytes in terms of function， site of action， and circadian rhythm， it is proposed that in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， the pathogenesis of leukopenia is defense qi deficiency. By analyzing the relevant discussions on the generation and transmission of defense qi in TCM classics， it is believed that the original qi in lower jiao （焦） is the source of defense qi， while the water and grain qi in middle jiao enriches defense qi， and the upper jiao transmits and distributes defense qi to the whole body. Therefore， when treating leukopenia after chemotherapy with TCM， Guilu Erxian Gelatin （龟鹿二仙胶） and Yougui Pill （右归丸） are often used to tonify the kidney and supplement essence， and moxibustion at Guanyuan （CV 4） and Qihai （CV 6） is usually accompanied to replenish the original qi in lower jiao and enrich the source of defense qi. Guipi Decoction （归脾汤）， Buzhong Yiqi Decoction （补中益气汤）， Shenling Baizhu Powder （参苓白术散）， and Sijunzi Decoction （四君子汤） are often suggested to strengthen spleen and replenish qi， in combination with moxibustion at Zhongwan （CV 12） and Zusanli （ST 36） to transport the spleen and stomach in the middle jiao to enrich the defense qi. Modified Guizhi Decoction （桂枝汤） to harmonize nutrient and defensive aspects is often used， and moxibustion at Dazhui （GV 14） and Feishu （BL 13） or scraping is added to dredge the striae and interstice in the upper jiao and promote transmission and dissemination of the defense qi. Considering the whole process of generation and distribution of defense qi， it is suggested to choose the most appropriate treatment modality flexibly， and combine internal treatment with external treatment， in order to provide ideas for the treatment of leukopenia in tumour patients.

Objective To investigate the effect of Yiqi Huoxue Tongluo Decoction on microRNA-126a-5p(miR-126a-5p)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)signaling pathway in cervical spondylotic myelopathy model rats.Methods Thirty healthy male SD rats were divided into the sham operation group,the model group and the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)group by random number table method.Cervical spondylotic myelopathy models were prepared in the model group and the TCM group.The TCM group was given intragastric administration of Yiqi Huoxue Tongluo Decoction,while the sham operation group and the model group were given intragastric administration of normal saline for 12 weeks.After intervention,the threshold of mechanical stimulation and retraction time of thermal stimulation in each group were measured by behavior tests.Rats were sacrificed to collect intervertebral disc tissue for hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and observe the number of vascular buds in intervertebral disc.Rat intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus cells were subjected to terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)staining.The miR-126a-5p and VEGF mRNA of rat intervertebral disc tissue were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The expression of VEGF protein of rat intervertebral disc tissue was detected by Western blot assay.Results Compared with the sham operation group,the number of vascular buds in intervertebral disc was decreased in the model group and the TCM group.The cell destruction of intervertebral disc annulus was obvious in rats,and apoptosis was high and cell density decreased.Mechanical stimulation threshold decreased,and mechanical stimulation threshold decreased.The level of miR-126a-5p was decreased,and the expression levels of VEGF mRNA and protein were increased.Compared with the model group,the number of vascular buds in intervertebral disc was increased in the TCM group.The destruction of intervertebral disc annulus cells was alleviated in rats.The apoptosis of annulus fibrosus cells in intervertebral disc decreased and cell density increased.The threshold of mechanical stimulation increased,and the retraction time of thermal stimulation was prolonged.The level of miR-126a-5p increased,and the expression levels of VEGF mRNA and protein decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion The mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Tongluo Decoction in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy may be related to the up-regulation of miR-126a-5p expression and the down-regulation of VEGF expression.

BACKGROUND:In the process of exploring the mechanism of Alzheimer's disease,the important role of bioinformatics for common target screening has been revealed,enabling the use of its screening results as a basis for exploring the therapeutic effects of drugs on the disease. OBJECTIVE:To predict the targets of liraglutide,a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist,in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease by bioinformatics and molecular biology. METHODS:DisGeNET database and SEA database were used to obtain the common genes of Alzheimer's disease and liraglutide.GO/KEGG enrichment analysis of common targets was conducted using DAVID online database.Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using STRING database.The optimal dosage of liraglutide was determined using cell counting kit-8 assay.Expression of key proteins was analyzed using immunofluorescence and immunoblotting techniques.The mouse hippocampal neuron HT22 cell line was used for ex vivo experiments,and the cells were randomly divided into three groups:HT22 group,HT22+Aβ group,and HT22+Aβ+Lir group.No special treatment was done in the HT22 group,while Aβ1-42 was used to intervene in the HT22 cell line for 24 hours to construct an Aβ injury cell model in the HT22+Aβ group.In additional to modeling,liraglutide was added to the HT22+Aβ+Lir group for 12 hours. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 3 333 genes associated with Alzheimer's disease were screened from DisGeNET database.Then 147 potential targets of liraglutide were obtained from SEA database.Finally,64 common targets of Alzheimer's disease and Liraglutide were determined using R packets.GO/KEGG analysis of common targets using DAVID online database suggested that common targets were mainly enriched in the following biological processes:neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,renin-angiotensin system,bladder cancer,endopeptidase activity,peptide receptor activity,G protein-coupled peptide receptor activity,and transport vesicles.The obtained 64 common target proteins were imported into SRTING online database for protein-protein interaction network construction,and the top three genes,matrix metalloproteinases 2,9 and interleukin 1β,were obtained.The activity of cultured cells was detected by the cell counting kit-8 kit.Liraglutide at 100 nmol/L was the optimal concentration for antagonizing Aβ1-42.In the western blot and immunofluorescence assays,the expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2,9 and interleukin 1β was significantly increased in the HT22+Aβ group compared with the HT22 group(P＜0.05)but significantly decreased in the HT22+Aβ+Lir group compared with the HT22+Aβ group(P＜0.05).To conclude,the above bioinformatics data and secondary validation of differential genes in the GEO database suggest that both matrix metalloproteinases 2,9 and interleukin 1β could be potential targets of liraglutide in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics,diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of descending necrotizing mediastinitis(DNM)to provide a reference for the early diagnosis and timely treatment of DNM.Methods Data on DNM in China was electronically retrieved from the core databases and comprehensively reviewed from June 2012 to June 2023.The infection,pathogenic microorganisms,main symptoms,comorbidities and treatment methods of DNM were analyzed.Results The data of a total of 781 DNM patients,with an average age of(52.97±5.64)years,were retrieved,including 554 males and 227 females.Odontogenic source,tonsillitis,pharyngeal abscess,sialoadenitis,upper respiratory tract infection,foreign body injury,or iatrogenic traumatic procedures are common causes.Among these,odontogenic infection is the most common source.Streptococcus sp.(n=217)and Staphylococcus sp.(n=82)were most isolated,followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(equally n=59).A total of 69.4％(542/781)of DNM patients recruited in this study were discovered to have various comorbidities,and more than one-third of these patients(n=185)had diabetes.Of the broad antibiotics,carbapenem was most frequently used as treatment,and vancomycin was the most frequently coadministered.The mediastinal drainage approach varies widely,and the optimal regimen is still unknown.Seventy-two patients were treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic/mediastinoscopic surgical drainage,22 patients were treated with percutaneous catheter drainage,30 underwent the transcervical approach,and 40 underwent thoracotomy.A total of 617 patients who were selected underwent the appropriate combined operation for surgical drainage according to the specific location of the infected focus.The overall mortality rate of all 781 DNM pa-tients included was 11.2％.Conclusion The most effective diagnosis and treatment of DNM is a high degree of clini-cal vigilance followed by prompt and adequate drainage with intensive care,including hemodynamic monitoring,nutri-tional support,computer tomographic scanning repeated as necessary,and combined use of systemic antibiotics.

Objective To screen differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the liver of mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum during the chronic pathogenic stage and identify their functions, so as to provide insights into unravelling the role of lncRNAs in S. japonicum infection-induced liver disorders. Methods Twenty 6-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups, of 10 animals each group. Each mouse in the experimental group was infected with (15 ± 2) S. japonicum cercariae via the abdomen for modeling chronic S. japonicum infection in mice, and distilled water served as controls. All mice were sacrificed 70 days post-infection, and mouse liver specimens were sampled for RNA extraction and library construction. All libraries were sequenced on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing platform. Data cleaning was performed using the fastp software, and reference genome alignment and gene expression (FPKM) calculation were performed using the HISAT2 software. Potential lncRNA sequences were predicted using the software CNIC, CPC, Pfam, and PLEK, and potential lncRNAs were screened. Differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened with the DESeq2 software and subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses to identify biological processes and metabolic pathways involved in target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs. Results A total of 333 potential lncRNAs were screened, and 67 were identified as differentially expressed lncRNAs, including 49 up-regulated and 18 down-regulated lncRNAs. A total of 53 target genes were predicted for differentially expressed lncRNAs. GO enrichment analysis showed that these target genes were mainly enriched in biological process and molecular function, among which Sema7a, Arrb1, and Ccl21b genes may be hub target genes for positive regulation of extracellular regulated protein kinase 1 (ERK1) and ERK2 cascades and may participate in the regulation of collagen expression. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs were mainly enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, viral protein interactions with cytokines and cytokine receptors, chemokine signaling pathway, and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Conclusions This study identifies differentially expressed lncRNAs and functional enrichment of their target genes in the liver of mice during the chronic pathogenic stage of S. japonicum infection. Up-regulated lncRNAs may affect biological processes of ERK1/2 cascades and chemokine signaling pathways via target genes Sema7a, Arrb1, and Ccl21b, thereby affecting collagen expression and inflammatory signal pathways, ultimately affecting the development of liver disorders.

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and pathogenic variant in a child with Cantú syndrome (CS).Methods:A male who was admitted to the Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University on February 23, 2022 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the child was collected. Peripheral blood samples of the child and his parents were collected and subjected to whole-exome sequencing (WES). Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. This study was approved by Medical Ethics Committee of the Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (Ethics No. 2023-K-087).Results:The child, a 3-year-and-2-month-old male, was born with hirsutism, with heavy hair all over the body and peculiar facial features. Routine echocardiography 1 month before had discovered atrial septal defect. Sequencing revealed that the child has harbored a heterozygous c. 2438G>C (p.S813T) variant of the ABCC9 gene, which was de novo in origin. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the c. 2438G>C variant was classified as likely pathogenic (PS2+ PM2_Supporting+ PP3). Conclusion:The heterozygous c. 2438G>C variant of the ABCC9 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of CS in this child.